This Air Fryer Apple Crisp recipe is packed full of warm and comforting spices and topped with a crispy oat crumble. Serve this old fashioned dessert with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream drizzled with some warm caramel sauce on top and it will quickly become a favorite!

Air Fryer Apple Crisp (At a Glance)

Name: Air Fryer Apple Crisp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 cups gala apple (diced, about 2 apples); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/16 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup rolled oats; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 tablespoons maple syrup; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 4 tablespoons chopped pecans

Air Fryer Apple Crisp = tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a crisp oat-pecan topping in about 10 minutes of cook time. Built for single-serve ramekins, so the apple softens without turning mushy and the topping stays crunchy. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Yield: 4 servings (8 oz ramekins)
Time: ~10 minutes cook (5 min covered + 5 min uncovered), plus quick prep
Temp: 350°F in air fryer
Best apples: Gala (sweet + hold shape); Honeycrisp also works
Topping: Old-fashioned rolled oats + pecans + brown sugar/maple + butter
Texture goal: Soft apples, crispy and crunchy topping (not soggy)
Serve with: Vanilla ice cream, caramel drizzle
Equipment: Air fryer, 4 oven-safe ramekins, foil

Air fryer apple crisp in ramekins with crunchy oat pecan topping and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Table of Contents

This mini apple crisp is easy to make and you only need a handful of ingredients that you probably already have!

Similar to my Air Fryer Baked Apples, this is an amazing fall dessert that’s perfect when you want to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Why This Recipe Works

Easy to make: With simple steps and hands-off cooking, this treat comes together without any stress!
An updated classic: You’ll love the modern take on this nostalgic dessert.
Great for single-serve desserts: This recipe is amazing when you just need a small batch dessert.

Jordan

Ingredients You’ll Need

Labelled ingredients for air fryer apple crisp.

Gala apples (2 medium): Naturally sweet and hold their shape so the filling isn’t watery or mushy. Sub: Honeycrisp or Granny Smith (more tart). Aim for ~2 cups chopped (½–¾-inch pieces).
Unsalted butter: Some for the apples, some for the topping. If using salted butter, omit added salt in the spice mix.
Brown sugar: Light brown keeps the texture delicate; dark brown can make the filling heavier because of higher molasses.
Warm spices + pinch of salt: Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and a small pinch of salt make the apples taste like classic pie filling.
Rolled oats (old-fashioned): Best crunch and visible flakes. Quick oats will soften more; don’t use flavored packets.
Maple syrup: Binds the topping so it clumps and crisps. Honey works but loses the maple note.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the spice and caramel notes.
Pecans (chopped): Add crunch and toasty flavor; swap walnuts or omit for nut-free.

*For a detailed list of instructions, ingredients and measurements, please reference the recipe card down below.

Substitutions/Additions

Make sure to use unsalted butter or it may make your recipe too salty. If you only have salted butter, that’s okay, just omit the salt that is added in.
You can also use walnuts or omit the pecans in general if you’re not the biggest fan of adding nuts into dessert recipes.
I use Gala apples for this recipe, but you can use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp as a substitute. Any of these apples are great options but keep in mind if you use Granny Smith, your apple crisp will be a little more tangy or sour. Just make sure that you don’t use an apple that is too sweet because sweet apples are softer and may become mushy.

4) Substitutions and Additions

Butter: Salted butter works—just skip the added salt.
Nuts: Swap pecans for walnuts or omit for nut-free.
Apples: Honeycrisp (sweeter) or Granny Smith (more tart and firm). Avoid very soft dessert apples (they can go mushy).
Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
Dairy-free: Use vegan butter; the topping still gets crunchy.

How to Make Air Fryer Apple Crisp (Why Each Step Matters)

Coating apple chunks with spices in a glass bowl.

Season the apples for juiciness. Toss the chopped Gala with melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. The sugar draws out a little juice (flavor!) while the butter helps the spices stick.

Mixing oats with pecans in a glass mixing bowl.

Prepare oat topping. Stir rolled oats with melted butter, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and pecans. You want small clumps—they bake into a crunchy lid.

Adding apple filling and oat topping to ramekins.

Assemble in ramekins. Divide apples among 4 (8 oz) ramekins and top evenly with the oat mixture. Smaller dishes keep the fruit/topping ratio ideal so the top crisps fast. Cover loosely with foil.

Air fry. Cook at 350°F for 5 minutes covered to soften the apples, then 5 minutes uncovered to crisp the topping. Cool 10 minutes so the juices thicken.

Pro tip: For an extra-crisp top, spritz the topping lightly with oil before the uncovered bake.

Recipe FAQs

How do I keep the topping crisp in an air fryer?

Bake covered first to soften apples, then uncovered to dry and crisp the oats. Use old-fashioned oats, and don’t overload with syrup/butter.

Why is my apple crisp watery?

Apples release juice as they cook. Use Gala/Honeycrisp/Granny Smith, cut into ½–¾-inch pieces, and cool 10 minutes so juices thicken.

What is the difference between apple crisp and apple crumble?

An apple crisp is a fruit dessert that is baked with a layer of topping that consists of oats and nuts. An apple crumble usually has a topping that is sugar based and has butter and flour in it.

What dishes are safe in an air fryer?

Any oven-safe ramekin (glass, metal, or ceramic). Ensure airflow around each dish; don’t overcrowd the basket.

How do I reheat?

Air fry at 320°F for 3–4 minutes to re-crisp the topping; microwave softens the top.

Spoonful of mini air fryer apple crisp topped with vanilla ice cream.

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