Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings

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Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and dusted in a delightful layer of cinnamon sugar, these Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings are a dreamy treat that tastes like a cross between a donut and a slice of warm apple pie. With their golden coating and subtle apple sweetness, they make a perfect snack, dessert, or even a fun weekend breakfast idea. You get all the cozy flavors of fall in a light, airy ring—without the deep fryer or the extra oil.

Whether you’re hosting brunch, looking for a kid-friendly snack, or just craving something a little indulgent but not overly heavy, this recipe delivers. The air fryer does all the heavy lifting, giving you that satisfying crunch without the mess or calories of traditional frying. Best of all, these apple rings come together in minutes using everyday ingredients and simple kitchen tools.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe

• Healthier than deep-fried alternatives with the same crisp texture
• Quick to prepare and cook—ready in under 30 minutes
• Uses simple pantry staples
• Kid-approved and fun to make as a family
• A perfect way to use up fresh apples in a creative way

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (In this headline mention the essential Tools and Equipment, also the importance of Each Tool)

To make these Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings with ease, you’ll need the following tools:

• Apple corer or sharp knife: To core and slice the apples evenly into rings.
• Mixing bowls: One for the batter and another for the cinnamon sugar coating.
• Tongs or fork: To dip apple rings and turn them safely in the air fryer.
• Air fryer: The star of the show! It delivers a crispy coating without needing deep-frying oil.
• Whisk: Ensures a smooth batter.
• Parchment paper (optional): Helps prevent sticking inside the air fryer.

Each tool ensures precision, safety, and efficiency. Evenly sliced apples cook more consistently, and a good air fryer is key to achieving that satisfying texture.

Preparation Tips

Choose firm apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala to hold their shape during cooking. Make sure to slice the apples evenly, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick, so they cook uniformly. After coring and slicing, pat the apple rings dry with a paper towel to help the batter stick better. Preheating your air fryer ensures even cooking from the start. And finally, don’t overcrowd the basket—work in batches if needed to keep each ring crispy and golden.

Ingredients for this Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe

• 2 large apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala recommended)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• Cooking spray or a small amount of oil (for air fryer basket)

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Step 1: Prep the Apples

Peel the apples if desired (optional), then core them using an apple corer. Slice each apple into rings about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Pat the apple rings dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture—this helps the batter stick better.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, whisking until smooth and lump-free.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside for coating the rings after air frying.

Step 4: Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes. Lightly grease the basket with cooking spray or brush with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Dip and Batter the Apple Rings

Using tongs or a fork, dip each apple ring into the batter, allowing excess to drip off. Make sure each ring is well coated.

Step 6: Air Fry the Rings

Place the battered apple rings into the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Step 7: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

Immediately after air frying, transfer the hot apple rings into the cinnamon sugar mixture and coat them evenly on all sides. The warmth helps the sugar mixture stick beautifully.

Step 8: Serve Warm

Serve the apple rings warm for the best texture and flavor. Enjoy them on their own or pair with caramel sauce, vanilla ice cream, or whipped cream for a next-level treat.

Notes

Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but they can also be made ahead and reheated. If you’re serving a crowd, you can easily double the batch—just cook in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Experiment with different types of apples to find your favorite combination of tartness and sweetness. For a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcrowding the air fryer basket: This prevents proper airflow, leading to soggy, unevenly cooked rings.
• Skipping the pat-dry step: Moisture on the apple surface can cause the batter to slide off.
• Not preheating the air fryer: Starting with a cold air fryer can lead to uneven texture.
• Batter too thin or too thick: A runny batter won’t coat properly; too thick and it becomes clumpy. Adjust with milk or flour as needed.
• Not coating immediately after cooking: The cinnamon sugar sticks best when the rings are hot.

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Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it makes the rings soft and soggy. For best taste and texture, enjoy them freshly cooked.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 1/6 of recipe, approx. 2–3 rings):

• Calories: 170 kcal
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 18g
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 120mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of apples work best for this recipe?

Firm varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work best because they hold their shape and don’t become mushy during air frying.

Can I make these apple rings gluten-free?

Yes! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is optional. Leaving the skin on adds extra texture and fiber, but peeled apples give a softer bite.

Can I use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk?

Absolutely. Both almond and oat milk work great in the batter.

Can I make these ahead of time?

They taste best fresh, but you can reheat them in the air fryer. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it will soften the crisp coating.

Can I freeze the apple rings?

It’s not recommended. The texture of the apples changes upon thawing, becoming watery and mushy.

What dipping sauces go well with these?

Caramel sauce, chocolate drizzle, vanilla glaze, or even whipped cream make excellent companions.

How thick should I slice the apples?

Aim for 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Consistent thickness ensures even cooking.

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Conclusion

Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings are the perfect combination of comfort, crunch, and sweetness. They’re simple to make, require minimal ingredients, and deliver big on flavor. Whether you’re whipping up a cozy fall dessert or looking for a healthier alternative to fried donuts, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth with far less guilt. Make a batch today and enjoy a warm, crispy treat that everyone will love!

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