Bramley Apple Crumble – An Air Fryer Treat for the January Blues

Comfort Food in Minutes

Bramley apples are in season during the colder months, offering a fluffy texture and tart flavour that’s perfect for sweet treats like crumbles. Grown in orchards by local growers, these Bramley apples are the ideal choice for making the most of winter’s fresh fruit.

This recipe is part of Bord Bia’s ‘Life is Better with Fruit and Vegetables’ campaign, which inspires millennials to enjoy the best of fresh, local, and in-season produce. Bramley apples are a shining example of why eating in season is so rewarding—making them the perfect choice for your dessert.

What if we told you that you could whip up this comforting Bramley Apple Crumble in your air fryer? Yes, really. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for those moments when you just need the comfort of a dessert in an instant. The air fryer gives you that perfect crumble topping while keeping the apples soft and juicy, all in record time. Plus, you’ll save energy (and patience) by skipping the oven preheating step.

This air fryer Bramley Apple Crumble is as cosy as it gets. It tastes like a childhood memory brought to life—comfort food with a modern twist. Next time you’re craving something warm and sweet, reach for those delicious Bramley apples and your air fryer. Trust us—your friends and family (and your taste buds) will thank you.

What You’ll Need to Work This Magic

We’re all about simple and satisfying, so here’s what goes into this delicious crumble:

For the apples:

• 600g Bramley apples (approx. 3 large, peeled, cored, and roughly chopped)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (or ginger if you fancy a twist)
• 2 tbsp caster sugar
• 2 tbsp dried berries (cherries or sultanas – optional)

For the crumble:

• 100g butter
• 150g plain flour
• 75g demerara sugar (or brown sugar as an alternative)
• 2 tbsp porridge oats

To serve:

• Cream, custard, or a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream (go big or go home!)

Step-by-Step: From Bramley Apples to Air-Fried Perfection

Step 1: Get Those Bramley Apples Juicy and Soft

Start by preheating your air fryer to 180°C. Toss the chopped Bramley apples with cinnamon, sugar, and your optional dried berries. Place them into a heatproof dish with 2 tablespoons of water, cover the dish, and let the air fryer work its magic for 10–12 minutes. The apples should be soft, juicy, and smell absolutely heavenly.

Step 2: Crumbly Goodness You Can’t Resist

While the apples are cooking, prepare the crumble topping. In a bowl, rub the butter into the flour until you achieve a coarse, breadcrumb-like texture. Stir in the demerara sugar, porridge oats, and a pinch of salt. This golden crumble mix will take your dessert to the next level.

Step 3: Layer Up and Crisp It Off

Once your Bramley apples are cooked, give them a quick stir and evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the dish. Pop it back into the air fryer for another 10 minutes until the topping is golden, crispy, and completely irresistible. Let it cool slightly (if you can wait!) before serving.

Make It Fancy or Keep It Classic

This crumble is the gift that keeps on giving. Serve it with warm custard for that classic combo, go indulgent with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or add a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling fancy. Whatever you choose, it’s pure comfort on a plate.

Ready to cosy up your desserts? This air fryer Bramley Apple Crumble proves how simple, quality ingredients and a little creativity can turn classic recipes into unforgettable treats.

For more fruit and veggie recipe inspiration, visit fruitnveg.ie and follow @lifeisbetter.ie to discover even more ways to make life better with fresh, local, and in-season fruit and veg.

Brought to you by Bord Bia.