Crispy Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe

Sweet & Crunchy Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe

Crisp autumn winds whisper of comfort as these delightful air fryer cinnamon apple rings dance between sweet and spicy flavors.

Slicing apples into delicate rounds reveals a magical transformation waiting to happen.

The air fryer works its culinary charm, turning simple fruit into a golden, irresistible treat.

Warm cinnamon embraces each ring with a cozy, aromatic essence that beckons you closer.

Perfectly caramelized edges promise a delectable crunch that snaps with every bite.

These rings offer a healthier alternative to traditional fried desserts, packed with natural sweetness and minimal effort.

Dive into this simple recipe and let the aroma of cinnamon and apples fill your kitchen with pure comfort.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10-15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 249 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s in Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings

For Batter Base:
  • Flour: Creates a crispy, golden exterior that hugs each apple ring with delightful texture.
  • Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps achieve beautiful caramelization during cooking.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients together and provides rich, smooth coating for apple rings.
  • Milk: Ensures batter reaches perfect consistency and adds subtle creamy undertone.
For Apple Preparation:
  • Apples: Select firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold shape during cooking and provide bright flavor contrast.
  • Cooking Spray: Prevents sticking and promotes even browning in air fryer basket.
For Topping and Finishing:
  • Sugar: Creates sparkling, caramelized exterior with delightful crunch.
  • Cinnamon: Infuses warm, aromatic spice that complements apple's natural sweetness.
  • Caramel Sauce: Optional indulgent dipping companion that enhances overall dessert experience.

What You’ll Need to Air Fry Apple Rings

  • Air fryer: Your main cooking tool for crispy, golden apple rings.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient quantities.
  • Mixing bowls: Two medium-sized bowls for batter and topping preparation.
  • Shallow dishes: Perfect for dipping apple rings in batter and cinnamon sugar.
  • Apple corer: Helps remove apple cores quickly and cleanly.
  • Sharp knife: For slicing apples into rings after coring.
  • Parchment paper: Keeps work surface clean during batter preparation.
  • Cooking spray: Ensures apple rings don't stick to air fryer basket.
  • Tongs or spatula: Helps flip and remove apple rings safely.

Frying Apple Rings in Minutes

  • Apple Selection

Find fresh, firm apples with a good balance of sweetness and tartness. Crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best for maintaining texture during air frying.

  • Batter Preparation

Create a smooth, light coating by whisking together flour, sugar, and cinnamon. The mixture should have a silky consistency that will cling nicely to the apple rings.

  • Coating Magic

Develop a delectable outer layer by dipping apple rings into egg-milk mixture, then generously rolling them in a fragrant cinnamon-sugar blend. This step ensures a crispy, caramelized exterior.

  • Air Fryer Setup

Arrange apple rings carefully in the basket, leaving space between each piece. A light spray of cooking oil helps achieve that perfect golden crunch without excess grease.

  • Cooking Process

Air fry the rings at 380°F, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning. Watch closely to prevent overcooking, aiming for a beautiful golden color and tender interior.

  • Serving Suggestion

Let the rings cool slightly to enhance their crispy texture. Drizzle with caramel sauce or sprinkle with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and crunch.

Cinnamon Apple Ring Tips & Swaps

  • Choose firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for best texture and flavor retention during air frying.
  • Experiment with different spice blends like pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, or add ground ginger for a warm, aromatic twist.
  • Swap wheat flour with almond or coconut flour to create a gluten-free version that's equally delicious and crispy.
  • Replace sugar coating with monk fruit sweetener or coconut sugar for a lower-calorie alternative that still delivers incredible sweetness.
  • Elevate the dessert by pairing with vanilla ice cream, drizzling with honey, or sprinkling chopped nuts for added crunch and complexity.

How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Rings

  • Sweet Breakfast Companion: Pair these crunchy apple rings with warm maple syrup and a dollop of Greek yogurt for a delightful morning treat that combines tangy and sweet flavors.
  • Dessert Upgrade: Transform these apple rings into a decadent dessert by serving them alongside vanilla ice cream or drizzling rich chocolate sauce over the top for an indulgent experience.
  • Party Platter Perfection: Create an elegant appetizer spread by arranging the cinnamon apple rings on a wooden board with small bowls of caramel, chocolate, and cream cheese dips for guests to enjoy during gatherings.
  • Afternoon Tea Delight: Serve these crispy apple rings alongside a hot cup of chai or cinnamon tea, creating a cozy and comforting snack that feels like a warm hug on a relaxed afternoon.

Saving Air-Fried Apple Rings

  • Fridge Fresh Strategies: Store cooled apple rings in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb extra moisture and maintain crispness.
  • Quick Reheat Magic: Warm refrigerated rings in air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to restore original crunchiness without losing texture.
  • Make-Ahead Weekend Prep: Create apple rings up to 24 hours before serving, keeping unbaked rings separated by parchment paper in refrigerator for convenient cooking.
  • Smart Ingredient Timing: Keep batter and cinnamon sugar mixtures separate until moments before coating to prevent soggy rings and maintain crisp coating.
Print
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Crispy Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe

Crispy Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings


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4.9 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Crispy cinnamon apple rings emerge as a delightful treat that combines simplicity with irresistible flavor. Home bakers can enjoy this quick dessert that brings warmth and sweetness to any gathering.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large apples
  • 1 cup (125 grams) flour
  • 1 large egg
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) milk
  • 2 tbsps (25 grams) granulated sugar
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • ½ tsp cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Meticulously slice apples into uniform rings, removing cores with precision and ensuring each ring maintains structural integrity.
  2. Batter Creation: Whisk flour, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl, simultaneously beating egg and milk in a separate container, then seamlessly blend both mixtures into a smooth, lump-free batter.
  3. Coating Process: Develop a fragrant cinnamon-sugar mixture, then systematically dip each apple ring into the batter, allowing excess to drip, before generously coating with the spiced sugar blend.
  4. Air Fryer Setup: Thoroughly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray, strategically position apple rings without overcrowding, and lightly mist with additional oil to promote even browning.
  5. Cooking Technique: Activate air fryer at 375°F, cooking rings for 6-8 minutes total, flipping midway to ensure crisp, golden-brown edges and consistent caramelization.
  6. Finishing Touches: Remove rings carefully, allowing brief cooling to set crisp exterior, then optionally serve with caramel sauce for enhanced indulgence.
  7. Storage Recommendation: Preserve any remaining rings in an airtight container, maintaining optimal texture for up to two days at room temperature.

Notes

  • Fruit Selection Matters: Choose firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture and structural integrity during air frying.
  • Batter Consistency is Key: Aim for a smooth, lump-free batter by whisking ingredients thoroughly and allowing brief resting time to prevent uneven coating.
  • Spacing Technique Crucial: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure each apple ring crisps evenly and develops a perfect golden-brown exterior.
  • Storage Smart: Consume freshly made rings within 24 hours for maximum crispiness, as moisture can compromise the delightful crunch over time.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 249
  • Sugar: 35 g
  • Sodium: 72 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 49 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 31 mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

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