Cobblers are such an easy yet delicious dessert to throw together. But if you’re like me and can’t decide on what flavor filling to use, just use them all! That’s right, this air fryer mixed berry cobbler is the best of all worlds, and a great way to use up leftovers as well.
Sure, berries are delicious on their own, but they also compliment each other! You can mix and match all sorts of varieties to create a flavor explosion!
If you got a bunch of fresh summer berries and made some dishes and you have a little bit of each variety left, then this is the perfect way to use them all up. Of course, there are lots of great frozen blends to choose from as well if it’s not berry season.
Cobblers are the perfect blend of sweet and tart, with juicy berries complimented by a sweet crust that’s somewhere between a cake and a biscuit. Add a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream and you’re in for an amazing dessert experience.
If you’re looking for a crunchy oat-based topping instead, make sure to check out my Air Fryer Mixed Berry Crisp as well!
Gathering the Essential Ingredients for the Cobbler
For the Berry Cobbler:
2 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
2 Tbsp granulated sugar
1 ½ Tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cobbler Topping:
4 Tbsp salted butter, melted
½ cup all purpose flour
¼ cup brown sugar
½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup heavy cream
Special Equipment Note: This recipe is designed to fit perfectly in four 7-ounce ramekins. You may also use a single deep dish style vessel, like a cake pan or casserole dish that fits in your air fryer.
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
You can use any combination of fresh or frozen berries. I’m using a frozen “berry medley” of blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries. I’ve also seen mixes without blackberries, and some with cherries as options as well. They’re all great!
Feel free to swap the vanilla extract for almond if preferred (I highly recommend this if you use a blend with cherries)
The all purpose flour can be swapped for self rising flour and you can omit the baking powder. For a gluten-free option, use almond flour instead
Swap milk for the heavy cream if preferred, but I find you need to add ¼ – ½ cup more flour to get the right consistency with the reduced fat content (it should be like a thick pancake batter)
Variations
Citrus Burst. Add 1 Tbsp freshly grated lemon or orange zest to the filling to add a burst of citrus flavor!
Oat Topping. Add ½ cup old fashioned oats to the cobbler topping to create a different flavor and texture profile
Buttermilk. Use buttermilk in place of the milk or cream in the topping mixture for an old-fashioned option with a tangy, rich twist
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing the Berry Cobbler
In a mixing bowl, combine mixed berries, sugar, vanilla, and cornstarch. Mix and set aside
Using a second bowl, mix the butter, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, vanilla, and cream together until it forms a relatively smooth batter (some lumps are normal)
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F, and grease your ramekins or another baking dish you’re using
Spread the berry mixture into your greased dish, or divide evenly amongst the ramekins
Top with dollops of the cobbler batter. You do not want to spread or smooth this, to allow the berry layer space to bubble up and caramelize
Place the filled dishes into the preheated air fryer basket
Cook on the air fry setting for 15 minutes at 350°F, or until the cobbler is golden brown and bubbly
Cool for 5-10 minutes, then serve warm with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen berries for the cobbler. In fact, you don’t even need to defrost them for use; just put them in still frozen.
Of course, this recipe is equally good for fresh berries when you want to use up what you have on hand.
How Do I Prevent the Cobbler Topping From Becoming Too Soggy?
To prevent the cobbler topping from becoming too soggy, you should make sure to balance the dry with wet ingredients correctly in the topping. Also add a sufficient amount of cornstarch or tapioca powder to the filling to absorb moisture from the fruit.
Distribute the topping evenly over the fruit, in dollops that allow steam to rise through and escape during cooking.
Can I Substitute the Flour With a Gluten Free Alternative?
Yes, you can substitute the flour with a gluten free alternative. Almond flour is a great gluten free option in this case.
However, other gluten free flours such as walnut or oat flour are good options as well.
What’s the Best Way to Prevent the Berry Filling From Overflowing During Cooking?
The best way to prevent the berry filling from overflowing during cooking is to not fill the pan more than halfway. This allows space for the topping to rise and the filling to bubble during cooking.
You can always add a sheet of perforated foil or parchment into your air fryer to catch drips as well. The perforated types allow air to still circulate.
Can I Add a Touch of Cinnamon to Enhance the Flavors?
Yes, you can add a touch of cinnamon to enhance the flavors. Between ½ tsp and 1 tsp of cinnamon to the filling or topping is the perfect way to add variety.
You can also experiment with other warm seasonings, like ginger, nutmeg, or allspice.
Can I Make This Cobbler With a Biscuit-Like Topping?
Yes, you can make this cobbler with a biscuit topping. Halve the milk and omit the vanilla. Use cold, cubed butter instead of melted, and cut it into the dough by hand.
This will give you a dense, flaky biscuit instead of the more cake like texture of the traditional topping.
How Do You Thicken Berry Juice For a Cobbler?
To thicken berry juice for a cobbler, you’ll want to add cornstarch or a similar ingredient like tapioca starch or arrowroot powder.
Generally, 1 Tbsp is sufficient, but for frozen fruit I often add 2 Tbsp to account for the additional water from defrosting in addition to the berry juice.
Recipe Pro Tips
You can adjust the sugar content based on your berries’ sweetness. The sugar amount in the filling can be halved or doubled as needed to adjust for your berries
I use 15 minutes for ramekins and about 20 minutes for one larger pan for cobbler in a Ninja air fryer. However, time will vary slightly based on the specific pan size and your air fryer
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover berry cobbler covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You may also freeze the cobbler prior to baking for up to 3 months
Reheat a serving of mixed berry cobbler in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 350°F, or until warmed through. For a faster method, microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, but note that the topping will become soggy this way
Air fryer mixed berry cobbler is an easy, quick, and delicious dessert. I love that you can use fresh or frozen fruit, keeping it extremely versatile.
Whether it’s using up the leftovers of your summer berry picking bounty, or turning that frozen smoothie blend into dessert, it’s going to be delicious. Try all sorts of different fruit combinations to find your favorites!
The air fryer makes cobbler so easy, with everything coming together in 30 minutes or less. Ramekins make perfect individual portions, but if you’re feeding a crowd, feel free to use a larger pan. You can’t go wrong!
For another great crowd-pleasing option to use up berries, make sure to check out my easy Raspberry Lemonade Bars as well!
Air Fryer Berry Cobbler (Mixed Berries)
This easy air fryer mixed berry cobbler cooks perfectly in under 30 minutes. It’s great with fresh or frozen berries, and a great way to use up leftovers for a sweet treat!
Using a second bowl, mix the butter, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, vanilla, and cream together until it forms a relatively smooth batter (some lumps are normal)
4 Tbsp salted butter, ½ Cup all purpose flour, ¼ Cup brown sugar, ½ Tsp baking powder, 1 Tsp vanilla extract, ½ Cup heavy cream
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F, and grease your ramekins or another baking dish you’re using
Spread the berry mixture into your greased dish, or divide evenly amongst the ramekins
Top with dollops of the cobbler batter. You do not want to spread or smooth this, to allow the berry layer space to bubble up and caramelize
Place the filled dishes into the preheated air fryer basket
Cook on the air fry setting for 15 minutes at 350°F, or until the cobbler is golden brown and bubbly
Cool for 5-10 minutes, then serve warm with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream
Notes
You can use any combination of fresh or frozen berries. I’m using a frozen “berry medley” of blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries. I’ve also seen mixes without blackberries, and some with cherries as options as well. They’re all great!
Feel free to swap the vanilla extract for almond if preferred (I highly recommend this if you use a blend with cherries)
The all purpose flour can be swapped for self rising flour and you can omit the baking powder. For a gluten-free option, use almond flour instead
Swap milk for the heavy cream if preferred, but I find you need to add ¼ – ½ cup more flour to get the right consistency with the reduced fat content (it should be like a thick pancake batter)
You can adjust the sugar content based on your berries’ sweetness. The sugar amount in the filling can be halved or doubled as needed to adjust for your berries
I use 15 minutes for ramekins and about 20 minutes for one larger pan for cobbler in a Ninja air fryer. However, time will vary slightly based on the specific pan size and your air fryer
Store leftover berry cobbler covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You may also freeze the cobbler prior to baking for up to 3 months
Reheat a serving of mixed berry cobbler in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 350°F, or until warmed through. For a faster method, microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, but note that the topping will become soggy this way
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any toppings added, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
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!
