I can never resist the way tender cinnamon apples and a buttery oat topping come out perfectly crisp in the air fryer. This apple crisp is so simple, it feels almost too good to be true.

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I’m obsessed with this Air Fryer Apple Crisp because it hits that sweet spot between lazy dessert and something I’d happily serve after dinner. The apples turn juicy and soft, while the old fashioned rolled oats get crisp, buttery, and messy in the best way.

I love the contrast: tender fruit underneath, crunchy topping on every bite. And the air fryer makes it feel dangerously easy, which is exactly why I keep coming back to it.

No fussy dessert energy. Just bubbling apple goodness, golden crumbs, and that caramelized smell that makes me hover near the counter with a spoon.

Ingredients

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Apples bring the cozy, juicy bite.
Use firm ones so they don’t turn mushy.
Lemon juice keeps the apples bright and cuts through the sweetness a little.
Granulated sugar helps the fruit get syrupy without making it candy-level sweet.
Cinnamon is the warm, classic apple crisp vibe you’re probably craving.
Nutmeg adds that bakery smell.
Tiny bit, big payoff.
Cornstarch thickens the apple juices so you don’t get a watery mess.
Old fashioned oats give the topping its chewy, crunchy, homemade feel.
Flour helps the crumble hold together instead of disappearing into dust.
Brown sugar makes the topping richer, with that caramel-ish cozy taste.
Melted butter brings the crisp part.
Basically, it’s the good stuff.
Salt keeps everything from tasting flat.
Plus, it makes the sweet pop.
Vanilla is optional, but it makes the whole thing smell extra comforting.

Ingredient Quantities

3 medium apples (about 1 to 1 1/4 pounds), peeled, cored and sliced

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 tablespoon cornstarch

3/4 cup old fashioned rolled oats

1/2 cup all purpose flour

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

How to Make this

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1. Peel, core and slice the apples into 1/4 inch slices and place in a bowl.

2. Toss the apples with the lemon juice, granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg and cornstarch until evenly coated.

3. In a separate bowl combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, remaining 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon and salt.

4. Stir the melted butter and vanilla extract, if using, into the oat mixture until clumps form and the mixture is evenly moistened.

5. Transfer the apple mixture to an air fryer safe 7 to 8 inch baking dish or disposable foil pan, spreading into an even layer.

6. Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples, pressing lightly so it covers the fruit.

7. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 3 minutes.

8. Place the baking dish in the air fryer basket and cook at 350 degrees F for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender; check at 12 minutes and rotate the dish if your air fryer browns unevenly.

9. Let the apple crisp rest for 5 minutes before serving so juices thicken. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream if desired.

Equipment Needed

1. Vegetable peeler
2. Cutting board
3. Chef knife
4. Two mixing bowls (one small, one medium)
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
7. 7 to 8 inch air fryer safe baking dish or disposable foil pan
8. Air fryer (with basket)
9. Oven mitts or heatproof gloves
10. Serving spoon or spatula

FAQ

What type of apples work best for this air fryer apple crisp? A: Firm, tart or sweet-tart varieties hold their texture well, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady or Braeburn. You can mix varieties for more complex flavor.

What temperature and time should I use in the air fryer? A: Cook at 350 F for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the topping is golden. Check at 10 minutes and add 2 to 5 more minutes as needed depending on your air fryer and apple thickness.

Can I make substitutions for the oats, flour or butter? A: Yes. Use gluten free oats and a 1 to 1 gluten free flour blend to make it gluten free. Swap the all purpose flour for almond flour for lower carbs but expect a crumblier texture. Replace butter with coconut oil in equal measure for a dairy free version.

How do I thicken the apple filling if the apples are very juicy? A: Increase the cornstarch to 2 tablespoons, or use 2 tablespoons of all purpose flour as an alternative. Toss apples well with the thickener before adding sugar and spices so juices are absorbed.

How should I store and reheat leftovers? A: Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 325 F for 4 to 7 minutes to revive crispiness, or microwave briefly if you prefer speed but the topping will soften.

Can I prepare this ahead or freeze it? A: Yes. Assemble and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours, then air fry when ready. To freeze, assemble in a freezer safe dish, freeze solid, and bake from frozen at 350 F for about 18 to 25 minutes, covering if topping browns too quickly.

Air Fryer Apple Crisp Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Apples: use firm pears (Bosc or Anjou) sliced the same way, or 2 cups frozen apple slices thawed and drained; adjust lemon to taste.
Unsalted butter: substitute equal amount coconut oil for dairy free, or use the same amount of vegan butter or margarine.
Old fashioned rolled oats: swap with quick oats for a finer crumble texture, or use crushed cornflakes for extra crunch (use same volume).
All purpose flour: use equal-volume whole wheat pastry flour for a nuttier flavor, or a 1:1 gluten free flour blend for gluten free baking.

Pro Tips

1. Use a mix of apple textures if you can, like one tart Granny Smith and two sweeter apples. The tart apple keeps the filling bright while the sweet ones break down into a saucy base.

2. Toss the apples and cornstarch while they are still cold, then give the mixture a few minutes to sit before topping. That helps the starch hydrate so the juices thicken rather than runny out.

3. For a richer, crunchier topping, toast the oats lightly in a dry skillet for 3 to 5 minutes before mixing with the butter. Let them cool slightly first so the butter doesn’t melt everything into a paste.

4. If your air fryer browns hotspots, cover the dish loosely with foil for the first 10 minutes, then remove it to let the topping crisp up. Rotate the dish at your 12 minute check to promote even color.

5. Let the crisp rest longer than you think, at least 5 to 10 minutes. The fruit sets as it cools, and the contrast between warm filling and cold ice cream is worth the wait.

Air Fryer Apple Crisp Recipe

Recipe by Nikoli Athen

0.0 from 0 votes

I can never resist the way tender cinnamon apples and a buttery oat topping come out perfectly crisp in the air fryer. This apple crisp is so simple, it feels almost too good to be true.

Servings

servings

Calories

258

kcal

Equipment: 1. Vegetable peeler
2. Cutting board
3. Chef knife
4. Two mixing bowls (one small, one medium)
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
7. 7 to 8 inch air fryer safe baking dish or disposable foil pan
8. Air fryer (with basket)
9. Oven mitts or heatproof gloves
10. Serving spoon or spatula

Ingredients

3 medium apples (about 1 to 1 1/4 pounds), peeled, cored and sliced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3/4 cup old fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Directions

Peel, core and slice the apples into 1/4 inch slices and place in a bowl.
Toss the apples with the lemon juice, granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg and cornstarch until evenly coated.
In a separate bowl combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, remaining 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon and salt.
Stir the melted butter and vanilla extract, if using, into the oat mixture until clumps form and the mixture is evenly moistened.
Transfer the apple mixture to an air fryer safe 7 to 8 inch baking dish or disposable foil pan, spreading into an even layer.
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples, pressing lightly so it covers the fruit.
Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 3 minutes.
Place the baking dish in the air fryer basket and cook at 350 degrees F for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender; check at 12 minutes and rotate the dish if your air fryer browns unevenly.
Let the apple crisp rest for 5 minutes before serving so juices thicken. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream if desired.

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.