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These Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Chips are a standout snack—simple to prepare, naturally sweet, and irresistibly crisp.
What makes this recipe so appealing is its clean ingredient list and quick cook time.
With just one apple, cinnamon, and a touch of sugar, you get a crunchy, guilt-free snack that satisfies sweet cravings without processed junk.
Perfect for health-conscious eaters, these chips are low in fat, free of preservatives, and contain zero added oils when using a light cooking spray.
Apples are naturally rich in dietary fiber and antioxidants, making this snack great for digestion and heart health.
The air fryer technique keeps things quick and efficient while avoiding the saturated fats typical of fried snacks.
Whether you’re prepping a lunchbox addition, looking for a post-workout bite, or needing a wholesome on-the-go nibble, these apple chips are a crunchy, crave-worthy everyday option—no dehydrator required.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
COSORI Pro II Air Fryer
Perfect for evenly cooking apple slices to a golden crisp, this air fryer delivers consistent heat circulation. Its wide basket allows for batch cooking, making it ideal for air-fried snacks and healthy meals alike.
OXO Good Grips Hand-Held Mandoline Slicer
Ensures uniform, thin apple slices (1/8-inch) for even crisping. A mandoline speeds up prep time and ensures professional-looking results with minimal effort—ideal for fruits, veggies, or potatoes.
Misto Oil Sprayer
For a light, even coating of oil without over-saturating your food. This reusable sprayer offers a healthier, eco-friendly alternative to store-bought aerosol sprays and is great for all your air fryer needs.
Nordic Ware Stackable Cooling Rack
Helps apple chips cool and crisp properly after air frying. Its elevated design promotes air circulation, making it essential not only for cooling but also for oven baking or glazing.
Anchor Hocking Glass Mixing Bowls
Great for mixing cinnamon sugar or prepping apple slices. Durable, microwave-safe, and endlessly versatile, these bowls are kitchen staples you’ll use daily for cooking, baking, or meal prep.
Cinnamon Apple Chips
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer (e.g., COSORI Pro II or similar)
- 1 Mandoline Slicer or sharp chef’s knife
- 1 small mixing bowl
- 1 Cooking Spray Bottle or non-stick spray
- (1) Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 large red apple such as Red Delicious
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Cooking spray for coating the air fryer basket
Instructions
- Slice the Apple Thinly: Wash and core the apple, then slice it into very thin rounds—about 1/8 inch thick. Remove any seeds you see in the center. Arrange the slices in a single layer on a flat surface, such as a cutting board or tray.
- Mix the Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and cinnamon until well combined. This will be your seasoning blend for the chips.
- Season the Apple Slices: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over both sides of the apple slices, making sure each slice is lightly coated for full flavor.
- Prep the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly mist the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Carefully arrange the seasoned apple slices in the basket, spacing them out as much as possible to allow for airflow. Avoid overlapping or stacking them too closely.
- Air Fry Until Crisp: Set your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Cook the apple slices for a total of 15–20 minutes, turning them every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. As the cooking time progresses, check more frequently to prevent burning and achieve the perfect golden color. The chips should look lightly browned and feel mostly crisp.
- Cool to Final Crispiness: Transfer the apple chips to a wire cooling rack and let them sit for several minutes. As they cool, they will continue to crisp up to their final texture. Enjoy immediately for the best crunch.
Notes
- Batch Cooking Tip: If you’re making more than one apple’s worth, cook the slices in multiple batches. Overcrowding the basket can lead to soggy chips.
- Chips Flying Around? Lightweight apple slices might move around inside the air fryer. To keep them in place, you can place a small metal rack over the top of the slices during cooking.
- Oven Option Available: Don’t have an air fryer? You can bake the apple chips at 200°F (93°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment, lay out the seasoned apple slices, and bake for 1 hour, then flip and continue baking for another 60 to 90 minutes. Let them cool in the turned-off oven for an extra hour to achieve crispness.
- Storage Tip: While these are best eaten fresh, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container for 1–2 days. If they soften, pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes to re-crisp.
Chef’s Secrets for Crispy Success
The secret to irresistibly crispy apple chips lies in uniform slicing and proper airflow.
Use a mandoline slicer to ensure each slice is exactly 1/8-inch thick—this consistency helps the chips cook evenly and crisp up at the same rate.
Another essential trick is to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; the apples need space around them to dry out properly.
If you’re cooking multiple batches, resist the urge to stack slices on top of one another.
Also, tossing the slices every few minutes promotes even browning and prevents burning, especially during the last few minutes of cooking. Lastly, don’t skip the cooling step!
As the chips cool on a wire rack, they finish crisping up, giving you that perfect crunch with every bite.
Delicious and Wholesome Serving Suggestions
These cinnamon apple chips are incredibly versatile and make a satisfying snack all on their own, especially when you’re craving something sweet without the guilt.
For a balanced snack, pair them with a handful of nuts or a spoonful of peanut butter or almond butter for added protein.
They also make a fantastic topper for breakfast dishes—sprinkle over oatmeal, smoothie bowls, or Greek yogurt for a crunchy finish.
Hosting a brunch or gathering? Serve these chips alongside a fall-themed cheese board with sharp cheddar, brie, and a drizzle of honey.
Their sweet and spiced flavor also makes them a family-friendly lunchbox treat.
Best Storage Tips to Keep Fresh
Although these air fryer apple chips are best enjoyed the same day for maximum crispiness, they can be stored if needed.
Let the chips cool completely before placing them in an airtight container—any trapped heat can cause condensation, which leads to sogginess.
Store them at room temperature for up to 2 days. If the chips lose their crunch, simply return them to the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 300°F to re-crisp.
Avoid refrigerating them, as moisture will soften them further.
For larger batches, store in individual snack-sized bags for convenient grab-and-go options throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe
1. Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! While Red Delicious apples work great for sweetness, you can also use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala for a slightly firmer texture and natural sweetness. For a tart contrast, try Granny Smith.
2. Do I need to peel the apples first?
No peeling is required! The peel adds fiber, nutrients, and a bit of extra texture. However, if you prefer a smoother chip, you can peel them—just be aware they may cook slightly faster.
3. My chips are soggy. What went wrong?
Chances are the slices were either too thick or the air fryer basket was overcrowded. Try slicing thinner and cooking in smaller batches. Also, allow them to cool fully, which helps them crisp up.
4. Can I make these sugar-free?
Yes! You can skip the granulated sugar entirely and just sprinkle with cinnamon. The natural sugars in the apple are often sweet enough on their own, especially when the apple variety is naturally sweet.
5. Can I use a dehydrator instead of an air fryer?
Yes, a dehydrator will work beautifully. Set it to 135°F and dry the apple slices for about 6–8 hours until fully crisp. The result will be slightly chewier than air-fried but still delicious.
This recipe is inspired by thechunkychef and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.