Table of Contents
Healthy air fryer cinnamon apple chips are just the ticket when you crave a crisp snack but don’t want to mess with oven drama or load up on junk. After one too many afternoons wasting money on those sad bags of store apple chips (the chewy ones, you know the ones I mean), I figured I’d give making my own a try. Plus, hovering over the air fryer seeing the apples do their crispy magic? Some weirdly satisfying kitchen therapy. If you’ve got apples, cinnamon, and a few minutes, you’re already halfway there. And yes, your whole house is about to smell like an autumn candle. No complaints here, right? 
How to make apple chips in the air fryer?
Let’s get right to the burning question. How can you make outrageously crispy, sweet-tart apple chips in the air fryer without burning or babysitting every ten seconds? Friend, it’s much simpler than you think. All you really need are fresh apples, a dusting of cinnamon, and a tiny splash of oil—if you want them real extra. Honestly, my first time out, I let the slices go a little long. Still edible (maybe a bit like fruit jerky), but now I know the sweet spot.
You start by picking the right apples. Fuji and Honeycrisp are my apples of choice for a snappy chip, but Granny Smith has this tangy twist that’s perfect if you like things a little less sweet. Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to get thin slices—the thinner, the better for extra crunch (careful, though, mandolines bite!).
Once sliced, smush those slices in a bowl, sprinkle with cinnamon, a little sugar if your sweet tooth is yelling, then lay them out in a single layer in your air fryer. Don’t pile them or they steam instead of crisp. Somewhere around 300°F (give or take because air fryers are moody) for about 10 to 15 minutes, flip halfway. And keep eyes peeled at the end because they go from soft to chip to burnt-in-a-flash real quick. 
Variations of this recipe
Okay, so the air fryer apple chips basic version is foolproof, but there are so many riffs! Sometimes I throw a bit of nutmeg in the cinnamon for a hit of winter spice. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of pumpkin spice feels like you’re eating fall on a plate. I’ve even tossed mine with a little maple syrup before air frying when feeling fancy.
Kids going wild for sour? Squeeze on a bit of lemon juice before the cinnamon, plus a dust of tart apple powder (if you can find it). You can use pears instead of apples—no judgment—just slice them up and treat them the same. And, oh, for a grown-up twist: a pinch of cayenne with the cinnamon is fabulous. Best with cider on the side, trust me.
If you like sneaky healthy snacks, you’ll wanna check out Delicious apple cider recipe for weight loss or Delicious healthy pumpkin muffins with oat flour for more cozy-season treats. 
Step By Step Instructions
First things first, grab two nice big apples. Wash them well, core if you’ve got picky eaters, or just go for rustic and leave it in. Slice those apples into thin rings—about a dime thick or thinner. Don’t peel, unless you just can’t stand the skin. Toss them in a bowl with half a teaspoon of cinnamon. No need to drown them, just a dust works. If your apples aren’t that sweet, toss in a teaspoon of sugar. Only a smidge of oil, or skip if you want ultra-healthy.
Preheat your air fryer (most skip this, but you’ll notice a difference). Lay apples flat in your air fryer basket, don’t overlap, or you’ll get rubber chips. Set the air fryer to 300°F for 8 minutes, flip the apples (tongs or just shake the basket like a rebel), and cook another 7-8 minutes. Peek after 6 if your machine runs hot.
Pull them when they’re crisp but not dark brown. Let them chill on a rack for max crunch. And that’s it. If you’re a big snacker, double up the batch. I stash mine in glass jars (if they last that long, and sometimes—let’s be honest—they really don’t).
“These air fryer cinnamon apple chips taste better than anything from the store. My picky teen ate the whole first batch before I could blink.” – Monica Jackson, loyal reader
Expert Tips
I’ve made these healthy air fryer cinnamon apple chips more times than I can count (once with five apples, wild, I know). Here’s what I’ve figured out:
- Too thick? You’ll get chewy, not chips. Thinner slices are your friend.
- Want extra crunch? Let them cool completely after air frying.
- Don’t crowd the basket. Give those apple slices their space!
- Spritzing with a bit of lemon juice keeps them from browning, and adds pop.
If you’re planning on a snack bonanza, batch them up and keep in an airtight container. They’ll stay crisp a couple of days. But let’s be real—they never last that long for me.
By the way, for a protein-filled dinner after all that snacking, peek at 30 Tasty Air Fryer High Protein Recipes for Busy Weeknights. It’s full of inspiration so you’re not just living on apple chips.
| Ingredient | Amount | Nutritional Info (per serving) |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Apples | 2 medium | Approx. 95 calories, 25g carbs |
| Cinnamon | ½ tsp | Approx. 3 calories |
| Sugar (optional) | 1 tsp | Approx. 16 calories |
| Oil (for crispy texture) | ½ tsp | Approx. 2 calories |
Other Related Apple Recipes
Apples are a lifesaver around my house, not even kidding. When we’re not cranking out air fryer cinnamon apple chips, I love making the Delicious healthy Greek yogurt chocolate chip cookies—the applesauce in those makes for mega soft cookies.
For cozy nights, I’ll throw together a quick crumble, and if you like lower sugar, Delicious berry crumble low sugar healthy easy is worth every crumb. If you’ve got leftover apples, throw some in your oatmeal or onto these cookies with abandon.
Bored of apples (impossible but whatever)? Snag some pear slices, toss with cinnamon, and treat them exactly the same in the air fryer. Or you can branch out with roasted bananas and even peach slices if you’re feeling summery.
Common Questions
Q: Can you store air fryer apple chips for later?
A: Sure can, just let them cool and pop in an airtight container. They’ll stay crisp for 2-3 days—unless you eat them all first.
Q: What’s the best apple for apple chips?
A: Fuji or Honeycrisp are classic, but Granny Smith adds a little tart twist. Pretty much any apple works, just slice nice and thin.
Q: Do you need to peel the apples?
A: Nope, unless you’re not a fan of the skin. I leave mine on for extra fiber (plus, less work).
Q: My chips came out chewy, what did I do?
A: Probably sliced them too thick or didn’t cook long enough. Try slicing thinner and give ’em a couple more minutes next batch.
Q: Can I add sugar substitutes or different spices?
A: Yup! Monk fruit, coconut sugar, even pumpkin pie spice or a pinch of cayenne if you dare.
Apple Chips You Have to Try – Just Saying
Crispy, healthy air fryer cinnamon apple chips are seriously a five-star restaurant snack hiding in your own kitchen. They’re quick, customizable, and make your whole house smell ridiculous in the best way. Want more ideas? Make sure to check out Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Chips – The Chunky Chef for more kitchen magic, or get that sweet fix with Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Apple Chips — Jazz Leaf. Craving a wild twist? Pair your chips with the chocolate tahini dip from Crispy Air Fryer Apple Chips | Craving Something Healthy.
Give these a whirl—you won’t look at boring bagged snacks the same way ever again. Go get those apples and thank yourself later!
Print
Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Chips
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Healthy air fryer cinnamon apple chips are a quick, crisp snack that’s easy to make and perfect for satisfying your cravings without the hassle.
Ingredients
- 2 medium Fresh Apples
- ½ tsp Cinnamon
- 1 tsp Sugar (optional)
- ½ tsp Oil (for crispy texture)
Instructions
- Wash and core the apples. Slice them into thin rings, about a dime thick, leaving the skin on.
- Toss the apple slices in a bowl with ½ tsp of cinnamon. Add 1 tsp of sugar if desired.
- Preheat the air fryer and lay the apple slices flat in the basket, without overlapping them.
- Set the air fryer to 300°F and cook for 8 minutes. Flip the apples and continue cooking for another 7-8 minutes, checking for crispness.
- Remove the chips when they are crisp but not dark brown. Let them cool on a rack before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add nutmeg, lemon juice, or even a pinch of cayenne. Store in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American