I always make a double batch because these crisp treats stay perfectly crunchy for days in an airtight container. Having a stash of these air fryer cinnamon apple chips means a healthy, satisfying snack is always within reach. There is something so wonderfully simple about turning a few humble apples into a snack that feels both nostalgic and new. These air fryer cinnamon apple chips are my go-to when I want something sweet, crunchy, and wholesome without any of the guilt. They are the perfect answer to afternoon slumps, after-school hunger, or that late-night craving for something crisp. This easy homemade snack captures the cozy essence of autumn in every bite, and the best part is how effortlessly they come together. Let me show you how to make this simple treat that will have everyone asking for more.
Table of Contents
Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Chips
These crispy, healthy apple chips are made quickly in the air fryer with just apples, cinnamon, and a touch of sugar. They are a perfect guilt-free snack that stays crunchy for days when stored properly.
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 12min
- Total Time: 22min
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 medium firm apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: pinch of nutmeg or allspice
- Optional: cooking spray for extra crispness
Instructions
- Wash and dry apples. Slice into very thin, uniform rounds about 1/8 inch thick using a mandoline or sharp knife. Do not peel or core.
- In a small bowl, whisk together sugar and cinnamon until well combined.
- Lay apple slices on a work surface or in a large bowl. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over both sides of slices.
- Lightly spray air fryer basket with cooking spray if using. Arrange coated apple slices in a single layer without overlapping. Work in batches if needed.
- Air fry at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping slices halfway through. Watch closely near end to prevent burning. Chips are done when edges are curled and golden brown, and centers feel dry.
- Transfer hot chips to a wire rack and let cool completely. They will crisp up as they cool.
Notes
For crisp chips, slices must be thin and uniform. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cooling completely on a wire rack is essential for maximum crispness. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 19
- Sodium: 0
- Fat: 0
- Saturated Fat: 0
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 0.5
- Cholesterol: 0
Ingredients List
Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Chips require just a few simple ingredients to create a snack that feels like a warm hug. You likely have everything you need in your pantry right now.
- 2 medium-sized, firm apples (such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: A pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth
- Cooking spray (optional, for extra crispness)
Smart Substitutions: For a refined sugar-free version, you can substitute the granulated sugar with an equal amount of coconut sugar or a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit. If you prefer a deeper flavor, a light drizzle of maple syrup over the slices before air frying is a wonderful alternative.
Timing
This Cinnamon Apple Chips Recipe is remarkably quick, making it an ideal project for any day of the week.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10-12 minutes
- Total time: About 22 minutes
Compared to traditional oven-baking, which can take over an hour, the air fryer method is significantly faster, locking in flavor and crispness in a fraction of the time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfectly crispy results every time. The key is thin, even slices and not overcrowding the basket.
- Prepare the Apples: Wash and thoroughly dry your apples. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, carefully slice the apples into very thin, uniform rounds, about 1/8-inch thick. There is no need to peel or core them; the cores will create pretty star patterns in the center of your chips. Pro Tip: A mandoline is the best tool for achieving the consistent thinness required for ultimate crispness.
- Create the Coating: In a small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon (and any other optional spices) until well combined.
- Coat the Slices: Lay the apple slices out on a clean work surface or in a large bowl. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over both sides of the apple slices. You can toss them gently in a bowl to ensure they are fully coated.
- Arrange in the Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray if desired. Arrange the coated apple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. You will likely need to work in batches.
- Air Fry to Perfection: Air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through the cooking time. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes, as thinner slices can burn quickly. They are done when the edges are curled and dark golden brown, and the centers are dry to the touch.
- Cool Completely: This is the most important step for crispness! Transfer the hot apple chips to a wire rack and let them cool completely. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
Nutritional Information
This Healthy Apple Snack is not only delicious but also offers a better-for-you alternative to store-bought chips. A serving (about one apple’s worth of chips) is approximately:
- Calories: 95
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 19g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Fat: 0g
Apples are a great source of dietary fiber and vitamin C, making these air fryer cinnamon apple chips a snack you can feel good about enjoying.
Equipment Needed
You do not need any fancy gadgets to master How To Make Apple Chips, but a few key tools make the process seamless.
- Air Fryer: The star of the show, responsible for the quick, crispy cook.
- Mandoline Slicer or Sharp Chef’s Knife: Essential for achieving those paper-thin, uniform slices.
- Small Mixing Bowl: For combining your cinnamon and sugar.
- Wire Rack: Crucial for allowing the chips to cool and crisp up properly after cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These air fryer cinnamon apple chips are about to become your new favorite snack for so many reasons.
- Incredibly Easy: With just a few steps and minimal ingredients, this is a no-fuss recipe.
- Health-Conscious: A whole-food, oil-free snack that satisfies a sweet tooth naturally.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch on Sunday for a week of healthy snacking.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun, crunchy treat that kids love to help make and eat.
- Versatile: The spice level and sweetness can be easily adjusted to your personal taste.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to various dietary needs and preferences.
- Sugar-Free: Omit the granulated sugar entirely and rely on the natural sweetness of the apples. A dusting of cinnamon alone is still delicious.
- Paleo/Vegan: Use coconut sugar as a direct 1:1 substitute for the granulated sugar.
- Spice Boost: Add a pinch of ginger, cardamom, or even a tiny bit of cayenne pepper for a sweet and spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
While these air fryer cinnamon apple chips are fantastic on their own, they can be dressed up for any occasion.
- Serve them alongside a bowl of yogurt or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple dessert.
- Pair them with a sharp cheddar cheese for a classic sweet and savory combination.
- Crumble them over oatmeal or ice cream for a delightful crunchy topping.
- For a truly decadent treat, serve them with a side of warm caramel or chocolate dip, much like my popular Oreo Balls or Chocolate Dipped Cherries.
- Package them in cute bags for a homemade, healthy lunchbox treat or a party favor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A few simple tips will guarantee your batch of air fryer cinnamon apple chips turns out perfectly crisp.
- Slices Are Too Thick: This is the number one reason for chewy, not crunchy, chips. Aim for 1/8-inch thickness or less.
- Overcrowding the Basket: If the slices are overlapping, they will steam instead of crisp. Cook in single-layer batches for the best result.
- Skipping the Cooling Step: The chips are still soft when they come out of the air fryer. They achieve their signature snap only after cooling completely on a wire rack.
- Not Watching Closely at the End: Cooking times can vary based on apple variety and slice thickness. Check frequently near the end to prevent burning.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
To keep your homemade apple chips fresh and crunchy, proper storage is key.
- Room Temperature: Once completely cooled, store the air fryer cinnamon apple chips in an airtight container or a resealable bag at room temperature. They will stay crisp for up to 5-7 days.
- Re-crisping: If they lose their crunch after a few days, you can pop them back into the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit to revive them.
- Do Not Refrigerate: Storing them in the fridge can introduce moisture and make them soft.
Conclusion
Making your own batch of air fryer cinnamon apple chips is one of the simplest and most rewarding kitchen projects. You get a healthy, delicious snack that fills your home with the most incredible aroma of warm cinnamon and baked apples. It is a recipe that proves you do not need complicated ingredients or techniques to create something truly special. I hope this Cinnamon Apple Chips Recipe brings as much joy and crunch to your home as it does to mine.
If you love these easy, bite-sized sweet treats, you might also enjoy my No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls, Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites, or the festive No-Bake Gingerbread Cheesecake Cups.
I would love to hear how your chips turned out. Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to tag @HarmonyMeal on Pinterest so I can see your beautiful creations. Happy snacking.
How do you make apple chips not soggy in an air fryer?
To prevent soggy apple chips, slice them very thinly and uniformly. Ensure you don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, allowing ample air circulation, and flip them halfway through the cooking process for even dehydration.
How do you make apple chips crispy in an air fryer?
Achieving crispy air fryer apple chips relies on thin, even slices, cooking at a moderate temperature (around 300-320°F or 150-160°C) for a sufficient duration, and letting them cool completely. They will crisp up considerably as they cool to room temperature.
Do you need to soak apples before air frying?
No, soaking apples before air frying is not necessary for making apple chips. Soaking would add moisture, which is counterproductive to achieving crispiness. A quick toss in lemon juice can prevent browning but isn’t a pre-soak.
What temperature should I air fry apples?
For optimal results when making air fryer cinnamon apple chips, air fry them at a lower temperature, typically between 300-320°F (150-160°C). This allows the apples to slowly dehydrate and crisp without burning.
Can you air fry without parchment paper?
Yes, you can air fry cinnamon apple chips directly in the air fryer basket without parchment paper. Many air fryer baskets have a non-stick coating. A light spray of cooking oil can help prevent sticking, or you can use parchment paper for easier cleanup.
How do you dry apples for chips?
When making air fryer apple chips, you don’t typically pre-dry them. The air fryer itself performs the drying process through its hot air circulation. The critical step is slicing the apples extremely thin and consistently, as this enables efficient moisture removal during cooking.
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