Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Chips

These Air Fryer Apple Chips with Cinnamon Sugar are pure sweet and crunchy snack magic using just a few simple ingredients. Whenever I want a healthy snack that tastes like a treat or need to use up a pile of apples, this quick method never lets me down.

I first tried these after an autumn orchard visit and was amazed at how fast they disappeared from the snack bowl. Now my friends and family ask for these any time we have extra apples to use up.

Ingredients

• Large apples: fresh and firm ones make the best crispy slices check for no bruises in the store
• Lemon juice: prevents browning and adds brightness pick a juicy lemon for best results
• Granulated sugar: helps the chips develop a caramelized edge cane sugar works beautifully too
• Ground cinnamon: brings warmth and classic fall flavor go for a fragrant batch by grinding fresh if you can
• Crisp apple varieties: choose apples on the crisp side like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala as softer varieties can result in chewy chips

Instructions

Prepare the Apples:

Wash the apples thoroughly core them using an apple corer and slice thinly about one eighth inch thick ideally with a mandoline for evenness This helps the chips crisp up uniformly

Prevent Browning:

Place all the slices in a large bowl and toss gently with lemon juice making sure every slice is coated This small step keeps the apple chips vibrant and tasting fresh

Make Cinnamon Sugar:

Combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a separate bowl Stir well until the mixture is even in color and set aside

Coat the Apples:

Pour the cinnamon sugar over the apple slices Toss the slices gently by hand or with a spatula until each one has a sparkling cinnamon sugar coat

Preheat Air Fryer:

Set your air fryer to three hundred degrees Fahrenheit or one hundred fifty degrees Celsius Allow it to preheat for three minutes for an even bake

Arrange and Cook:

Lay the apple slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket Avoid overlapping or stacking for maximum crispiness You will likely need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer Air fry for fifteen to twenty minutes flipping each slice halfway through Once they are golden and crisp remove them They firm up more as they cool so do not worry if they seem just slightly soft right out of the fryer

Cinnamon has always been my favorite touch in these chips The way it scents the kitchen while they crisp up takes me back to weekends in my childhood home The kids always hover around the fryer waiting to hear that final ding so they can sneak a warm chip

Storage Tips

Once cooled completely store apple chips in an airtight container at room temperature They stay crisp for several days For longer storage pop them in a sealed bag in the freezer and just let thaw a few minutes before snacking

Ingredient Substitutions

Try pears instead of apples for a twist For a no sugar option swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar or skip entirely and enjoy the natural sweetness of the fruit For a warmer spice blend add a pinch of nutmeg or clove

Serving Suggestions

Serve these chips on their own or with peanut butter and yogurt for dipping For an easy party dessert stack them into a crisp little tower and dust with extra cinnamon

Cultural and Seasonal Context

Apple chips have roots in traditional dried fruit snacks and have always been a staple autumn treat Air frying gives you that same nostalgia without hours in the oven Use this recipe to put a healthy slant on classic comfort food during apple season

Seasonal Adaptations

Mix with dried cranberries for a fall snack mix Swap in pumpkin pie spice instead of just cinnamon Try making mini chips with crabapples for a tart flavor

Success Stories

One friend made these with her kids and they called them magic chips because they disappeared so fast My aunt likes to serve a salty version with cheddar cheese for her wine nights

Freezer Meal Conversion

Freeze chips in portions for lunchboxes No need to thaw just toss right in and they will be perfect by midday Remember to really let them cool before freezing so they stay crisp

Enjoy these homemade apple chips any time you crave a naturally sweet snack. Their crunchy texture and warm aroma make every batch a cozy treat.

Recipe FAQs

→ Which apples work best for air fryer apple chips?

Firm varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp hold their shape and create crispier chips.

→ How thin should the apple slices be?

For best results, slice apples about 1/8-inch thick using a mandoline or sharp knife.

→ Why use lemon juice in this method?

Lemon juice helps prevent browning and adds a touch of brightness to the apple flavor.

→ What prevents the apple chips from burning?

Monitor closely while air frying and flip slices halfway. Single layering in the basket helps, too.

→ How should I store leftover apple chips?

Keep chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to retain crispness.