Air Fryer Apple Crumble Easy And Super Crispy
Air fryer apple crumble – a quick, easy, and delicious twist on a classic British favourite.
If you’ve been wondering how to make a mouthwatering apple crumble without turning on your oven, you’re in for a treat!
Why Air Fryer Apple Crumble?
First things first, let’s talk about what makes air fryer apple crumble so special.
Imagine biting into a warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling topped with a perfectly crispy, golden-brown crumble.
Now, imagine achieving that perfection in half the time it takes in a traditional oven. That’s the magic of air fryer baking!
Using an air fryer for your apple crumble isn’t just about speed (though that’s a big plus).
It’s also about getting that irresistible contrast between the soft, gooey apple filling and the crunchy, buttery topping.
Plus, it’s a more energy-efficient way to bake, which is always a win in my book.
Air Fryer v Oven for Apple Crumble
You might wonder, “Why should I make my apple crumble in an air fryer when I’ve got a perfectly good oven?”
Here’s why:
Speed: Your crumble will be ready in about 20 minutes, compared to 45+ minutes in the oven.
Energy Efficiency: Air fryers use less energy than heating up a whole oven.
Crispier Topping: The circulating hot air creates an ultra-crispy crumble topping.
Healthier Option: You’ll use less butter or oil, making it a bit lighter on the calories.
How Long Does Apple Crumble Take In An Air Fryer?
About 20-25 minutes total (10-15 minutes for apples + 10 minutes for crumble).
This will also depend on your air fryer model as times can vary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Serves 6
Apple filling:
- 4 medium apples (Bramleys work great)
- 2 tablespoons (30g) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon (1g) ground nutmeg
Crumble topping:
- 75g plain flour (or gluten-free flour for a GF version)
- 50g rolled oats
- 50g brown sugar
- 50g cold butter, cubed
- 30g chopped nuts (optional, but adds great crunch!)
How To Cook Air Fryer Apple Crumble
Preparing the Apples
- Peel and core your apples (my trusty apple corer below), then cut them into small chunks.
- In a bowl, mix the apple pieces with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Transfer the apple mixture to an air fryer-safe dish or liner that fits in your basket.
- Sprinkle the apples with water(about 2 tablespoons) to prevent them from drying out.
- Air fry for 15 minutes at 180C/360F until the apples begin to soften.
Tip: Using a Ninja Dual Air fryer? If you don’t have a suitable liner or dish, remove the crisper plate grease the basket well and cook the apple crumble in the bottom.
Featuring a sturdy ABS handle for a comfortable grip and a serrated stainless steel blade, this essential tool makes coring apples quick and effortless.
Whether you're baking pies, making snacks, or preparing fruit salads, this apple corer is your go-to kitchen tool for cored fruit in no time!
Making the Crumble Topping
- In another bowl, add the flour, oats, and brown sugar.
- Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingers to rub it into the dry ingredients until you get a crumbly texture. Try not to overwork the crumble.
- Mix in chopped nuts if you’re using them.
TIP: Prefer it crunchy leave some larger lumps in the crumble!
Air Frying Your Crumble
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple mixture.
- Place the dish in your air fryer basket.
- Set the temperature to 180C/360F and cook for 10-15 minutes.
- Check halfway through and adjust cooking time if needed.
Individual Air Fryer Apple Crumbles
If you’re craving a warm, comforting dessert but don’t want to make a whole batch, individual air fryer apple crumbles are the answer!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For one individual apple crumble, use the following ingredients:
- 1 medium cooking apple (Bramley)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
Crumble Topping:
- 2 tablespoons plain flour
- 2 tablespoons rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
How To Air Fry Individual Apple Crumble
Start by peeling your apple, coring it, and then chopping it into small chunks. Aim for pieces about 1-2 cm in size.
In a small bowl, combine the chopped apples with cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), sugar, and a splash of water. Stir until the apples are well coated.
Place the apple mixture in a small dish that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket. Set your air fryer to 180C/360F and cook for about 5 minutes.
After 5 minutes, carefully stir the apples to ensure even cooking. If they look dry, add another splash of water. Air fry for an additional 5 minutes, or until the apples are soft.
In a separate bowl, add the flour, oats, cold butter cubes, and brown sugar. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles uneven breadcrumbs. Remember, leaving some larger lumps will help create that crunchy texture!
Once your apples are cooked and softened, sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over them.
Place the dish back in the air fryer basket and cook for another 10 minutes at 180C/360F. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn; check after 7 minutes if needed.
The Secret to Crunchy Crumble Topping
- Use cold butter: This creates those delicious little pockets of buttery goodness.
- Don’t overmix: You want a crumbly texture, not a paste.
- Add oats and nuts: These ingredients bring extra crunch to the recipe.
- Avoid overcrowding: Make sure there’s room for air to circulate in your fryer.
Why Isn’t My Crumble Crunchy?
If your crumble isn’t as crunchy as you’d like, here are a few possible culprits:
- Your butter was too warm.
- You overmixed the topping.
- Your air fryer was overcrowded.
- The cooking time was too short.
Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?
Using frozen apples for your air fryer apple crumble is a great option, especially if you want to save time.
Tips for Using Frozen Apples in Air Fryer Apple Crumble
Thawing: While you can use frozen apples directly, it’s often best to thaw them first. Place the frozen apples in a bowl and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or microwave them on a low setting until just thawed. This helps to prevent excess moisture during cooking.
Adjusting the Cooking Time: Frozen apples may require a slightly longer cooking time. Start with the initial air frying time of 15 minutes at 180C/360F to soften them before adding the crumble topping.
Adding Extra Liquid: Since frozen apples release more moisture as they cook, you might want to reduce the amount of water you add to the apple filling. If the mixture seems too wet, consider adding a little cornflour (about 1 teaspoon) to help absorb the excess liquid.
Crumble Topping: Prepare your crumble topping as usual and sprinkle it over the softened apples before air frying again for about 10 -15 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Customising Your Air Fryer Apple Crumble
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customise.
Here are some ideas:
- Go gluten-free: Use almond flour or your favourite gluten-free flour blend.
- Make it vegan: Swap the butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative.
- Spice it up: Add ginger, cardamom, or allspice to your apple filling.
- Fruity: Mix in some pears or blackberries with your apples.
Serving and Storing Your Crumble
Your air fryer apple crumble is best served warm, right out of the air fryer.
I love to top mine with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of clotted cream.
If you have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
To reheat, just pop it back in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp up the topping.
Yes, Dessert Can Be Nutritious!
While we’re not claiming this is a health food, air fryer apple crumble does have some nutritional perks:
- Apples are rich in fibre and antioxidants.
- Using an air fryer reduces the amount of added fats.
- Oats in the topping provide additional fibre and nutrients.
- Portion control is easier with individual servings.
FAQ: Your Air Fryer Apple Crumble Questions Answered
Q: How do I cook crumble in a Ninja air fryer?
A: The process is similar to other air fryers. Preheat your Ninja to 180C /360F, prepare your crumble as described above, and cook for 15-20 minutes while checking occasionally.
Q: Is there a difference between apple crisp and apple crumble?
A: While similar, apple crisp typically has a lighter oat-based topping, while crumble has a denser cake-like topping. But don’t worry – this recipe gives you the best of both worlds!
Q: Is air fryer apple crumble healthier than oven-baked?
A: It can be! Air frying typically requires less added fat, and the shorter cooking time may help preserve more nutrients in the apples.
Q: Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure your air fryer basket isn’t overcrowded; you might need to cook in batches for optimal results.
Your New Favourite Dessert Awaits!
There you have it – your guide to making the perfect air fryer apple crumble!
This quick and easy dessert is perfect for busy weeknights, unexpected guests, or anytime you’re craving something comforting and sweet.
With its crispy topping, gooey apple filling, and irresistible aroma, this air fryer apple crumble is sure to become a staple in your home.
Trust me; once you try this air fryer version, you might never go back to oven-baked crumble again!
Happy air frying! May your crumble always be crispy and your apples perfectly spiced!
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Air Fryer Apple Crumble Easy And Super Crispy
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples (Bramleys work great)
- 2 tablespoons (30g) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon (1g) ground nutmeg
- 75g plain flour (or gluten-free flour for a GF version)
- 50g rolled oats
- 50g brown sugar
- 50g cold butter, cubed
- 30g chopped nuts (optional, but adds great crunch!)
Instructions
- Peel and core your apples (my trusty apple corer below), then cut them into small chunks.
- In a bowl, mix the apple pieces with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Transfer the apple mixture to an air fryer-safe dish or liner that fits in your basket.
- Sprinkle the apples with water(about 2 tablespoons) to prevent them from drying out.
- Air fry for 15 minutes at 180C/360F until the apples begin to soften.
- In another bowl, add the flour, oats, and brown sugar.
- Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingers to rub it into the dry ingredients until you get a crumbly texture. Try not to overwork the crumble.
- Mix in chopped nuts if you’re using them.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple mixture.
- Place the dish in your air fryer basket.
- Set the temperature to 180C/360F and cook for 10-15 minutes.
- Check halfway through and adjust cooking time if needed.
