If you love the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon paired with the natural sweetness of apples, then this Air Fryer Apple Chips with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe is about to become your new favorite snack. These crispy, golden apple chips are incredibly easy to make and deliver a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and fresh that feels like autumn in every bite. Whether you’re craving a healthy treat or looking for a charming addition to party snacks, this recipe turns simple apples into irresistibly crunchy, flavor-packed delights with just a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar and the magic of your air fryer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Air Fryer Apple Chips with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe is wonderfully simple. Each component plays a crucial role – from the apples that provide crispness and natural sweetness to the cinnamon sugar that adds warmth and a touch of spice.
- 2 medium apples: Choose varieties like Fuji or Granny Smith for the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to caramelize the chips.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings a cozy, fragrant spice that pairs beautifully with apples.
- A pinch of salt (optional): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
How to Make Air Fryer Apple Chips with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the apples
Begin by washing and thoroughly drying your apples to ensure they crisp up nicely. Using a mandolin slicer or a very sharp knife, carefully slice the apples into very thin pieces, about 1/8 inch thick. If you want, core the apples and remove the seeds for a cleaner bite and easier slicing.
Step 2: Make the cinnamon sugar
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt if using. This mixture is your flavor powerhouse, creating that classic sweet and spiced coating that turns simple apple slices into addictive chips.
Step 3: Coat the apple slices
Lay your thin apple slices out on a clean surface or place them in a bowl, then sprinkle or toss them evenly with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Make sure each slice gets covered lightly on both sides to ensure every chip has that beautiful cinnamon sugar crunch.
Step 4: Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 to 5 minutes is key to starting the cooking process with the right temperature, which helps the apple chips crisp up perfectly without becoming soggy.
Step 5: Air fry the apple chips
Arrange the apple slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Try not to overlap the slices too much—if necessary, work in batches to get the best airflow and even cooking. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the chips halfway through. Keep a close eye near the end to prevent burning, as the thin slices can crisp very quickly.
Step 6: Cool and serve
Once the apple chips turn a lovely golden brown and crisp, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool on a wire rack or plate. The cooling time is important because they firm up even more as they rest, giving you that perfect crunchied texture.
How to Serve Air Fryer Apple Chips with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Garnishes
For a charming touch, sprinkle a tiny bit of extra cinnamon sugar over the chips after they’ve cooled. You can also add a light dusting of powdered sugar for a festive look or even dip a few into melted dark chocolate for an indulgent twist.
Side Dishes
These apple chips pair beautifully with creamy dips like yogurt mixed with a hint of honey or nut butters such as almond or peanut. They’re also fantastic alongside a cheese board, especially with sharp cheddar or creamy brie, adding a sweet and crunchy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these crispy apple chips in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper for casual gatherings, or place them neatly in glass jars for an elegant snack display. They also make wonderful edible garnishes atop salads or desserts, giving dishes a delightful texture and flavor boost.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any apple chips left over, store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep their crispness for up to one week. Avoid refrigeration, as the moisture can make them soggy.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t ideal for maintaining their crunch, you can freeze apple chips if needed. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, allow them to thaw and re-crisp briefly in the air fryer.
Reheating
To refresh your apple chips after storage, pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for just 2-3 minutes. This quick reheating will bring back their crisp texture without overcooking or burning them.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Fuji and Granny Smith apples are popular choices for their balance of sweetness and tartness, any apple variety works well. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may caramelize faster, so monitoring cooking time is important.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is optional. Leaving the peel on adds extra fiber, color, and a bit of chewiness to the chips, but for an ultra-smooth texture, you can peel if you prefer.
Can I make these without an air fryer?
Yes! You can bake the apple slices in an oven at 200°F (95°C) for about 1.5 to 2 hours, flipping halfway through. An air fryer just speeds up the process and adds extra crispness due to the circulated hot air.
How thin should I slice the apples?
The thinner, the better—aim for about 1/8 inch thick. Thin slices become delightfully crisp, while thicker slices may turn out chewy or soft.
Is the pinch of salt necessary?
Salt is optional but highly recommended. It balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor, giving your apple chips a more complex taste.
Final Thoughts
There is something genuinely special about creating your own crunchy snacks that are both wholesome and satisfying. This Air Fryer Apple Chips with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe is one that I always come back to when I want a snack that feels indulgent yet guilt-free. Once you try it, I promise you’ll marvel at how simple ingredients and a bit of air fryer magic can transform apples into a crispy, cinnamon-kissed treat perfect for anytime snacking. Go ahead, give it a try—you won’t regret it!
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Air Fryer Apple Chips with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 15-17 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 2.2 servings
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Apple Chips with a delightful cinnamon sugar coating. This easy and healthy snack is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the guilt. Thinly sliced apples are air-fried to golden perfection, offering a crunchy treat that can be enjoyed immediately or stored for later.
Ingredients
Apples
- 2 medium apples (any variety, such as Fuji or Granny Smith)
Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the apples: Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Using a mandolin slicer or a sharp knife, slice the apples very thinly, approximately 1/8 inch thick. Remove the core and seeds if desired.
- Make the cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt if using. Mix well to create the cinnamon sugar coating.
- Coat the apple slices: Lay the apple slices on a clean surface and lightly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over both sides of the slices. Alternatively, toss them in a bowl with the mixture to coat evenly.
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes to ensure even and efficient cooking.
- Air fry the apple chips: Arrange the apple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overlap. Depending on your air fryer’s size, cook in batches if necessary. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking. Watch closely toward the end to prevent burning. The chips should be golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and serve: Remove the apple chips from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. They will crisp up further while cooling. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Notes
- Use a mandolin slicer for even, thin slices that cook uniformly.
- Adjust the sugar and cinnamon quantity to your taste preference.
- Keep a close eye on the chips during air frying as cooking times can vary by model.
- Store your apple chips in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispiness.
- If your apples are very juicy, pat them dry before coating to avoid soggy chips.
