Apple Crumb Cake in Air Fryer – Topped with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle
A Story That Started in My Kitchen
It all began one crisp fall afternoon in my grandmother’s kitchen. I was nine, barefoot, and eager to help. She handed me a wooden spoon and a bowl of apples with a wink and said, “Let’s make magic.” That day, I learned how powerful warm spices, a crunchy crumb, and baked apples could be. Years later, after discovering the air fryer, I set out to recreate that exact feeling with a modern twist. The result? This incredibly delicious Apple Crumb Cake in air fryer, complete with a warm cinnamon apple drizzle that turns every bite into pure nostalgia.
This article walks you through every step of creating a mouthwatering Apple Crumb Cake in air fryer, from prepping ingredients to mastering the perfect crumble. Plus, we’ll drizzle it with cinnamon apple syrup that tastes like autumn in a jar. And for those always on the hunt for creative air fryer bakes, we’ve sprinkled in helpful internal links for more recipe inspiration.
Looking for more cozy fall recipes? Check out these apple pumpkin streusel muffins.
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Table of Contents
What Makes Apple Crumb Cake in Air Fryer Special?
The beauty of this Apple Crumb Cake in air fryer lies in its simplicity and speed. Unlike traditional ovens, air fryers evenly circulate hot air, ensuring a crispy top and tender cake without long bake times. Each bite blends spiced apples, buttery crumble, and a moist cake base. It’s a go-to dessert when you want something quick, sweet, and homemade.
Want another delicious fall treat? Don’t miss our pumpkin cinnamon roll muffins.
Apple Crumb Cake in Air Fryer
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Air Fryer Safe Baking Pan
- Saucepan
Ingredients
Cake Base
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup milk or Greek yogurt
- 1 apple peeled and chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
Crumb Topping
- 1/3 cup flour
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp cold butter cubed
- 1/8 tsp salt
Cinnamon Apple Drizzle
- 1/4 cup apple juice or apple cider
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Chop the apple and toss with cinnamon and sugar. Optional: sauté lightly for extra caramelization.
- Cream the butter and sugars. Beat in egg and vanilla. Alternate adding flour and milk to form smooth batter.
- Pour batter into greased air fryer-safe pan. Layer apple mixture on top.
- Mix crumb topping ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle generously over apples.
- Air fry at 320°F for 20–25 minutes. Test with toothpick for doneness.
- For drizzle, heat apple juice, maple syrup, cinnamon, and cornstarch in saucepan until thick. Drizzle over cooled cake.
Notes
Nutrition
Ingredients for the Ultimate Apple Crumb Cake in Air Fryer
To make the best Apple Crumb Cake in air fryer, you’ll need ingredients that balance texture and flavor:
- Fresh apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- All-purpose flour for a sturdy cake base
- Brown sugar & white sugar for depth and sweetness
- Ground cinnamon & nutmeg for that signature warmth
- Butter (unsalted)
- Eggs and baking powder for lift
- Vanilla extract
- Milk or Greek yogurt for moisture
For the crumb topping:
- Flour
- Cold butter (cubed)
- Brown sugar
- A pinch of salt
For the cinnamon apple drizzle:
- Apple juice or cider
- Cinnamon
- Maple syrup
- Cornstarch
Learn more about air fryer dessert success tips in our guide to homemade cheese danish in air fryer.
Step-by-Step: Making Apple Crumb Cake in Air Fryer
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Mixture
Chop apples into thin slices or small cubes and toss them in cinnamon and sugar. Sauté slightly if you want extra caramelization before adding to the batter.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
Cream the butter and sugar, beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla. Alternate between adding flour and milk until a smooth batter forms.
Step 3: Assemble in Your Air Fryer Pan
Pour the batter into a greased air fryer-safe baking pan. Layer spiced apples on top. Prepare the crumb mixture and sprinkle generously.
Step 4: Air Fry It
Cook the Apple Crumb Cake in air fryer at 320°F for 20–25 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
Creating the Cinnamon Apple Drizzle
While the Apple Crumb Cake in air fryer cools, make the drizzle. In a small saucepan, mix apple juice, cinnamon, maple syrup, and cornstarch. Simmer until thick. Drizzle over warm cake and let it sink into the crumbly top.
Looking for more air fryer drizzle-worthy ideas? Discover our garlic butter mushrooms here.
Serving Suggestions for Apple Crumb Cake in Air Fryer
- A la mode: Pair with vanilla ice cream.
- For breakfast: Serve with black coffee or spiced chai.
- Mini cakes: Make individual portions for brunch or parties.
The Apple Crumb Cake in air fryer adapts well for holidays, bake sales, or everyday snacks. You can even switch up apples or drizzle for a seasonal twist.
Storage Tips for Apple Crumb Cake in Air Fryer
To keep it fresh:
- Room temp: Store in an airtight container up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps up to 5 days, best reheated slightly.
- Freezer: Wrap slices individually for grab-and-go treats.
Discover great ideas like these peach oatmeal breakfast cookies.
Air Fryer Baking FAQs
Can I use any apple for Apple Crumb Cake in air fryer?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great due to their firmness and sweet-tart flavor.
How do I avoid a soggy bottom?
Avoid overly juicy apples and use parchment or an air fryer pan with ventilation.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
This Apple Crumb Cake in air fryer is not just about flavor. It’s about that feeling of home. It’s quick, mess-free, and satisfying ideal for weeknight cravings or weekend baking therapy. You get a crisp top, juicy apples, and warm spice in every bite.
Conclusion
If you’ve been searching for the perfect cozy dessert to try in your air fryer, the Apple Crumb Cake in air fryer topped with cinnamon apple drizzle is it. It’s nostalgic, quick to make, and delivers gourmet bakery vibes at home.
Looking for inspiration? Try this breakfast protein biscuit idea.
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