The kitchen smells like Sunday supper and ribboned apples, and you can almost hear Grandpa humming while the skillet warms. This little air fryer apple crisp is the kind of thing that makes folks pull a chair up close and ask for a second spoon. It’s simple, quick, and wrapped in that tender, homey kind of love. Try a bite-sized twist if you’re feeling playful.
Why make this recipe
Because some comforts are worth keeping short and sweet. This 25-Minute Air Fryer Apple Crisp brings fall to your table in under half an hour — no fuss, just warm apples and a crunchy oat topping that makes everyone sigh. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute neighbors, or when you want dessert that feels like a hug.
How to make 25-Minute Air Fryer Apple Crisp – Irresistible & Easy!
I like to think of this as the kind of recipe Mama would tuck in her apron and hand you with a wink. The air fryer does the heavy lifting, giving the apples a tender, juicy heart and the topping a golden, buttery crown.
Ingredients:
- 3 medium apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 2 tbsp cold butter, cubed
Directions:
- Toss apple slices with lemon juice and place in an air fryer-safe dish.
- Mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl.
- Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the topping over the apples.
- Air fry at 350°F (180°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
How to serve 25-Minute Air Fryer Apple Crisp – Irresistible & Easy!
Spoon it warm into little bowls and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of thick whipped cream. For a Southern treat, a drizzle of warmed caramel feels like family. Pass plates around the table, listen to laughter, and watch the eyes light up — that’s the good part. For other simple dessert ideas you can pair alongside, peek at these easy air fryer cookies.
How to store 25-Minute Air Fryer Apple Crisp – Irresistible & Easy!
Cool the crisp to room temperature, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm single servings in the air fryer at 300°F for 3–5 minutes until the topping is crisp again and the filling is bubbly. You can also freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months — thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm gently.
Tips to make 25-Minute Air Fryer Apple Crisp – Irresistible & Easy!
- Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or a mix with Honeycrisp for sweetness and texture.
- Keep the butter cold and cut it small so the topping gets those lovely, pebbly crumbs.
- Don’t overcrowd the dish — give the apples room and the air fryer will brown them right.
- If your air fryer runs hot, check at 10 minutes to avoid over-browning.
Variations (if any)
- Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra Southern crunch.
- Stir a spoonful of maple syrup into the apples for a deeper, cozy sweetness.
- For a gluten-free version, swap the flour for almond flour and use certified gluten-free oats.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this in a regular oven?
A: Yes — bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20–25 minutes until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.
Q: What apples are best for this crisp?
A: Granny Smith, Fuji, Honeycrisp, or a mix. Tart apples hold their shape and balance the sweet topping.
Q: Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
A: You can, but you’ll likely need to use two air fryer-safe dishes and cook in batches so each dish has room to brown properly.
Q: Is it possible to make the topping ahead?
A: Absolutely — prepare the crumb topping and keep it chilled for up to 2 days. Sprinkle over the apples just before air frying.
Q: How do I make it less sweet?
A: Reduce the brown sugar in the topping to 2 tablespoons and skip any extra drizzles. The apples will still shine.
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like the sound of a family gathering around a warm dish, fork clinks and stories shared. If you’re pairing this crisp with a savory side, you might enjoy a simple roasted vegetable like the one in this Air Fryer Roasted Sweet Potatoes recipe — they’re humble, sweet, and made for passing. And if you love apple desserts but prefer a version without oats, take a look at this cozy Apple Crisp Without Oats for another classic twist.
Pull up a chair, ladle out a bowl, and share this with someone you love — that’s the part that makes all the difference.
25-Minute Air Fryer Apple Crisp
Ingredients
Method
- Toss apple slices with lemon juice and place in an air fryer-safe dish.
- In a bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the topping over the apples.
- Air fry at 350°F (180°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.