Air Fryer Apple Chips: A Healthy, Homemade Snack

Yes, you can dry apples in an air fryer. This method is quicker than using a dehydrator, which can take a minimum of 12 hours, and the results are a tasty, healthy snack. You can also make apple chips in an air fryer by slicing the apples more thinly and cooking them for longer.

Choosing the right apples for dehydration

The best apples for dehydration depend on what you want to use them for. If you want to make crisp dehydrated apple chips for snacking, choose tart apple varieties such as Granny Smith, McIntosh, Cortland, or Jonagolds. These apples are lower in sugar, giving them a sharper flavour, and they hold their shape well during the dehydration process.

On the other hand, if you want dehydrated apple slices that you can rehydrate and use for baking or as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, pancakes, or granola, opt for sweeter apples. Good options include Gala, Golden and Red Delicious, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, and Envy apples. These apples will shrink a bit during dehydration, but their higher sugar content will result in a more concentrated flavour.

When choosing apples for dehydration, it's also important to consider factors such as sugar content, firmness, and tartness. For example, Granny Smith apples hold their shape and flavour throughout the dehydration process, making them a good choice if you want your apples to retain their shape.

Preparing apples for dehydration

Step 1: Choose the right apples

The first step is to select the right type of apples for dehydration. Sweet apples are generally the best option, as they will taste sweet even without adding any sugar. Some recommended varieties include Gala, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Macintosh. If you prefer a less sweet option, you can choose Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or similar apples.

Step 2: Wash and slice the apples

Once you have chosen your apples, wash them thoroughly and dry them with a kitchen towel. You can then use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to slice the apples into thin, uniform rounds or slices, preferably no thicker than 1/8 inch (3mm). You can slice the apples with or without the core, depending on your preference. If you wish to remove the core, you can use an apple corer or a melon baller.

Step 3: Soaking (optional)

To prevent the apples from browning, you can optionally soak the apple slices in a solution of lemon water, salt water, lime water, or citric acid. However, this step may alter the taste of the apples and make them moister, which will increase the dehydration time. If you do choose to soak the apples, do so for no more than 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Seasoning (optional)

If desired, you can sprinkle the apple slices with ground cinnamon or other spices such as nutmeg, allspice, or pumpkin pie spice. This step is entirely optional and depends on your personal preference.

Step 5: Arrange the apples in the air fryer

Place the apple slices in the air fryer basket, ensuring that they are not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches. If necessary, use a pot pan stand or a small metal rack to keep the apple slices from moving around too much during dehydration.

The dehydration process in an air fryer

Dehydrating apples in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make healthy apple chips. The dehydration process involves:

Preparation:

Firstly, select the apples. Sweet apples are the best for this process, but if you prefer a tarter taste, Granny Smith apples work too. Wash the apples and dry them with a kitchen towel.

Slicing:

Slice the apples thinly and uniformly. A mandoline slicer is recommended for this step to ensure uniformity, but a sharp knife will also work. The slices should be about ⅛th of an inch thick. You can slice the apples with or without the core, but it is recommended to remove any seeds in the centre.

Soaking:

An optional step is to soak the apple slices in an acidic solution to prevent browning. You can use lemon juice, vinegar, or citric acid for this step. If you use lemon juice, you can also add cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for extra flavour. Soak the apple slices for around 3-5 minutes, then pat them dry with a paper towel.

Air Frying:

Place the apple slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap too much. If you have an air fryer with trays, you can place the apples on the trays. Set the air fryer to its lowest setting, usually around 300°F, and air fry for about 15 minutes. It is important to rotate, flip, and stir the apple slices every 5 minutes to ensure even dehydration.

Cooling and Storage:

After air frying, remove the apple chips from the air fryer and let them cool. They will become crispier as they cool. Store the dehydrated apples in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. They will last for about six months if properly dehydrated and stored.

How to store dehydrated apples

Dehydrated apples can be stored in an airtight container, such as a glass jar or a plastic container with a tight lid, in a cool, dark, and dry place for up to six months. If you're not sure whether they're completely dry, it's best to store them in the fridge.

To prepare your dehydrated apples for storage, first ensure they are thoroughly dehydrated. They should feel leathery and pliable. If any feel soft and fleshy, return them to the dehydrator.

Next, condition your apples. Place them loosely in a jar and seal. Leave them for a week, shaking the jar daily to break up the fruit. If any condensation appears in the jar, return the apples to the dehydrator.

Finally, store your dried apples in an airtight container.

Recipe ideas for dehydrated apples

Dehydrated apples can be used in a variety of recipes, from snacks to breakfast treats and even garnishes for drinks. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Snacks

• Energy bars: Use dehydrated apples as a replacement for other dried fruit in your favourite energy bar recipe, or simply add them in for extra flavour and nutrition.
• Dipped apple chips: Make apple chips by slicing apples thinly and dehydrating them. Dip them into caramel, peanut butter, yoghurt or dulce de leche.
• Trail mix: Add dehydrated apple pieces to a trail mix with nuts, seeds and other dried fruit.

Breakfast

• Toppings: Sprinkle dehydrated apple pieces on top of oatmeal, cereal, yoghurt, pancakes or granola.
• Smoothie: Blend dehydrated apples into a smoothie with other fruits, yoghurt or milk.
• Baked goods: Bake dehydrated apple slices into homemade muffins, scones or other baked goods.

Garnishes

• Drinks: Use dehydrated apple pieces as an edible garnish for apple cider or apple cocktails.
• Potpourri: Add dehydrated apples to a potpourri mix for a festive touch.
• Mulled wine: Throw some dehydrated apple slices into a pot of mulled wine as it simmers.

Frequently asked questions