Step by step

Method

5 steps

1. 1

   Core 2 large firm apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up best). Peel if you want, then slice crosswise into very thin rounds — about ⅛ inch. Pat them dry with a towel; wet slices steam instead of crisping.

2. 2

   Stir 1 tablespoon sugar with ¾ teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of cardamom, cloves, or nutmeg if you've got them. Toss the slices gently to coat and shake off the heavy clumps so you don't get burnt sugar spots.

3. 3

   Preheat the air fryer to 300°F. Arrange the slices in a single layer — a little overlap is fine, thick stacks aren't. Mist lightly with cooking spray if you like.

4. 4

   Air fry 12–18 minutes, flipping every 4–5 minutes, until the edges curl and the chips feel dry and leathery-crisp. Juicier apples and thicker slices need the longer end; pull the early finishers as they go.

5. 5

   Cool on a rack a few minutes — they crisp more as they cool. You want shatter-crisp cinnamon apple chips — not soft chewy slices or bitter over-browned sugar.