If you’ve ever craved a snack that’s crunchy, sweet, and bursting with cozy fall flavors, you are going to love this Air Fryer Apple Chips with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe. Imagine thinly sliced apples transformed into perfectly crisp chips coated in warm cinnamon sugar, all made quickly and easily in your air fryer. This snack is not only healthier than traditional chips but also incredibly satisfying, combining natural apple sweetness with that irresistible cinnamon-sugar touch for an addictive treat you can enjoy anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these apple chips just right relies on a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a vital role in flavor and texture. The apples provide natural sweetness and crispness, while the cinnamon sugar gives that iconic, comforting spice blend that makes every bite a delight.
- 2 medium apples (any variety): Choose Fuji for extra sweetness or Granny Smith for a tart kick; their thin slices crisp up beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Adds the perfect touch of sweetness to balance the tartness of the apples.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses warm, aromatic spice that’s classic with apples.
- A pinch of salt (optional): Enhances all the flavors and cuts through the sweetness just a bit, making every chip pop.
How to Make Air Fryer Apple Chips with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by washing and drying your apples thoroughly—no one wants soggy chips! Using a mandolin slicer or a sharp knife, slice the apples as thinly as possible, about 1/8 inch thick. The thinner, the better because that’s what creates that crisp, chip-like texture. Removing the core and seeds is key so you get nice, uniform slices ready for coating.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar
While your apples are waiting, whip up the cinnamon sugar by combining granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. This mixture is the magic touch that transforms simple apple slices into a sweet and warmly spiced snack. Mixing it well ensures every chip ends up perfectly coated.
Step 3: Coat the Apple Slices
Lay out your apple slices on a clean surface or toss them gently in a bowl with the cinnamon sugar mixture. You want every slice to have an even layer of that sugary spice blend on both sides. This step helps the chips develop that irresistible glaze and adds layers of flavor with each crispy bite.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 3 to 5 minutes. Preheating ensures an even cooking temperature right from the start, which is important to get your apple chips golden brown and perfectly crisp without any sogginess.
Step 5: Air Fry the Apple Chips
Arrange the coated apple slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure there’s little to no overlap. You may need to work in batches to keep the airflow optimal. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through for even crisping. Watch closely near the end to avoid burning because these chips go from perfect to charcoal quickly.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once air frying is done, carefully remove the apple chips and let them cool on a rack or plate for a few minutes. They’ll crisp up even more as they cool down, giving you that delightful crunch we’re aiming for. Serve right away for maximum freshness or store them in an airtight container so they stay crisp up to a week.
How to Serve Air Fryer Apple Chips with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra special touch, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar over the chips just before serving for a more intense flavor burst. You can even toss them lightly with a bit of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey if you want an added layer of sweetness and shine.
Side Dishes
These apple chips pair wonderfully with creamy dips like vanilla Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese mixed with honey. They also complement savory snacks, like a sharp cheddar board, making them an unexpected but delightful accompaniment to any gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Air Fryer Apple Chips with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe in small rustic baskets or little glass jars for a charming, homemade vibe. Layer them in between slices of other fruit chips or nuts to create a colorful snack platter that’s perfect for sharing and impressing guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep your apple chips fresh and crispy by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigeration as moisture can make them soggy. Properly stored, they’ll stay delicious for up to a week.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t ideal for maintaining the crisp texture, you can freeze the apple slices before air frying if you want to prep in advance. Just make sure to thaw them fully and pat dry before coating and crisping them in the air fryer.
Reheating
If your apple chips have lost a bit of their crunch after storage, a quick 2-3 minute warm-up in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) will help crisp them back up nicely. Keep a close eye to avoid overcooking or burning.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Fuji and Granny Smith are popular choices, any apple variety will work. Sweeter apples yield sweeter chips, and tart varieties add a nice tangy contrast to the cinnamon sugar.
Do I need to peel the apples before slicing?
Peeling is optional. The skin adds texture and nutrients, and it crisps up well in the air fryer. However, if you prefer smoother chips, you can peel them first.
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
You can bake apple chips in a conventional oven, but the air fryer speeds up the process and tends to yield crispier results. Baking usually takes longer and requires lower temperatures to avoid burning.
How thin should I slice the apples?
About 1/8 inch thick is ideal. Slices that are too thick won’t crisp up well, and too thin slices might burn or become too fragile to handle.
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Yes, brown sugar will add a richer, molasses-like flavor to your cinnamon sugar coating. It will also lend a slightly softer texture compared to granulated sugar’s crunch.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Air Fryer Apple Chips with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe will become one of your go-to snacks for satisfying crunchy cravings without feeling guilty. It’s quick, simple, and packs so much warm, comforting flavor that anyone who tries them will ask for the recipe. Give it a whirl—you might just find yourself munching on these delightful apple chips every single day!
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Air Fryer Apple Chips with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delightfully crispy and lightly sweetened apple chips made effortlessly in the air fryer, flavored with a warm cinnamon sugar coating. A perfect healthy snack or dessert that’s easy to prepare and full of autumnal flavor.
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 into very thin slices about 1/8 inch thick. Remove the core and seeds if preferred for easier eating.
- 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 mixture.
- Coat the apple slices: Lay the apple slices on a clean working surface and lightly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over both sides of each slice. Alternatively, place the slices in a bowl and toss gently to evenly coat all slices.
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking from the start.
- Air fry the apple chips: Arrange apple slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap to allow proper air circulation. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through, until the chips turn golden brown and are crisp. Watch carefully towards the end to avoid burning.
- Cool and serve: Remove the apple chips from the air fryer and let them cool for several minutes. The chips will become even crispier as they cool. Serve immediately for best texture, or store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Notes
- Use a mandolin slicer for uniformly thin slices to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust cooking time slightly depending on apple variety and thickness of slices.
- Store leftover apple chips in an airtight container to keep them crispy.
- You can omit the salt if desired, especially for a sweeter snack.
- Try experimenting with different spices like nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for variation.
