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

how to cook apple chips in air fryer

Air Fryer Apple Chips are a delicious, healthy snack that can be made in just a few simple steps. Requiring only apples, cinnamon, and an air fryer, this recipe is a great alternative to potato chips and can be made in batches. The apples should be thinly sliced, seasoned, and cooked for around 10-15 minutes, depending on the air fryer and the desired crispness of the chips. This recipe is a quick and easy way to make a nutritious snack with minimal preparation and cooking time.

Characteristics Values
Ingredients Apples, cinnamon, sugar (optional), coconut oil (optional)
Tools Air fryer, mandoline/sharp knife, mixing bowl, cooling rack (optional)
Preparation Wash and dry apples, cut into 1/8-inch or 3mm slices, sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar (if desired), place in a single layer in the air fryer basket
Cooking Time and Temperature Cooking time varies, between 8-15 minutes for higher temperatures (300-380°F) and 45 minutes for lower temperatures (250°F); cook in batches to prevent overcrowding
Serving Best served immediately, but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days

cycookery

Choosing the right apples

When selecting apples, opt for those that are fresh and medium-sized. Avoid apples that are too soft, as they may require additional cooking time. If you want crispy chips, it is essential to choose apples that are firm and not too ripe. The number of apples you need will depend on the quantity of chips you want to make. For a single batch, one or two apples should be sufficient.

The thickness of your apple slices will impact the cooking time and texture of your chips. Aim for slices that are about 3mm or 1/8 inch thick. You can use a mandoline slicer to achieve uniform, thin slices. If you don't have a mandoline, a sharp knife will also do the trick. Just ensure the slices are thin and even.

Another factor to consider is the moisture content of the apples. Some apples are juicier than others, which can affect the cooking time. If your apples have a higher moisture content, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly. However, it's important to monitor them closely to prevent burning.

cycookery

Preparing the apples

The next step is slicing the apples. It is best to use a mandoline slicer to get thin, even slices, but a sharp knife will also work. Aim for slices that are about 1/8 inch thick, or 3mm. You can slice the apples crosswise, and there is no need to core or seed them, as the mandoline will cut through the core, and the seeds will fall out. If you want chewier chips, you can cut the slices a bit thicker, about 1/4 inch or 6mm.

Once your apples are sliced, it's time to season them. You can simply sprinkle cinnamon on the slices, or make a cinnamon-sugar mixture if you prefer your chips on the sweeter side. Place the apple slices in a mixing bowl and sprinkle with cinnamon, sugar, and nutmeg, if using. Toss the slices to ensure they are well-coated.

Finally, arrange the apple slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring that they are not overlapping or touching. If your air fryer basket is small, you may need to cook the apples in batches.

cycookery

Seasoning the apples

Firstly, prepare the apples by washing and drying them thoroughly. This step ensures that the apples are clean and ready for slicing.

Next, slice the apples into thin pieces. The recommended thickness varies slightly depending on the desired texture. For crispier apple chips, slice the apples into thin pieces, approximately 1/8 inch thick. If you prefer chewier apple chips, cut the apples into slightly thicker slices, about 1/4 inch wide. You can use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to achieve even slices. Mandoline slicers allow you to adjust the thickness and easily cut through the core.

Once the apples are sliced, it's time to season them. You can sprinkle cinnamon on its own or create a cinnamon-sugar mixture for a sweeter treat. Combine ground cinnamon with a small amount of sugar, and mix well. You can adjust the amount of cinnamon and sugar to your taste preferences. Some recipes suggest using about a teaspoon of cinnamon and a teaspoon of sugar. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg to the mixture for extra flavour.

Sprinkle the cinnamon or cinnamon-sugar mixture over the apple slices, ensuring that both sides of the slices are coated evenly. You can place the apple slices in a mixing bowl and toss them with the seasoning to coat them evenly. Alternatively, you can simply sprinkle the seasoning over the apple slices placed on a flat surface.

If you enjoy salty flavours, you can also add a sprinkle of salt to the apples. This combination of sweet and salty can be quite delicious.

Feel free to experiment with different spices and seasonings to create your own unique flavour combinations. You can even make dessert chips by adding a cinnamon-sugar mixture to the apples. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and find the flavours that you enjoy the most!

cycookery

Cooking the apples

To make apple chips in an air fryer, start by washing and drying the apples. You can use any type of apple you like, but sweet varieties such as red delicious apples are a good option. Next, use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to cut the apples into thin slices, about 1/8 inch thick. You can slice the apples crosswise, keeping the skin on for extra fibre and colour. There is no need to core or seed the apples, as the mandoline will cut through the core, and the seeds will fall out of the slices.

Once your apples are sliced, sprinkle them with ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt, if desired. You can also make a cinnamon sugar mixture by combining equal parts cinnamon and sugar, or a teaspoon of cinnamon with a teaspoon of sugar, for a sweeter treat. Place the apple slices in a mixing bowl and toss to coat them evenly with the cinnamon or cinnamon-sugar mixture.

When you're ready to cook, lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray or oil, if desired. Then, place the apple slices in a single layer in the basket, making sure they aren't overlapping or touching. If your air fryer basket is small, you may need to cook the apples in batches. Set the air fryer temperature to between 250°F and 380°F, and cook for a total of 15-45 minutes, tossing the apple slices every 5 minutes or halfway through the cooking time.

The apples are done when they start to look crisp and golden brown. Remove them from the air fryer and let them cool completely on a wire rack. They will continue to crisp up as they cool. For chewy apple chips, cut the apples into thicker slices, about 1/4 inch wide, and cook for 30 minutes or until done.

cycookery

Storing the apples

It is important to let the apple chips cool completely before storing them. If they are still warm, they will release steam and condensation, which will make them soggy. If you want to ensure your apple chips are crispy, it is best to eat them the same day. They tend to soften over time, especially in humid climates.

For storing, it is recommended to keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for no more than 3-4 days. You can also use a ziplock bag. It is worth noting that the apple chips will soften over time, no matter how they are stored. Therefore, it is best to make them fresh, right before you plan to eat them.

If your apple chips have softened and you want to re-crisp them, you can put them back in the air fryer at 250ºF for 5-10 minutes.

Frequently asked questions

First, wash and dry your apples. Then, use a mandoline or a sharp knife to cut them into thin slices, about 1/8 inch thick. Next, sprinkle cinnamon on the apple slices and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Set the temperature to between 250°F and 380°F and cook for 8-15 minutes, tossing the apple slices halfway through. Once they are done, let them cool for at least 5 minutes before serving.

If your apple chips are burning, they might be too thin. Aim for slices that are about 3mm thick. Cooking at a lower temperature also helps prevent burning.

If you like your apple chips crispy, you should eat them on the same day. They tend to soften over time, especially in humid conditions. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

You can make your apple chips sweeter by sprinkling them with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. You can also add a teaspoon of nutmeg. If you want to make your apple chips more dessert-like, you can serve them with a chocolate tahini dip.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment