If you’ve ever craved a crunchy, sweet snack that feels indulgent yet guilt-free, this Air Fryer Apple Chips with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen repertoire. Imagine thin, crisp apple slices dusted with warm cinnamon and a hint of sugar, giving you a perfect balance of flavor and texture. These chips are not only incredibly easy to make but also bring out the natural sweetness of the apples while adding a delightful spicy note that’s utterly irresistible. Whether you’re snacking on them during a cozy afternoon or sharing with friends, this recipe will quickly become your new favorite treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping things simple is the secret to this recipe’s success. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in enhancing the flavor, texture, and even the color of your apple chips, making every bite a delight.
- 2 medium apples (Fuji or Honeycrisp): These varieties offer the perfect balance of sweetness and firmness for that ideal chip crunch.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to complement the natural tartness of the apples without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the chips with a warm, comforting spice that pairs beautifully with the apple flavor.
- Olive oil spray (optional): Helps the cinnamon sugar mixture stick and gives the chips a slight golden crispiness.
How to Make Air Fryer Apple Chips with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by washing and coring your apples thoroughly. Using a mandoline or a very sharp knife, slice the apples into thin rounds about 1/8 inch thick—thin slices are crucial for that perfect crunch. Once sliced, pat each piece dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which helps them crisp up better in the air fryer.
Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, combine your granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until evenly mixed. This simple blend is the heart of that irresistible flavor combination that takes these apple chips from plain to spectacular.
Step 3: Season the Apple Slices
Lightly spray the apple slices with olive oil if you want an extra touch of crispiness and help the cinnamon sugar stick better. Then, sprinkle both sides of each slice generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring each chip is perfectly coated.
Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Arrange the apple slices in a single layer inside your air fryer basket—avoid overlapping to ensure even cooking. You may need to work in batches. Set the air fryer to 300°F and cook for 15 to 18 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through the cooking time. Keep a close eye in the final minutes to prevent burning, as the chips can quickly go from golden to overly toasted.
Step 5: Let Them Cool
After air frying, allow your apple chips to cool completely on a wire rack. They will crisp up further as they cool, giving you that satisfying crunch with every bite.
How to Serve Air Fryer Apple Chips with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your apple chips, consider dusting them lightly with extra cinnamon or even a pinch of nutmeg. A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of chopped nuts can add texture and subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon sugar coating.
Side Dishes
These apple chips are a versatile snack, but they also make a fantastic accompaniment to creamy dips like yogurt or mascarpone cheese. For a wholesome snack plate, pair them with nut butters or a selection of fresh cheeses—it’s a match made in snack heaven.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these chips in rustic paper cones or spread them on a wooden board alongside autumn-inspired treats like roasted pumpkin seeds and spiced caramel dip. They look charming and inviting, perfect for parties or cozy family gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your apple chips stay crisp and delicious when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Avoid moisture to prevent them from becoming soggy—placing a small packet of silica gel or a paper towel inside the container can help maintain dryness.
Freezing
While apple chips are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftover chips in a sealed freezer bag for up to a month. When ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature and, if needed, pop them in the air fryer for a minute to refresh their crispiness.
Reheating
To revive any chips that have lost their crunch, reheat them in the air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes. This quick step restores that perfect crisp without drying out the natural sweetness of the apples.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Fuji and Honeycrisp are ideal for their sweetness and firmness, you can use any apple you like. Just remember that tart apples might need a little extra sugar for balance, and softer apples may result in less crisp chips.
Do I need to peel the apples before slicing?
No need to peel! The skins add beautiful color, extra fiber, and a bit of chewiness that contrasts nicely with the crisp apple flesh. Just make sure to wash the apples well before slicing.
Is the olive oil spray necessary?
Olive oil spray is optional but recommended because it helps the cinnamon sugar adhere better and promotes even browning and crispiness. If you prefer to skip it, the chips will still be tasty, but they might be slightly less crunchy and golden.
Can I make this recipe without added sugar?
Definitely! For a no-sugar-added variant, simply skip the cinnamon sugar mixture and enjoy the natural sweetness of the apples. You can still sprinkle cinnamon for flavor without any added sugar.
How thin should I slice the apples?
A thickness of about one-eighth of an inch is perfect. Thinner slices yield crispier chips, but slices that are too thin may burn easily, so keep a close eye during air frying.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Air Fryer Apple Chips with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever snacked without it. It’s a quick, cozy treat that delivers a perfect crunch with every bite, plus the warm embrace of cinnamon and sugar. So grab your apples, dust off that air fryer, and dive into a snack that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat!
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Air Fryer Apple Chips with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan,Gluten Free
Description
Crisp and naturally sweet air fryer apple chips seasoned with a delightful cinnamon sugar blend. Perfect as a healthy snack any time of day, these chips offer a satisfying crunch with a warm, spiced flavor. Made easily in the air fryer, they’re a guilt-free treat for fall or year-round.
Ingredients
Apples
- 2 medium apples (Fuji or Honeycrisp work well)
Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Others
- Olive oil spray (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the apples: Wash and core the apples. Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, slice the apples into very thin rounds about â…› inch thick. Pat the slices dry carefully with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which helps them crisp better.
- Mix the seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon thoroughly. This mixture will add a sweet and warm flavor to the chips.
- Season the apple slices: Lightly spray the apple slices with olive oil if desired to help the cinnamon sugar stick and promote even crisping. Then sprinkle both sides of each apple slice with the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
- Air fry the apple chips: Arrange the slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket; you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding. Air fry at 300°F (approximately 150°C) for 15 to 18 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through the cooking time. Watch the chips closely in the last few minutes to avoid burning, and cook until they are crisp and golden.
- Cool and store: Remove the chips from the air fryer and let them cool completely on a wire rack or plate. They will crisp up further as they cool. Store the cooled apple chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and crunch.
Notes
- For a no sugar added version, skip the cinnamon sugar mixture and enjoy the apple slices plain.
- Thinner apple slices produce crispier chips; aim for about â…› inch thickness.
- Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a delicious variation on the cinnamon sugar flavor.
