Air Fryer Crumble: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to traditional ovens, and they can be used to make a variety of dishes, including desserts. One dessert that can be made in an air fryer is a crumble. Air fryer crumbles are quicker, easier, and healthier than traditional recipes, and they can be made with a variety of fruits and toppings. The air fryer gives the crumble a crispy texture on top while keeping the fruit filling tender and juicy. This paragraph introduces the topic of cooking crumble in an air fryer, including some of the benefits and variations that are possible.

What temperature to cook an apple crumble in the air fryer

Yes, you can cook apple crumble in an air fryer. The air fryer gives the crumble a crispy texture on top while keeping the apple filling tender and juicy.

To make apple crumble in an air fryer, you should first prepare the apple filling. Thinly slice your chosen apples and coat them in a mixture of sugar, cinnamon, and a tablespoon of water. Air fry this for 10-12 minutes at 180°C until the apples have softened. You can also add dried berries, cherries, or sultanas to the filling.

Next, make the crumble topping by mixing flour, sugar, and butter in a bowl. You can add oats, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to this mixture for extra flavor and a crumbly texture. Once you have a coarse breadcrumb-like consistency, sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples in an even layer.

Finally, air fry the entire crumble for 15-20 minutes at the same temperature until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling underneath. Adjust the cooking time as needed, as different air fryers may vary in temperature settings and cooking speed.

Let the crumble cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to settle, making it easier to serve, and giving the topping a chance to crisp up further.

How to make the crumble topping

To make the crumble topping for an air fryer dessert, you'll need flour, sugar, and butter, along with a few other optional ingredients. The basic crumble topping is made by mixing these three ingredients with your hands until they form a crumbly texture. You can then stir in spices like cinnamon, baking powder, and nutmeg to add a hint of warmth and spice to your dessert.

If you're making an apple crumble, you can also add oats to your crumble topping to create a flapjack-style topping. Simply melt the butter and pour it over a mixture of flour, oats, and sugar. This method eliminates the need for rubbing the butter into the flour. You can also add a small amount of cinnamon to the topping for extra warmth and spice.

For a classic, crumbly texture, it's important not to overmix your dry ingredients. The rough, coarse texture of the mixture is what will make your crumble topping crunchy. Using cold butter will also help achieve that desired crunchy texture.

If you have any leftover crumble topping, you can store it in a reusable freezer bag and defrost it quickly whenever you need a quick dessert.

How to prepare the apples

Preparing the apples for your crumble is a simple process. First, decide on the type of apple you want to use. Honey crisp and royal gala apples are great options, but you can use any apples you like or have on hand. Next, cut the apples in half and remove the cores. You can then slice or chop the apples into pieces – the size and shape are up to you, but keep in mind that thinner slices will cook faster.

Now it's time to add some flavour. Spread butter, coconut oil, cinnamon, and sugar on each apple half. You can also add a little cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken the filling, and a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness. If you like, you can also add dried berries, cherries, or sultanas to the mix. Don't forget to give the apples a good stir so that all the flavours are evenly distributed.

Place the apples in a heatproof dish and add a couple of tablespoons of water. Cover the dish and let the air fryer work its magic. Depending on your air fryer and the texture you prefer, the apples will need to cook for 10 to 20 minutes. You'll know they're ready when they're tender and have that perfect, juicy softness.

And that's it! You've successfully prepared the apples for your crumble. Just remember to adjust the quantities based on the number of apples you're using and your personal taste preferences. Enjoy the rest of the crumble-making process and the delicious treat that follows!

How long to cook the crumble for

The cooking time for crumble in an air fryer depends on the type of fruit used and the desired texture. For apples, the fruit should be softened before adding the crumble topping. This can be done in a saucepan or directly in the air fryer. To soften apples in an air fryer, cook them at 180°C for 10-12 minutes. Once the apples are softened, sprinkle the crumble topping and air-fry for an additional 10-20 minutes. The crumble is ready when the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling underneath.

The cooking time may vary depending on the type of air fryer and the size of the portion. It is recommended to adjust the cooking time as needed and check the crumble regularly to ensure even cooking. If the crumble topping starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil to prevent burning.

For a basic crumble topping, combine flour, sugar, and butter in a bowl and mix until crumbly. Then, stir in cinnamon, baking powder, and nutmeg. This topping can be made in advance and stored in the freezer for later use.

When making an apple crumble, thinly sliced cooking apples are coated in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon and air-fried with a tablespoon of water to soften them. The apples can also be soaked in lemon juice and apple juice before cooking to prevent browning. The cooking time for the apples in the air fryer is about 15 minutes at 170°C.

Overall, the total cooking time for an air fryer crumble is approximately 35 minutes, including the time to soften the fruit and cook the crumble topping. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the specific air fryer and the desired doneness of the crumble.

Reheating the crumble

If you have leftover crumble, you can store it in the fridge for up to a week. It is best eaten when warm, so you will need to reheat it. You can reheat crumble in an air fryer, which will take about 5 minutes, depending on your air fryer and the size of your portion. Alternatively, you can microwave your crumble in bursts until it is warm all the way through.

If you are making a crumble specifically to reheat and eat later, you may want to undercook it by a few minutes so that it doesn't become overcooked when you reheat it.

If you are reheating a crumble that has been frozen, defrost it first. Frozen crumble defrosts quickly, so this shouldn't take long.

If you are reheating individual portions, it may be helpful to use a small air fryer or air fryer oven so that you can reheat multiple portions at once.

Frequently asked questions