Save My neighbor knocked on the door one afternoon with a bag of apples from their orchard, and I suddenly had this impulse to do something different than pie or sauce. I'd been scrolling through air fryer videos that week, half-convinced they were just a kitchen fad, but something about the idea of turning thin apple slices into crispy, golden chips felt like pure magic. That first batch came out of the machine still warm, and the smell alone—cinnamon mingling with caramelized apple—made me forget I was even trying to be healthy about it.
I brought a container of these to a book club once, mostly as an afterthought, and they disappeared before anyone even opened the first chapter. One friend asked if I'd bought them from some fancy health food place, and I loved that moment of getting to say, 'Actually, I made them.' It shifted something—this simple recipe became my go-to when I wanted to contribute something that felt both effortless and thoughtful.
Ingredients
- Apples: Pick varieties with natural sweetness and crispness like Fuji or Honeycrisp, though Granny Smith works beautifully if you want tartness to cut through the sugar.
- Granulated Sugar: The sweetness that caramelizes just slightly at the edges and clings to every chip—don't skip this layer of flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon: This isn't just a garnish; it brings warmth and depth that transforms simple apple into something memorable.
- Olive Oil Spray: Optional but worth considering if you like your chips extra crispy with that delicate, shattering texture.
Instructions
- Prepare Your Apples:
- Wash and core your apples, then slice them into thin rounds about 1/8-inch thick using a sharp knife or, if you have one, a mandoline slicer for consistency. The thinner you go, the crispier they'll become—aim for almost translucent if your knife skills allow.
- Mix Your Cinnamon Sugar:
- In a small bowl, stir together the sugar and cinnamon until well combined. This simple mixture is your seasoning magic, so don't rush it.
- Set Up Your Air Fryer:
- If using oil spray, give your air fryer basket a light coat to help the chips achieve that extra golden crispness. You don't need much—just a whisper of it.
- Arrange and Season:
- Lay your apple slices in a single layer across the basket (they can overlap slightly but shouldn't be stacked), then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar generously over the top. Work in batches if needed rather than crowding the basket.
- First Round of Cooking:
- Set your air fryer to 350°F and cook for 7 to 8 minutes. You'll start to smell that sweet, toasty aroma—that's your cue to move to the next step.
- Flip and Finish:
- Open the basket, carefully flip each slice, and return to cook for another 5 to 7 minutes until the chips are golden and crisp. Check them after 5 minutes; every air fryer runs a bit differently, and you don't want them to darken too much.
- Cool and Crisp:
- Transfer the chips to a wire rack immediately so they cool in the air and crisp up even further. They'll harden as they sit, and this final step makes all the difference in texture.
Save My daughter came home from school one day stressed about a nutrition project, and I suggested we make these together. Watching her slice apples with focus, the kitchen filling with cinnamon steam, and then her face light up when they came out crispy—that's when I realized this recipe had become more than a snack. It was a moment we could share, something we made with our hands that tasted like care.
Thickness Matters More Than You Think
I learned this the hard way when I got lazy and sliced too thick—they came out chewy instead of crispy, almost like baked apple instead of a chip. Going back to my mandoline slicer and aiming for that paper-thin consistency changed everything. The thinner the apple, the faster it loses its moisture, and that's exactly what you want.
The Temperature Sweet Spot
I've tried 325°F and 375°F out of curiosity, but 350°F is genuinely the Goldilocks zone. Too low and they dry out without crisping; too high and the sugar caramelizes too aggressively, leaving bitter burnt edges. Stick with 350°F unless you're experimenting, and even then, adjust your flipping time accordingly.
Storage and Serving Ideas
These chips taste best eaten the same day, but I've kept them in an airtight container for three days without major disappointment. Just don't store them with anything damp or they'll soften. They're wonderful solo as a afternoon pick-me-up, but they also pair beautifully with plain yogurt, scattered over a cheese board, or dunked into a warm cup of tea.
- Cool them completely before storing, or condensation will soften them into submission.
- If they do soften over a day or two, a quick 5-minute refresh in a 300°F air fryer brings back the crunch.
- Double the recipe and share them—they're the kind of gift that feels personal without being complicated.
Save There's something deeply satisfying about turning two apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon into something that tastes like it took hours. Give this recipe a try and watch it become one of those things you make again and again.
Kitchen Help
- → What type of apples work best for the chips?
Crisp apple varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp are ideal for achieving a crunchy texture and sweet flavor.
- → Can I use a substitute for the cinnamon sugar?
Yes, you can adjust the sweetness by reducing sugar or trying alternatives like coconut sugar or sugar substitutes.
- → How do I ensure the chips come out crispy?
Thin slices and spreading them in a single layer help ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness. Flipping halfway through is also key.
- → Is it necessary to peel the apples before slicing?
Peeling is not required; keeping the skin adds texture and nutrients while contributing to the chips' crispness.
- → How should I store the chips after cooking?
Store cooled chips in an airtight container to maintain their crispness for up to three days.
