Air Fryer Apple Crumble: Frozen To Baked Perfection

Apple crumble is a classic British dessert that can be made in an air fryer. The air fryer gives the crumble a crispy texture on top while keeping the apple filling tender and juicy. This dessert can be made in a few simple steps and can be served with custard, cream, or ice cream. But can you cook frozen apple crumble in an air fryer?

What temperature to cook at

The temperature you cook your apple crumble at will depend on the model of your air fryer, as well as your personal preference for the crispiness of the topping. As a general rule, you should cook your apple crumble at a temperature between 170°C and 180°C.

Some recipes suggest cooking at 180°C for 10 to 12 minutes, while others recommend 170°C for 12 to 15 minutes. One recipe even suggests cooking at 350°F (175°C) for 16 to 24 minutes. The key is to keep an eye on your crumble to ensure it doesn't burn. If your crumble topping starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil to prevent burning.

If you are using a Philips air fryer, Liana's Kitchen recommends cooking the apples at 180°C for 15 minutes, shaking them twice—once at the 5-minute mark and once at the 10-minute mark. She then adds the crumble topping and cooks for a further 10 to 12 minutes at the same temperature.

The ideal temperature for your apple crumble will depend on your air fryer model and personal preference. It's important to monitor your crumble while it's cooking to ensure it doesn't burn and adjust the temperature or cooking time as needed.

How to prepare the apples

Preparing the apples for your apple crumble is a simple process. First, decide on the type of apple you want to use. Bramley apples are a popular choice for their tart flavour, but you could also use Granny Smith apples for a similar taste. The number of apples you'll need depends on their size—a recipe that calls for two large apples may require three if they're on the smaller side.

Once you've selected your apples, it's time to peel, core, and chop them into small, even-sized chunks. This ensures that the apples cook evenly in the air fryer. If you prefer a softer texture, you can boil the apples before placing them in the air fryer, but this step is optional. Place the chopped apples into an air fryer liner or a baking tin that fits in your air fryer. Sprinkle two tablespoons of water or apple juice over the apples to help keep them moist during cooking.

Set your air fryer to 170-180°C and cook the apples for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket twice—once at the 5-minute mark and again at the 10-minute mark. The apples are ready when they are softened and juicy. While the apples are cooking, you can prepare the crumble mixture by mixing flour, sugar, butter, and cinnamon until it reaches a crumbly consistency.

Once the apples are done, you can assemble your crumble. Place some of the crumble mixture into the bottom of ramekins or an oven-safe dish. Top with a layer of apples, then repeat the layers, ending with a mounded crumble on top. Cover the dish with foil and return it to the air fryer until the apples are tender, about 16-20 minutes. Finally, remove the foil and air fry for an additional 2-4 minutes until the crumble is golden brown.

Making the crumble topping

To make the crumble topping, start by placing the flour, sugar, and butter in a medium bowl. Use your hands to mix these ingredients until you achieve a crumbly consistency. If you're using cinnamon, baking powder, and nutmeg, stir them into the mixture at this point. You can also make the crumble in a food processor to save time and effort.

The crumble topping can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer. When you're ready to use it, simply sprinkle it over your apple mixture and air fry until golden brown. The time this will take can vary depending on your air fryer, but it should take somewhere between 10 and 20 minutes. Be sure to keep an eye on your crumble to ensure it doesn't burn. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it with foil to prevent burning.

Cooking and serving instructions

Apple crumble is a classic British dessert that can be cooked in an air fryer with minimal effort. The air fryer gives the crumble a crispy texture on top while keeping the apple tender and juicy.

Cooking Instructions:

First, prepare the apples. Peel, core, and chop two to three large Bramley apples into small, evenly sized chunks. You can use Granny Smith apples if you prefer a tarter taste. Place the apples in an air fryer-proof dish that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket. Sprinkle two tablespoons of water or apple juice over the apples. Air fry at 180°C for 15 minutes, shaking the basket twice—once at the 5-minute mark and once at the 10-minute mark.

While the apples are cooking, prepare the crumble mixture. In a medium bowl, mix flour, sugar, and cold butter with your hands until crumbly. You can also use a food processor to save time. Stir in cinnamon, baking powder, and nutmeg, if desired. For a vegan crumble, simply swap the butter for a vegan alternative.

Once the apples are tender, sprinkle the crumble topping over them in an even layer. Air fry for another 15 to 20 minutes at 170°C until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling underneath. Cover the dish with foil if the crumble topping starts to brown too quickly.

Serving Instructions:

Allow the crumble to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Apple crumble is delicious served warm with custard, cream, or vanilla ice cream. For an extra indulgent touch, add a drizzle of hot fudge sauce or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. You can also add some sharp raspberries and blackberries to take your crumble up a notch.

Making it vegan

To make a vegan apple crumble in your air fryer, you can substitute traditional butter with a plant-based alternative. You can also use coconut oil spray to bind the crumble mixture.

For the apple filling, combine apples (washed, halved, and cored), water, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. You can peel the apples for a smoother texture, or leave the skins on for extra fiber and a more rustic look. If you like, you can also add a sweetener such as maple syrup or sugar to taste. Cover the bowl with foil and place it in the air fryer for 10 minutes at 180°C (356°F) or 350°F.

Meanwhile, prepare the crumble topping by mixing together oats, flour, cinnamon, and a sweetener such as brown sugar, maple syrup, or another sweetener of your choice. You can also add chopped walnuts for a crispy texture. Mix with a fork or your fingers until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

After 10 minutes, remove the foil from the apples and stir. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples. Air fry for another 5-10 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.

Frequently asked questions