In the quest for a snack that both my kids and I will happily reach for is finally over. A batch of these lightly sweet, cinnamon-dusted air fryer apple chips disappears fast, proving that healthy options can win the taste test. It’s the kind of simple magic I love: a few apples, a sprinkle of spice, and a little hot air transform into something wonderfully crispy and satisfying. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a quiet victory over the snack drawer, a way to fill the house with the warm, comforting scent of autumn any day of the year. These Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Chips are the perfect answer to that mid-afternoon slump or the after-school munchies, offering a homemade crunch that feels like a treat but is genuinely good for you. Let’s turn those apples into your new favorite easy homemade snack.
Table of Contents
Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Chips
These lightly sweet, cinnamon-dusted apple chips are a healthy, crispy snack made quickly in the air fryer. With just a few simple ingredients, they transform into a satisfying treat perfect for any time of day. The warm, comforting scent of autumn fills your kitchen as they cook.
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 20min
- Total Time: 40min
- Yield: 2-3 servings 1x
- Category: snack
- Method: air frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Oil Free
Ingredients
- 2-3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Wash and dry the apples. Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, slice them uniformly to about ⅛-inch (3mm) thickness, removing any seeds.
- In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar (if using). Place apple slices in a large bowl. If using, toss lightly with lemon juice. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the slices and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Arrange apple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Work in batches.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, then carefully flip each slice. Continue cooking for another 5-8 minutes, checking frequently, until the chips are golden brown, dry to the touch, and crisp.
- Transfer the hot chips to a wire rack or plate in a single layer and let them cool completely. They will crisp up further as they cool.
Notes
For best results, use a mandoline for uniform slices and cook in single-layer batches. Let chips cool completely for maximum crispness. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. To re-crisp, air fry at 300°F for 1-2 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 0
- Fat: 0
- Saturated Fat: 0
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 16
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 0
- Cholesterol: 0
Ingredients List
Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Chips begin with just a handful of simple ingredients, proving that the best snacks don’t need a long grocery list. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Apples: 2-3 medium-sized apples. I love using a mix for flavor and texture.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon. The star of the show for that warm, familiar spice.
- Granulated Sugar: 1 tablespoon (optional). This helps create that classic cinnamon-sugar coating and promotes crispiness. For a less sweet, purely spiced chip, you can omit it.
- Lemon Juice: 1 teaspoon (optional). A quick toss in lemon juice can prevent browning and add a subtle brightness, but it’s not strictly necessary for flavor.
Smart Swaps & Dietary Notes:
- Sugar-Free: Omit the granulated sugar entirely. The apples provide natural sweetness, and the cinnamon is flavorful enough on its own.
- Maple Variation: Swap the granulated sugar for 1-2 teaspoons of pure maple syrup for a deeper, caramel-like flavor. Toss the slices gently to coat.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom to the cinnamon for a more complex spice blend.
Timing
One of the best parts of this Cinnamon Apple Chips Recipe is how it fits into the cracks of a busy day. While the air fryer does its thing, you can tackle a load of laundry or help with homework.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes (in batches)
- Total Time: 30-40 minutes
Compared to traditional oven-drying or using a dehydrator, which can take hours, this air fryer method is about 80% faster, delivering that satisfying crunch in a fraction of the time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Learning how to make apple chips in the air fryer is straightforward, but a few key techniques ensure they come out perfectly crispy every time.
1. Prep Your Apples
Wash and dry your apples thoroughly. You can peel them if you prefer, but I love the extra fiber, color, and rustic look the skin provides. Using a mandoline slicer is the single best tip for success. Set it to about ⅛-inch (3mm) thickness for uniformly thin slices that will crisp up evenly. If you’re using a sharp knife, take your time to slice them as evenly as possible. Remove any seeds from the centers.
2. Season the Slices
In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar (if using). Place your apple slices in a large bowl. If using lemon juice, give them a very light toss first. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the slices and toss gently with your hands until each slice is lightly and evenly coated. They shouldn’t be soggy, just speckled with spice.
3. Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Arrange the apple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. They can be close but should not overlap. You will need to work in batches. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, then carefully flip each slice. Continue cooking for another 5-8 minutes, checking frequently. The chips are done when they are golden brown, dry to the touch, and crisp. They will crisp up further as they cool. Pro Tip: Thicker slices or juicier apple varieties may take a few minutes longer. Patience is key—low and slow prevents burning.
4. Cool Completely
This is the non-negotiable step for the ultimate crunch. Transfer the hot apple chips to a wire rack or a plate in a single layer and let them cool completely. As they cool, any residual moisture evaporates, leaving you with perfectly crispy Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Chips.
Nutritional Information
This healthy apple snack is as good for you as it is delicious. A serving (about ½ of a prepared apple) is approximately:
- Calories: 60
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 12g (mostly natural from the apple)
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Apples are a great source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. By making them at home, you control the ingredients, avoiding the excess oil and preservatives often found in store-bought snacks. It’s a wholesome, guilt-free way to satisfy a crunchy craving.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need any fancy gear to make this easy homemade snack, but one tool is a game-changer:
- Air Fryer: The essential appliance for quick, crispy results.
- Mandoline Slicer: Highly recommended for getting paper-thin, uniform slices. This ensures even cooking and perfect crispness. A sharp chef’s knife works if you’re careful.
- Mixing Bowls: For tossing the apples with seasoning.
- Wire Rack: Ideal for cooling the chips, as it allows air to circulate all around them, preventing sogginess.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe has earned a permanent spot in my snack rotation for so many reasons:
- Truly Healthy & Guilt-Free: Made with just fruit and spice, it’s a snack you can feel great about serving anytime.
- Unbeatable Crunch Factor: That satisfying, shatter-crisp texture is incredibly addictive and far superior to chewy, store-bought versions.
- Minimal Ingredients & Effort: With just apples and cinnamon, it’s pantry-friendly and incredibly simple to put together.
- Family-Friendly Winner: Kids love the sweet, crunchy chips, and parents love that they’re eating real fruit.
- Makes Your House Smell Amazing: The aroma of warm apples and cinnamon is pure comfort food magic.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and oil-free. To tailor it further:
- Lower Sugar: Simply omit the added granulated sugar. The apples provide plenty of natural sweetness.
- Sugar-Free Sweetener: Use a granulated monk fruit or erythritol blend in place of sugar for a zero-calorie sweet option.
- Boost Protein: Enjoy your apple chips with a side of Greek yogurt or a handful of nuts for a more balanced, protein-packed snack. They’d also be delicious crumbled over a bowl of my High Protein Fluffy Pancakes for a nutritious breakfast twist.
- Spice-Forward: Skip sweeteners altogether and use a bold blend of cinnamon, ginger, and a tiny pinch of cayenne for a sweet-heat chip.
Serving Suggestions
Your batch of homemade Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Chips is wonderfully versatile:
- Straight-Up Snack: Enjoy them right out of the bowl—they’re perfect for movie night or an afternoon pick-me-up.
- Yogurt or Oatmeal Topper: Crumble them over yogurt, cottage cheese, or a warm bowl of my Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oats for added crunch and flavor.
- Salad Sprinkler: Add a sweet, crispy element to fall salads, like one with kale, goat cheese, and a maple vinaigrette.
- Dessert Garnish: Use them as a garnish for apple pie, ice cream, or cheesecake.
- Lunchbox Surprise: Pack them in a small container for a school or work lunch that’s sure to be a hit.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A few small missteps can mean the difference between crispy and chewy chips. Here’s what to watch for:
- Slices Are Too Thick: This is the number one reason for chewy chips. Aim for ⅛-inch or thinner. A mandoline is your best friend here.
- Overcrowding the Basket: If the slices overlap, they’ll steam instead of crisp. Cook in single-layer batches for the best results.
- Skipping the Flip: Flipping the slices halfway through is crucial for even browning and drying on both sides.
- Not Letting Them Cool: The chips will still be slightly soft when hot. They achieve their final, perfect snap as they cool on a wire rack. Don’t skip this patience-testing step!
- Inconsistent Apple Variety: Some apples, like Red Delicious, are very juicy and may not crisp as well. Opt for firmer varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala for reliable results.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
To keep your healthy apple snack tasting fresh and crisp:
- Cool Completely: Ensure every chip is 100% cool before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.
- Airtight Container: Store the cooled chips in an airtight container or a resealable bag at room temperature. A small piece of paper towel inside can help absorb any residual moisture.
- How Long They Keep: Properly stored, they will stay crispy for 3-4 days.
- Re-Crisping: If they lose their crunch, you can easily revive them! Spread them in a single layer in the air fryer and heat at 300°F for 1-2 minutes, then let them cool again. This trick works like a charm.
- Freezing: You can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and re-crisp in the air fryer if needed.
Conclusion
In the end, these Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Chips are more than just a snack; they’re a little kitchen triumph. They prove that with the simplest of ingredients and a trusty appliance, you can create something wholesome, delicious, and deeply satisfying. This Cinnamon Apple Chips Recipe is a testament to the joy of easy homemade snacks that bring everyone to the table. I hope this recipe finds its way into your regular rotation, filling your kitchen with wonderful smells and your snack bowl with a healthy, crunchy treat.
If you give this method for how to make apple chips a try, I’d love to hear how it went! Share your results or your favorite apple variety in the comments below. And don’t forget to tag @StackSipSnack on Pinterest so I can see your crispy creations.
Looking for more ways to use your air fryer or enjoy cozy, spiced flavors? You might love my Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan for a savory dinner, or my Slow Cooker Oats with Cinnamon Berries for another effortless, comforting breakfast. Happy snacking.
FAQs about Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Chips
How long do you dehydrate apples in an air fryer?
Typically, air frying apples for dehydration takes about 15-20 minutes at a low temperature, like 275-300°F (135-150°C), flipping them halfway through. The exact time depends on slice thickness and your air fryer model.
How do you dry apples in an air fryer?
To dry apples in an air fryer, slice them very thinly (⅛ inch), optionally toss with cinnamon, and arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 275-300°F (135-150°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping once, until crisp and dried.
What temperature do you dehydrate apples in an air fryer?
For effective dehydration of apple chips in an air fryer, a lower temperature of 275-300°F (135-150°C) is recommended. This allows the apples to dry out and become crisp without burning.
Do you need to soak apples before air frying?
No, soaking apples is not required before air frying them into chips. While some opt for a brief lemon water soak to prevent browning, it's an optional step and adds moisture that will need to be dried out during cooking.
How long do air fried apple slices last?
Air fried cinnamon apple chips will generally last for 3-5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Their crispness may diminish slightly over time.
What apples are best for air frying?
Firmer, slightly tart-sweet apple varieties are best for air frying. Excellent choices include Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith, as they hold their shape well and provide a balanced flavor.
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