These Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Chips are light, crispy, and naturally sweet with a delicious coating of cinnamon and a touch of sugar. They’re a healthy snack that’s perfect for lunchboxes, road trips, movie nights, or whenever you’re craving something crunchy without reaching for potato chips.

Recipe Overview

Ingredients

Apple Chips

• 2 large Honeycrisp or Fuji apples
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, helps reduce browning)

Cinnamon Coating

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• Cooking spray or 1 teaspoon melted coconut oil (optional, for extra crispness)

Equipment Needed

• Air fryer
• Mandoline slicer or sharp knife
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs
• Cooling rack

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Wash and dry the apples thoroughly.

Core the apples if desired, or leave the cores intact for a rustic look.

Slice the apples into ⅛-inch (3 mm) thin rounds using a mandoline or a sharp knife.

For extra freshness, lightly toss the slices with lemon juice.

Step 2: Season the Apples

In a small bowl, combine:

• Cinnamon
• Sugar (if using)
• Nutmeg (if using)

Lightly spray the apple slices with cooking spray or brush with a small amount of melted coconut oil, then sprinkle both sides evenly with the cinnamon mixture.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C) for 3 minutes.

Step 4: Air Fry

Arrange the apple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Do not overlap the slices.

Cook at 300°F (150°C) for 7–9 minutes.

Flip the slices carefully.

Continue cooking for another 7–9 minutes, or until the edges are lightly curled and the apples are mostly dry.

Note: Thicker slices may need an additional 2–3 minutes.

Step 5: Cool

Transfer the apple chips to a cooling rack.

Allow them to cool for 10–15 minutes.

They will continue to crisp as they cool.

Step 6: Serve

Enjoy immediately or store for later.

Tips for Perfect Apple Chips

Slice Evenly

Use a mandoline slicer to ensure all slices cook at the same rate.

Choose Crisp Apples

Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, Pink Lady, and Granny Smith apples all work well.

Don’t Overcrowd

Cook in batches for the crispiest results.

Cool Completely

Apple chips become much crispier after cooling.

Flavor Variations

Maple Cinnamon

Replace the sugar with a light drizzle of maple syrup before air frying.

Pumpkin Spice

Substitute the cinnamon with:

• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice.

Vanilla Cinnamon

Add:

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

to the melted coconut oil before brushing the apples.

Caramel Apple

Dust the finished chips with a little caramel-flavored seasoning or serve with a light caramel yogurt dip.

Spiced Chai

Mix:

• Cinnamon
• Cardamom
• Ginger
• Cloves

for a warm chai-inspired flavor.

What to Serve With

Dips

• Greek yogurt
• Peanut butter
• Almond butter
• Caramel dip
• Vanilla yogurt

Pair With

• Cheese board
• Trail mix
• Oatmeal
• Smoothie bowls

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

For maximum crispness, add a food-safe silica packet if available.

Refrigerator

Not recommended, as moisture may soften the chips.

Freezer

Freezing is not recommended.

Nutrition Information

Per Serving (Approximate)

Frequently Asked Questions

Which apples are best?

Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, Pink Lady, and Granny Smith all produce excellent chips.

Do I need to peel the apples?

No. The peel adds fiber, color, and helps the slices hold their shape.

Why aren’t my chips crispy?

They may be sliced too thick or need a few extra minutes of cooking. Remember, they also crisp up significantly as they cool.

Can I make them without sugar?

Absolutely! The natural sweetness of the apples is often enough.

Can I use parchment paper?

Yes, as long as it’s designed for air fryers and doesn’t block airflow.

Recipe Notes

✅ Naturally sweet and wholesome.

✅ Kid-friendly snack.

✅ No deep frying required.

✅ Great for meal prep.

✅ Easy to customize with spices.

Make-Ahead Tip

Slice the apples just before cooking to prevent browning. If preparing ahead, keep the slices in cold water with a splash of lemon juice, then dry them thoroughly before seasoning.

Serving Suggestion

Serve the apple chips alongside Greek yogurt, peanut butter, or a warm cup of tea for a cozy afternoon snack. They’re also delicious crumbled over oatmeal or yogurt parfaits. 🍎✨

Chef’s Secret

After the apple chips have cooled completely, sprinkle them with a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt. The subtle saltiness enhances the apples’ natural sweetness and makes the cinnamon flavor even more vibrant—just like gourmet fruit chips. 😋🍎🍂

FAQs

Can I use red or green apples?

Yes! Sweet apples like Honeycrisp and Fuji produce sweeter chips, while Granny Smith apples create a pleasantly tart snack.

Why are some chips soft and others crispy?

Apple slices vary in thickness and moisture content. Remove thinner slices first and continue cooking thicker ones for a few extra minutes if needed.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but cook the chips in batches to avoid overlapping, which prevents even crisping.

Are these chips healthy?

Yes! They’re naturally rich in fiber, contain no deep-frying oil, and can be made without added sugar for a wholesome snack.

Can I use these as a topping?

Absolutely! Crush the chips and sprinkle them over oatmeal, yogurt, smoothie bowls, pancakes, waffles, or ice cream for a delicious crunchy finish.