Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Chips: A Quick, Healthy Treat

Cinnamon apple chips are a delicious and healthy snack that can be made in an air fryer. They are easy to make and only require a few simple ingredients, such as apples, cinnamon, and sugar or coconut oil. The apples are thinly sliced and then cooked in the air fryer until they are crispy, resulting in a tasty treat that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Choosing the right apples

It is recommended to stay away from softer apple varieties such as Red Delicious or Granny Smith apples. Softer apples tend to be mealier and may not crisp up as well in the air fryer. You want apples that will maintain their shape and texture during the cooking process.

When selecting your apples, opt for fresh apples that are free from bruises or blemishes. The quality of the apples will impact the final result, so choose apples that are in season and at their peak ripeness.

The size of the apples is also important. Choose apples that are medium to large in size, as this will make it easier to slice them into uniform pieces. This ensures even cooking and allows for a more aesthetically pleasing presentation.

In addition to the variety of apple, the thickness of the slices plays a significant role in the cooking process and the final texture of your cinnamon apple chips. Aim for slices that are approximately 1/8-inch thick. A mandoline slicer is a great tool to achieve consistent and thin slices, but a sharp knife and a steady hand can also do the trick.

When slicing the apples, try to make the slices as uniform as possible. While they don't have to be perfectly identical, a similar thickness will help them cook more evenly. Thinner slices will also result in quicker cooking times, so keep that in mind if you're short on time.

In summary, when choosing apples for your cinnamon apple chips, opt for crisp and sweet varieties such as Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Gala, or Fuji apples. Stay away from softer apples like Red Delicious or Granny Smith. Select fresh, ripe apples that are free from blemishes, and choose apples that are medium to large in size for easier slicing. Finally, aim for a slice thickness of around 1/8-inch, using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, to ensure even cooking and the perfect crispy texture.

Preparing the apples

First, select the right apples for your chips. Crisp apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Gala apples are recommended. Stay away from softer, mealier apples like Red Delicious or Fuji as they won't crisp up as well.

Next, wash and dry your apples. This step is important to remove any dirt or residue from the surface of the apples.

Now, it's time to slice the apples. Use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to cut the apples into thin, even slices. Aim for slices that are about 1/8-inch thick. The thinner the slices, the crispier your apple chips will be. Be careful while slicing, as it requires a steady hand and some patience.

Once your apples are sliced, place them in a single layer on a flat surface. You can now choose to sprinkle them with ground cinnamon, or a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, if you prefer a sweeter chip. You can also add other spices like nutmeg or ginger to experiment with the flavour.

After seasoning, spray the apple slices with coconut oil or another type of cooking spray. This step will help the chips crisp up and give them a nice texture. Make sure to coat both sides of the apple slices evenly.

Now, you're ready to place the apples in the air fryer. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, trying not to overlap the slices too much. Overlapping is okay, but try to expose as much surface area as possible for even cooking.

Finally, set the air fryer to the recommended temperature, which is typically around 300°F to 350°F. Cook the apple slices for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. The total cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep a close eye on the chips to avoid overcooking.

And that's it! You're now ready to enjoy your delicious, healthy cinnamon apple chips.

Seasoning the apples

To start, you can combine cinnamon with sugar or another sweetener like brown sugar or maple syrup. This mixture can then be sprinkled over the apple slices, ensuring both sides are coated. If you want to reduce the amount of sugar or omit it altogether, you can do so without compromising the final product.

Some recipes also suggest tossing the apple slices in coconut oil or olive oil before sprinkling them with cinnamon. This step adds to the crispiness of the apple chips and ensures they don't stick to the air fryer basket.

Additionally, you can experiment with other spices like nutmeg, ginger, or pumpkin pie spice to add a unique twist to your cinnamon apple chips.

The amount of cinnamon and other spices used can be adjusted to your preference. A light sprinkling will give a subtle hint of cinnamon, while a heavier hand will result in a more pronounced cinnamon flavour.

Remember to coat the apple slices evenly on both sides to ensure consistent flavour and crispness. You can also adjust the amount of sweetener or oil used based on your preference and dietary needs.

Air-frying the apples

Next, place the apple slices in a single layer on a flat surface and sprinkle with cinnamon. You can also add a teaspoon of sugar if you prefer your apple chips sweeter. Then, lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil and place the slices inside, trying not to overlap them too much.

Set the air fryer to 300°F and air fry for 15 minutes, tossing the apple slices every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. If your air fryer doesn't have a transparent basket, you may need to check on the apple chips more frequently to prevent burning. Once the apple slices are golden brown and almost crispy, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a cooling rack to cool completely. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.

If you are making a larger batch, cook the apple slices in smaller batches to ensure even cooking and crisping. You can also place a metal rack or trivet on top of the apple slices in the air fryer to prevent them from flying around while cooking. However, this step is optional, and you can simply follow the same instructions without the metal rack if you don't have one.

Storing the apple chips

Now that you've made your apple chips, it's important to store them properly to maintain their freshness and crispiness. Here are some detailed instructions and tips on how to store your delicious homemade cinnamon apple chips:

Cooling the apple chips:

Before storing your apple chips, it's crucial to let them cool completely. Apple chips will continue to crisp up as they cool, so giving them enough time to reach room temperature will ensure they attain the perfect texture. Place the apple chips on a cooling rack or a plate and let them sit for a few minutes until they are no longer warm.

Storing at room temperature:

If you plan on consuming the apple chips within a few days, you can store them in an airtight container or a sealed bag at room temperature. However, keep in mind that apple chips will lose their crispness over time, even when stored properly. They will still be delicious, but their texture may change. Aim to eat them within 3-4 days for the best experience.

Long-term storage:

If you want to store your apple chips for an extended period, consider the following steps:

• Cool the apples completely: Before transferring them into long-term storage, ensure that the apple chips are entirely cool to the touch.
• Conditioning: Loosely pack the apple chips in an airtight container, preferably transparent, and leave them on the counter for about a week. Check the container daily for any signs of moisture or condensation. If condensation appears, return the apple chips to the air fryer or oven for a short period to dry them further. Shake the container occasionally to prevent the chips from sticking together.
• Final storage: After conditioning, transfer the apple chips to a clean, airtight container for long-term storage. Vacuum sealing will help extend the shelf life and maintain the quality of the apple chips. You can also use a moisture-absorbing desiccant packet, especially if you anticipate frequent opening of the container or if you live in a humid area.
• Label and store: Label the container with the date and any other relevant information. Place the container in a cool, dark, and dry location, such as a pantry cabinet.

Storing in the freezer:

If you have a large batch of apple chips and want to store them for an even longer period, freezing is an option. Place the apple chips in a freezer bag, squeeze out as much air as possible, seal the bag tightly, and label it with the date. These frozen apple chips should last well throughout the winter.

Tips for optimal freshness:

• Make sure the apple chips are completely dry before storing them. Any residual moisture can lead to softening or spoilage over time.
• Store the apple chips in a dry, airtight container to prevent moisture absorption from the air.
• Consume the apple chips within the recommended time frame for the best texture and flavor.

By following these storage instructions, you can enjoy your homemade cinnamon apple chips for a more extended period while maintaining their freshness and crispiness as much as possible!

Frequently asked questions