Golden, crispy, and warmly spiced, these Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings are the snack you didn’t know you were missing. Juicy apple slices get dunked in a light batter, kissed with cinnamon sugar, and air-fried to perfection in minutes. It’s a nostalgic treat with a healthier, modern twist—no deep frying needed.

Whether you’re prepping a quick dessert, a brunch centerpiece, or a kid-friendly after-school treat, these apple rings shine with their sweet crunch and effortless charm. They smell like fairgrounds and taste like autumn, no matter the time of year.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings

Crispy without the grease – Skip the oil and get all the crunch with none of the guilt.
Quick to make – From slicing to serving in under 20 minutes.
Kid-approved – Perfect for picky eaters who love finger food.
Naturally sweet – Apples do most of the sweet talking here, making this a lighter dessert option.
Customizable – Add a drizzle of caramel or a dash of nutmeg for a personal twist.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make perfect apple rings, preparation and the right tools make all the difference:

Apple Corer & Slicer: Speeds up prep and ensures even, round rings for uniform cooking.
Paring Knife: Great for peeling and fine trimming if needed.
Mixing Bowls: For separating the dry and wet batter components.
Tongs: Helps with dipping apple slices and placing them in the air fryer without mess.
Air Fryer: The star tool—it crisps the batter evenly while keeping the apples tender inside. A basket-style or dual-zone air fryer works well here.

Having these tools ready streamlines the process and keeps cleanup simple. The air fryer ensures a beautifully golden crust without the oil splatter of traditional frying.

Ingredients for the Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings

Apples: Choose firm varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith for the perfect balance of sweet and tart.
Flour: All-purpose flour creates a light coating that crisps up nicely.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps the flour stick to the apple slices.
Egg: Binds the batter together and aids in golden browning.
Sugar: For sweetening the batter and creating the cinnamon-sugar finish.
Cinnamon: Brings that warm, comforting spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash enhances the batter with subtle depth.
Salt: A pinch balances sweetness and sharpens flavor.
Cooking Spray: Essential for helping the rings crisp without sticking to the air fryer basket.

How To Make the Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings

Step 1: Core and Slice the Apples

Use an apple corer to remove the center, then slice apples into 1/4-inch thick rings. If you prefer them peeled, do so before coring.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, milk, egg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.

Step 3: Coat the Apple Rings

Dip each apple ring into the batter, ensuring a full coating. Shake off excess batter gently.

Step 4: Air Fry the Rings

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. Arrange rings in a single layer. Air fry for 5-6 minutes, flip, then cook for another 4-5 minutes until golden.

Step 5: Cinnamon-Sugar Finish

While hot, toss the apple rings in a mix of cinnamon and sugar. Serve warm and crispy!

Serving & Storing Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings

These apple rings are best served warm right out of the air fryer. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel, or a dollop of whipped cream.

For storing leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to regain that crisp texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the rings from sticking in the air fryer?

Use a light coating of non-stick spray on your air fryer basket and avoid overcrowding.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes! A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend will work just as well in this recipe.

Which apples work best for this recipe?

Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith are ideal. You want apples that hold their shape and don’t get too soft.

Can I make these ahead of time?

They’re best fresh, but you can prep the apple slices and batter ahead, then fry just before serving.

Can I make them vegan?

Absolutely. Use plant-based milk and a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).

What else can I coat them with besides cinnamon sugar?

Try pumpkin spice mix, powdered sugar, or even crushed graham crackers for a twist.

Want More Dessert Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved these Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings, check out these flavorful recipes too:

Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake for a gooey-meets-creamy indulgence.
Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread when you crave that sweet southern charm.
Amish Applesauce Cake to dive deeper into cozy fall baking.
Winter Brittle for a crunchy, sweet holiday treat.
Brownie Refrigerator Cake if you want a no-bake layered chocolate dream.