Instant Pot Apple Crisp

We know that pumpkin gets all the glory during the fall months, but why not give apple the chance to shine? This Instant Pot Apple Crisp features the warm, cozy flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, plus a crispy oat topping for some extra crunch. Even better – this recipe is made in the pressure cooker, so it’s ready in minutes!

While this recipe is incredibly simple, we do have a few tips.

First off, what kind of apples work best in the Instant Pot?

When cooking apples in an Instant Pot, it’s important to choose varieties that hold up well under pressure cooking and deliver a good balance of sweetness and tartness. Here are some of the best types of apples for Instant Pot recipes like applesauce, apple butter, or desserts:

1. Granny Smith

• Flavor: Tart, bright flavor
• Texture: Firm, holds shape well
• Best For: Ideal for pies, crisps, and other recipes where you want the apples to hold their shape.  We use Granny Smith in this recipe, but you can also try any of the others below!

2. Honeycrisp

• Flavor: Sweet with a bit of tartness
• Texture: Crisp but tenderizes when cooked
• Best For: Good for applesauce, crisps, and desserts where a slightly sweet flavor is preferred.

3. Fuji

• Flavor: Very sweet
• Texture: Firm, but softens nicely when cooked
• Best For: Works well in applesauce or apple butter where a naturally sweet flavor is needed.

4. Gala

• Flavor: Sweet and mild
• Texture: Softer, breaks down easily
• Best For: Great for applesauce and any recipe where you don’t mind the apples breaking down more.

5. Braeburn

• Flavor: A balanced blend of sweet and tart
• Texture: Firm and holds its shape
• Best For: Works well for baking, slow-cooked recipes, and applesauce.

This recipe uses the quick release function on the Instant Pot.  Here are some tips!

Using Quick Release (QR) on an Instant Pot can speed up the cooking process, but it’s essential to handle it correctly for safety and better results. Here are some tips on using the Quick Release method:

1. Know When to Use Quick Release

Quick release is great for recipes that you don’t want to overcook, such as:

• Vegetables: to prevent them from becoming mushy.
• Seafood: to maintain a tender texture.
• Pasta and rice dishes: for better texture and avoiding overcooking.

2. Stay Safe

• Use a long tool (like a wooden spoon) or wear an oven mitt when turning the release valve to prevent burns from the hot steam.
• Tilt the steam valve slightly away from you to avoid direct steam exposure.
• Stand back and ensure that the Instant Pot is away from cabinets or walls, as the steam can cause condensation.

3. Be Patient with Quick Release

Although it’s called quick release, steam may take a few minutes to fully escape. For foods that bubble or foam (like soup), open the valve slowly to release steam gradually and reduce splatter.

4. Watch for Liquid Spitting

If you notice liquid spitting out from the valve during quick release, immediately turn it off and let the pot cool for a minute or two before trying again.

By following these tips, you can safely and effectively use the Quick Release function for faster cooking with great results!