Air Fryer Apple Chips: A Quick, Easy, Healthy Treat

Air fryer apple chips are a healthy and delicious snack that can be made in just a few simple steps. With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy the sweet, crispy crunch of apple chips in no time! This recipe is perfect for those looking for a nutritious alternative to potato chips, especially during apple season.

Choosing the right apples

When choosing apples for this recipe, it is best to avoid those that are too soft, as they may not hold up well in the air fryer and could require a longer cooking time. It is also important to consider the size of the apples, as you will want to ensure they fit in your air fryer basket.

While you can use any type of apple to make apple chips, some varieties will result in a sweeter or more tart flavour. If you are looking for a sweet apple chip, choose red apples such as Red Delicious, Honeycrisp, or Gala. Pink Lady apples are also a good choice as they have just the right amount of sweetness. Fuji apples will also make a sweeter apple chip. Golden Delicious apples are another sweet option, but they may be a bit softer, so you may need to adjust your cooking time accordingly.

If you prefer a more tart or tangy flavour, Granny Smith apples are a good option. These apples have a distinct sour taste that can add a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cinnamon. However, keep in mind that this recipe works best with sweeter apples, so you may need to adjust the cooking time or add more cinnamon if using Granny Smith apples.

In addition to the variety of apple, the ripeness and firmness of the fruit will also impact the final product. For the best results, choose apples that are ripe but still firm. Avoid apples that are overly soft or bruised, as they may not hold their shape during cooking.

Overall, the best apples for making air fryer apple chips are those that are sweet, firm, and ripe. This will ensure that your apple chips are crispy, flavourful, and not too soft.

Preparing the apples

Wash and Dry the Apples

Start by giving your apples a good wash under running water to remove any dirt or residue. Then, dry them thoroughly with a clean cloth or paper towel. This step is important to remove any moisture from the surface of the apples before slicing.

Core and Slice the Apples

You can choose to core the apples if you prefer, especially if you want to avoid the tougher core in your apple chips. An apple corer will make this task quick and easy. However, it's not necessary, and leaving the core in won't affect the final result.

After coring (or not), it's time to slice the apples. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3 mm) for your slices. You can use a sharp knife, but a mandoline slicer is highly recommended for consistent and thin slices. Try to make the slices as even as possible so they cook uniformly.

Cinnamon and Sugar (Optional)

If you want to enhance the flavour of your apple chips, you can sprinkle them with ground cinnamon and a little sugar. This step is entirely optional, but it adds a delightful warmth and sweetness to the chips. You can adjust the amount of cinnamon and sugar to your taste preferences.

Arrange the Slices in the Air Fryer Basket

Place the apple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It's important not to overcrowd the basket, so work in batches if necessary. This ensures that the hot air circulates evenly around each slice. You can also cover the slices with a metal rack or trivet to prevent them from flying around during cooking.

Now your apples are prepared and ready for the air fryer! Follow the remaining steps in the recipe to cook and enjoy your delicious, crispy apple chips.

Seasoning

The seasoning you use on your apple chips is entirely up to you and your taste preferences. Cinnamon is a popular choice, but you can also experiment with other spices like nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, cloves, rosemary, thyme, or even a sprinkle of sugar or sea salt if you prefer a sweeter flavour.

If you want to add a sweet glaze to your apple chips, you can drizzle them with honey or maple syrup before baking or air frying.

You can also try using a mixture of spices, such as apple pie spice, which includes cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and nutmeg. Pumpkin pie spice is another option for a fall-themed treat.

For a savoury twist, you could try adding some nuts to your apple chips after they're done cooking. Almonds or walnuts would add some extra crunch and protein, making your snack even more filling.

Air frying

Ingredients

You'll need the following ingredients:

• Apples (try to use sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, Golden Delicious, or Pink Lady)
• Ground cinnamon (optional, but recommended for extra flavour)
• Sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
• Coconut oil or coconut oil spray (optional, for a crispy texture)

Step-by-Step Guide

• Prepare the apples: Wash and dry your apples. You can peel them if you prefer a smoother texture, but it's not necessary. Remove the stem and core if desired, or leave them for a unique shape in the middle of your apple chips.
• Slice the apples: Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, cut the apples into thin slices, about 1/8 inch thick. The thinner the slices, the crispier your apple chips will be. Try to get uniform slices so that they cook evenly.
• Season the apples (optional): In a small bowl, mix cinnamon and sugar together (if using). Sprinkle the apple slices with the cinnamon-sugar mixture on both sides. You can also use other spices like nutmeg, ginger, or a pinch of salt to experiment with different flavours.
• Arrange the apples in the air fryer: Place the apple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they don't overlap too much to ensure even cooking. If your air fryer basket is small, you may need to cook the apples in batches.
• Air fry: Set your air fryer to 300°F (or 380°F for a quicker cook) and air fry the apples for 15-20 minutes. Flip the apple slices every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. Keep a close eye on them, as cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model.
• Cool and crisp: Once the apple chips are golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool completely. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
• Serve and store: Enjoy your homemade apple chips as a snack or side dish. Store any leftovers in an airtight container or sealed bag at room temperature. Apple chips are best enjoyed fresh, as they tend to lose their crispness over time.

Storing

• Cooling: Before storing your apple chips, allow them to cool completely. It's important to give them time to reach room temperature as they will continue to crisp up as they cool.
• Container: Store your apple chips in an airtight container or a sealed bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. If you plan to store the chips for an extended period, consider using a vacuum seal bag or container.
• Storage Temperature: Apple chips can be stored at room temperature. However, if you want to extend their shelf life, consider storing them in the refrigerator.
• Shelf Life: Homemade apple chips will start to lose their crispness over time, but they can still be enjoyed. At room temperature, they will stay fresh for up to a week. If stored in the refrigerator, they can last up to two weeks.
• Moisture Control: Apple chips are prone to absorbing moisture, which can affect their texture. To prevent this, ensure your container is airtight and store the chips in a cool, dry place. You can also include a small packet of desiccant or silica gel in the container to absorb any excess moisture.
• Separation: If you've made a large batch of apple chips, consider portioning them into smaller containers or bags. This will make it easier to enjoy them in smaller quantities while maintaining freshness.
• Consumption: Apple chips are best consumed within a few days of preparation for optimal crispness. Even if they lose their crispness, they will still be delicious. You can also try reheating them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore some crispness.

Remember, homemade apple chips are best enjoyed fresh, but proper storage practices will help extend their shelf life and maintain their quality.

Frequently asked questions