Craving a sweet dessert that makes the cold seasons so much better? Air fryer apple crisp is definitely for you!

This apple crisp – different from baked apples in the air fryer – is made from fresh apples, oats, butter, and sugar and served great with a little maple syrup, ice cream, or just as is!

It’s also called different names interchangeably in various countries – apple crisp or apple crumble. But in the US, these are actually two slightly different desserts – fun FYI.

apple crisp on white plate with cinnamon sticks and glass tray behind — Air fryer apple crisp is so, so good!

Recipe Tips

Before you make apple crisp in the air fryer, be sure to read through these recipe tips so that you know exactly what to do and what to expect!

You can use any kind of apples for this recipe. We personally like using firm apples such as Gala, Honeycrisp, or similar. Also keep in mind that a more sour/tarty apple will carry through in the taste of the apple crisp!
Make sure to use a baking dish that fits into your air fryer. Test this before preheating the air fryer!
It’s important to cover the baking dish with tin foil – otherwise the oats will fry around the air fryer and make a mess. They could get caught in the heating element and create smoke so definitely cover the apple crisp until the butter has melted and the oats are crispy (they won’t move much after this).
If you want the apples to be very soft, you can air fry the apple crisp covered in tin foil for longer than the 15 minutes recommended below.

We use this air fryer for our recipes and it has been great.

Step by Step Instructions

If you want to know how to make apple crisp in the air fryer, you can follow the recipe process with photos in this section.

This way, you can see just how we make our apple crisp.

If you want to just air fry apple crisp and don’t care for visuals, you can skip to the detailed recipe card at the bottom of this post!

red apples cut into pieces on wooden cutting board on white counter — Wash, core, and cut the apples.

First, wash the apples, then core them and cut them into small cubes about 1/2 inch in size.

apple pieces covered in cinnamon in white mixing bowl on white counter top — Add the apples, water, lemon juice, and cinnamon to a bowl.

Place the apple pieces into a mixing bowl. Also add water, lemon juice, and ground cinnamon.

apples pieces covered in cinnamon mix in white bowl with silver spoon beside — Mix well.

Gently mix until evenly coated.

Then add the coated apples to a baking dish, approximately 8×6 inches – or a similar size that fits into your air fryer.

There should be some space between the edge of the air fryer and the baking dish.

Spread the apples out evenly. At this time also preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit.

pieces of butter in white bowl with sugar and oats on white counter — Add oats, brown sugar, flour, and butter to a bowl.

To another bowl, add the oats, brown sugar, and all-purpose flour. Cut the butter into small pieces and add it as well.

flour sugar mix in white bowl on white counter top — Mix everything together.

Mix everything together with a pastry cutter or your clean hands until well mixed and there are no white flour spots left.

In the end, use your clean hands to gently press the mixture together to form small streusel (round crumbs).

Evenly spread the streusel mixture on top of the apples in the baking dish.

Then cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (this is important, otherwise the oats might fly around in the air fryer!).

glass dish of apple crisp covered with tin foil in black air fryer tray on counter — Place the covered baking dish into the air fryer.

When the air fryer is hot, add the baking dish inside.

Cook the apple crisp covered with tin foil for approximately 15 minutes.

golden brown apple crisp in glass dish in black air fryer tray — Cook it until the top is golden brown.

Then remove the foil and cook it uncovered for 5-8 more minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apples are soft.

white plate on wood board with apple crisp on top with cinnamon sticks behind — Apple crisp in the air fryer – ready for eating!

When done, remove the apple crisp from the air fryer. Let it sit for a couple of minutes, then enjoy.

You can even drizzle some maple syrup on top if you want it slightly sweeter. It also tastes great with ice cream.

Storage Tips

If you have leftover air-fried apple crisp, let it cool first. Then cover the baking dish with foil or transfer it to a sealed container.

You can store it on the counter if you plan on eating it the same day. Otherwise, store it in the fridge where it will keep for up to 5 days.

If you want to reheat the apple crisp, you can scoop portions into microwave-safe bowls and heat them in the microwave for quick results.

Of course, you can also enjoy the apple crisp cold.

Related Recipes

For more air fryer dessert recipes, you can check out these sweet creations and see which ones you like!