Air Fryer Blueberry Crumble is a quick and easy dessert that brings together juicy berries and a golden, buttery topping. Instead of heating up the oven, the air fryer gives you the same crisp finish in less time. It’s simple to prepare, flexible with ingredients, and perfect for both weeknight treats and family gatherings.
What Makes Air Fryer Blueberry Crumble Special
To appreciate why this dessert is worth making, it’s helpful to break down its unique qualities. Unlike cobblers, crisps, or pies, a crumble has its own identity.
Key Definitions
-
Crumble
A baked dessert with fruit on the bottom and a buttery, crumbly topping made from flour, sugar, and butter. -
Cobbler
A dessert where the topping is more biscuit-like, with dollops of dough baked over the fruit. -
Crisp
Very similar to crumble but often includes oats or nuts in the topping for extra crunch.
By making this dessert in the air fryer, you get:
● Faster cooking time than the oven
● Energy savings with no need to preheat a large appliance
● Even cooking with less chance of a soggy filling
● A topping that stays crisp without drying out the berries
These benefits make Air Fryer Blueberry Crumble stand out as one of the easiest yet most satisfying desserts you can prepare at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Most competitor posts only mention convenience and sweetness, but there’s so much more to celebrate. Here are the real reasons this recipe will win you over:
● Bursting with flavor – Air frying intensifies the natural sweetness of blueberries while keeping their juicy texture.
● All-season friendly – Fresh blueberries in summer or frozen in winter, this recipe works year-round.
● Customizable – You can add oats, nuts, or spices to change the flavor profile without changing the process.
● Perfect portions – Cook in ramekins for individual servings or in a cake barrel for family-style sharing.
● Kid-approved – The crumble is soft enough for little eaters but still crunchy enough to satisfy grown-up cravings.
● Pairs beautifully – Top with vanilla ice cream, Greek yogurt, or even a drizzle of honey for a complete dessert.
Ingredients Breakdown
Instead of a plain list, here’s a detailed guide on what each ingredient does. This not only helps you follow the recipe but also teaches you how to adapt it.
Ingredient | Purpose | Substitutions | Tips |
---|---|---|---|
Blueberries (fresh or frozen) | Provide juicy, tangy-sweet filling | Blackberries, raspberries, or mixed berries | Frozen berries give more juice, fresh berries keep shape |
All-purpose flour | Forms the base of the crumble topping | Almond flour (for gluten-free), whole wheat flour (for nuttier flavor) | Sift for best texture |
Granulated sugar | Sweetens topping | Coconut sugar, maple sugar | Adjust quantity if berries are very sweet |
Brown sugar | Deepens flavor of filling | White sugar + 1 tsp molasses | Enhances caramel notes |
Baking powder | Lightens topping texture | Omit only if absolutely necessary | Don’t overuse or topping gets cakey |
Butter (melted) | Creates richness and crumbly texture | Coconut oil, vegan butter | Use cold butter cut in for extra crumb |
Cornstarch | Thickens berry juices | Arrowroot powder, tapioca starch | Essential for avoiding runny filling |
Vanilla extract | Adds aroma and depth | Almond extract, lemon extract | A few drops go a long way |
Cinnamon | Warms and balances sweetness | Nutmeg, cardamom | Add pinch of salt to enhance flavor |
Prepping for Success
Before diving into the recipe, a few quick steps ensure smooth cooking:
● Measure and set aside all ingredients before starting (known as mise en place).
● Lightly grease your ramekins or cake barrel with butter or non-stick spray.
● If using frozen blueberries, don’t thaw them—this prevents extra liquid.
● Preheat your air fryer for 2–3 minutes if your model requires it.
With preparation handled, you’ll avoid mid-recipe stress and keep the Air Fryer Blueberry Crumble turning out perfect every time.

Step by Step Instructions
Making Air Fryer Blueberry Crumble is simple and rewarding. Follow these steps and you’ll have a warm, golden dessert ready in minutes.
Step 1 Mix the dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder. This creates the base for your crumble topping.
Step 2 Add the butter
Stir in melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly, like cookie dough. For a chunkier topping, you can also use cold butter and cut it into the flour mixture.
Step 3 Prepare the blueberry filling
In another bowl, combine blueberries, brown sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, and cinnamon. Gently stir so the berries stay whole. The cornstarch will thicken the juices as the Air Fryer Blueberry Crumble cooks.
Step 4 Assemble the dish
Pour the blueberry mixture into a greased air fryer cake barrel or ramekins. Spread evenly so the fruit cooks consistently.
Step 5 Add the topping
Crumble the flour mixture over the blueberries. Cover most of the filling but leave a few gaps for steam to escape.
Step 6 Cook in the air fryer
Air fry at 310°F for 30–35 minutes in a 7-inch cake barrel. For ramekins, air fry at 320°F for 19–21 minutes. Check after 10 minutes and cover with foil if the topping browns too quickly.
Serving Suggestions
Your Air Fryer Blueberry Crumble is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with simple toppings and sides:
● Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination
● Serve with whipped cream for a light, airy finish
● Drizzle with custard or heavy cream for extra richness
● Top with a sprig of mint for a fresh touch
● Pair with coffee or tea for a cozy evening treat
Expert Tips for Perfect Results
Here are some tested tricks to make your Air Fryer Blueberry Crumble turn out amazing every time:
● Use frozen berries for a juicier filling – They release more liquid while cooking, giving you a saucy texture.
● Check halfway through – Air fryer heat can be intense. Cover with foil if the top browns before the filling is ready.
● Don’t skip the cornstarch – It’s what keeps the filling from being watery.
● Spread evenly – Distribute both filling and topping evenly for consistent results.
● Let it rest before serving – Give the crumble 5 minutes after cooking. The juices will thicken and flavors deepen.

Flavor Variations
One of the best parts about Air Fryer Blueberry Crumble is how easily you can customize it.
Mixed Berry Crumble
Combine blueberries with raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries for extra color and flavor.
Lemon Blueberry Crumble
Add lemon juice and zest to the filling. This balances the sweetness and gives a bright, summery taste.
Oat Topping Crumble
Stir rolled oats into the topping for a rustic, hearty crunch.
Nutty Crumble
Mix in chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added richness and texture.
Spiced Crumble
Use nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom along with cinnamon for a warm, aromatic dessert.
Storage and Reheating
A great thing about Air Fryer Blueberry Crumble is that it stores well and still tastes delicious when reheated.
Storing Leftovers
● Keep at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered loosely with foil.
● Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
● For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 1 month. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap before freezing.
Reheating Tips
● Air fryer – Reheat at 300°F for 5–6 minutes until warm and crisp again.
● Oven – Warm at 325°F for about 10 minutes.
● Microwave – Use for quick reheating, but note the topping may soften.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Air Fryer Blueberry Crumble ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the filling and topping separately, store them in the fridge, and assemble just before air frying.
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Absolutely. Frozen blueberries work beautifully and create a juicier filling. No need to thaw before using.
Can I freeze Air Fryer Blueberry Crumble?
Yes. Freeze in a sealed container or wrapped well in foil for up to one month. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer.
Why is it called a crumble?
The dessert gets its name from the crumbly topping made of butter, flour, and sugar that “crumbles” over the fruit as it bakes.
Nutrition Information
Here is the approximate nutrition breakdown for one serving of Air Fryer Blueberry Crumble (without toppings).
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 224 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 29 g |
Protein | 2 g |
Fat | 12 g |
Saturated Fat | 7 g |
Cholesterol | 30 mg |
Sodium | 146 mg |
Fiber | 2 g |
Sugar | 13 g |
Note: Values may vary based on portion size and ingredient brands.

Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Blueberry Crumble is more than just a quick dessert—it’s a way to bring comfort and sweetness to any occasion without the fuss of traditional baking. With its crispy topping, juicy filling, and endless variations, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
So the next time you’re craving something warm and homemade, skip the oven and let your air fryer do the work. You’ll have a dessert that feels special, tastes amazing, and fits into even the busiest schedule.

Quick and Simple Air Fryer Blueberry Crumble
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and baking powder. Stir in melted butter until crumbly.
- In another bowl, combine blueberries, brown sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Pour the blueberry mixture into a greased air fryer cake barrel or ramekins.
- Sprinkle crumble topping over the fruit.
- Air fry at 310°F for 30–35 minutes (cake barrel) or 320°F for 19–21 minutes (ramekins).
- Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use frozen blueberries for a juicier filling—no need to thaw.
- Cover with foil halfway if the topping browns too fast.
- Add oats or nuts to the topping for extra crunch.
- Rest before serving so the filling thickens.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, approx.)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 224 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 29 g |
Protein | 2 g |
Fat | 12 g |
Saturated Fat | 7 g |
Cholesterol | 30 mg |
Sodium | 146 mg |
Fiber | 2 g |
Sugar | 13 g |