Cinnamon Apple Slices

Ingredients

• 4 largefirm apples (such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Gala or Braeburn)
• 28 g (2 tablespoons)unsalted butter, melted (or melted coconut oil)
• 15 ml (1 tablespoon)fresh lemon juice
• 50 g (¼ cup), packedbrown sugar, light or dark
• 1½ teaspoonsground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoonground nutmeg
• A pinchsalt

Instructions

1. 1

   Heat the oven

   Heat the oven to 190°C (375°F) and line a large baking sheet with baking parchment.

2. 2

   Core and slice

   Wash and dry the apples, remove their cores, and peel them if you prefer. Cut into evenly sized rings or wedges about 6 mm (¼ inch) thick.

3. 3

   Add the lemon

   Put the apple slices in a large bowl, drizzle over the lemon juice and toss gently to coat.

4. 4

   Mix the spices

   In a separate small bowl, combine the packed brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt, breaking up any lumps.

5. 5

   Coat the apples

   Sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture over the apples and toss until the slices are coated.

6. 6

   Add the butter

   Drizzle the melted butter or coconut oil over the apples and toss again.

7. 7

   Arrange on the tray

   Spread the slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Use two sheets if needed to avoid overcrowding.

8. 8

   Bake until tender

   Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork and the edges are caramelised. For more browning, turn the slices halfway through.

9. 9

   Cool and serve

   Carefully remove the tray from the oven and leave the apples to cool on it for a few minutes before serving.

10. 10

    Prepare the apples

    For the air fryer method, follow steps 2 through 6 to core and slice the apples, then coat them with lemon juice, the sugar and spice mixture, and butter or coconut oil.

11. 11

    Preheat the air fryer

    Preheat the air fryer to 175°C (350°F) for about 3 minutes.

12. 12

    Fill the basket

    Arrange the coated apple slices in a single layer in the basket. Cook in batches if necessary so air can circulate.

13. 13

    Air-fry the slices

    Cook for 8–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The apples are ready when tender and lightly golden; cooking time can vary with the air fryer and slice thickness.

What are cinnamon apple slices?

This is a simple baked fruit dish: apple slices are tossed with lemon, brown sugar, cinnamon and butter, then cooked until tender. Apples and cinnamon are a familiar pairing in many home-style desserts, and this version keeps the fruit in slices rather than baking it into a pie or crumble.

Firm apples help the pieces keep their shape, while the sugar and butter create lightly caramelised edges. The air fryer option offers a quicker way to cook a batch.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 185 calories, 0g protein, 0g carbs, 0g fat.

The apples provide most of the carbohydrate, while brown sugar adds more; butter supplies most of the fat. There is little protein in the listed ingredients, so serve the apples with yoghurt or another protein-containing food for a more balanced plate.

Choose firm apples

Apple choice: Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Gala and Braeburn are suggested because they hold their shape during cooking. A mix of sweet and tart apples also gives the finished dish a more rounded flavour.

Skin: Leaving it on adds colour and a little more texture; peel the apples if you prefer a softer, more uniform bite.

Keep the slices even

Thickness: Aim for slices about 6 mm (¼ inch) thick, cutting them as evenly as you can. Thinner pieces may soften sooner, while thicker ones can take longer to become tender.

Lemon: Toss the cut apples with lemon juice straight away. It helps limit browning while you prepare the sugar and spices.

Make the coating

Spices: Mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt separately before adding them to the apples. This helps distribute the seasonings without leaving concentrated pockets.

Butter: Add the melted butter after the sugar mixture and toss again. It helps the coating cling to the fruit and brown as it cooks.

Watch the texture

Oven cues: The slices should be tender when pierced with a fork, with caramelised edges after 20–25 minutes at 190°C (375°F). Turn them halfway through if you want more even browning.

Air fryer cues: At 175°C (350°F), cook for 8–12 minutes and shake the basket halfway through. Check for tenderness and light golden colour, as timing varies between appliances.

Give the fruit room

Spacing: Arrange the apples in a single layer on the baking sheet or in the air fryer basket. If the pieces are crowded or overlapping, they are more likely to steam than brown.

Batches: Use a second baking sheet or cook in batches when needed. Allow a little cooling time before serving, as the freshly cooked apples are very hot.

Ways to serve them

Breakfast: Spoon the warm slices over porridge, pancakes or yoghurt. They can also be served alongside a simple bowl of oats.

Dessert: Serve them on their own or with custard, ice cream or a spoonful of yoghurt. Their sweet, spiced flavour also pairs well with plain cake.

Recipe notes & tips

• Choose firm apples so the slices are less likely to collapse during cooking.
• Cut the apples to a similar thickness so they cook at roughly the same rate.
• Toss the slices with lemon juice soon after cutting to limit browning.
• Spread the coated apples in a single layer to encourage caramelisation.
• Check the apples towards the end of the cooking time, especially in the air fryer.
• Let the slices cool briefly on the tray before serving.

Variations

• Dairy-free: Use melted coconut oil instead of butter.
• Dark sugar: Choose dark brown sugar for a more molasses-like flavour.
• Skip the nutmeg: Leave it out for a simpler cinnamon coating.
• Leave the peel on: Keep the apple skins for extra colour and texture.
• Air-fry a batch: Cook the coated slices at 175°C (350°F) for 8–12 minutes, in batches if needed.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Uneven slices: Cut them to a similar thickness so they finish cooking together.
• Crowded tray: Spread the apples across two baking sheets to give them room to brown.
• Crowded basket: Air-fry in batches so hot air can circulate around the slices.
• Skipping the lemon: Toss the cut apples with lemon juice promptly to help prevent browning.
• Overcooking: Check for tenderness near the end of the stated cooking time and remove the apples when ready.

How to store

Cool the apples, then refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or air fryer until warmed through; the slices may soften further after storing.

Frequently asked questions