Air Fryer Apple Crisp – Single Serve Recipe

Name: Air Fryer Apple Crisp - Single Serve Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 apples (2 lbs cored, cut into 1-inch chunks (about 4 cups chopped)); ¼ cup brown sugar; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; ½ teaspoon nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon ground ginger; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 5 tablespoons light brown sugar; 5 tablespoons Bob’s Red Mill Old Fashioned Rolled Oats; 3 tablespoons chopped pecans; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened to room temperature); ⅓ teaspoon vanilla extract

By: Meiko Temple
Posted: 10/18/2023
Updated: 10/19/2023
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This single-serve Air Fryer Apple Crisp recipe is filled to the brim with tender, juicy apples that dance beneath a crumbly, golden-brown topping. Each bite is a sweet, and slightly tangy revelation, hitting all the right fall flavor notes.

I love me some Bob’s Red Mill products. This is yet another amazing recipe that I partnered with them on because I think their products are second to none. To make this recipe magic I used their Old Fashioned Rolled Oats.

Need Some Serving Suggestions?

Hey! Looking for some serving suggestions to make this apple crisp a complete dinner spread? Don’t fear, I’ve got you covered! Here are some flavorful options that slap.

Appetizer- Elote Corn Chowder: This soup is a great way to start dinner off with the creamy, spicy, tangy, and crisp flavor that will wake your taste buds up for an incredible dinner.

Entreé- Zucchini Lasagna: Thinly sliced zucchini, combined with flavorful meat sauce, Italian seasoning, and cheese, creates a dish that’s packed with the rich flavors of traditional lasagna but without all those carbs!

Drink- Hot Apple Buttered Rum: The perfect sweet, spicy, and creamy warm drink for a holiday party or curling up on the couch on a chilly evening!

An Apple Crisp For Every Occasion

Now, I ain’t gonna lie, growing up I was always that girl who’d beeline for the crispiest apples. The ones that gave you that satisfying crunch and a burst of juicy sweetness with every bite and there’s no better season than Fall for the best apples. That’s why this apple crisp recipe is just in time.

But let’s keep it a hundred. As much as I adore a bubbling, piping hot pan of apple crisp, I’m not always about that “bake for the whole neighborhood” life. Sometimes, a girl just wants to enjoy her dessert without the commitment of leftovers (or, let’s be real, the temptation of devouring said leftovers).

That’s where my trusty air fryer enters stage left! This little gadget became the superhero in my apple-crisp saga. We’re talking a single serve of apple crisp that’s so delectable, it feels like a hug in a bowl. And this recipe? It’s got apples that are soft, almost buttery in texture, crowned with a topping that’s the perfect blend of crunchy and sweet. And we’re talking 30 minutes from craving to masterpiece.

What is the difference between cobbler, crisp, and crumble?

Cobbler: Juicy fruit tucked under a biscuit-like or sometimes pie crust topping. It’s the laid-back cousin of the fruit pie.
Crisp: Fruit topped with a crumbly mix often including oats. When baked, it’s all about that namesake “crisp” texture.
Crumble: Similar to a crisp, but without the oats. The topping is more buttery and, you guessed it, crumbly.

What You’ll Need For This Recipe

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make an incredible air fryer apple crisp.

Apple Filling:

Fresh Apples- I used a combo of 2 gala and 2 granny smith apples. A blend makes a perfect flavor combination.
Brown Sugar- Light brown sugar molasses blend perfectly with the warm spices.
Cornstarch- This will keep the apple juices from making the crisp topping soggy.
Warm Spices- The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground ginger makes this apple crisp taste like the holidays.
Lemon Juice- This will keep the apples from oxidating while adding a bright pop of flavor.
Pure Vanilla Extract- You can omit this, but you’ll definitely taste the difference with it added.

Crisp Oat & Pecan Topping:

Light Brown Sugar- The molasses creates a maple oat flavor as it bakes.

Bob’s Red Mill Old Fashioned Rolled Oats– Old fashioned oat’s thick texture makes them perfect for crisp.

Chopped Pecans- This is my personal spin on my apple crisp; I love the flavor and texture it adds.

Butter- I prefer to use softened room-temperature butter instead of cold butter or melted butter.

How To Make Air Fryer Apple Crisp Recipe

Here’s the quick rundown, but more detailed instructions can be found below in the recipe card.

n a large bowl, mix chopped apples, brown sugar, cornstarch, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, lemon juice, and vanilla to make sure the apples are fully coated.

Transfer evenly into 4 buttered ramekins. Cover each ramekin with foil, transfer to the air fryer basket, and air fry for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and stir the apple mixture.

Together add brown sugar, flour, oats, pecans, cinnamon, salt, butter, and vanilla, and mix until a crumble forms. Sprinkle over each ramekin. Air fry for 5-10 minutes or until the crumble is golden brown.

Optional: Oven Baked Apple Crisp

You can bake these single-serving apple crisp if you’re doing them for a large crowd by simply baking them in the oven at the same temperature for the same amount of time. I recommend placing the ramekins on a baking sheet to make it easier to add and remove from the oven.

Storage & Reheating Recommendations

To Store

Wrap them with a small piece of aluminum foil and pop them in the fridge for 3 days. If you want to save them for later, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer storage bag and freeze them for up to a month. You can also remove the apple crisp from the ramekin and store it in an airtight container.

To Reheat

Place them in a 350°F/ 176°C air fryer for 8-10 minutes until warm. You can also zap ’em in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds.

To Make Ahead

If you plan on making these in advance, after the first cook and allow the apples to cool before adding the crisp topping, then wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. Then follow the recipe to finish them off when you get the craving.

Meiko’s Pro Recipe Tips

The perfect size ramekin is between 4-6 ounces. You can find them by the baking tools in most grocery stores in packs of 4 or 6.

If you only have white sugar at home, use it instead of the light brown sugar.

You can use sliced apples if you prefer. However, chopped apples will cook the best for air fryer apple crisp.

I used 2 Gala and 2 Granny Smith apples, but you can use Honeycrisp apples instead of Galas.

Do not skip the stirring step after the apples cook. This ensures that all the apples cook evenly. You don’t want to have soggy and crunchy apples.

Fresh lemon juice yields a better flavor than bottled versions, but use what you have.

Old-fashioned oats are the best for this topping. Avoid using quick oats or instant oats to achieve the best texture. Those fast-cooking oats will create oatmeal and not a crunchy topping.

Add the crumble in an even layer over the top of the apple so you’ll have golden, crunchy streusel in every bite.

Add Some Flair: Recipe Variations & Customization Ideas

Feel free to use honey crisp apples, granny smith apples, or a blend of both.
Make the dish vegan by swapping in vegan butter for the unsalted butter.
Serve it with my homemade caramel sauce, brown sugar whipped cream, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, or your favorite ice cream.
You can swap the pecans for almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts or omit them altogether.

More Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love

Here are some yummy air fryer recipes that’ll satisfy any crowd.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

What’s the difference between apple crumble and apple crisp?

The difference between apple crisp and crumble has to do with oats. Both are made baked fruit desserts with a crumbly topping. However, crisp uses oats, flour, sugar, and butter, while crumbles omit the rolled oats.

What is the best apple to use for apple crisp?

Granny Smith is the best apple, in my opinion, because its crisp and tart texture does well with baking, but it also pairs well with the sweet flavors in an apple crisp. Honeycrisp, Gala, and Golden Delicious are other great options for baking apples that are sweet and crisp.

Why is my apple crisp dry?

A dry crisp is the result of the incorrect amount of butter. Too much butter will melt and create a soggy topping. Depending on the recipe, it may call for cold butter or melted butter. I find that using room-temperature butter works best for treating a crumbly topping.

How do you cut apples for apple crisp?

My preference is to use chopped apples instead of using apple slices. Use your knife to slice pieces of apple from around the core; this will keep you from needing to remove any seeds. Then chop the apples into uniform pieces regardless if they’re large, medium, or small. Remember, the larger cuts will take longer to cook, and vice versa for the smaller ones.

Prep Your Tools & Ingredients

Here is a quick list of things to do before the recipe to ensure everything goes smoothly. This list may contain affiliate links that won’t change your price but will share some commission to help support this blog.

Gather Your Tools:

Ramekins
Mixing Bowl
Measuring spoons and cups

Recipe Prep

Always read the recipe through at least 1 time before you start. It helps you move faster when you already know what step is coming next.
Wash your apples.
Measure out all of your ingredients.

Now It’s Your Turn!

My Air Fryer Apple Crisp is a delightful and convenient way to enjoy this classic dessert. The air fryer ensures that each serving is perfectly cooked with a nice, crispy top and juicy apples underneath. It’s ideal for a quick dessert. The individual portions make it easy to serve and control portion sizes too. So give it a try!