If you’re craving a sweet, crispy snack that feels like a cozy hug, this Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine tender apple slices, perfectly coated in a cinnamon-sugar crunch, cooked to golden perfection in your air fryer. It’s a delightful treat that’s easy to make, healthier than traditional frying methods, and bursting with warm, comforting flavors. Whether you want a quick dessert, a fun snack for the kids, or a charming addition to your brunch table, this recipe has you covered with minimal fuss and maximum yum.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s not just delicious but also beautifully textured and fragrant. Each component plays its part, whether it’s giving structure, moisture, or that nostalgic cinnamon sweetness that makes apple rings irresistible.
- 2 large apples: The star of the show, choose crisp varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for the best bite and natural sweetness.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Helps create a light, crispy coating that holds onto the cinnamon sugar perfectly.
- 2 large eggs: They bind the flour and cinnamon sugar to the apple rings, ensuring every bite is delightfully coated.
- 3 tablespoons milk: Added to the eggs, it lightens the batter for a tender finish.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, sweet aroma that elevates the flavor.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Blends with cinnamon to give a sparkly and sweet crust.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: This warms the flavor profile and gives the rings their signature spicy sweetness.
- 1/8 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, for brushing): Adds a rich finish and helps the cinnamon sugar stick.
- Nonstick spray (for air fryer): Essential for crisp, non-greasy apple rings without sticking.
How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the apples
Start by coring your apples and slicing them into even 1/4-inch thick rings. If you prefer, peel them for a softer texture. Pat each ring dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which ensures a crispy coating later on.
Step 2: Set up the coating stations
Organize three shallow bowls to make the process smooth: one with the flour and salt mixed together, another with eggs, milk, and vanilla beaten until blended, and the third with 2 tablespoons of sugar combined with 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Keep the remaining sugar-cinnamon mix for dusting after cooking.
Step 3: Coat the apple rings
Dip each apple ring first into the flour mixture, ensuring a light but full coating. Then, submerge it into the egg and milk blend, allowing excess to drip off, before tossing it in the cinnamon sugar mixture to get a perfectly sweet and spiced covering.
Step 4: Preheat and prep your air fryer
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Arrange the coated apple rings in a single layer—don’t overcrowd them to get that lovely crisp finish.
Step 5: Air fry the rings
Cook the rings for 5 to 7 minutes per side, flipping carefully halfway through. Watch as they turn golden brown and crisp. The aroma of cinnamon and baked apples will fill your kitchen—it’s a truly inviting scent.
Step 6: Add the buttery cinnamon sugar finish
While the apple rings are still warm, brush them with melted butter. Then toss them gently in the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture to create a dazzling, sticky coating that shines with flavor and texture.
Step 7: Serve immediately
These cinnamon apple rings are best enjoyed fresh and warm, when the coating is crisp and the apples still tender but firm. Serve right away to savor that perfect balance of crunch and fruitiness.
How to Serve Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness. Fresh mint leaves or a dollop of whipped cream can add a refreshing contrast and make each bite feel more special.
Side Dishes
Pair these apple rings with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a cup of Greek yogurt with honey, or alongside hearty oatmeal for a sweet twist. They also work beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or spiced chai tea for cozy mornings or afternoons.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, thread the apple rings onto wooden skewers and serve them as skewered treats. You can even stack them on a dessert plate like mini apple doughnuts for a charming tabletop centerpiece that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover cinnamon apple rings, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. To keep them from losing their crispness, avoid stacking them directly on top of each other.
Freezing
While these apple rings are best fresh, you can freeze them for convenience. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
Reheating
To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the apple rings for 3 to 5 minutes. This will restore their crispy texture without drying out the tender apples, bringing them back to life with that lovely cinnamon aroma.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?
Yes, but apples that hold their shape well, like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith, work best. They provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness and won’t turn mushy after air frying.
Is it necessary to peel the apples?
Peeling is optional and depends on your texture preference. Leaving the peel on adds extra fiber and a bit of chew, while peeling creates a softer bite and smoother coating.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure your blend includes a binding agent to help the coating stick properly.
How crispy do the apple rings get in the air fryer?
They achieve a delightful crispness on the outside while retaining a tender and juicy apple center. The air fryer creates a golden crust that mimics frying but uses much less oil.
Can I add other spices besides cinnamon?
Definitely! You can mix in nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, or even a pinch of ground ginger to add a unique twist to the cinnamon sugar coating. It’s a great way to customize the flavors.
Final Thoughts
I promise, once you try this Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe, it will quickly become a go-to snack or dessert that you love making again and again. The combination of golden, crispy edges with tender, fragrant apple slices is simply irresistible. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for sharing with family or friends. So grab your air fryer, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a little bit of fall magic any time of the year!
Print
Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these crispy and sweet Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings, a healthier twist on a classic treat. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and lightly coated in a crispy batter, these apple rings are air-fried to golden perfection in just 20 minutes. Enjoy them warm as a comforting snack or dessert that’s easy to make and irresistible.
Ingredients
Apples
- 2 large apples
Batter and Coating
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Finishing
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
- Nonstick spray (for air fryer)
Instructions
- Prepare Apple Rings: Core the apples and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rings. You can peel the apples if you prefer. Pat each ring dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating stick better.
- Set Up Dredging Bowls: Prepare three shallow bowls: the first bowl with the flour and salt mixed together; the second with eggs, milk, and vanilla extract whisked until smooth; and the third with 2 tablespoons of sugar combined with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Reserve the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture for later dusting.
- Coat the Apple Rings: Dip each apple ring first into the flour mixture, then into the egg-milk mixture, and finally coat it thoroughly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place the coated rings on a tray, making sure they don’t stick together.
- Preheat and Prepare Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray to ensure the apple rings don’t stick during cooking.
- Air Fry the Rings: Arrange the apple rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Air fry for 5 to 7 minutes on one side until golden and crisp, then carefully flip each ring and air fry for an additional 5 to 7 minutes on the other side.
- Add Finishing Touches: While the apple rings are still hot, brush them with melted unsalted butter. Then, generously toss them in the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture (using the reserved 1/3 cup sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon) to give them a sparkling, sweet finish.
- Serve Warm: Serve the apple rings immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor. Enjoy them as a cozy snack or delightful dessert.
Notes
- Peeling the apples is optional; leaving the skin on adds extra fiber and texture.
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best results that hold their shape during air frying.
- Make sure the apple rings are dry before coating to help the batter adhere better.
- Flip the apple rings carefully with tongs or a spatula to avoid breaking them.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest texture, as they may soften if left to sit.
- You can adjust the cinnamon and sugar to taste for more or less sweetness.
