I always go apple picking in the fall; it’s one of my favorite activities. When you’ve got a giant bucket of apples to go through, you start getting creative with things to make. This air fryer apple crumble is the perfect dessert option as it’s both simple and delicious!
An apple crumble is a dessert featuring sweet apple filling topped with a crumbled, streusel like topping. It is much like Dutch apple pie, only without a pie crust at the base.
A crumble differs from a cobbler in the topping, where a cobbler has dollops of cake-like biscuit instead. However, you can certainly make Air Fryer Apple Cobbler as well if you prefer that style of preparation.
Similarly, a crisp uses the same base, but features a crispier topping packed with oats for a crunchy crust. I’ve also got an amazing Air Fryer Apple Crisp you can try if that’s more up your alley.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love an apple crumble because it’s all the flavors of a Dutch apple pie, without all the rolling involved!
Your air fryer does a perfect job of baking, with everything coming together in just about 30 minutes. Thankfully, most of the time is hands off, meaning you can assemble, pop it in, and relax while it cooks to perfection.
While it’s one of my favorite ways to use up fresh apples, this recipe can be made even easier by using canned apple pie filling as the base. When you do that, you skip all the initial baking time!
I also love that the air fryer allows you to make smaller portions easily. Whether you’re trying to achieve portion control, or just cooking for a smaller group, it’s much more convenient than a giant tray in a big oven!
Ingredients List
For the Apple Filling:
4 medium apples (any variety), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (should be 2 – 2 ½ cups of fruit total)
2 Tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 Tbsp water or apple juice
For the Crumble Topping:
1 cup all purpose flour
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup salted butter, softened
Special Equipment Note: You’ll need an oven-safe pan that fits in your air fryer for this recipe. I’m using two 4” cake pans since I have a Ninja Dual Zone air fryer. However, you can use four 7-ounce ramekins, or a larger single cake pan depending on your specific setup.
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
You may use any variety of apples you like. I have Fuji apples here today. For a more firm apple, use Granny Smith, Jazz, or another full bodied apple. You may also want to adjust the amount of sugar if you’re using a sweeter or tarter apple
While I’m slicing my apples, you can also cube them if you prefer
If you use unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt to compensate. Margarine and plant butter alternatives also work fine for this recipe
When slicing apples in advance, toss them in 1 tsp of lemon juice to prevent browning
Variations to Try
Mixed Berry. Swap half the apples for fresh or frozen berries, such as blueberries, strawberries, cherries, blackberries, or raspberries (or a mix thereof)
Maple Pecan. Use maple syrup in place of the sugar and add pecans to the filling and/or topping
Caramel Apple. Sub caramel apple dip for the sugar in the apple filling
Apple Cranberry. Add a handful or dried cranberries or Craisins to the apple filling
Pumpkin Spice. Use pumpkin pie spice in place of the cinnamon. You can also mix in a couple Tablespoons of canned pumpkin to the filling if desired
Whole Grain. Use a whole grain or wheat flour for added fiber. Note that this will create a slightly different consistency
Gluten Free. Swap gluten free flour in for the all purpose. The best choices for this recipe are walnut, almond, hazelnut, or macadamia flours
Vegan/Dairy Free: Use plant based butter and make sure to select certified vegan ingredients
Step-By-Step Instructions
Mix the apple slices, cinnamon, and sugar in a bowl. Place them into the bottom of your greased cake pan in an even layer (or divide evenly amongst multiple smaller dishes). Add the water or juice to the pan as well
Place the pans into the air fryer, then cook for 15 minutes at 360°F (no need to preheat) or until the apples soften (if the apples look like they’re starting to burn, you can add a little extra water or juice)
While the apples cook, in a small bowl combine the flour, brown sugar, and butter, mixing with a fork or your hands until crumbles form
Once the apples soften, top them with the crumbled topping
Return to the air fryer and cook an additional 10 minutes, or until the topping is browned
My easy Microwave Salted Caramel Sauce is a great choice!
Drinks
Brandy cocktails
Bourbon cocktails
Rum cocktails
Hard cider
Green tea
Coffee
Pair with my Bourbon Renewal Cocktail, Hot Honey Bourbon Cocktail, Bourbon Blackberry Lemonade, or a Caramel Apple Margarita for a perfect sip!
Recipe FAQs
Can I Use Other Fruits Besides Apples in This Recipe?
Yes, you can certainly experiment with other fruits. Pears, peaches, or a combination of apples and berries work well.
Just ensure the fruit is ripe and sliced evenly for even cooking, or defrosted and drained if frozen.
Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour For a Gluten-Free Version?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour such as almond flour if you prefer a gluten-free option.
Ensure that the chosen flour is labeled as a 1:1 substitute for all-purpose flour.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time and Reheat it Later?
Yes, you can prepare your apple crumble in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to enjoy, reheat individual portions in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
It may also be frozen baked or unbaked for up to 3 months so you can store it for later.
What is the Best Way to Store Leftover Apple Crumble?
To store leftovers, allow the crumble to cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat as needed in the air fryer or microwave.
Can I add oats to the crumble topping for extra texture?
Certainly! Rolled oats can be incorporated into the crumble topping for added texture and flavor.
Simply swap out half of the flour for oats, and mix them in with the topping ingredients.
Can I Use a different type of sugar, like brown sugar or coconut sugar?
Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar, coconut sugar, or any sweetener of your choice.
Each sugar will impart a slightly different flavor to your crumble.
What Should I Do if the Crumble Topping Becomes Too Brown During Cooking?
If you notice the topping is browning too quickly, tent a piece of aluminum foil over the top. This will prevent it from over-browning while allowing the apples to continue cooking.
This is why we cook the apples alone first, to typically prevent this from occurring.
Can I Use Pre-Made Pie Filling Instead of Fresh Apples?
While using fresh apples provides a wonderful flavor, you can definitely use canned apple pie filling if you’re looking for a quicker option.
A pre-made filling replaces all filling ingredients and does not require pre-baking, so you can just add the topping and proceed with the final steps of the recipe.
Can I Make a Vegan Version of This Apple Crumble?
Certainly! To make this dessert vegan, substitute the butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil.
Also ensure you use a vegan-friendly sweetener, as often sugars may become non-vegan during processing. It’s always best to check the labels for certainty.
Can I Use an Oven Instead of an Air Fryer For This Recipe?
Yes, you can bake this apple crumble in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 30-40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
You do not need to bake the apples alone first in this instance. Just assemble the complete crumble and bake as indicated. You may also double the recipe to make a larger pan for a crowd.
Recipe Pro Tips
When you first add the apples to the pan, it’s going to look like too much. The first time I tested this dish I even split them up because I was worried. Don’t! The apples will shrink as they cook and leave you plenty of room
While I love my Ninja air fryer, it is extremely powerful and blows loose toppings like this around sometimes. If you want to avoid the mess, you can tent foil over the dish, but know that the crumbs won’t brown as much this way. I just suck it up and rinse the basket out afterwards
This crumble will look dry when it finishes. I was convinced I messed up my proportions! However, it doesn’t taste dry at all. If you’re concerned about appearance, you can dot the top of the crumble with some small cubes of additional butter to add moisture
Storage and Reheating Tips
Cool leftover apple crumble completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
Crumble may also be frozen baked or unbaked for up to 3 months, for a longer term solution
To reheat, air fry for 3-5 minutes at 350°F, or until warmed through. Crumble may also be enjoyed cold, straight from the refrigerator
This amazing air fryer apple crumble is easy to make, and perfectly delicious. It’s filled with tender, warm apples and a delicious topping akin to a Dutch apple pie. The only difference is there’s no rolling crust required!
Just pop everything into the air fryer for a dessert that’s comforting and convenient; perfect for those chilly fall nights!
If you love all things apple, make sure to check out some of my other Best Air Fryer Apple Recipes for additional inspiration!
Easy Air Fryer Apple Crumble
This easy air fryer apple crumble has just 7 ingredients, but don’t let that fool you into believing it’s not delicious! It’s the perfect fall dessert after a day of apple picking.
3-4Mediumapples (any variety), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced(about 2 – 2 ½ cups of fruit total)
1Tsp cinnamon
2Tbspgranulated sugar
1Tbspwater or apple juice
For the Crumble Topping
1Cupall purpose flour
¼Cupbrown sugar
¼Cupsalted butter (softened)
Instructions
Mix the apple slices, cinnamon, and sugar in a bowl. Place them into the bottom of your greased cake pan in an even layer (or divide evenly amongst multiple smaller dishes). Add the water or juice to the pan as well
3-4 Medium apples (any variety), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced, 1 Tsp cinnamon, 2 Tbsp granulated sugar, 1 Tbsp water or apple juice
Place the pans into the air fryer, then cook for 15 minutes at 360°F (no need to preheat) or until the apples soften (if the apples look like they’re starting to burn, you can add a little extra water or juice)
While the apples cook, in a small bowl combine the flour, brown sugar, and butter, mixing with a fork or your hands until crumbles form
1 Cup all purpose flour, ¼ Cup brown sugar, ¼ Cup salted butter
Once the apples soften, top them with the crumbled topping
Return to the air fryer and cook an additional 10 minutes, or until the topping is browned
Serve warm!
Notes
You may use any variety of apples you like. I have Fuji apples here today. For a more firm apple, use Granny Smith, Jazz, or another full bodied apple. You may also want to adjust the amount of sugar if you’re using a sweeter or tarter apple
While I’m slicing my apples, you can also cube them if you prefer
If you use unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt to compensate. Margarine and plant butter alternatives also work fine for this recipe
When slicing apples in advance, toss them in 1 tsp of lemon juice to prevent browning
When you first add the apples to the pan, it’s going to look like too much. The first time I tested this dish I even split them up because I was worried. Don’t! The apples will shrink as they cook and leave you plenty of room
While I love my Ninja air fryer, it is extremely powerful and blows loose toppings like this around sometimes. If you want to avoid the mess, you can tent foil over the dish, but know that the crumbs won’t brown as much this way. I just suck it up and rinse the basket out afterwards
This crumble will look dry when it finishes. I was convinced I messed up my proportions! However, it doesn’t taste dry at all. If you’re concerned about appearance, you can dot the top of the crumble with some small cubes of additional butter to add moisture
Cool leftover apple crumble completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
Crumble may also be frozen baked or unbaked for up to 3 months, for a longer term solution
To reheat, air fry for 3-5 minutes at 350°F, or until warmed through. Crumble may also be enjoyed cold, straight from the refrigerator
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and variety of ingredients, any swaps or toppings added, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Keyword air fryer apple crumble, air fryer apple recipes, air fryer desserts, easy dessert in the air fryer, homemade apple crumble, ninja air fryer apple crumble
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
