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Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Rings

Air Fryer cinnamon apple rings with crisp, golden caramelized edges and a spiced cinnamon-brown sugar coating. Air-fried in a single layer for even browning, finished with vanilla ice cream and caramel dipping sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Apples
  • 3 large apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and sliced into 1/2-inch rings
Cinnamon Butter Coating
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1.5 tsp cinnamon
  • 0.25 tsp nutmeg
  • 0.25 tsp vanilla extract
Serving
  • 1 vanilla ice cream
  • 1 caramel sauce

Equipment

  • 1 air fryer

Method
 

Make the cinnamon coating
  1. Whisk melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until smooth and aromatic. Aim for a thick, pourable coating that clings to the apple rings (no sugar streaks).
  2. Toss the apple rings in the cinnamon butter coating until evenly coated and glossy. Let excess coating fall back into the bowl so the air fryer can crisp the edges.
Air fry the apple rings
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 380F. Preheating helps the apple rings start caramelizing immediately for crisp edges.
  2. Arrange the coated rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and caramelized.
  3. If needed, work in batches to avoid crowding. Continue air frying in the same 10-12 minute window until all rings are golden and caramelized.
Serve
  1. Serve immediately with vanilla ice cream and caramel dipping sauce. Add sauce right before eating for the best contrast between crisp rings and creamy toppings.

Notes

For extra crispness, make sure the rings are sliced to about 1/2-inch thickness and keep them in a single layer without overlap. Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 2 days, reheating in the air fryer at 350F for 2-3 minutes to re-crisp; freezing is not recommended as the apple texture softens. For a lighter option, use low-calorie caramel sauce and a reduced-sugar ice cream, keeping the spice coating the same.