Air Fryer Apple Crumble

There’s something irresistible about warm apples tucked under a buttery, cinnamon-scented crumble topping, and making it in the air fryer turns this classic dessert into a quick, approachable treat. In just a few minutes, the apples soften into a tender, lightly spiced filling while the topping bakes up perfectly crisp and golden. It’s a cozy dessert that feels homemade without requiring an oven or a lot of fuss.

Air fryer apple crumble is especially handy when you want a small-batch dessert or when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen. It’s ideal for weeknights, fall gatherings, or whenever you have a few apples on hand and a craving for something warm and sweet. Serve it warm with ice cream or whipped cream and it becomes a comforting dessert that tastes far more indulgent than the effort required to make it.

Ingredient Notes

• Apples – Honeycrisp, Gala, Pink Lady, or any firm, sweet-tart variety works well. Softer apples tend to lose texture, so choose varieties that hold their shape when cooked.
• Cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth, enhancing the natural sweetness of the apples. Feel free to increase the amount for a stronger spice profile.
• Brown sugar – Provides both sweetness and moisture, helping the apples soften and the topping develop caramel-like notes.
• Butter – Softened butter is used for the apples and for the crumble topping. Real butter produces the most flavorful, crisp results.
• Flour – Lightly coats the apples to thicken the juices as they cook and forms the structure of the crumble topping.
• Oats – Quick oats add texture and a rustic feel. Rolled oats can be substituted, though the topping may be slightly chewier.
• Baking powder – Helps the topping stay light and crisp rather than dense.
• Salt – A pinch sharpens the flavors and keeps the crumble from tasting flat.

How to Make It

1. Prepare a small round baking dish by lightly buttering it, which helps prevent sticking and adds flavor. Arrange the sliced apples in the dish so they cook evenly.
2. Toss the apples with cinnamon, brown sugar, and a bit of flour. A small splash of water helps create steam under the foil, softening the apples while they cook.
3. Cover the dish with foil and air fry until the apples are softened. Covering traps moisture and prevents the apples from drying out.
4. While the apples cook, combine the butter, flour, sugar, oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Work the butter in with your fingertips until crumbly.
5. Remove the foil from the apples and scatter the crumble topping evenly over the surface. Return to the air fryer and cook until the topping is browned and crisp.
6. Let the crumble cool slightly before serving to allow the juices to settle and the topping to firm up.

Recipe Variations

• Add caramel flavor. Stir a tablespoon of caramel sauce into the cooked apples or drizzle over the top before serving. This adds depth and a buttery sweetness.
• Spiced apple crumble. Add nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom to the apples for a more complex spice profile reminiscent of apple pie.
• Berry-apple crumble. Mix in a handful of raspberries, blueberries, or cranberries for a bright, tart contrast to the sweet apples.
• Nutty crumble topping. Replace some of the flour with finely ground almonds or pecans for a richer, more textured topping.
• Maple-sweetened version. Swap the brown sugar for pure maple syrup in the apple mixture for a softer, more aromatic sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with vanilla ice cream to create a warm-and-cold contrast.
• Add sweetened whipped cream for a lighter, airy topping.
• Pair with cinnamon or caramel sauce for extra richness.
• Choose to garnish with toasted nuts for flavor and crunch.
• Spoon into small ramekins for individual servings when entertaining.