If you’re craving a snack that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and delightfully crisp, then you’re in for a treat with this Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe. Imagine juicy apple slices coated in a lightly spiced cinnamon-sugar blend, air fried to golden perfection, creating a snack that’s irresistible, easy to whip up, and wonderfully comforting. Whether you want a quick dessert, a fun treat for the kids, or a cozy snack to enjoy with tea, this recipe is a simple way to bring warm, flavorful joy to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward, everyday ingredients that each play an important role in creating a crispy, flavorful delight. From the fresh apples to the aromatic cinnamon, every component works together for a perfectly balanced and beautifully textured result.
- 2 large apples: Firm, crisp apples work best to hold their shape and maintain a juicy bite after air frying.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Helps create a light coating that crisps up in the air fryer without being heavy.
- 2 large eggs: Acts as a binding agent to help the cinnamon-sugar coating stick nicely to every apple ring.
- 3 tablespoons milk: Adds moisture to the egg mixture for an even, smooth coating.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the batter.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and sparkle, both in the coating and for dusting after cooking.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The star spice, delivering the warm, comforting note that pairs perfectly with apples.
- 1/8 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors, balancing sweetness beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and helps the final cinnamon-sugar dusting stick while giving the rings a beautiful glaze.
- Nonstick spray (for air fryer): Essential for preventing sticking and ensuring your apple rings come out crisp and intact.
How to Make Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Rings
Start by coring your apples and slicing them into 1/4-inch thick rings. Peeling is optional, depending on your texture preference. After slicing, pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this helps the coating stick better and keeps the rings crisp.
Step 2: Set Up Your Coating Stations
Create three shallow bowls to streamline the dipping process. In the first, combine flour and salt. The second bowl should have whisked eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Finally, in the third, mix 2 tablespoons sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon for the initial coating. Reserve the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture for later use.
Step 3: Coat the Apple Rings
Dip each apple ring first into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s lightly dusted, then into the egg-milk mixture to lock in moisture, and finally coat it thoroughly with the cinnamon-sugar blend. Lay the coated rings on a tray, giving each ring a beautiful spiced cover that will crisp up perfectly.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer and Prepare the Basket
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). When ready, spray the basket with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and arrange the apple rings in a single layer. It’s important not to overcrowd the basket so the air can circulate and crisp the rings evenly.
Step 5: Air Fry the Rings
Cook the rings for 5 to 7 minutes on one side until golden and crisp, then flip them and cook an additional 5 to 7 minutes. This flipping step ensures an even, crunchy finish all around those dusted apple rings.
Step 6: Add the Final Glaze
While the rings are still hot, brush them gently with melted unsalted butter to add richness and moisture. Then toss the rings in the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture, giving them a sparkling, sweet finish that’s simply irresistible.
Step 7: Serve While Warm
For the best taste and crunch, serve your Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe immediately. The warm, cinnamon-infused aroma combined with the crisp yet juicy texture will make it a snack you’ll want to revisit again and again.
How to Serve Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle a little powdered sugar over the apple rings or drizzle with a bit of honey or maple syrup. A small dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream can also transform these rings into a delightful dessert.
Side Dishes
These cinnamon apple rings pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea, spiced cider, or coffee. They also complement savory breakfast items like oatmeal or yogurt bowls, providing a sweet and spicy contrast that brightens up the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider stacking your apple rings on a pretty plate and dusting with a pinch of extra cinnamon or crushed nuts for texture. For a fun twist, serve them with a caramel or chocolate dipping sauce on the side. They also make charming toppings for pancakes and waffles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. To help keep the crispness, place a paper towel in the container to absorb any moisture.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked apple rings. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Use within 1 month for best flavor and texture.
Reheating
To bring back that perfect crispness, reheat the apple rings in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. Avoid the microwave as it tends to make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal for holding shape, you can experiment with your favorites. Just keep in mind that softer apples may become mushy when air fried.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is optional. The skin adds a lovely texture and nutrients, but if you prefer a smoother bite or want the coating to stick more uniformly, peeling is a good choice.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
To make this Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients, like vanilla extract, are also gluten-free certified.
Can I make these apple rings without an air fryer?
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the rings in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for about 10 minutes per side, but the texture won’t be quite as crisp as air frying.
How can I make the rings extra crispy?
Patting the apple slices dry before coating, not overcrowding the air fryer basket, and flipping halfway through cooking are essential steps. Also, brushing with melted butter before the final sugar coating enhances crispness and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe is a fantastic way to celebrate simple ingredients with a little magic from your kitchen gadget. Whether you’re serving them as a quick snack or part of a cozy gathering, these apple rings bring a comforting mix of crisp texture and warm spice that’s just too good to resist. Give this recipe a try today—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this easy and delicious treat!
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Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-14 minutes
- Total Time: 20-24 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings (approx. 16 apple rings)
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy warm, crispy Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings – a delightful and healthier twist on a classic sweet treat. These apple slices are coated in a cinnamon-sugar batter and air fried until golden and crisp, perfect for a quick dessert or snack with minimal oil.
Ingredients
Apples
- 2 large apples
Batter & Coating
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
- Nonstick spray (for air fryer basket)
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Core and slice the apples into 1/4-inch thick rings. Peel if desired. Pat the slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better coating adherence.
- Prepare Coating Stations: Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour mixed with salt, one with eggs whisked together with milk and vanilla extract, and one with 2 tablespoons sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Reserve the remaining sugar and cinnamon mixture for dusting later.
- Coat Apple Rings: Dip each apple ring first into the flour mixture, then into the egg and milk mixture, and finally coat them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place the coated rings on a tray to prepare for air frying.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Air Fry the Rings: Arrange the apple rings in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Air fry for 5 to 7 minutes on one side, then flip each ring carefully and air fry for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Finish with Butter and Sugar: While the apple rings are still hot, brush them with the melted unsalted butter. Then toss or sprinkle them with the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture for a sparkling, flavorful finish.
- Serve: Serve the cinnamon apple rings immediately while warm to enjoy their best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Peeling apples is optional; leaving the peel on adds extra fiber and texture.
- Ensure apple slices are patted dry to help the coating stick better.
- Use a firm apple variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best results.
- Adjust sugar and cinnamon amounts to taste if you prefer less sweet or spicier apple rings.
- Serve with a side of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
