Air Fryer Apple Crumble

Air Fryer Apple Crumble is a warm, comforting dessert made with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a buttery, crumbly topping. Using an air fryer shortens the cooking time while still delivering a golden, crisp crumble and soft, juicy fruit underneath. This recipe is perfect for a quick dessert or a cozy treat, and it can be served on its own or with custard, vanilla ice cream, or whipped cream.

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Ingredients

For the Apple Filling

• 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust according to apple sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Crumble Topping

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup rolled oats
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

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Equipment

• Air fryer
• Oven-safe or air-fryer-safe baking dish or ramekins
• Mixing bowls
• Peeler and knife

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Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

1. Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin, even slices. This ensures they cook evenly in the air fryer.
2. Place the sliced apples in a mixing bowl and immediately toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning.
3. Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, water, and vanilla extract.
4. Mix thoroughly until the apples are evenly coated.
5. Transfer the apple mixture into an air-fryer-safe baking dish and spread it out evenly.

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Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping

1. In a separate bowl, combine flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Add the cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients.
3. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, rub the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining.
4. Do not overmix, as this texture is key to a crisp topping.

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Step 3: Assemble the Crumble

1. Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the prepared apples.
2. Do not press the topping down firmly; keeping it loose allows it to crisp properly.

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Air Frying Instructions

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

• Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (360°F) for 3–5 minutes.

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Step 5: Cook the Apple Crumble

1. Carefully place the baking dish into the air fryer basket.
2. Air fry at 180°C (360°F) for 15 minutes.
3. After 15 minutes, check the topping. If it is browning too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil.
4. Continue cooking for another 5–10 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apples are soft and bubbling.

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Step 6: Check Doneness

• Insert a knife into the apples to ensure they are tender.
• The crumble topping should be crisp and lightly golden.
• If needed, cook for an additional 2–3 minutes.

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Resting and Serving

1. Remove the apple crumble from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes.
2. This allows the filling to thicken slightly and makes serving easier.
3. Serve warm on its own or with vanilla ice cream, custard, or cream.

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Tips for Best Results

• Choose firm apples that hold their shape during cooking.
• Slice apples evenly to ensure consistent texture.
• Cold butter is essential for a crisp crumble topping.
• If making individual portions, reduce cooking time by 3–5 minutes.

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Storage and Reheating

• Store leftover apple crumble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the air fryer at 170°C (340°F) for 4–6 minutes to restore crispness.