Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Chips (Easy, Crispy)

Get ready to savor the taste of fall with crispy, sweet, cinnamon-kissed Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Chips made with just two ingredients and zero deep-frying.

There’s nothing like the smell of cinnamon and apples to make a kitchen feel like autumn. These homemade apple chips turn a couple of fresh apples into a crunchy, naturally sweet snack in about 15 minutes — no oil, no preservatives, and no special equipment beyond your air fryer.

I’ve tested this recipe with everything from tart Granny Smith to sweet Honeycrisp, and the method below gives you crisp, golden chips every time. They’re a healthier swap for potato chips, they’re lunchbox- and toddler-friendly, and they double as a crunchy topping for yogurt, oatmeal, and salads.

Let’s make a batch.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Apple Chips

• Zero-waste friendly — a perfect way to use up extra apples.
• A genuinely healthy snack — no additives, no preservatives, and little to no added sugar. Great for lunchboxes and after-school cravings.
• Two-ingredient simple — just apples and cinnamon (sugar optional).
• Fast — ready in about 15 minutes, start to finish.
• No greasy mess — air frying skips the oil and cleanup of deep frying.
• Endlessly customizable — swap in nutmeg, pumpkin spice, or a savory chili-salt twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The full measurements and printable directions are in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• Apples — firm varieties hold up best. Granny Smith (tart), Honeycrisp, or Fuji (sweet) all work beautifully. Thinly sliced, they crisp up best.
• Ground cinnamon — the warm, aromatic backbone of the recipe.
• Sugar (optional) — a light dusting of granulated or brown sugar for sweeter chips. Skip it for a no-added-sugar snack.
• Cooking spray (optional) — a light mist helps the slices crisp without excess oil.

How to Make Apple Chips in the Air Fryer

Step 1: Wash and dry the apples. Leave the skin on for extra fiber, or peel if you prefer.

Step 2: Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice the apples into rounds about ⅛-inch thick. Even slices = even crisping.

Step 3: In a large bowl, toss the slices with ground cinnamon (and a little sugar, if using) until evenly coated.

Step 4: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes.

Step 5: Lay the slices in one layer in the basket without overlapping. Mist lightly with cooking spray if you like. Work in batches as needed.

Step 6: Cook 8–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp. Watch closely near the end — they go from golden to burnt fast.

Step 7: Transfer to a wire rack. The chips firm up further as they cool. Serve as a snack or a crunchy topping.

Best Apples for Apple Chips

For the crispiest results, choose firm apples. Granny Smith gives a tart, classic chip; Honeycrisp and Fuji lean sweeter; Red Delicious works in a pinch but is softer. Avoid mealy apples — they steam instead of crisp.

Flavor Variations

• Pumpkin spice — swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice.
• Apple pie — apple pie spice + a touch of brown sugar.
• Chai — a cardamom-forward chai blend.
• Maple — a light brush of maple syrup before air frying.
• Sweet-savory — a pinch of salt and a dusting of chili powder.

Pro Tips for Crispy Chips

• Store airtight — once fully cooled, a piece of parchment between layers keeps moisture out.
• Slice uniformly — a mandoline is your best friend; thinner = crispier.
• Don’t overcrowd — a single layer with space lets air circulate.
• Preheat first — it kickstarts the crisping.
• Flip halfway — even color on both sides.
• Cool on a rack — airflow keeps them crunchy.

Storage

Store cooled chips in an airtight container at room temperature — not the fridge or freezer, where moisture softens them. They’re crispest within a day or two. Add a small piece of parchment between layers to fight humidity.

Ways to Use Apple Chips

Beyond snacking, crumble them over oatmeal or yogurt, scatter on a fall salad, or use as a crunchy garnish for ice cream, apple pie, or cheesecake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make apple chips in the oven instead? Yes. Bake at 200°F (93°C) on a parchment-lined sheet for 1.5–2 hours until crisp. It’s slower than the air fryer but works well.

Are air fryer apple chips healthy? They’re a healthier alternative to most store-bought snacks — no preservatives, and a source of fiber and vitamins. They are calorie-dense, so watch portion sizes.

How do I keep apple chips crispy? Cool them fully, then store airtight at room temperature with parchment between layers. Avoid the fridge and freezer.

Why did my apple chips turn out soggy? Usually slices too thick, an un-preheated air fryer, or an overcrowded basket. Slice thin, preheat, and use a single layer.

Can I make these without sugar? Absolutely — apples are naturally sweet, so cinnamon alone makes a great no-added-sugar chip.

Can I use a dehydrator? Yes. Follow your dehydrator’s apple setting; it’s lower and slower but gives a similar result.

More Air Fryer Apple & Snack Recipes

• Air Fryer Banana Chips
• Air Fryer Dehydrated Blueberries
• Air Fryer Fried Apple Fries
• Air Fryer Apple Dumplings

Made these? Leave a ★ rating below and tag @forktospoon — I love seeing your chips!