This Instant Pot apple crisp recipe stands out as one of my absolute favorite quick, easy, and incredibly cozy fall desserts. Much like a classic baked apple crisp, it boasts a generous filling of tender, juicy apples, perfectly infused with warm pie spices, and sweetened with a touch of rich maple syrup. All of this goodness is crowned with an irresistibly crisp oat topping. The best part? It comes together flawlessly in my trusty pressure cooker, significantly cutting down on cooking time compared to traditional oven methods, without sacrificing any of that beloved autumnal flavor.

Pressure Cooker Apple Crisp: A Game Changer for Fall Desserts

Choosing the Perfect Apples and Spices for Your Crisp

The foundation of any great apple crisp is, naturally, the apples themselves. For this recipe, I frequently opt for Fuji apples due to their excellent balance of natural sweetness and firm texture, which helps them maintain their shape beautifully during pressure cooking. Honeycrisp apples are another superb choice, renowned for their satisfying crunch and sweet-tart flavor profile. If you prefer a more pronounced tartness to offset the sweetness of the crisp, Granny Smith apples are an ideal selection. Many enthusiasts even enjoy combining a mix of apple varieties to achieve a more complex flavor and textural experience.

Beyond the fruit, the warm spices are what truly bring this dessert to life, creating that quintessential fall comfort. While a standard apple pie spice blend will certainly work, I’ve found that using pumpkin pie spice elevates this pressure cooker apple crisp to another level. Its unique blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves imparts a deeper, cozier, and more well-rounded flavor that perfectly captures the essence of autumn. Feel free to adjust the spice level to your preference, perhaps adding an extra pinch of cinnamon or a dash of allspice for a richer aroma.

How to Make Apple Crisp in the Instant Pot: A Step-by-Step Visual Guide

Let’s walk through the simple process of creating this quick and comforting apple crisp in your Instant Pot. Each step is designed for maximum ease and delicious results.

1. Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by gathering all the necessary ingredients from the recipe list. This makes the cooking process smooth and efficient. Start by cubing your chosen apples; there’s no need to peel them unless you prefer a smoother texture. Next, juice half a lemon to get your tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, and finally, melt the unsalted butter for the crisp topping. Having everything prepped ensures you can move through the steps seamlessly.

2. Mix the Apples with Flavor

In a large mixing bowl, combine the 3 cubed Fuji apples with 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice. Gently toss the apples until each piece is thoroughly coated with the aromatic spice blend. The lemon juice not only adds a bright tang but also helps prevent the apples from browning. Once mixed, transfer these flavorful apples into a 6-inch springform pan, a sturdy ramekin, or any round baking dish that fits securely inside your Instant Pot. Set it aside while you prepare the topping.

3. Craft the Perfect Crispy Topping

Grab a medium-sized bowl for the crisp topping. Here, you’ll combine 6 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, ⅓ cup of rich brown sugar, ¾ cup of old-fashioned oats (for that classic chewy texture), and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Stir all these ingredients together until they are well combined and form a crumbly, sandy mixture. This is the secret to a golden, crunchy topping. Once mixed, evenly spread this topping over the prepared apple filling in your baking dish, ensuring no large gaps.

4. Drizzle with Maple Syrup

To add an extra layer of depth and sweetness, take 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and drizzle it evenly over the oat topping. This step is optional but highly recommended as the maple syrup caramelizes slightly during cooking, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your crisp.

5. Pressure Cook to Perfection

Now, prepare your Instant Pot for action. Place the trivet (the metal rack that comes with your Instant Pot) inside the main pot. Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the Instant Pot. This water is essential for creating the steam needed for pressure cooking and preventing a burn notice. Absolutely do NOT pour this water over your assembled apple crisp, as it will make it soggy! Carefully place your baking dish with the apple crisp onto the trivet. Securely close the Instant Pot lid, rotate the steam release valve to the “Sealing” position, and select the “Pressure Cook” (or “Manual”) function on HIGH pressure for 15 minutes. Once the cooking cycle completes, perform a quick release by carefully turning the steam release valve to “Venting.” Wait until the float valve drops before safely opening the lid.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

Once the lid is safely open, your Instant Pot apple crisp is ready to be devoured! You can serve it immediately while it’s wonderfully warm and steamy, or let it cool slightly if you prefer. This dessert truly shines when paired with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, or even a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce. The contrast of the warm, tender apples and the cool, creamy topping is simply divine, making it the perfect ending to any meal.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips for Instant Pot Apple Crisp

Enjoying this delicious Instant Pot apple crisp isn’t limited to the moment it’s freshly cooked. With proper storage and reheating techniques, you can savor its comforting flavors for days to come, or even prepare parts of it in advance.

Storing Your Apple Crisp

Once your apple crisp has cooled completely to room temperature, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. Store this container in the refrigerator, where it will remain fresh and delicious for approximately 2 to 3 days. While the topping might lose some of its initial crispness during refrigeration, the flavors of the spiced apples will deepen beautifully.

Reheating for Maximum Enjoyment

You have several options for reheating your apple crisp, depending on your preference and time constraints:

• Microwave: For a quick individual serving, place a portion of the apple crisp in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through. Be aware that the topping will likely remain soft with this method.
• Oven: To bring back some of that coveted crispiness to the topping, reheating in the oven is ideal. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the apple crisp (if in an oven-safe dish) or individual portions to an oven-safe baking dish. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the apples are heated through and the topping is slightly crisp again.
• Air Fryer: For smaller portions and maximum crispness, an air fryer works wonders. Place a serving in the air fryer basket and “fry” at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, checking frequently to prevent burning.

Make-Ahead Options

While apple crisp is best enjoyed freshly made, you can certainly prepare components in advance to save time:

• Apple Filling: You can cube and mix the apples with lemon juice and spices up to a day in advance. Store the apple mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld even further.
• Crisp Topping: The oat topping mixture can also be prepared ahead of time. Combine all dry ingredients and the melted butter, then store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. When ready to bake, simply sprinkle it over the apples.

By utilizing these storage and make-ahead tips, you can ensure that this delightful Instant Pot apple crisp fits perfectly into your schedule, allowing you to enjoy its comforting taste whenever you desire.