Fruit Crumble Air Fryer Magic: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Fruit crumble is a delicious dessert, but it can be a hassle to heat up your oven just to make it. Luckily, you can make a fruit crumble in an air fryer! This guide will teach you how to make a mouth-watering apple crumble, as well as offer some tips for customising your crumble with other fruits and additional ingredients.

What fruits can be used?

You can use any fresh fruit of your choice for an air fryer crumble. Some popular options include apples, peaches, nectarines, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries. You can also use frozen fruits, which can be a convenient option to have on hand for a quick dessert.

Apples are a classic choice for crumble and work well in an air fryer. Bramley apples, in particular, are recommended as they are cooking apples that provide a nice tart contrast to the sweetness of the crumble topping. Other types of apples, such as Granny Smith, can also be used, but keep in mind that different varieties may have different levels of sweetness and tartness, which can affect the overall taste of the crumble.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with adding dried berries, cherries, or sultanas to your apple crumble for an extra burst of flavor. Cinnamon is a popular spice to add to apple crumble, providing a hint of warmth and spice. Other spices like nutmeg or mixed spice can also be used to add your unique twist to the dish.

For a more summery vibe, stone fruits like peaches and nectarines pair beautifully with the crisp crumble topping. Berries, such as blackberries and raspberries, also make a delicious choice, offering a burst of flavor and a beautiful presentation.

Ultimately, the choice of fruit is up to your personal preference and creativity. Get experimental and find your favorite combinations!

How to make the crumble topping

To make the crumble topping, you'll need flour, butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Some recipes also call for oats, nutmeg, and baking powder.

Place the flour and butter in a bowl, and rub the ingredients together until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. You can also add sugar to the flour and butter mixture, and combine until you get a classic crumbly texture. If you're using oats, add them to the flour, sugar, and butter mixture. You can also add cinnamon to the mixture for a warming spice kick.

Once your crumble topping is ready, sprinkle it over your fruit filling, and air fry until golden brown. If your crumble topping starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil to prevent burning.

How long to cook for

The cooking time for a fruit crumble in an air fryer varies depending on the recipe and the type of air fryer used. Here is a step-by-step guide on cooking times for a few different recipes:

Apple Crumble:

• Preheat your air fryer to 180°C.
• Place the apples, cinnamon, sugar, and dried fruit (if using) in a heatproof dish with 2 tablespoons of water.
• Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes until the apples are softened and juicy.
• Prepare the crumble topping by mixing flour, sugar, and butter until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
• Sprinkle the crumble topping over the cooked apples.
• Air fry for an additional 10 minutes until the topping is golden brown.

Basic Crumble Recipe:

• Preheat your air fryer to 180°C.
• Place a generous layer of fruit in the base of your tins.
• Sprinkle a little extra sugar over the fruit if desired.
• Add a good layer of crumble topping.
• Air fry for 13 minutes at 180°C.

Alternative Recipe:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Mix flour, sugar, and butter in a bowl until crumbly.
• Add cinnamon, baking powder, and nutmeg to the mixture.
• Place the mixture in two 4.5-inch ramekins, adding apples and more crumble topping in layers.
• Cover the ramekins with foil and air fry for 16-20 minutes until the apples are tender.
• Remove the foil and air fry for an additional 2-4 minutes until the crumble is golden brown.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the type of air fryer and the size of the portions. Adjust the cooking time as needed and regularly check on your crumble to ensure even cooking.

What to serve it with

Fruit crumble is a versatile dessert that can be served in many ways. A classic way to serve it is with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, custard, or cream. If you want to serve it with a healthier twist, you can opt for Greek yoghurt. For a more indulgent option, consider serving it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a generous helping of vanilla ice cream.

You can also experiment with different toppings and additions to your fruit crumble. For example, adding dried berries, cherries, or sultanas can provide a burst of flavour and texture. A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can also enhance the warmth of the dish. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try adding a splash of brandy to the fruit mixture or using different types of apples, such as Granny Smith, to vary the sweetness and tartness of your crumble.

The beauty of a fruit crumble is that it can be served warm, cold, or at room temperature. If you're taking it to a picnic or party, let it cool completely so that the fruit filling has time to set and prevent any mess.

Fruit crumble is a delightful dessert that can stand alone, but it can also be part of a more elaborate spread. Consider serving it as the sweet conclusion to a meal, alongside a refreshing beverage such as tea or coffee. You could also offer a digestif, such as a brandy or liqueur, to complement the flavours of the crumble.

How to store leftovers

You've made a delicious fruit crumble in an air fryer, but now you're faced with a common dilemma: storing the leftovers. Here are some tips to ensure your leftover crumble stays fresh and tasty:

Storing Cooked Crumble

If you have leftover cooked crumble, it's best to store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This will keep your crumble fresh and safe to eat for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Simply wrap the baking dish with foil or cling film and freeze it for up to 3 months. To defrost, move it to the fridge before reheating and serving.

Storing Uncooked Crumble Topping

If you have extra uncooked crumble topping, it's a great idea to store it for future use. Place the topping in a reusable freezer bag or an airtight container and pop it in the freezer. When you're ready to use it, simply defrost it, sprinkle it over your fruit filling, and bake!

Storing Uncooked Fruit Filling

Even your uncooked fruit filling can be stored for later use. Place the fruit in a container and store it in the freezer. You can also chop and freeze individual fruits and accumulate enough for a crumble. When you're ready to use the frozen fruit, consider stewing it first to reduce the cooking time and ensure the fruit isn't hard in the crumble.

Reheating Tips

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover crumble, simply reheat it in the microwave, oven, or toaster oven until hot. If you're reheating a frozen crumble, it's best to defrost it in the fridge first and then reheat it.

Frequently asked questions