Nothing says Christmas like the smell of cinnamon apples wafting through the house! These air fryer cinnamon apple chips have become my go-to holiday snack – they’re ridiculously easy to make and disappear faster than Santa’s cookies at our house. I first tried making them when my niece (who’s allergic to nuts) needed a safe treat for her school Christmas party. Now they’re a tradition! Just 3 simple ingredients transform into crispy, sweet chips that feel indulgent but are actually good for you. Perfect for nibbling while wrapping presents or as a light dessert after heavy holiday meals. The best part? Your whole kitchen smells like Christmas while they cook!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Chips
Oh my gosh, where do I even start? These apple chips are seriously addictive, and here’s why:
- Crazy easy: Just slice, sprinkle, and air fry – done in 20 minutes flat!
- Healthy magic: All the crunch of potato chips but with actual nutrition (take that, holiday guilt!)
- Kid-approved: My picky nephew calls them “Christmas candy” and begs for more
- Festive vibes: That cinnamon-apple aroma will have everyone gathering in the kitchen
Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making batch after batch all season long! If you love quick snacks, check out my guide on quick air fryer snack potato chips.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Chips
You won’t believe how just three simple ingredients make something so magical! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 medium apples (I love Honeycrisp or Fuji – pick your favorite!)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (the good stuff – it makes all the difference)
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, but gives that extra holiday sparkle)
That’s it! No fancy ingredients, no complicated prep. Just make sure your apples are sliced nice and thin (about 1/8 inch) so they crisp up perfectly in the air fryer.
How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Chips
Okay, let’s get to the fun part! Making these apple chips is so simple you’ll wonder why you haven’t been doing it all along. Here’s exactly how I do it:
Step 1: Prep the Apples
First, wash those apples really well – we’re keeping the skins on for extra nutrition and pretty color! Now, grab your mandoline if you have one (trust me, it’s worth digging it out of the cabinet). Slice them about 1/8 inch thick – thin enough to crisp up but not so thin they’ll burn. No mandoline? No worries! Just use your sharpest knife and take your time. Remove any seeds you see as you go.
Step 2: Season and Cook
Toss your apple slices with the cinnamon and sugar (if using) in a big bowl until they’re all coated like little Christmas ornaments. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F – this helps them crisp up evenly. Arrange the slices in a single layer (no overlapping or they’ll steam instead of crisp!). Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Watch them closely toward the end – they go from perfect to burnt fast! Let them cool completely before serving (the hardest part – I know!).
Pro tip: If your air fryer basket is small, work in batches. It’s worth the wait for perfectly crispy chips every time! For more air fryer tips, check out this general recipe hub.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Chips
After making approximately a zillion batches (okay, maybe just dozens), here are my foolproof tips for apple chip perfection:
- Slice twins: Keep those apple slices identical in thickness – I use a mandoline’s #2 setting for perfect 1/8-inch slices every time
- The flip test: At 5 minutes, peek and flip – they should be just starting to curl at the edges like little smiles
- No crowding! Give each slice personal space – I do max two layers if I’m impatient (but one is truly best)
- Cool completely: They crisp up as they cool – resist eating them straight from the basket!
Store any leftovers (ha!) in an airtight container with parchment between layers. They’ll stay crispy for 3 days… if they last that long!
Variations for Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Chips
Want to mix things up? Try these fun twists!
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom with the cinnamon for extra warmth
- Sweet alternatives: Swap sugar for honey or maple syrup – just brush it on lightly
- Apple adventures: Granny Smiths give tart crunch, while Galas stay extra sweet
My personal favorite? Adding orange zest with the cinnamon – tastes like Christmas in every bite! If you are interested in the health benefits of cinnamon, you can read more about it here.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Chips
Oh, the possibilities! These chips aren’t just for snacking straight from the bowl (though I won’t judge!). Try them:
- Crumbled over vanilla yogurt for a breakfast treat
- Stacked on holiday charcuterie boards between cheeses
- As oatmeal toppers with a drizzle of caramel
For extra Christmas cheer, arrange them in wreath shapes on platters – so pretty! These pair wonderfully with a cheesy appetizer if you need more party food.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Pop any leftover chips (if you’re lucky enough to have some!) in an airtight container with parchment between layers – they’ll stay crispy for 3 days. To refresh, just air fry at 350°F for 1-2 minutes – good as new!
Nutritional Information
Just so you know, these numbers are estimates (apples vary in size!). Per serving (about half the batch): 80 calories, 15g natural sugar from the apples, and a happy 3g fiber. Not bad for something that tastes like dessert! For general information on the fiber content in apples, check out this resource on dietary fiber.
Frequently Asked Questions
I get asked about these apple chips all the time! Here are the answers to the questions that pop up most often:
Can I use other spices? Absolutely! Nutmeg, allspice, or even pumpkin pie spice work beautifully with the cinnamon. Just keep the total amount about the same (1 tsp).
How thin should the slices be? Aim for 1/8 inch – about the thickness of two stacked quarters. Too thick and they won’t crisp properly; too thin and they’ll burn.
Can I bake these instead? You sure can! Bake at 200°F for about 2 hours, flipping halfway. But honestly? The air fryer gives better results in a fraction of the time.
Do I need to peel the apples? Nope! The skins add nice color and extra fiber. Just wash them well first.
Why aren’t my chips crispy? Usually means they were sliced too thick or the air fryer was overcrowded. Next time, go thinner and cook in smaller batches!
Share Your Experience
Did your family go crazy for these like mine does? Snap a pic and tag me – I love seeing your Christmas kitchen creations! Your notes help other home cooks too.
Print
3-Ingredient Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Chips for Christmas Magic
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and sweet cinnamon apple chips made in an air fryer. Perfect for a healthy Christmas snack.
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples (any variety)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Wash and thinly slice the apples (about 1/8 inch thick).
- Toss the apple slices with cinnamon and sugar (if using).
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange the apple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Use a mandoline for even slices.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Adjust cooking time based on thickness.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American