Air Fryer Apple Crisp

Best apples for apple crisp

Choose apples that are naturally sweet, firm, and hold their shape well under high heat. Since air fryers cook quickly, you want varieties that won’t turn mushy. My favorites are Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, Pink Lady, Jonagold, or Braeburn. They stay tender yet hold their shape after air frying, offering a nice contrast to the crunchy topping. You can also mix a couple of varieties—one sweeter, one slightly tart—for a more flavorful crisp!

Do I need to peel my apples for apple crisp?

Yes, it’s generally recommended to peel them when cooking in the air fryer. Unlike oven baking—where apples have more time to soften—the air fryer cooks quickly by circulating hot air, which doesn’t give the skin enough time to break down and become tender. Leaving the peel on may result in a slightly tough or chewy texture that can be distracting in an otherwise soft, comforting air-fried apple dessert.

1.Peel, core and chop apples into ¼-inch cubes. Add into a greased baking dish along with brown sugar, water, cinnamon and salt. Stir well until well combined and spread evenly.

2 & 3. Add oats, almond flour, 2 tablespoons sugar and salt into a separate medium bowl and stir to combine. Cut cold butter into small chunks and mix into the oat mixture with your fingertips, until all butter is evenly distributed. Stir in sliced almonds.

4. Sprinkle topping on top of the apples and spread until they form an even layer. Air fry at 350°F for 30 minutes, until the top is golden.

Storage and reheating

To store leftovers, cover pan tightly with foil or plastic warp and refrigerate for 2 to 3 days. It can be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge or reheated!

To reheat - Place pan (remove the foil or plastic wrap), in a preheated 300-degree air fryer for 5 to 8 minutes or until warmed through.

Substitutions & Variations

• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free cerified oats to make it gluten-free.
• Make it vegan: Use cold (solid) coconut oil instead of butter.
• Swap the nuts: Use chopped walnuts or pecans instead of sliced almonds for Fall vibes.

Recipe tips

• Make it healthier: Swap out butter for solid coconut oil—plus, it's dairy-free.
• Cut apples into small chunks: It ensures the fruit become tender by the time the oatmeal topping is golden and crisp.
• Adjust sugar to taste: Some apples (like Fuji or Honeycrisp) are naturally sweet, so you might not need as much sugar. Taste your fruit first and adjust accordingly.
• Rotate halfway through cooking: Give your pan a turn midway to promote even browning and avoid burnt edges. It helps the crisp cook evenly from all sides!

More apple dessert recipes made in the air fryer

If you love easy fall desserts and have an air fryer, you're in for a treat. These apple recipes are cozy, simple to make, and perfect when you're craving something sweet without turning on the oven.

• Apple Hand Pies are a personal favorite—not just because they’re adorable and portable, but because each one is filled with warm spiced apple filling and wrapped in a flaky homemade pie crust that turns golden and crisp in the air fryer.
• Air Fryer Apple Fritters are perfect when you want something indulgent but don’t want to deal with yeast or deep frying.
• Air Fryer Baked Apples are a smart twist on the classic baked apple—this recipe uses two simple hacks to get that soft, juicy texture with a caramelized finish, and it’s even better when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.