Air Fryer Crumble: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to traditional ovens for preparing apple crumble. The dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes and is a healthier option. The air fryer's ability to crisp the topping while maintaining a tender and juicy apple filling makes it ideal for this dessert. The apples can be sliced thinly and coated in a mixture of sugar, cinnamon, and water before being air-fried to achieve the desired texture. The crumble topping, made with flour, oats, and butter, is then sprinkled on top and air-fried until golden brown. This method eliminates the need for tedious rubbing-in and produces a delicious apple crumble.

Air fryer apple crumble recipe

Yes, you can cook crumble in an air fryer! This method is quicker, easier, and healthier than traditional recipes. Here is an easy air fryer apple crumble recipe combining tart cooking apples with a buttery oat crumble topping.

Ingredients:

• Apples (try Bramley apples or another type of cooking apple, or a tart eating apple like Granny Smith)
• Butter
• Flour
• Oats
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Water
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Caster sugar (optional)
• Cornstarch (optional)
• Salt (optional)
• Dried berries, cherries, or sultanas (optional)
• Baking powder (optional)
• Nutmeg (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat the air fryer to 170°C (320°F) or 180ºC/350ºF, depending on your air fryer model.
• Butter a 1.5-litre baking dish that is safe to use in an oven or air fryer.
• Peel and core the apples, then slice them into thin, even-sized pieces. Place the apples in a large bowl.
• Add a splash of water, lemon juice (to prevent browning), brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to the apples. Stir well.
• Transfer the apple mixture to the baking dish or individual ramekins.
• To make the crumble topping, place the flour, oats, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl. You can also add cinnamon, baking powder, and nutmeg to the dry mixture if you like. Stir in the melted butter until crumbles form.
• Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples.
• Air fry for 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling.
• Allow the crumble to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to settle, making it easier to serve, and give the topping a chance to crisp up further.
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, Greek yogurt, custard, or cream.

How to make crumble topping

The crumble topping is the star of any crumble recipe, and making it in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve the perfect golden, crispy texture. Here is a step-by-step guide to making a delicious crumble topping:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. The beauty of crumble topping is its simplicity, and you only need a few basic ingredients: flour, sugar, butter, and a pinch of salt. You can also add oats to your crumble topping for extra texture and chewiness. If you want a more complex flavour profile, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or even a little baking powder.

Next, it's time to mix your ingredients. Combine the flour, sugar, and oats in a mixing bowl. You can adjust the ratios to your taste preferences and desired consistency, but a good starting point is a 1:1 ratio of flour to sugar, with a smaller amount of oats. Cut the butter into small cubes and add them to the bowl. You can also grate the butter or melt it beforehand, but larger pieces of butter will help create a crumbly texture. Use a fork or your clean hands to mix everything together until it forms crumbs. You can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the other flavours. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture.

Once your crumble mixture is ready, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you're ready to use it. It will stay fresh for several days and can also be frozen for later use.

When you're ready to cook your crumble topping, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175-180°C). You can butter your baking dish or use a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Spread your crumble mixture evenly in the dish and bake until golden brown. This usually takes around 15 minutes, but the exact time will depend on your air fryer, so keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

Finally, let your crumble topping cool before serving. This will allow it to crisp up further and make it easier to handle. You can serve it warm or at room temperature, and it goes perfectly with fresh fruit and cream or ice cream. Enjoy!

How to store apple crumble

You've made a delicious apple crumble, but now you're worried about storing it properly. How long does it last? Can you freeze it? Don't worry; we've got you covered. Here are some tips on how to store your apple crumble:

Storing Uncooked Apple Crumble

If you want to prepare your apple crumble in advance, you can store the uncooked apple mixture and crumble topping separately. To do this, slice the apples, mix them with the other filling ingredients, cover, and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also make the crumble topping in advance and store it at room temperature for up to a day or in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Storing Cooked Apple Crumble

Now, if you've already baked your apple crumble, it's best to store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to a week, but it's best to eat it within 2 to 4 days to enjoy it at its freshest. If you're planning to serve it warm, you can reheat it in the microwave or oven in short bursts until it's warm all the way through.

Freezing Apple Crumble

You can also freeze your apple crumble, either before or after baking. If you're freezing it unbaked, make sure to assemble the apple crumble in a freezer-safe dish and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. When you're ready to bake it, take it out of the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator before baking as directed. If you're freezing the apple crumble after baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly or store it in an airtight container before placing it in the freezer. To reheat, simply bake it in the oven until warmed through.

So, there you have it! By following these simple storage tips, you can enjoy your delicious apple crumble for several days or even freeze it for future indulgent treats.

What to serve with apple crumble

Apple crumble is a classic British dessert that is both warm and comforting. It is usually made with baked apples topped with a mixture of butter, flour, and sugar. The topping bakes into a soft, slightly crumbly layer that covers the apples.

When it comes to what to serve with apple crumble, there are several options to choose from. Here are some ideas:

Vanilla Ice Cream

The most popular option to serve with apple crumble is a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This pairing creates a contrast between the hot crumble and cold ice cream, resulting in an explosion of flavours.

Custard

For a cosy and indulgent dessert, serve apple crumble with warm custard. You can make your own custard from scratch or use ready-made custard for convenience.

Cream

Freshly whipped cream or store-bought cream can be served with apple crumble for a soft and creamy element that pairs well with the spiced apples and buttery crumble.

Cinnamon-Spiced Cream

To enhance the flavours of the apple crumble, you can serve it with cinnamon-spiced cream. Simply add a pinch of ground cinnamon to your whipped cream or custard for a warm, spiced twist.

Caramel Sauce

Drizzling caramel sauce over the apple crumble adds an extra layer of sweetness. The buttery, toffee-like flavour of caramel pairs well with the tartness of cooking apples.

Nuts

For added texture and flavour, sprinkle spiced nuts like candied pecans or toasted almonds over the crumble before serving. This adds a delightful crunch and a hint of warmth from the spices.

Other Toppings and Sides

You can also experiment with different types of ice cream, such as chocolate, raspberry ripple, caramel, or cinnamon. For a burst of freshness and colour, serve apple crumble with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries. If you're feeling adventurous, try serving it with sharp cheddar or blue cheese for a unique contrast in flavours.

In terms of drinks, coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and sparkling cider are all great options to pair with apple crumble.

Air fryer temperature and time

The ideal temperature and time for cooking crumble in an air fryer depend on the type of crumble you are making and the type of air fryer you are using.

If you are making an apple crumble, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer to 170–180°C (350°F or 175°C) for 2 minutes. Then, cook the crumble for about 13–16 minutes, or until it turns a gorgeous golden brown colour. The total cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so it is important to keep an eye on your crumble and adjust the time or temperature as needed. For instance, if your crumble topping starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it with foil to prevent burning.

If you are making a basic crumble topping to serve with fresh fruit and cream, you can cook the crumble in an air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes. Then, gently toss the mixture and bake for another 5 minutes, or until it is lightly golden brown and toasted.

It is worth noting that some air fryers may have different preheating requirements. For example, if you are using a Crumble Air Fryer, you don't need to preheat it, as it has a built-in sensitive temperature sensor that ensures a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process. Additionally, when cooking crumble in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that it doesn't touch the heating elements and is weighted down to prevent it from blowing around during cooking.

Frequently asked questions