Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apple Rings Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade air fryer cinnamon sugar apple rings with this easy baking recipe. These quick, healthier treats use minimal oil while delivering maximum flavor. Perfect for beginners seeking the taste of apple pie without the fuss, these crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside rings are irresistible!

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

8 mins

Serves:

4 servings (about 16-20 rings)

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 large firm apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">60g granulated sugar</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp ground cinnamon</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">5g corn starch</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Cooking spray or 5ml neutral oil</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Pinch of salt</li> </ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving

🔥 Calories: 120 calories

🥑 Fat: 1 g

🧈 Saturated Fat: 0.2 g

🍞 Carbohydrates: 28 g

🍭 Sugar: 23 g

🍗 Protein: 0.5 g

🫀 Cholesterol: 0 mg

🧂 Sodium: 5 mg

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Apple corer</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Sharp knife</li> </ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Wash and thoroughly dry your apples. Using an apple corer, remove the cores from each apple. If you don't have an apple corer, cut the apples in half and carefully carve out the core with a small knife. Slice the apples horizontally into rings approximately 0.5cm thick. For even cooking, try to maintain a consistent thickness for all your rings. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. The salt may seem unusual, but it actually enhances the sweetness and brings out the apple flavor without making the dish taste salty. Set this cinnamon-sugar mixture aside. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Place the apple rings in a large bowl and sprinkle with corn starch, gently tossing to coat each ring evenly. The corn starch helps create a crispy exterior by absorbing excess moisture from the apples as they cook. This is a key step for achieving that perfect texture! </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Preheat your air fryer to 180°C for about 3 minutes. While it's preheating, lightly spray the apple rings with cooking spray or brush with a very thin layer of oil. This small amount of fat helps the cinnamon sugar adhere and promotes browning without deep-frying. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Arrange the apple rings in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. You'll likely need to work in batches. The single layer ensures air can circulate around each ring, creating that perfect crispy exterior. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Cook at 180°C for 4 minutes, then carefully flip each ring and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they're golden brown and slightly crisp at the edges. Keep a close eye on them toward the end as they can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt quickly. The exact time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> While the rings are still hot, immediately toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated. The residual heat helps the sugar mixture stick to the apple rings and partially melt, creating a delicious glaze-like coating. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Transfer to a serving plate and let cool for just 1-2 minutes before enjoying. These apple rings are best served warm when they're at their crispiest. They'll soften as they cool but will remain delicious! If you'd like to make these extra special, serve with a small bowl of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dipping. </li> </ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apple Rings Recipe?

This recipe uses 2 large firm apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala), 60g granulated sugar, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, 5g corn starch, cooking spray or 5ml neutral oil, and a pinch of salt to create these delicious crispy treats.

How to cook Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apple Rings Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Apple Rings by slicing cored apples into 0.5cm rings, coating them in cornstarch, spraying with oil, and air frying at 180°C for about 8 minutes (flipping halfway). While still hot, toss in cinnamon sugar mixture for a perfectly crispy, sweet treat that tastes like apple pie without the guilt!

Which apple varieties work best for air-fried cinnamon rings?

Firm varieties with a good balance of sweetness and tartness yield the best results. Granny Smith provides tartness that balances the sweet coating, while Honeycrisp and Gala offer natural sweetness and hold their shape well during cooking without becoming mushy.

Can I make these apple treats without an air fryer?

Yes! While an air fryer delivers optimal crispiness, you can bake these on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 190°C for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. Alternatively, pan-fry in a non-stick skillet with minimal oil for 2-3 minutes per side until golden.

How do I store leftover cinnamon apple rings and keep them crispy?

Allow rings to cool completely before storing in an airtight container lined with paper towels at room temperature for up to 2 days. To restore crispiness, reheat in the air fryer at 160°C for 1-2 minutes. Refrigeration is not recommended as it makes them soggy.

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