You know those afternoons when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to wreck your healthy eating? That’s exactly when I whip up my Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Chips! I discovered this trick last fall when my kids kept begging for store-bought snacks – now we make big batches together every Sunday. These crispy little wonders take just minutes to prepare with only three simple ingredients, and they fill your kitchen with the coziest cinnamon-apple aroma while they cook. Honestly, I sometimes burn my fingers because I can’t wait for them to cool!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Chips
Let me tell you why these apple chips became my go-to snack obsession! First off, they’re ridiculously easy – we’re talking 10 minutes prep and your air fryer does the rest. No fancy kitchen skills needed here. Plus, they’re:
- Healthier than store-bought – just apples, cinnamon, and a tiny bit of sugar if you want
- Kid-approved (my picky eaters go crazy for them!)
- Super customizable – go light on sugar or skip it completely
- Perfect for meal prep – make a big batch Sunday for the whole week
The best part? That incredible crunch with every bite. Trust me, once you try homemade, you’ll never go back to those expensive packaged versions!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Chips
Here’s the beautiful part – you only need three simple things to make magic happen! I always grab:
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples (cored and thinly sliced – about 1/8-inch thick)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (the good stuff, not that dusty old jar in your pantry!)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, but I like that little extra crunch)
That’s it! Sometimes I’ll sneak in a pinch of nutmeg if I’m feeling fancy, but honestly, these three ingredients create the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Pro tip: Use apples that feel rock hard – they’ll slice cleaner and crisp up better in the air fryer.
Equipment Needed for Air Fryer Apple Chips
You won’t need much gear for these apple chips – just grab:
- Your trusty air fryer (any size works, but don’t overcrowd the basket!)
- A sharp knife or mandoline (for those perfect thin slices)
- A simple mixing bowl (to toss everything together)
That’s seriously all you need! I use my grandma’s old wooden salad bowl for tossing – it makes me smile every time. No fancy gadgets required here!
How to Make Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Chips
Okay, let’s get to the fun part – turning those simple ingredients into crispy, addictive apple chips! I promise it’s easier than you think. Just follow these steps and you’ll be munching on homemade goodness in no time.
Preparing the Apple Slices
First, grab those apples and slice them super thin – about 1/8-inch thick is perfect. Too thick and they won’t crisp up, too thin and they might burn. I use a mandoline for even slices, but a sharp knife works too! Don’t forget to remove all the seeds – nobody wants to crunch on those.
Seasoning and Cooking
Now toss those beautiful slices in a bowl with cinnamon and sugar (if using) until they’re lightly coated – like little apple snowflakes! Arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer basket (they can touch but shouldn’t overlap). Cook at 300°F for 5-6 minutes, then flip each slice carefully (I use tongs) and cook another 5-6 minutes until golden and crispy. Watch closely at the end – they go from perfect to burnt fast!
Let them cool completely on a rack – I know it’s hard to wait, but they crisp up even more as they cool. Then try not to eat them all in one sitting!
Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Chips
After making dozens of batches (okay, maybe hundreds – we’re obsessed!), I’ve learned all the tricks for flawless apple chips every time. First, don’t skip the parchment – those little slices love to stick! Cut a circle to fit your basket perfectly. If your chips aren’t crisping up, they’re probably too thick – aim for see-through thin slices. And here’s my secret: they’ll keep crisping as they cool, so pull them out when they’re just slightly soft in the center. Trust me, they’ll perfect themselves!
Variations for Your Apple Chips
Oh, the fun you can have with these apple chips! My kids love when we mix things up – sometimes we drizzle them with honey instead of sugar for a deeper sweetness. A pinch of nutmeg with the cinnamon makes them extra cozy on chilly days. And don’t get me started on apple varieties! Honeycrisp gives a sweeter chip, while Fuji apples make these little beauties extra crisp. The best part? Every variation feels like a whole new snack! You can find more air fryer apple recipes here.
Storing and Serving Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Chips
Here’s the best news – these crispy delights actually stay fresh for days! Just pop them in an airtight container (I use mason jars because they look cute on the counter) and they’ll keep their crunch for up to 3 days. Though honestly? They rarely last that long in my house!
We love sprinkling them over yogurt for breakfast, packing them in lunchboxes, or just grabbing handfuls straight from the jar. My favorite trick? Crush them over vanilla ice cream for an instant apple pie vibe – pure magic! For another great dessert idea, check out these air fryer pecan pie bars.
Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Chips Nutritional Information
Now let’s talk numbers – but remember, these are estimates since apple sizes vary. For one serving (about half the batch), you’re looking at:
- 60 calories
- 12g sugar (all natural from the apples!)
- 3g fiber
- 0g fat
And the best part? Zero guilt when you go back for seconds – these are basically fruit in disguise! If you are interested in the general health benefits of cinnamon, you can check out reputable sources discussing its properties, such as those detailing its potential effects on blood sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these without sugar?
Absolutely! The apples bring plenty of natural sweetness on their own. I often skip the sugar entirely – the cinnamon adds enough flavor. If you want a touch of sweetness without refined sugar, try a light drizzle of honey or maple syrup before cooking.
Why are my chips not crispy?
Two likely culprits: slices were too thick (aim for 1/8-inch) or your air fryer basket was overcrowded. They need space for air circulation! Also, remember they’ll crisp up more as they cool – patience is key.
Can I use other fruits?
You bet! Pears work beautifully with the same method. For bananas, slice thicker (1/4-inch) and reduce cook time. I’ve even done peaches in summer – just pat them dry first since they’re juicier. Experiment away!
3-Ingredient Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Chips You Crave
- Total Time: 22 mins
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy apple cinnamon chips made in an air fryer for a healthy snack.
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Core and thinly slice the apples.
- Toss the slices with cinnamon and sugar if using.
- Arrange slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 300°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith for best results.
- Adjust cooking time based on thickness of slices.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 recipe
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: air fryer apple chips, healthy snack, cinnamon apple chips