Instant Pot Apple Crisp

This Instant Pot Apple Crisp is the kind of dessert that solves a weeknight conundrum: you want something homey and comforting but don’t have an hour to babysit the oven. Pressure cooking the apples pot-in-pot softens them quickly and concentrates their juices so each bite is tender and flavorful, while a straightforward oat-and-brown-sugar crumble provides the toasty crunch the fruit needs. The cornstarch in the filling grabs those juices as the crisp rests, so the result is saucy without being runny. Finishing under the broiler (or briefly on Sauté) gives the topping the golden, brittle edge that pressure cooking alone can’t achieve.

What makes this version work is the balance of technique and simplicity: lemon brightens the apples, a small pinch of salt in the topping amplifies sweetness, and a compact 7–8 inch dish keeps slices in a single layer for even cooking. Use a sturdy oven-safe dish—stainless steel or ceramic transfers heat best in the Instant Pot—and don’t skimp on watching the broiler, which turns the crumble from soft to spectacular in minutes. It’s ideal for busy households, last-minute guests, or anyone who likes their dessert warm, rustic, and unfussy.