Apple crisp is one of those things that you either love or you hate. Most of the time, honestly, I hate it. Not because it doesn't taste good, but because it's a lot of work for a little bit of dessert. The Instant Pot makes it much easier with a dump-it-in-and-go method that makes me love apple crisp again. I think that you'll find that Quick Instant Pot Apple Crisp is totally worth the work you have to put into it too!

This recipe is the closest I could come to my grandmother's apple crisp - which she made in the oven. I'm not quite as patient as she was, so Instant Pot Apple Crisp it is!

Ingredients for Quick Instant Pot Apple Crisp:

Crumb topping:
¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup quick oats
½ cup light brown sugar
6 tablespoons salted butter, cold
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Apple Filling:
8 Granny Smith apples
1 cup apple cider (or water)
2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
½ cup light brown sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions for Quick Instant Pot Apple Crisp:

First, mix together all the ingredients for the crumb topping - if you want to be civilized, use a fork or even a pastry blender. I personally use my hands because it's much easier. Stick that in the refrigerator while you peel apples (or in my case, get your kid to peel apples!)

Peel and core the apples and cut them into bite-sized chunks. You can also slice them for a prettier look, but be sure you slice them thick or they will fall apart in the Instant Pot.

Next, grease the inside of the Instant Pot with butter or nonstick cooking spray.

Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot except the crumb topping. Gently mix (without breaking the apple chunks) to coat. Don't worry if it seems watery - the crumb topping will soak a lot of that up. Even out the mixture in a nice layer.

Evenly spoon the crumb topping over the apple mixture.

Set the Instant Pot on high pressure for 1 minute.

Quick release.

Spoon into serving bowls and serve with vanilla ice cream.

Seriously. Don't forget the vanilla ice cream.

How long will Instant Pot Apple Crisp last?

That really shouldn't be an issue because you will want to eat the entire thing in one sitting. But if you've got more restraint than me, I'd say 4-5 days in the refrigerator.

Can you freeze it?

Much like apple pie, you can freeze it. However, when you thaw it, the apples will break down a bit and you'll have a lot of moisture. It's better to freeze the apples before you make the instant pot apple crisp if you have extra. Then make it fresh when you are ready.

What kind of apples should you use?

You definitely want to use firmer apples, like Granny Smith. Anything soft will turn into applesauce - which isn't so bad either 🙂

How to choose good apples:

If you're picking from a tree, pick as high as you possibly can. Choose firm, shiny apples without bruises or dents. If you're picking at the grocery store, look for the same, but be careful with out of season apples. If they aren't local, they were often picked prior to being ripe and therefore won't have the flavor that ripe apples will.

Looking for more apple recipes? I think you'll love these:

Easy Apple Tart
Easy Baked Apples Recipe
Instant Pot Apple Pie Rice Pudding
Easy Apple S'mores
Easy Apple Pie Rolls
Easy Air Fryer Caramel Apple Donuts