This cozy Instant Pot Apple Crisp brings together tender, spiced apples and buttery oat topping in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dessert cravings, this pressure cooker version delivers all the comforting flavors of traditional apple crisp in half the time.
With only 10 minutes of hands-on prep and 10 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a warm, soul-satisfying treat that’s ideal for any season.
Delightful Apple Crisp Ingredients
- For the Crumb Topping:
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup) – keeps the topping structure intact
- Rolled oats (1/2 cup) – adds wonderful texture
- Light brown sugar (1/2 cup) – creates perfect sweetness
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 tsp) – brings warmth to the topping
- Unsalted butter (6 Tbsp) – makes topping deliciously crispy
- For the Apple Filling:
- Granny Smith apples (4 small) – best choice for their tartness
- Butter (2 Tbsp, melted) – adds richness
- Lemon juice (1 Tbsp) – keeps apples fresh
- Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp) – enhances overall flavor
- Light brown sugar (1/4 cup) – perfectly sweetens the filling
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 tsp) – adds classic apple pie warmth
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Topping: Mix flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter until crumbly. Chill while preparing filling.
- Prep the Base: Give your Instant Pot a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Create the Filling: Combine melted butter, lemon juice, vanilla, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Toss with chopped apples until well-coated.
- Layer Components: Add water to the pot, then add apple mixture and sprinkle with chilled topping.
- Pressure Cook: Set to high pressure for 1 minute. When done, carefully release pressure starting slowly.
- Optional Finishing Touch: For extra crispiness, transfer to oven-safe dishes and broil 1-2 minutes until golden.
Cooking Techniques
This apple crisp uses both pressure cooking and broiling methods! The Instant Pot does most of the work by quickly cooking your apples until they’re perfectly tender.
For extra crunch, pop your crisp under the broiler for 1-2 minutes – this little step makes the topping golden and crispy. Just keep a close eye on it while broiling so it doesn’t burn!
Variations & Substitutions
Want to mix things up? Try these easy swaps:
- Use Honeycrisp or Pink Lady apples for a sweeter taste
- Replace regular oats with gluten-free oats for a gluten-free version
- Add 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping
- Mix in 1/4 cup dried cranberries with the apples
- Swap vanilla extract for almond extract for a nutty twist
Serving Suggestions
Make your apple crisp extra special with these yummy toppings:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- A dollop of whipped cream
- A drizzle of caramel sauce
- A sprinkle of extra cinnamon Serve it warm right from the Instant Pot for the best experience!
Storage Tips
Keep your apple crisp fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When ready to eat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. The topping might lose some crunch over time, but a quick trip under the broiler will bring back that lovely crispiness!
Instant Pot Apple Crisp
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
For the crumb topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 dash salt
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter cut into small pieces
For the Apple filling:
- 4 Granny Smith apples chopped into 1 inch chunks
- 2 Tablespoons butter melted
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 dash salt
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- In a medium size bowl combine the crumb topping ingredients with a fork or pastry blender until it resembles small crumbs.
- Refrigerate while you prepare the apple filling.
- Spray IP with non-stick cooking spray.
- Add melted butter, lemon juice, vanilla, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt and stir to combine. Add apples and toss to coat. Pour in water.
- Sprinkle crumb topping evenly over the apples.
- Cook on high pressure (manual for 1 minute).
- When timer beeps, turn the valve to quick release the pressure/steam. Start slowly to be sure only steam comes out, and then fully release it.
- Optional: Spoon servings into oven-proof dish and broil for 1-2 minutes, to crisp the topping, if desired
