If you have a sweet tooth and a love for all things cozy, then this Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe is about to become your new go-to snack. Imagine crisp apple slices dipped in a cinnamon-sugar coating, air-fried to golden perfection, delivering that perfect balance of tender fruit and crunchy, spiced exterior without any deep frying mess. It’s an easy, delightful treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for anytime you want to satisfy a craving with something homemade and wholesome.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all it takes to whip up this delicious recipe. Each element has a distinct role, from the tartness and texture of fresh apples to the sweet, aromatic punch of cinnamon-sugar, creating layers of flavor and an irresistible crispy coating.
- 2 large apples: Choose firm apples for the best texture and easy slicing.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Helps the coating stick and crisp nicely in the air fryer.
- 2 large eggs: Acts as the perfect binder for the coating mix.
- 3 tablespoons milk: Adds moisture to help the egg mixture coat evenly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a subtle, warm sweetness to complement the cinnamon.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and caramelizes beautifully when air-fried.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The star spice that adds rich, fragrant warmth.
- 1/8 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, for brushing): Adds a luxurious finish and helps the cinnamon-sugar stick.
- Nonstick spray (for air fryer): Keeps the rings from sticking and promotes even cooking.
How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Apples
Start by coring and slicing your apples into 1/4-inch thick rings. Peeling is optional, depending on your texture preference, but leaving the skin on adds a lovely slight chew and extra nutrients. Then, pat each slice dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks beautifully.
Step 2: Set Up Your Dipping Bowls
Organize three shallow bowls: one with the all-purpose flour mixed with salt, one with eggs whisked together with milk and vanilla extract, and the last with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon. Save some cinnamon-sugar for a final dusting after air frying. This setup keeps the process seamless and ensures every apple ring gets perfectly coated.
Step 3: Coat the Apple Rings
Ready for some fun dipping? First, coat each apple ring in the flour mixture, which creates a dry base for the wet egg mixture. Next, dip into the egg mixture to add moisture, then dredge in the cinnamon-sugar to achieve that sweet, crunchy crust that makes these rings so irresistible.
Step 4: Prepare the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and generously spray the basket with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Arrange your coated apple rings in a single layer to give each piece enough space for the hot air to circulate and crisp up!
Step 5: Air Fry Until Golden and Crisp
Cook the rings for 5 to 7 minutes on one side, flip carefully using tongs, and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and crispy. The air fryer’s magic quickly turns these simple ingredients into a crunchy, cinnamony delight.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
While the rings are still hot, brush them with melted butter for rich flavor and to help the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture stick like sweet little crystals. This step transforms the apple rings into an extra-sparkly, tender, irresistible treat.
Step 7: Serve Immediately and Enjoy
The best way to enjoy this Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe is fresh and warm right out of the air fryer. They’re tender on the inside with a perfectly crisp, cinnamon-kissed crust. If you wait too long, the texture will soften, so dig in while they’re hot!
How to Serve Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little powdered sugar or drizzle honey over the top for a sweet accent that melts into the warm rings. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can turn these rings into an elegant dessert instantly.
Side Dishes
Pair your apple rings with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy snack, or serve alongside a bowl of vanilla yogurt for a balanced breakfast treat with a crispy twist. They also complement pork dishes beautifully if you want a sweet-savory combination at dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the rings on a serving platter and dust heavily with cinnamon sugar for a festive look. Thread several rings on a skewer to create a fun snack on the go or use them as donut “rings” around your favorite smoothie bowl for a playful breakfast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the apple rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep in mind they will soften over time, but you can refresh their crispness with a quick reheat.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for maintaining the crisp texture, but if you must, arrange the rings on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer bag for up to a month. When ready to eat, thaw briefly and reheat in the air fryer.
Reheating
Bring back the crispy magic by reheating the apple rings in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 to 5 minutes. This method makes them taste almost as good as freshly made and preserves the delightful crunchy coating.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! Firmer apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best to hold their shape and provide a nice tart contrast to the sweet cinnamon coating.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling is optional and comes down to personal preference. Leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients, but peeling will make the rings slightly softer.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can try swapping eggs with a flax or chia egg and using a plant-based milk to keep it vegan-friendly. Also, replace butter with a dairy-free alternative for brushing.
Why is the apple ring coating sometimes soggy?
If the coating ends up soggy, it usually means the apples were too wet or the air fryer basket was too crowded. Dry the slices thoroughly and give each ring space to crisp up evenly in the air fryer.
Can I add other spices besides cinnamon?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with nutmeg, pumpkin spice, or even a pinch of ginger to add a unique twist that suits your taste buds.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe is a true game changer for anyone looking for a quick, tasty, and wholesome treat. It’s wonderfully versatile, super simple to make, and packs cozy flavors that feel like a warm hug from a friend. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll find yourself reaching for these crispy apple rings again and again!
Print
Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy a quick and delicious treat with these Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these apple rings are coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture and air fried to golden perfection. Perfect as a snack or dessert, they combine the warmth of cinnamon with the natural sweetness of apples for a comforting bite.
Ingredients
Apple Rings
- 2 large apples
Breading Mixture
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Egg Wash
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (divided)
Finishing Touch
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
- Nonstick spray (for air fryer basket)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apple Rings: Core and slice the apples into 1/4-inch thick rings, peeling them if you prefer. Pat the slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which will help the coating stick better.
- Set Up Breading Stations: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with the flour mixed with salt, a second with the eggs whisked together with milk and vanilla extract, and the third with 2 tablespoons of sugar combined with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Reserve the remaining sugar and cinnamon mixture for dusting after frying.
- Coat the Apple Rings: Dip each apple ring first into the flour mixture, then into the egg wash, and finally into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring a thorough and even coating. Place the coated rings on a tray ready for air frying.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and spray the basket with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Air Fry the Rings: Arrange the coated apple rings in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 5–7 minutes on one side until golden and crisp. Flip the rings carefully and cook for another 5–7 minutes until both sides are crisp and golden brown.
- Add the Finishing Touch: While the rings are still hot, brush them generously with melted unsalted butter. Then toss them in the reserved cinnamon-sugar mixture for a sparkling, flavorful finish.
- Serve Warm: Serve the cinnamon apple rings immediately while warm to enjoy the best texture and flavor. They make a delightful snack or dessert.
Notes
- You can peel the apples if you prefer a smoother texture; however, leaving the skin on adds extra fiber.
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best results.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the rings in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Brush with butter while hot to help the cinnamon sugar stick and to add richness.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
