Air Fryer Apple Slices with Cinnamon

Air Fryer Apple Slices

What I like about this air fryer method is how quickly thin apple slices soften and pick up a little browning at the edges, but only if the slices are cut evenly and have some space in the basket. I rely on the look of the apples more than the clock here because air fryers vary, and apples can go from tender to too soft pretty fast.

This version keeps it simple: apples, a light coating of oil, and optional cinnamon or cinnamon-sugar. The result is soft, warm apple slices with lightly caramelized edges, not crisp apple chips.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Apple Slices

• 2 medium to large apples (about 300g), such as Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Golden Delicious, or Fuji
• 1 to 2 teaspoons avocado oil, or another high-heat oil
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 to 2 teaspoons granulated sugar, optional
• 1 small pinch salt, optional

Keep the skins on if you like a little more texture and fiber. Granny Smith apples work too, but they are more tart, so I usually pair them with cinnamon and a little sugar.

If you need to slice the apples ahead of time, toss them with 1 to 2 teaspoons lemon juice to slow browning.

Best Apples for This Recipe

Firm-sweet apples are the easiest choice here. Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Golden Delicious, and Fuji all soften nicely while still holding their shape.

Different apples cook at different speeds, especially if they vary in juiciness. Thicker slices and juicier apples may need a little longer, so start checking early and adjust from there.

How to Make Apple Slices in the Air Fryer

1. Slice the apples thinly: Wash the apples and slice them very thin, ideally with a mandoline so the slices cook evenly. Remove the core as you go if needed.
2. Season lightly: Put the slices in a bowl and toss with 1 to 2 teaspoons oil, just enough to coat them lightly. Add the cinnamon, and if you want a sweeter version, add the sugar and a tiny pinch of salt. The slices should look lightly coated, not wet or slick.
3. Preheat the air fryer: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) for 2 to 3 minutes if your model cooks better with immediate heat.
4. Arrange in a mostly single layer: Place the apples in the basket or on the tray in a mostly single layer. A little overlap is fine, but do not pack them tightly or they will steam instead of brown. Cook in batches if needed.
5. Air fry: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 5 to 8 minutes. Start checking around 5 minutes, especially if the slices are very thin or your air fryer runs hot.
6. Flip or rotate if needed: About halfway through, flip the slices or gently shake or rotate the basket or tray if your air fryer browns unevenly. Handle them gently once they start to soften.
7. Check for doneness: The slices are ready when they are softened but still holding their shape, the edges look lightly browned, and a fork slides in easily. If you added sugar, watch the edges closely so they do not darken too much.
8. Cool briefly and serve: Let the apples sit for 1 to 2 minutes before serving. They are best warm, once the texture settles a little and the seasoning clings to the surface.

Air Fryer Time and Temperature for Apple Slices

375°F (190°C) is a good starting point for air fryer apple slices. In most models, very thin slices take 5 to 8 minutes.

The part I pay attention to is the surface: you want tender slices with lightly browned edges, not dried-out or collapsed apples. Basket-style air fryers often brown a little faster than air fryer ovens or toaster oven-style models, so start checking early and adjust by a minute or two as needed.

If you want a crispier apple snack instead, compare them with these Air Fryer Apple Chips.

How to Keep Apple Slices from Sticking

A very light coating of oil helps more than a heavy one. Too little oil can lead to sticking, especially in a basket-style air fryer, but too much can make the slices slippery and may encourage smoking.

I find this works best when the oil is tossed or brushed on lightly rather than sprayed from an aerosol can. If you use a liner, make sure it still allows airflow around the slices.

Air Fryer Apple Slice Variations

Cinnamon apple slices

Use cinnamon as the main seasoning, with or without sugar. If you add sugar, keep it light since it can darken quickly around the edges.

No-sugar apple slices

Skip the sugar and let the apples carry the sweetness. This works best with sweeter apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp.

Softer apple slices for baby

Cook the slices until very tender and skip the added sugar. Keep the seasoning minimal, and make sure the texture and serving size are appropriate for the child.

How to Serve Air Fryer Apple Slices

Serve them warm on their own for a quick snack, or pair them with peanut butter, almond butter, or a yogurt dip. They also work well over oatmeal, yogurt bowls, pancakes, or alongside breakfast.

For a thicker cinnamon-sugar version, you might also like these Air Fryer Apple Fries with Cinnamon Sugar. For a more dessert-like apple treat, try these Air Fryer Apple Fritters.

How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Apple Slices

Let the apple slices cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They will soften more after storing, especially if you used sugar.

To reheat, warm them in the air fryer at 325°F (163°C) for 1 to 3 minutes, just until heated through. Do not leave them in too long or they can turn mushy.

They are best fresh, but leftovers are still good folded into oatmeal or yogurt.

Nutrition

Approximate nutrition, based on 1 of 6 servings using apples, avocado oil, and cinnamon without optional sugar or salt.

• Serving size: about 1/6 of recipe
• Calories: about 35
• Protein: about 0.2g
• Fat: about 1g
• Carbohydrates: about 6g

Approximate nutrition per 100g: about 70 calories, 0.5g protein, 2g fat, and 13g carbohydrates.

These values are estimates and will vary with the type of apple, the amount of oil used, and whether you add sugar.