Cody Casey
Air fryers are a great way to make apple crisps, especially if you're making a small portion. You can use any variety of apples, and top it with ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce. The apples are mixed with cinnamon, sugar, and sometimes nutmeg, and then topped with a crumble made from flour, butter, and oats. The whole dessert can be made in under 15 minutes, and it's a great way to enjoy the fall flavors of apple and cinnamon.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 12-20 minutes |
| Total Time | 17-25 minutes |
| Serving | 1-4 people |
| Ingredients | Apples, Butter, Oats, Cinnamon, Sugar, Lemon juice, Cornstarch, Maple syrup, Coconut oil, Oat flour, Walnuts, Salt, Vanilla extract, Nutmeg, Ginger, All-purpose flour, Ice cream, Caramel sauce |
| Air Fryer Temperature | 350-360°F |
| Additional Kitchenware | Air fryer-safe baking dish, Ramekins, Mandoline slicer, Aluminium foil |
What You'll Learn
Choosing the right apples
When it comes to choosing the right apples for your air fryer apple crisp, there are several varieties that work well. The best apples for baking keep their structure under heat, preventing the chunks of fruit from turning into mush. Apples that are crisp, tart, and firm are ideal.
Granny Smith apples are a popular choice for apple crisps due to their firm texture and tart flavour. They retain their shape and don't release a lot of juice, making them perfect for creating a distinct bite in your dessert. Honeycrisp apples are another excellent option, known for their intense sweetness and crisp snap. They add a bold punch of flavour to your apple crisp and have a shorter growing season, making them a rarer find.
Braeburn apples are a versatile choice, as they bake up juicy without becoming mushy. Their intense flavour pairs well with fall spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. For a less tart option, consider Crispin apples, also known as Mutsus. These apples are very firm and are ideal for gentle cooking methods.
If you're looking for a happy medium, Fuji apples are a great choice. They are sweet, tart, soft, and crisp, making them an excellent option for a juicy apple crisp that still holds together. Golden Delicious apples are another softer variety that holds its shape during cooking. While not ideal for eating raw due to their thick skin and soft texture, they are perfect for apple crisps as they melt into a jammy consistency with an intense sweetness.
McIntosh apples are also worth considering for a tender and juicy option with a sweet-tart flavour. They are a good alternative to Granny Smith if you prefer a softer and sweeter apple crisp. Jonagold apples are another sweet variety that doesn't store well but holds its shape while cooking, making them ideal for fried apples and apple crisps.
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Preparing the apples
For the apple crisp, you'll want to use apples that hold their shape during baking but are still slightly tender. Good options include Gala, Granny Smith, Fuji, Golden Delicious, Braeburn, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp apples. You can also mix sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavour.
After choosing your apples, you'll need to core and slice them. For apple chips, aim for slices about 1/8th of an inch thick. For apple crisp, cut the apples into small, bite-sized pieces. You can also add a touch of lemon juice to the apples to prevent them from turning brown.
Next, you'll want to season the apples. Toss them with cinnamon, nutmeg, and/or other spices of your choice. You can also add sugar, maple syrup, or honey to sweeten the apples. If you're making apple chips, sprinkle the slices with cinnamon sugar on both sides.
Once your apples are prepared, they're ready to be cooked in the air fryer. For apple chips, place the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. Set the air fryer to 300°F and cook for 15 minutes, tossing the apple slices every 5 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy.
For apple crisp, place the seasoned apple pieces in an oven-safe dish that fits inside your air fryer. Cover the dish with aluminium foil and bake in the preheated air fryer at 350°F for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
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Making the crumble topping
For a single-serving apple crisp, you can simply core an apple and fill the cavity with a mixture of cinnamon, oats, and maple syrup. Spray the apple halves with coconut oil and sprinkle with cinnamon before adding the crumble topping.
The crumble topping is an essential component of an apple crisp, providing a delicious contrast of textures and flavours to the soft, cinnamon-spiced apples.
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Air frying
Next, toss the apples with cinnamon and sugar. The sugar coating will help to prevent the apples from turning brown. Place the apples in an oven-safe dish that fits inside your air fryer, and cover with aluminium foil. Air fry the apples for 15 minutes.
While the apples are cooking, make the crumble topping. In a small bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter. Mix with a fork until the mixture is crumbly. You can also add some chopped nuts to the topping for extra crunch and flavor.
After the apples have cooked for 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Then, remove the apples from the air fryer and sprinkle the topping over them. Air fry for another 5-8 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
Finally, remove the apple crisp from the air fryer and let it cool slightly before serving. You can top it with ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
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Serving suggestions
There are many ways to serve your apple crisp, depending on your preferences. Here are some suggestions:
Temperature
You can serve your apple crisp hot or at room temperature. However, some people prefer to eat it warm, straight from the air fryer, as it is best served fresh.
Portion Size
The apple crisp can be served as a small batch to enjoy by yourself or with a partner. You can also make individual serving portions using 4-6-ounce ramekins and bake as directed.
Presentation
You can top your apple crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel or sea salt caramel, or a dollop of whipped cream or coconut whipped cream. You could also serve it with Greek yogurt for a balanced snack.
Apple Crisp Type
You can make apple crisp in slices or dice the apples into small bite-sized pieces. Slices are recommended if you want to reduce prep time, but diced apples bake more evenly in the air fryer and are easier to dish up and enjoy.
Apple Variety
You can use a variety of apples for your apple crisp, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, Braeburn, Pink Lady, or even Gala apples. Using a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, gives a perfect balance of flavors in every bite.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need apples, butter, cinnamon, oats, flour, and a sweetener such as maple syrup, brown sugar, or white sugar. Some recipes also include nutmeg, ginger, and vanilla extract.
First, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Then, prepare your apples by peeling, coring, and slicing them. Combine the apples with butter, cinnamon, and sweetener in a bowl, and place them in a small, oven-safe dish that fits in your air fryer. Cover with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes. While the apples are baking, make the crumble topping by mixing together oats, flour, butter, cinnamon, and sweetener. After the apples are done baking, remove the foil and sprinkle the topping over them. Air fry for another 5-8 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
Leftover apple crisp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it back in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp up the topping. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months and then thawed and reheated in the air fryer for the best results.
