Easy Air Fryer Apple Crisp

This air fryer apple crisp for one is my go-to solution for those evenings when a sweet craving hits but I don't want to make a full-sized dessert. The beauty of this individual portion is how it delivers all the comfort of a traditional apple crisp—tender spiced apples and crispy oat topping—in just 20 minutes with minimal cleanup.

I discovered this recipe during a cold winter night when I wanted something warm and comforting but didn't want to heat up my entire oven. The first time I made it, the aroma of cinnamon and baked apples filled my kitchen, making it an instant favorite in my dessert rotation.

Ingredients

• Medium Gala apple: the natural sweetness and texture hold up well during cooking
• Unsalted butter: creates richness and helps apples caramelize
• Brown sugar: adds deep molasses flavor and moisture
• Lemon juice: brightens the flavor and prevents apple browning
• Vanilla extract: enhances the overall flavor profile
• Ground cinnamon: provides classic warming spice
• Ground nutmeg: adds subtle complexity to the spice blend
• Kosher salt: enhances all flavors and balances sweetness

• Old fashioned rolled oats: provides the signature crispy texture
• Cold unsalted butter: creates flaky pockets in the topping
• All purpose flour: helps bind the topping together
• Brown sugar: caramelizes for a crisp sweet finish

• Cornstarch: thickens the apple juices into a sauce
• Water: activates the cornstarch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare:

Set your air fryer to preheat at 370°F for 15 minutes. While waiting, mix your cornstarch with water in a small bowl until fully dissolved with no lumps. This will create your thickening agent for the perfect sauce consistency.

Create the Apple Filling:

Combine your cubed apples with softened butter, ensuring each piece gets coated. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, mixing thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly. Pour in your lemon juice and vanilla extract, giving everything another gentle stir. Finally, add your cornstarch slurry and a pinch of salt, mixing one last time before transferring to your ramekin.

Make the Crisp Topping:

Combine your oats, flour, and brown sugar in a separate bowl, mixing them thoroughly. Add cold butter pieces and use the back of a fork to press and mix until you achieve a crumbly texture with varied sizes of butter pieces. This technique ensures you get those perfect crispy pockets. Spread this mixture evenly over your apple filling.

Air Fry to Perfection:

Carefully place your ramekin onto the air fryer tray, positioning it in the middle cooking chamber. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, watching closely during the final minutes. The topping should turn golden brown and the apple filling should bubble slightly at the edges, indicating it's done.

Rest and Serve:

Allow your apple crisp to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This cooling period allows the filling to set up slightly and prevents burning your mouth. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce if desired.

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My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the moment the sweet aroma of baking apples and cinnamon starts to fill my kitchen. It reminds me of fall afternoons at my grandmother's house, where apple desserts were always on rotation. The beauty of this individual portion is that I can enjoy that nostalgic experience anytime without committing to a full dessert.

Apple Selection Guide

The type of apple you choose significantly impacts the final result of your crisp. Gala apples work wonderfully because they hold their shape while becoming tender, but they aren't the only option. Honeycrisp apples offer exceptional sweetness with a pleasant crunch even when cooked. Granny Smith provides a tart contrast that balances the sweet topping beautifully. Fuji apples are another excellent choice with their honey sweet flavor and firm texture. The key is selecting apples that won't turn mushy during cooking while providing your preferred balance of sweet and tart flavors.

Storage and Reheating

This apple crisp is designed as a single serving to enjoy immediately, but if you find yourself unable to finish it, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cover the ramekin tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. To reheat, simply place back in the air fryer at 300°F for about 3 to 5 minutes until warmed through. The topping may not be quite as crispy as when freshly made, but the flavor will still be delicious. Alternatively, a quick 20 second blast in the microwave works in a pinch, though this method will further soften the topping.

Seasonal Variations

While this classic apple crisp is perfect year round, you can adapt it to showcase seasonal fruits. In summer, try substituting the apple with peaches or mixed berries for a lighter version. During fall, add a tablespoon of pumpkin puree to the apple mixture along with pumpkin pie spice for an autumn twist. Winter versions benefit from adding a tablespoon of cranberries and orange zest to the apple mixture. Spring brings the opportunity to mix in fresh rhubarb with the apples for a tangy variation. Each seasonal adaptation keeps this single serving dessert exciting throughout the year.

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Recipe FAQs

→ What type of apple works best?

Gala apples are recommended, but Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith also work great for varying sweetness and tartness.

→ Can I make it sweeter?

Yes, you can add an extra teaspoon or two of brown sugar to the filling for a sweeter version.

→ How can I avoid overbrowning the topping?

Monitor the air fryer closely during the last 3 minutes of cooking to prevent overbrowning.

→ Is the recipe adjustable for two servings?

Yes, use two small apples or adjust ingredients proportionally to serve two people.

→ Can I use a different air fryer model?

Yes, but air fryer cooking times may slightly vary. Keep an eye on the crisp as it cooks.