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If you’re looking for a wonderfully simple yet utterly addictive snack, this Air Fryer Apple Chips with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe will become your new go-to treat. Thin, crisp apple slices coated with a warm, sweet cinnamon sugar blend make for a perfectly balanced snack that’s both healthy and satisfyingly crunchy. It’s incredibly easy to make, bursting with natural apple goodness, and the cinnamon sugar adds just the right amount of cozy spice to elevate every bite. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing a vital role in the taste, texture, and beautiful appearance of your apple chips. Fresh apples provide that natural sweetness and crispness, while the cinnamon sugar blend adds warmth and a touch of crunch without any fuss.
- 2 medium apples: Choose any variety like Fuji for sweetness or Granny Smith for a tart kick, and always go for firm ones to ensure a crisp chip.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: This gives just the right amount of sweetness that caramelizes slightly during air frying.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds that comforting spice flavor that pairs perfectly with apples.
- A pinch of salt (optional): Enhances all the sweet and spicy notes, balancing the flavors beautifully.
How to Make Air Fryer Apple Chips with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by washing and drying your apples thoroughly. Using a mandolin slicer or a very sharp knife, slice them as thinly as possible—around 1/8 inch thick is perfect. Thin slices ensure they crisp evenly. Don’t forget to remove the core and seeds if you want neat, seedless chips that are easier to eat.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt if you’re using it. This simple but powerful seasoning blend is what makes these apple chips sing with flavor.
Step 3: Coat the Apple Slices
Lay the apple slices on a clean surface or toss them gently in a bowl, then sprinkle or toss with the cinnamon sugar mixture so each slice gets evenly coated on both sides. This creates a beautiful, even coating that caramelizes deliciously as the chips air fry.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. Preheating helps your apple chips cook evenly from the start, resulting in that ideal crisp texture we’re aiming for.
Step 5: Air Fry the Apple Chips
Arrange the apple slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping them too much, otherwise they won’t crisp properly. You might need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer’s size. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through for even browning. Keep a close eye toward the end as they can quickly move from golden crisp to burnt.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once golden and crispy, transfer the apple chips to a cooling rack or plate. Let them cool for a few minutes; they will actually become even crispier as they cool. Serve right away for the best crunch, or store them properly for later snacking.
How to Serve Air Fryer Apple Chips with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar right before serving for added sparkle and flavor boost. You can also toss the chips with a tiny pinch of nutmeg or even a touch of smoked paprika for a fun twist. Fresh mint leaves on the side can add a lovely refreshing contrast too.
Side Dishes
These apple chips are fantastic on their own but also pair beautifully with creamy dips like Greek yogurt or a smooth vanilla bean cream cheese spread. They can complement autumn-inspired cheese boards with sharp cheddar or a mild gouda, making them ideal for snack boards and gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these apple chips in small mason jars or decorative bowls to show off their beautiful golden hue. You could even layer them between slices of soft brie and drizzle with honey for an elegant appetizer bite. For little ones, stack them into mini apple chip sandwiches with nut butter as a tasty, wholesome treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store your apple chips in an airtight container at room temperature. This prevents moisture from making them soggy and helps maintain their crisp texture for up to a week.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for these apple chips because the moisture from thawing will make them lose their signature crispness. It’s best to enjoy them fresh or within a week when stored properly.
Reheating
If your apple chips soften a bit in storage, you can re-crisp them by placing them back in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Just watch closely so they don’t burn, and voilà —crispy chips ready to enjoy again!
FAQs
Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?
Yes! You can use any apple variety you love. Fuji or Honeycrisp will make sweeter chips, while Granny Smith offers a nicely tart contrast. The key is to pick firm apples for crisp results.
Do I need to peel the apples first?
Peeling is completely optional. Leaving the peel on adds extra fiber and a lovely texture, plus gorgeous flecks of color. Just make sure to wash the apples well before slicing.
Can I make this recipe without cinnamon sugar?
Absolutely! You can simply air fry thin apple slices for plain apple chips. However, the cinnamon sugar elevates the flavor and adds a delightful sweet-spicy crunch that’s hard to beat.
How thin should the apple slices be?
About 1/8 inch thick is ideal. Thin enough to crisp up nicely but thick enough not to burn too quickly. Using a mandolin slicer makes this step much easier and more consistent.
Can I use a regular oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake the apple chips on a wire rack in a preheated oven at 200°F (95°C) for 1.5 to 2 hours, flipping halfway through. The air fryer just speeds up the process and creates extra crispness with less hassle.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about homemade Air Fryer Apple Chips with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe—it’s a simple snack that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Crisp apple slices dusted in cinnamon sugar, made effortlessly in your air fryer, offer a delicious sweet crunch anytime you want. Give this recipe a try and watch your family and friends fall in love with this charming treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
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Air Fryer Apple Chips with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 2.2 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in a healthy and crunchy snack with these Air Fryer Apple Chips coated with a sweet cinnamon sugar blend. Perfectly thinly sliced apples are air fried to golden, crispy perfection for a guilt-free treat that’s easy to make in minutes.
Ingredients
Apples
- 2 medium apples (any variety, such as Fuji or Granny Smith)
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 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 sharp knife, slice the apples very thinly, about 1/8 inch thick. Remove the core and seeds if desired to ensure even crisping.
- Make the cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt if using. This mixture will add a sweet and warm flavor to your chips.
- Coat the apple slices: Lay the apple slices on a clean surface and lightly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar blend over both sides of the apple slices. Alternatively, toss them gently in a bowl to coat evenly, ensuring each slice is flavorful.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 3 to 5 minutes. This step helps achieve the perfect crispy texture.
- Air fry the apple chips: Arrange the apple slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap excessively. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through to promote even cooking. Watch closely to prevent burning, as cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model.
- Cool and serve: Carefully remove the apple chips and allow them to cool for a few minutes. They will firm up and crisp more as they cool. Serve immediately as a snack or store in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness.
Notes
- For best results, use a mandolin slicer to ensure uniformly thin slices for even cooking.
- Choosing different apple varieties like Fuji will result in sweeter chips, while Granny Smith apples provide a tangy flavor.
- Be mindful of your air fryer’s capacity; cooking in batches ensures even crisping without overcrowding.
- Store the cooled apple chips in an airtight container to keep them crisp for up to a week.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar amount or omit it entirely for a natural apple chip flavor.
