Air-Fried Apple Crumble: A Quick, Easy Dessert

Apple crumble is a staple British pudding that is usually baked, but did you know you can also make it in an air fryer? This method is great because it doesn't heat up your kitchen and it gives you an extra crispy crumble crust. The quantity of apple crumble you can make depends on the size of your air fryer, but the recipe is quite simple and doesn't take too long to prepare.

Choosing the right apples

Some of the best apple varieties for baking include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Gala, Pink Lady, and Bramley apples. Granny Smith apples are a popular choice for apple crumble as they have a sweet-tart flavour palette. Honeycrisp, Gala, and Pink Lady apples are also good options if you want a sweeter crumble, as they are less tart than Granny Smith apples. Bramley apples are another good choice and you'll need between two and three of them, depending on their size.

You can also use a mix of different apples to create your own unique flavour profile. For example, one recipe recommends using half Granny Smith and half Honeycrisp apples. Ultimately, the type of apple you choose will depend on your personal preference and the desired level of sweetness or tartness in your crumble.

Preparing the apples

Once you've chosen your apples, it's time to start prepping. Peel, core, and chop the apples into small chunks. You can boil the apples first if you prefer a softer texture, but this step is optional. Place the chopped apples into an air fryer-safe baking tin or liner. Sprinkle a couple of tablespoons of water over the apples to add a little moisture, which will help them cook evenly.

Now it's time to cook the apples. Set your air fryer to 175-190°C (350-375°F) and cook the apples for 15-20 minutes. Shake the basket a couple of times during cooking to ensure even cooking. You may also want to cover the basket with foil after the first 5-10 minutes to prevent over-browning. The apples are ready when they are tender.

While the apples are cooking, you can start preparing the crumble mixture, which will be added to the apples in the next step.

Making the crumble mixture

To make the crumble mixture, you will need flour, butter, cinnamon, and sugar. Some recipes also include nutmeg and baking powder. You can use a food processor or mix by hand in a bowl. If using a food processor, add the flour, cinnamon, and butter chunks, and mix on low speed until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Be careful not to over-process, as this will result in a mixture that is too fine and will affect the texture of your crumble.

If mixing by hand, add the butter cubes, flour, and cinnamon to a bowl. You can also add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the crumble mixture for extra spice. Using your hands, mix everything together until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. You can also rub the ingredients together to create a crumble texture. This method is a little more work but produces a better result.

Once you have a crumble mixture with a breadcrumb-like texture, you are ready to add it to your cooked apples.

Cooking the apples

The first step in making apple crumble in an air fryer is to prepare the apples. Peel, core, and cut the apples into small chunks or slices. The number of apples you need may vary depending on the size of your air fryer and the apples themselves, but typically, you'll need around two to four large apples. You can use a variety of apples, such as Bramley, Granny Smith, or Golden Delicious.

Once your apples are prepared, place them in an air fryer-safe baking tin or liner that fits in your air fryer basket. You can also use a cake pan if your air fryer has enough space. Sprinkle a small amount of water over the apples, which helps to soften them during cooking.

Now, it's time to cook the apples. Set your air fryer to a temperature between 175°C and 190°C (350°F to 375°F). The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and the softness you prefer for your apples, but generally, cook the apples for 15 to 20 minutes. During this time, you may need to shake the air fryer basket a couple of times to ensure even cooking.

While the apples are cooking, you can prepare the crumble mixture, which we'll discuss in the next section. Keep an eye on the apples to ensure they don't overcook or burn. You want them to be tender but not mushy.

Once the apples are cooked to your desired softness, you can remove them from the air fryer and proceed to assemble the crumble.

Combining the crumble and apples

While the apples are cooking, prepare the crumble mixture. In a bowl, combine the flour, butter, and, if desired, cinnamon and sugar. Use your hands to mix the ingredients until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. You can also use a food processor, but be careful not to over-process the mixture, as this will affect the texture of the crumble.

Once the apples are ready, transfer them to an oven-proof dish or ramekins. Sprinkle the crumble mixture on top of the apples. Some recipes suggest adding the crumble in layers, with apples in between, to create a layered effect. Press the crumble down slightly, then return the dish to the air fryer and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the crumble is golden brown.

If you prefer a sweeter crumble, you can add more sugar to the mixture or sprinkle additional sugar on top of the apples before adding the crumble. You can also adjust the amount of cinnamon to suit your taste.

Frequently asked questions