These Protein Apple Pie Crumbles taste like warm apple pie, but they are made for busy weeknights and post-workout cravings. Tender cinnamon apples are topped with a golden, crunchy oat and protein crumble, then cooked in the air fryer in individual ramekins. No pie crust, no long bake, and no soggy topping.
They are sweet, cozy, and satisfying, with a creamy spoonful of Greek yogurt on top. Make them for dessert, a weekend treat, or a high-protein snack that still feels like a real indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Warm, cinnamon-spiced apples with a crisp, golden crumble topping.
- Packed with protein from protein powder and Greek yogurt.
- Made in the air fryer, so it is fast and perfectly crisp.
- Individual ramekins make portioning easy and serving feel special.
- Simple pantry ingredients and no pie crust to roll out.
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Apples
- 3 medium apples, peeled and thinly sliced (about 450 g)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (30 ml)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
For the Oat Protein Crumble
- 1 cup rolled oats (90 g)
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder (about 50 g)
- 1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil (55 g)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (25 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
To Serve
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (245 g)
- Extra cinnamon, for dusting
How to Make Protein Apple Pie Crumbles
- Slice the apples: Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Toss them in a bowl with the cinnamon, lemon juice, maple syrup, cornstarch, and nutmeg until evenly coated.
- Make the oat protein crumble: In a second bowl, stir together the rolled oats, vanilla protein powder, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and mix until clumps form.
- Fill the ramekins: Divide the cinnamon apples among 4 small oven-safe, air-fryer-safe ramekins. Spoon the oat protein crumble generously over the top.
- Air fry until golden: Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, until the apples are tender and the crumble is golden and crisp. If the tops brown too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the last few minutes.
- Rest and serve with yogurt: Let the crumbles cool for 5 minutes so the filling thickens slightly. Serve warm with a generous dollop of Greek yogurt and an extra dusting of cinnamon.
Pro Tips
- Use firm apples such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala so they hold their shape.
- Slice the apples thinly so they cook through in the short air-fryer time.
- Do not overmix the crumble once the butter is added; clumps make the best crunch.
- Check your ramekins fit in your air fryer basket before filling them.
- For extra crunch, add 2 tablespoons of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble.
- Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the air fryer at 325°F (165°C) for 3 to 4 minutes.
FAQ
Can I make these protein apple pie crumbles ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the apples and crumble in the ramekins, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Air fry straight from the refrigerator, adding 2 to 3 extra minutes if needed.
Can I bake them in the oven instead?
Yes. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, until the apples are tender and the topping is golden.
Are these crumbles gluten-free?
They can be. Use certified gluten-free rolled oats and check that your protein powder is gluten-free.
What can I serve instead of Greek yogurt?
Try vanilla skyr, whipped cottage cheese, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more classic apple pie dessert.
Nutrition Note
Per serving, this recipe provides approximately 320 calories, 18 g protein, 38 g carbohydrates, and 12 g fat. These values are estimates only and will vary with the brands used, the size of the apples, and the toppings added.
