If you’re craving a snack that’s crisp, flavorful, and delightfully wholesome, you’re going to love this Air Fryer Apple Chips Recipe. It’s a fantastic way to transform everyday apples into satisfyingly crunchy chips with just a hint of warm cinnamon if you like. The simplicity of fresh, thinly sliced apples combined with the magic of the air fryer produces a perfectly crisp treat without any of the guilt that comes from typical chips. Whether you’re sneaking a quick snack or serving guests something special, these apple chips are bound to disappear fast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Air Fryer Apple Chips Recipe only calls for a handful of ingredients, proving that delicious snacks don’t have to be complicated. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the sweetness and firmness of the apples to the subtle spice of cinnamon, which adds cozy warmth and depth to every bite.
- 1 medium-sized apple (Gala, Fuji, or Red Delicious): Choose firm, crisp apples that slice thinly and keep their flavor when crisped.
- Cinnamon (optional): Adds a fragrant, warm spiciness that enhances the natural apple flavor without overpowering it.
How to Make Air Fryer Apple Chips Recipe
Step 1: Slice the Apples
Start by slicing your apple super thin—about 1/32 inch—using a mandoline if you have one. This thinness is the secret to getting that delightful chip-like crunch. Stop slicing once you reach the core to avoid any tough pieces. A uniform thin slice ensures even air frying and perfect crispiness.
Step 2: Air Fry the Apple Slices
Place half of the apple slices into your air fryer basket. Don’t worry about layering; multiple layers are fine, but be sure to spread them out a little so hot air circulates well. Set your air fryer to 320°F and cook for 11 to 12 minutes. Flip the slices every 4 minutes to ensure even browning and crisping on both sides. Don’t forget to remove those top layers carefully to reach the slices underneath—they all deserve equal attention!
Step 3: Remove from Heat
When the apple slices are lightly browned and firm, begin pulling them out in the last few minutes of cooking. It’s perfectly fine if they aren’t totally crispy yet because they firm up as they cool. This step takes a bit of attention, but it’s worth it for that ideal chip texture. Repeat the whole process for the rest of your apple slices.
Step 4: Store or Enjoy Immediately
These apple chips are best enjoyed right away when they have that maximum crunch. If you want to save some for later, store them in a container that’s loosely sealed — an airtight container can trap moisture and cause your chips to turn soggy, which is definitely not the goal!
How to Serve Air Fryer Apple Chips Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or even some nutmeg right after cooking to add an inviting aroma and a hint of warmth that takes these apple chips to the next level. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey can also make for delightful variations.
Side Dishes
These apple chips pair wonderfully with creamy dips like Greek yogurt mixed with a touch of honey or caramel dip for a decadent treat. They also work great as a crunchy side for salads or charcuterie boards, adding a fresh and sweet contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your apple chips layered in small glass jars for a rustic snack presentation or mix them with nuts and dried fruits for a homemade trail mix. Wrapping them up as party favors or gift treats in cellophane bags tied with a ribbon always delights friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have any leftovers, keep the apple chips in a container that allows a bit of air circulation. Avoid plastic bags or air-tight containers because trapped moisture will soften the chips quickly. A simple paper bag or a container with a loosely fitted lid works best to maintain that crunch.
Freezing
Freezing apple chips is not recommended as the moisture in the apples will cause them to lose their crispy texture when thawed. For best results, enjoy your apple chips fresh.
Reheating
If your apple chips have lost crunchiness, pop them back in the air fryer at 300°F for 2–3 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, and they’ll regain some of their crisp snap like fresh chips.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! Crisp apples like Gala, Fuji, or Red Delicious work best for air frying because they hold their structure and have a nicely balanced sweetness. You can experiment with tart apples like Granny Smith as well, depending on your flavor preference.
Do I need to peel the apples before slicing?
There’s no need to peel the apples. The skin adds extra texture, nutrients, and helps the slices hold together during cooking. Plus, it adds a lovely color contrast that looks great in the final chips.
My apple chips turned out soggy. What did I do wrong?
Sogginess usually happens if the slices are too thick, overlapping too much in the air fryer basket, or if they’re stored in an airtight container right after cooking. Make sure the slices are very thin, spaced to allow air flow, and stored in a container that lets the chips “breathe.”
Is cinnamon necessary for this recipe?
Cinnamon is optional but highly recommended! It enhances the sweet apple flavor with a warm, cozy spice. If you’re not a fan, feel free to skip it or try other spices like nutmeg or allspice for a creative twist.
Can I make a larger batch at once?
To ensure crispiness, it’s better to cook the apple slices in batches without overcrowding the air fryer basket. Overlapping slices can steam rather than crisp, so take your time for the best results.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Apple Chips Recipe is such a joy to make and eat. It’s quick, simple, bursting with flavor, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack to satisfy your crunch craving or a fun treat to make with friends or family, these apple chips deliver every time. Grab your favorite apple, fire up your air fryer, and treat yourself—you won’t regret it!
Print
Air Fryer Apple Chips Recipe
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2.2 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Air Fryer Apple Chips recipe offers a quick and healthy snack option made by thinly slicing apples and crisping them in an air fryer. The apple slices are gently cooked at a moderate temperature until they become delightfully crispy, with an optional touch of cinnamon for extra flavor. Perfectly crunchy, these chips make an excellent low-fat, naturally sweet treat that can be enjoyed immediately or stored for later.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized apple (Gala, Fuji, or Red Delicious)
- Cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Slice the Apples: Using a mandoline, thinly slice the apple into 1/32” thick pieces, stopping when you reach the core. This ensures uniformly thin slices that will crisp evenly.
- Air Fry the Apple Slices: Place half of the apple slices in multiple layers in the basket of a 6-quart air fryer. Cook at 320°F for 11-12 minutes, flipping the slices every 4 minutes. Carefully remove the top layers to access and flip the bottom layers to ensure even cooking.
- Remove from Heat: In the final minutes of cooking, start taking out the lightly browned and firm apple chips. It’s fine if they’re not completely crispy yet, as they will continue to crisp after being removed from the air fryer.
- Repeat: Repeat the air frying process with the remaining apple slices following the same steps.
- Store or Serve: Enjoy the apple chips immediately or store them in a loosely sealed container to prevent moisture buildup and sogginess.
Notes
- Use a mandoline for consistent thin slicing to ensure even crisping.
- Flipping the slices frequently helps achieve uniform browning and crispiness.
- Do not seal stored chips airtight to keep them crispy and avoid sogginess.
- Optional cinnamon adds a warm flavor that enhances the natural sweetness of apples.
