Air Fryer Apple Crumble

Air Fryer Apple Crumble is a delicious and very simple apple dessert that you can make in your air fryer. The apples provide a hint of tartness that combines so well with the sweet crunchy crumble topping.

Why make Air Fryer Apple Crumble?

Sometimes I crave a lovely sweet dessert from my childhood. Apple Crumble is a classic dessert and the ingredients are usually to hand in the larder and fruit bowl.

However, I am not keen to heat up the oven just for dessert so now I make it in my air fryer. It heats up quickly and uses much less power and I still get my delicious apple crumble.

What is an air fryer?

An air fryer is a bit like a mini oven and has the potential to cook and bake all kinds of foods. Air fryers were originally sold for their ability to create ‘fried’ food with less fat. The heating element is at the top of the air fryer and it uses a powerful fan to circulate the heat. This combination of intense heat and circulation means that food crisps up quickly.

What kind of air fryer should I use?

I have two different air fryers, a single drawer air fryer that is very simple to use. And I also have a larger air fryer that has shelves like an oven and rotisserie setting. You can make Air Fryer Apple Crumble in any air fryer as long as you have an ovenproof dish that will fit in your air fryer.

I don’t have an air fryer, can I make this crumble in the oven?

Yes, you absolutely can make it in the oven. I have a recipe for Classic Apple Crumble that was written for the oven.

What ingredients do I need to make Air Fryer Apple Crumble?

The ingredients for this apple crumble are readily available and you probably have them all in your larder, fridge and fruit bowl. Here is what you will need:

• Apples
• Flour
• Sugar
• Butter

What kind of apples should I use for the crumble?

Use any apples that you have, however a sharp tasting apple makes the best contrast with the sweet crumble topping. Bramley Seedlings are the classic tart cooking apple in the UK and Granny Smiths are used in the US.

Can I use apples from my own apple tree?

You can buy apples all year round but if you have an apple tree like me then you will probably have an abundance of apples in the autumn (fall). To preserve this glut you can peel and core the apples and cut into slices, then layer the slices of apples with sugar and freeze them in rigid containers. You can also cook the apples into a puree and freeze them in portions perfect for your crumble.

How do I prepare the apples?

I like my apples to retain some texture, so I cook the crumble and apples at the same time. The apples will be cooked but will still be in soft slices. If you prefer a softer texture, then cook the apples with the sugar before you top with the crumble.

What kind of flour do I need?

Use plain (all-purpose) flour for the crumble. You can use wholemeal or wheatmeal flour if you prefer. It does have a slightly different texture but adds a nutty taste to the crumble.

What kind of sugar do I need?

You will need white granulated sugar to put on the apples and demerara sugar to add to the crumble.

What can I substitute for demerara sugar?

If you don’t have demerara sugar then use white granulated sugar or light soft brown sugar. I like demerara because it gives a crunch to the crumble and has a very slight caramelised flavour.

Can I use spread instead of butter?

I make the crumble with either butter or spread, depending on what I have and whether I have remembered to take the butter out of the fridge!

If you use a spread, then it should be a full fat spread, ‘light’ spreads contain a lot of water and you may be disappointed with the result. Spreadable butter can be used if it contains only vegetable oil, but the lighter spreadable butter will have too much water for this recipe.

Can I add spices to the Air Fryer Apple Crumble?

You can add spice to the apples for your apple crumble. I like to let the apple flavour come through so I have not put any spice in this recipe.

Cinnamon or cloves are the classic spices that go with apples but you can also try dried ginger powder. Use the spices sparingly so they don’t overpower the other flavours.

Can I make Air Fryer Apple Crumble in advance?

You can make the crumble mixture in advance and keep it in the fridge for up to two weeks. If you want to prepare the apples in advance then it is best to cook them with the sugar first, cool and store in a lidded container in the fridge.

Can I freeze Air Fryer Apple Crumble?

You can freeze the crumble mixture and it will keep for up to 3 months in a freezer bag or rigid container. Then you can simply prepare the apples and use the crumble mix straight from the freezer.

Gluten Free

This recipe contains wheat flour and is not suitable for a GF diet. As the flour does not need to rise in this recipe, you can substitute GF flour for the plain (all purpose) flour.

Vegetarian

Air Fryer Apple Crumble is suitable for vegetarians.

For more information regarding any dietary information provided on this website, please refer to my Nutritional Disclaimer.

How should I serve the Apple Crumble?

Serve the apple crumble warm with Easy Vanilla Custard Sauce, ice cream, pouring cream or yogurt.

More Air Fryer Recipes

Air Fryer Mincemeat Tart combines crisp shortcrust pastry with a deep filling of delicious spicy mincemeat. It’s like a great big Christmas mince pie and you can bake it in your air fryer!

Air Fryer Scones are classic light and fluffy British scones baked in your air fryer! This quick and easy recipe makes four delicious scones that simply melt in your mouth.

Air Fryer Irish Soda Bread is a tasty wholemeal bread that has no yeast and is quick and easy to make. You can bake this soda bread recipe in your Air Fryer or in a conventional oven. 

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