Air Fryer Apple Chips: A Healthy, Easy Treat

Air fryers are a convenient way to make apple chips, yielding a crunchy, healthy snack in just a few minutes. The process is simple: thinly slice apples, coat them in spices and/or coconut oil, and then air fry for around 10 minutes. This method is far quicker than using a food dehydrator and doesn't require any added sugar.

Choosing the right apples

When it comes to choosing the right apples for making apple chips in an air fryer, there are a few things to consider.

First, you'll want to select apples that are firm and crisp, as these will hold up better during the cooking process. Look for apples with smooth skin that is free from wrinkles, blemishes, or bruises. Natural bumps are okay. Some varieties that are known for their firmness include Golden Delicious, Gala, Red Delicious, and Honeycrisp.

The flavour of the apples is also important. For apple chips, you might want to choose apples that have a well-balanced sweet-tart flavour. This will give your chips a nice, rounded apple taste. Some apple varieties that fall into this category include Ambrosia, EverCrisp®, Fuji, Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, and SweeTango®.

If you want to add cinnamon to your apple chips, consider choosing apples that have a hint of cinnamon flavour naturally. Granny Smith apples, for example, have a slight cinnamon taste. However, you can also simply sprinkle cinnamon on your apple slices before air frying them.

Finally, consider the size of the apples. For making apple chips, you'll want to choose apples that are medium to large in size, as you'll be able to get more slices from each apple.

By selecting the right apples and following a simple air fryer recipe, you can make delicious, healthy apple chips at home.

Slicing the apples

You can use either a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer to cut the apples. If you are using a knife, be very careful and try to get the slices as even as possible. A mandoline slicer will help you achieve more consistent and thin slices, but it is very sharp, so always exercise caution when using one. It is recommended to use the guard and follow the operating instructions to avoid accidentally cutting yourself.

You do not need to core or peel the apples before slicing. Leaving the skin on provides extra fibre and a pop of colour to the chips, and the core will not be noticeable after cooking since the slices are so thin. However, some people prefer to peel the apples for a smoother texture, and others like to core the apples so that the slices have a donut shape instead of a star shape in the middle.

After slicing, you can sprinkle the apple slices with spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or a sprinkle of sugar for a sweeter flavour. You can also add a small amount of oil, such as coconut oil or olive oil, to help the spices stick to the apples.

Spices and seasoning

The spices and seasoning you use for your apple chips can be tailored to your taste preferences. Cinnamon is a popular choice, as it gives the chips a warm, sweet flavour. You can also use apple pie spice, which is a blend of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and nutmeg. Pumpkin pie spice is another option for a similar flavour profile.

If you want to add a savoury twist to your apple chips, you can use Tajin, chipotle chile powder, or cumin. For a spicy kick, you can add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. A simple combination of salt and pepper can also enhance the natural sweetness of the apples.

When using spices, it is important to taste the apples first to determine if any additional sugar or spices are needed. Different varieties of apples will have varying levels of sweetness, so you may need to adjust the amount of sugar or spice used.

For a more complex flavour, you can create a sugar and spice mixture by combining cinnamon and sugar. Sprinkle this mixture on both sides of the apple slices before placing them in the air fryer.

Additionally, you can experiment with different types of apples to find the perfect combination of flavours. Some popular choices include Fuji, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Gala, and Pink Lady apples. Each variety has a unique blend of sweetness and tartness that can be enhanced with the right spices and seasoning.

Air fryer settings

To make apple chips in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to around 300°F. You can go a little higher or lower, depending on your air fryer and how crispy you like your apple chips. For example, one recipe recommends 380°F for 8-10 minutes, while another recommends 250°F for 45 minutes.

When you place the apple slices in the air fryer basket, ensure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. You may need to cook your apple chips in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

Halfway through the cooking time, flip the apple slices to ensure even cooking. Depending on your air fryer, you may need to toss the apple slices more than once during the cooking process to prevent burning.

Storing your apple chips

Now that you've made your apple chips, it's important to store them properly to maintain their freshness and crispness. Here are some detailed tips and instructions for storing your homemade apple chips:

• Airtight containers: Store your apple chips in airtight containers or glass mason jars. This will help keep them fresh and crispy for a longer period.
• Paper towel: To prevent the apple chips from becoming soggy, place a paper towel in the container to absorb any excess moisture.
• Room temperature or refrigeration: Apple chips can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and crispy for up to 3 to 5 days at room temperature and up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Leftovers: If you have leftover apple chips, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week at cool room temperature or in the fridge.
• Crispness: Apple chips tend to lose their crispness over time, especially if stored in humid conditions. For best results, consume them within a few days of preparation.
• Re-crisping: If your apple chips lose their crispness, you can re-crisp them by placing them back in the air fryer at 250°F (121°C) for 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, you can also use an oven to re-crisp them.
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as it will significantly change the texture of the apple chips, causing them to lose their crispness.

Frequently asked questions