Delight in this Air Fryer Apple Crumble, a tempting balance of tangy Bramley apples softened to juicy perfection and topped with a crunchy, buttery crumble golden in the air fryer. The gentle warmth, rustic oats, and sweet cinnamon notes create the ultimate cozy dessert that’s easy to make and hard to resist.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Serves: 4 servings
Dietary: Vegetarian
By BBC Good Food
This air fryer apple crumble is moderately balanced in calories and sugars, with the wholesome oats and Bramley apples offering fibre and vitamins. Its light cooking method in the air fryer keeps the fat content reasonable, making it a comfort dessert without being overindulgent.
Ingredients
- 4 Bramley apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp golden caster sugar
- 2 tbsp water
- 75g cold unsalted butter
- 100g plain flour
- 50g rolled oats
- 75g light brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
- Dried berries, cherries or sultanas (optional)
Customise
- Bramley apples: Swap for eating apples for more distinct texture and natural sweetness, but reduce sugar accordingly.
- Butter: Use vegan butter in your air fryer apple crumble as a dairy-free alternative with similar crumbliness.
- Oats: Replace oats with chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a nuttier crumble topping.
- Dried fruit: Experiment with raisins, cranberries, or chopped dried apricots for a twist.
Method
- Prepare the apples (10-12 mins):
Heat your air fryer to 180°C. In a heatproof dish that fits inside the air fryer, combine peeled, sliced Bramley apples with cinnamon, golden caster sugar, dried fruit (if using), and 2 tablespoons of water. Cover to keep moisture in and cook for 10-12 minutes until the apples are tender and juicy, stirring halfway. - Make the crumble topping while apples cook:
Rub the cold butter into the plain flour using your fingertips or a pastry blender until the mixture looks like coarse breadcrumbs. Stir in the brown sugar, oats, and a pinch of salt evenly. - Combine and air-fry:
Remove the softened apple mixture from the air fryer and give it a gentle stir. Sprinkle your crumble topping evenly over the apple filling. Return to the air fryer and cook for another 10 minutes, until the topping turns a lovely golden brown and crisp. - Serve warm:
Let the crumble cool slightly for safe serving. Enjoy with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of custard, or a dollop of cream for extra indulgence. Perfectly comforting and quick!
What can you serve with Air Fryer apple crumble
- Vanilla ice cream: Its creamy, cool texture contrasts perfectly with the warm crumble.
- Cream or custard: Adds richness and a soothing touch to the tart, spiced apples.
- Spiced tea or black coffee: Both beverage choices enhance the warming cinnamon flavours in the crumble.
FAQs for Air Fryer apple crumble
- What is the best apple for apple crumble? Bramley apples are the classic choice for their tart flavour and soft texture when cooked.
- Can I make apple crumble in an air fryer? Yes, it’s a quick and easy way to make crisp crumble topping and tender apples.
- How do I keep the crumble topping crunchy? Make sure to distribute the topping evenly and cook until golden; don’t cover after cooking.
- Can I prepare apple crumble ahead of time? Yes, prepare the filling and topping separately, then combine and cook just before serving for best texture.
- What can I use instead of butter in crumble? Plant-based margarine or coconut oil works well for a dairy-free version.