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

Air fryers are a great way to make apple chips—a healthy, delicious, and crunchy snack. All you need are apples, some spices, and a little oil, and you can enjoy the sweet crisp of apple chips in just minutes! This is a perfect snack for after school, sports practice, or even a movie night. You can also try adding a sprinkle of sugar for some extra sweetness.

Choosing the right apples

First, you should consider the type of apple. While you can use any type of apple, some varieties will work better than others. Sweet apples are generally recommended, with Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, and Red Delicious apples all being popular choices. Granny Smith apples are also an option, but as they are tarter, you may want to add more sweet spices or sugar to the recipe. Braeburn apples are another good alternative, and Golden Delicious apples can also be used.

You should also consider the texture of the apples, aiming for a crunchy variety. This will ensure your apple chips have the right crisp texture.

The thickness of the apple slices will also affect the final texture and cooking time of your apple chips. Aim for slices that are around 1/8 of an inch thick. You can use a mandoline or a sharp knife to get thin, even slices. The thinner and more evenly sized your slices, the crispier your apple chips will be.

Finally, you can leave the peel on your apples or remove it, depending on your preference. Leaving the peel on adds texture and nutrients, while peeling the apples will give a smoother texture to your apple chips.

Preparing the apples

• Wash and dry your apples: Start by giving the apples a good rinse under cold water to remove any dirt or residue. Then, use a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to dry them thoroughly.
• Slice the apples: Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, cut the apples into thin, uniform slices. The ideal thickness is around 1/8 of an inch. You can choose to core the apples before slicing or leave the cores in, as they will be fine after cooking. Remove any seeds that may be present.
• Season the apples: In a small bowl, combine ground cinnamon and apple pie spice or nutmeg. You can also add a pinch of ground ginger for an extra flavour boost. Toss the apple slices in the spice mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated on both sides.
• Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 300°F to 380°F. This is the ideal temperature for cooking the apple chips.
• Place the apples in the air fryer: Arrange the spiced apple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap too much. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the apples in batches.
• Cook the apples: Cook the apple slices for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
• Cool and crisp the apples: Once the apples are done, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a cooling rack or plate. They will continue to crisp up as they cool. If they still feel a bit soft, leave them to cool for a few more minutes.

Seasoning the apples

Firstly, you'll want to prepare your apples by washing, drying, and slicing them into thin pieces. You can use a mandolin slicer or a sharp knife for this step, aiming for slices around 1/8th of an inch thick.

Now, for the seasoning! There are a few different options for spices and sweeteners that you can use.

The most popular choice is ground cinnamon, which gives the apple chips a wonderful, classic flavour. Sprinkle a generous amount of cinnamon over the apple slices, ensuring that both sides are coated. You can also combine cinnamon with sugar to make a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture. This can be sprinkled over the apples, or you can toss the apple slices in the mixture to ensure an even coating.

If you want to experiment with other spices, you could try nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, or even a pinch of ground cloves or anise. These warm spices work beautifully with apples and will remind you of autumn. You could also try a mixed spice blend like apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice. For a spicier kick, add some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper.

To help the spices stick to the apples, you can coat the slices with a small amount of melted coconut oil or olive oil. This step is optional but will ensure your spices don't fly away when you put the apples into the air fryer!

And there you have it—deliciously seasoned apple chips, ready for the air fryer!

Air-frying the apples

Slice the Apples:

Start by washing and drying your apples. You can use a variety of apples such as Gala, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Red Delicious. Then, use a mandoline slicer or a very sharp knife to cut the apples into thin slices, preferably about 1/8 inch thick. You can choose to remove the stem and seeds or leave them in, as they will form a fun star shape in the middle of your apple chips.

Season the Apples:

In a small bowl, combine ground cinnamon and, optionally, other spices like nutmeg, ginger, or a pinch of ground cloves. You can also add a teaspoon of sugar if you prefer your apple chips on the sweeter side. Toss the apple slices in the spice mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated on both sides.

Air-Fry the Apples:

Preheat your air fryer to 300°F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with coconut oil to prevent sticking. Place the apple slices in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap too much. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, tossing the apple slices every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. The apples are done when they are golden brown and almost crispy.

Cool the Apple Chips:

Remove the apple chips from the air fryer and place them on a cooling rack to cool completely. The apple chips will continue to crisp up as they cool, so don't worry if they feel slightly soft. Enjoy your homemade apple chips as a delicious and healthy snack!

Tips for Perfect Apple Chips:

• Slice the apples as thinly and uniformly as possible for the best crunch.
• Avoid overlapping the apple slices in the air fryer to maximize the exposed surface area, which will lead to crispier chips.
• If using softer apples, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Don't worry about making perfectly uniform slices; the key is to have them relatively thin and of similar thickness to ensure even cooking.
• You can store the apple chips in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, but they are best enjoyed fresh, as they will lose their crispness over time.

Storing the apple chips

Cooling the Chips:

Before storing your apple chips, it is essential to let them cool completely to room temperature. Place the chips on a wire rack or a plate and allow them to cool down. This step is important because the chips will continue to crisp up as they cool.

Choosing the Right Container:

For storing, it is best to use an airtight container or a sealed bag. Glass mason jars, zip-top bags, or airtight containers with lids are all suitable options. Make sure the container is clean and dry before adding the apple chips.

Storage Temperature and Location:

Store the container of apple chips at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight or in a warm area, as this can affect their freshness and crispness. Keep them away from heat sources, such as ovens or direct sunlight.

Storage Duration:

Apple chips have a limited shelf life, and it is best to consume them within a few days of preparation. Most sources suggest that they will stay fresh and crispy for around a week when stored properly. However, some sources recommend consuming them within 3-4 days for the best texture and taste.

Maintaining Crispness:

Apple chips tend to lose their crispness over time, even when stored properly. If you want to revive their crispness, preheat your oven to 300°F and place the chips on a baking sheet. Bake them for about 5 minutes, and they will come out as crispy as the first day!

Storing Tips:

• Always store the apple chips at room temperature. Refrigeration is not recommended as it can affect their texture.
• Ensure the container is airtight to prevent moisture from getting in and making the chips soggy.
• If using a zip-top bag, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing it.
• If you notice any moisture in the container, blot the chips with a paper towel before returning them to the container.
• Label the container with the date of preparation so you can keep track of their freshness.

Frequently asked questions