Cooking Techniques
Airfryfeast
Air Fryer Holiday Spiced Apple and Pear Crisp with Oat Topping
By Airfryfeast Test KitchenReviewed by Airfryfeast Editorial TeamPublished May 8, 2026 · Updated May 11, 2026
American
30 mins
air-fryer-friendlyholidayhealthyeasygluten-freesweetfamily-friendlycomfort-food30-minutes-or-less
A warm, comforting holiday dessert featuring tender apples and pears spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with a crunchy gluten-free oat mixture, all perfectly cooked in your air fryer in under 30 minutes.
Prep
10 min
Cook
20 min
Total
30 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
easy
Cuisine
American
Ingredients
Servings
4
- 2 medium apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 medium pears (Bartlett or Bosc), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup gluten-free rolled oats
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 3 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
-
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
-
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples and pears with lemon juice and 1 tablespoon maple syrup. Sprinkle cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt evenly, then gently mix to coat the fruit.
-
Transfer the spiced fruit to an air fryer-safe 7-inch round baking dish or similar oven-proof dish that fits inside your air fryer basket. Spread evenly.
-
In a separate bowl, combine gluten-free oats, almond flour, coconut sugar, and nuts if using. Stir in melted coconut oil and vanilla extract until the oat topping is crumbly and evenly mixed.
-
Spread the oat mixture over the fruit layer to cover thoroughly.
-
Place the dish in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes, until the topping is golden and crisp and the fruit is bubbling at the edges.
-
Carefully remove from the air fryer and allow to cool slightly for 5 minutes to thicken the crisp.
-
Serve warm alone or with vegan or dairy-free vanilla ice cream or yogurt for an extra festive flair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reader questions and answers for this recipe will appear here.
Customize this Air Fryer Holiday Spiced Apple and Pear Crisp to suit your pantry or preferences:
- Fruit: Swap apples and pears with peaches, nectarines, or quinces for variation.
- Lemon Juice: Use orange juice or apple cider vinegar for acidity alternatives.
- Maple Syrup: Replace with honey, agave, or brown rice syrup; try monk fruit or erythritol for low-sugar versions.
- Spices: Substitute cloves or nutmeg with extra cinnamon or allspice to keep warm spice notes.
- Gluten-Free Oats: Use certified gluten-free oats, quinoa flakes, or gluten-free cereal crumbs.
- Almond Flour: Try oat flour, coconut flour, or ground sunflower seeds for similar texture.
- Coconut Sugar: Brown sugar or turbinado sugar adds richer caramel flavor.
- Coconut Oil: Swap with melted butter, ghee, or neutral oils like avocado or vegetable oil.
- Nuts: Substitute pecans or walnuts with almonds, hazelnuts, or omit for nut-free; seeds like pumpkin or sunflower add crunch.
- Vanilla: Omit or replace with almond extract, rum, or bourbon for an adult flavor twist.
These substitutions keep the dessert easy, gluten-free, and air fryer-friendly for holiday gatherings and family meals.
Air Fryer Model Notes
This holiday spiced apple and pear crisp is designed for simplicity and speed in any air fryer, but model differences may affect results:
- Capacity: Use a compact 7-inch round baking dish for smaller baskets. Larger baskets allow for bigger crisps with potentially longer cooking.
- Temperature Accuracy: Air fryer temperatures vary—monitor early to prevent burning or undercooked topping and adjust time.
- Air Circulation: Stronger airflow crisps topping faster; gentler airflow yields a moister fruit and softer topping. Adjust cook time accordingly.
- Controls: Prefer manual temperature and timer settings over presets for optimal fruit tenderness and crisp topping.
- Dish Choice: Select an air fryer-safe, oven-proof dish about 1.5-2 inches deep that fits comfortably without blocking airflow.
Following these tips helps ensure your crisp comes out golden, bubbly, and perfectly cooked every time.
Crispiness Control
Achieving the perfect crispiness is key for this dessert. Optimize texture with these air fryer tips:
- Temperature: Cook at 350°F (175°C) for a crunchy, golden topping; lower to 325°F for a softer crunch and add a few minutes of cook time.
- Time: Stick to 18-22 minutes; for extra crunch, extend by 2–3 minutes while monitoring to avoid burning.
- Topping Thickness: Thicker topping creates crunchier texture but takes longer; spread thinner for lighter crispness.
- Nuts: Evenly distributing chopped nuts boosts crunch and flavor.
- Resting: Let cool 5 minutes post-cooking to set topping; serving immediately will soften it from steam.
Balance these factors for a tender fruit layer beneath a satisfyingly crisp, golden oat topping in under 30 minutes.
Restore leftover crisp’s texture using the air fryer:
Steps to Reheat
- Preheat air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Place crisp in an air fryer-safe dish or directly in the basket if sturdy.
- Reheat for 5-7 minutes, checking at 5 minutes to avoid burning. The topping should regain crispiness and filling warm.
- Rest 1-2 minutes before serving to thicken filling.
Pro Tips
- Use foil loosely if topping darkens too quickly.
- Add a drizzle of maple syrup or a drop of water before reheating for moist filling.
- Adjust reheating duration by leftovers size and air fryer model.
- Serve warm with dairy-free or vegan ice cream or yogurt for a festive touch.
Proper reheating keeps your crisp deliciously crunchy and flavorful for quick enjoyment.
What To Serve With This In The Air Fryer
Complement this festive crisp with other air-fried treats for a holiday spread:
- Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes: Bite-sized, crisp, and dusted with cinnamon sugar.
- Air Fryer Spiced Nuts: Maple-glazed pecans, walnuts, or almonds offer a crunchy savory contrast.
- Air Fryer Toasted Brioche or Gluten-Free Bread: Ideal for scooping crisp alongside vegan or dairy-free yogurt.
- Air Fryer Roasted Pear Slices: Gently spiced pears echo the fruit theme elegantly.
- Air Fryer Pumpkin or Sweet Potato Fries: Savory-sweet sides balance the warm holiday spices.
Top the crisp with ice cream, dairy-free yogurt, or drizzle caramel sauce for a complete festive dessert experience.
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