Air Fryer Apple Crisp for One All for You

Name: Air Fryer Apple Crisp for One
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 medium Gala apple (cubed); 1 tablespoon softened unsalted butter; 3 1/4 teaspoons brown sugar; 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon; pinch of ground nutmeg; pinch of kosher salt; 2 tablespoons old-fashioned rolled oats; 1 tablespoon cold unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon water; vanilla ice cream; caramel syrup

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Looking for the perfect single serving dessert? Tender apple with a buttery, crisp oat topping, this apple crisp for one is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

A white plate with apple crisp topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The apple pieces are cooked and mixed with a crumbly oat topping.

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I am all for warm and comforting desserts this time of year. Just like this single serving apple pie or this single serve peach cobbler, a portion controlled size dessert is what I enjoy. This mini apple crisp is so perfect for those cool afternoons or evenings when I want a small treat.

The soft, tender apples taste so amazing with the buttery, crumbly and crisp oat topping. It is a very cozy dessert with so many warm spices infused throughout it. I like to eat it with a warm cup of matcha tea in the late afternoon.

The crisp is made in the air fryer, so there is minimal clean-up, and there is no need to heat up an oven. It takes just 20 minutes to have this delicious treat in my hands. I love the fact that I can take a few of my pantry ingredients and have a warm treat ready in a matter of minutes. This perfectly portioned dessert is a must-try and one I keep in my rotation.

If you enjoy single serving desserts, you might also like this edible single serving cookie dough or this Filipino leche flan.

Ingredients

Apple: One medium Gala apple was used for this recipe. Two small ones can be used instead of one medium. The apple is cubed to easily fit into the ramekin.
Butter: Softened unsalted butter is used in the filling. Cold unsalted butter is used in the topping.
Brown sugar: Aiding in a rich caramel flavor to the filling and used in the topping.
Lemon juice: Helps with balancing flavors from the tart apple to the sweetness from the sugar along with preventing browning.
Vanilla extract: A small amount to help boost and elevate the flavors of the crisp.
Oats: Old fashioned oats are the best to use because they provide the crisp texture to the topping.
All purpose flour: Helps to create a crumbly consistency along with binding everything together.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are incorporated in to add those warm and sweet hints of cozy flavor.
Salt: To taste
Cornstarch and Water: Used to make the slurry to create a nice, thickened filling for the apple crisp.

Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.

Instructions

Let’s start by preheating the air fryer and then gathering up our ingredients to make this delicious single serving treat. Then dissolve the cornstarch in water, set aside and follow these simple step-by-step instructions.

A white bowl containing diced apples mixed with brown sugar, cinnamon, and other spices on a white surface, next to a red and white checkered cloth.

Add the apples, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl. Mix well, then drizzle lemon juice and vanilla.

A white bowl filled with chopped apple pieces and a metal spoon, on a light-colored surface with a red and white checkered cloth partially visible.

Stir in the prepared cornstarch slurry, then sprinkle with salt and continue mixing. Then transfer to a ramekin.

A white bowl containing oats, flour, and brown sugar on a white countertop next to a red and white checkered cloth.

In a small bowl, combine oats, flour, and brown sugar then mix well.

A white bowl containing rolled oats and two small chunks of butter on a marble surface, with a red and white checkered cloth nearby.

Toss in cold butter and push with the back of a fork until combined.

A white ramekin filled with a granola-topped dish is placed on a black baking tray.

Cover on top of the apple filling with the oat mixture.

A white ramekin filled with a baked oat and fruit dessert sits on a red and white checkered cloth.

Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes until the top is crisp and golden brown.

A white ramekin containing a baked dessert topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, surrounded by fresh apples and a red and white checkered cloth.

Remove from air fryer and allow the crisp to cool slightly. Serve with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream and drizzle with caramel syrup, if desired.

Hint: Using a ramekin and cutting your apple into small, uniform pieces is best. This will help the apple cook evenly and quickly in the air fryer.

Variations

Here are a few ways you can customize this air fryer apple crisp.

Add spices. In addition to the cinnamon and nutmeg, add in some allspice, cardamon or clove to make it extra flavorful.
Add nuts. Top this apple crisp with some nuts for added crunch such as pecans, almonds, or walnuts. Try these sweet, candied almonds.
Change the fruit. You can add too or change it up by using pears, peaches, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries instead of apple.
Make sweeter. This recipe is written not to be overly sweet but if you are wanting sweeter, add 1-2 teaspoon of brown sugar to the filling.
Make vegan. To make this dessert vegan, all you need to do is swap out the butter for either vegan butter.
Make gluten-free. To make this dessert gluten-free, use gluten-free one-for-one flour in place of the all-purpose flour and make sure the oats are certified gluten-free.

A plate of apple crisp topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Surrounding the plate are two apples, a small pitcher of caramel sauce, and a red and white checkered cloth.

Tips

Top tip: Use a good baking apple. This recipe uses a Gala apple, but Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Granny Smith work well, too. You want to choose one without any blemishes. Two small apples can also be used instead of one medium-sized apple.

Pre-heat the air fryer. Preheating your air fryer can help achieve a better texture for the apple crisp. It usually takes about 5 minutes to preheat.
Grease the ramekin. This helps the contents to not stick to it allowing it to be removed easily when ready to enjoy.
Keep watch over the air fryer. This recipe uses an Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven. Not all air fryers cook the same way, so it is best to keep watch on the first try. Keep an eye on the last 3 minutes in the air fryer to avoid over browning the topping.
Avoid over browning. If the topping starts to get too brown before the apples have cooked enough, cover with some aluminum foil and place back into the air fryer.
Allow the crisp to cool before serving. It can be removed from the air fryer and placed on a cooling rack for 1 to 2 minutes before enjoying.

A plate of apple crisp topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, with a spoon taking a portion. Two red apples and scattered oats are in the background.

Serving suggestions

This apple crisp tastes best when served ala mode with creamy vanilla ice cream on top. The cold ice cream pairs nicely with the warm apples.

For those not wanting to use ice cream, whipped cream is another great way to enjoy this dessert. It adds another level of decadent and creaminess to it.

Air Fryer apple crisp also tastes amazing with a caramel topping. You can take caramel sauce and drizzle over top the dessert. It is truly a treat and great when warmed.

Looking for a little more crunch? Try adding these candied almonds to the top of the crisp. The crunchy nuts go so well with the crumbly topping and tender apple. It also adds a bit more sweetness making it the perfect dessert when you are having a sweet craving.

Storage

Once cooled, transfer remaining apple crisp to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place in a ramekin, set air fryer to 350°F and heat for 5 to 7 minutes, or until warmed.

This air fryer apple crisp can also be frozen. Place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before placing it in your air fryer to warm it.

FAQs

Which apple varieties are the best to use?

I prefer using the Gala apples because they are sweet, crisp and great for baking in desserts. You can also use Honeycrisp, Granny Smith or Fuji. It truly is up to your preference in taste.

Should I peel the apple before cooking?

This is totally up to you and your liking. If you enjoy the peel, then keep it on. If not, you can remove it.

Can an apple crisp be made in advance?

Absolutely! Just refrigerate and when ready to enjoy pop back in the air fryer to warm it back up.

Can this apple crisp be made gluten free?

Yes, just substitute the all-purpose flour for your favorite brand of gluten free one for one flour. Also, make sure the oats you use are gluten free certified.

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Air Fryer Apple Crisp for One