Air Fryer Apple Chips: Crispy, Quick, And Easy!

Air fryer apple chips are a quick, easy, and healthy snack. They are a great alternative to potato chips and can be made with just apples and cinnamon. The apples are thinly sliced and cooked in the air fryer for a crispy, crunchy texture. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a nutritious snack that can be made in a short amount of time.

Choosing the right apples

When selecting apples for this recipe, opt for those that are sweet, crunchy, and firm. This way, you can avoid adding extra sugar to your apple chips, and the apples will hold up better during the cooking process.

• Honeycrisp: This type of apple is sweet, crunchy, and juicy, making it an excellent choice for apple chips.
• Pink Lady: Pink Lady apples have the right balance of sweetness and acidity, and they're firm, making them ideal for slicing thinly.
• Fuji: Fuji apples are crisp, sweet, and juicy, which will give your apple chips a nice texture and flavour.
• Gala: Gala apples are sweet and crisp, making them a good choice for this recipe.
• Red Delicious: These apples are inexpensive and widely available. They are sweet and work well for apple chips.
• Golden Delicious: Golden Delicious apples are sweet and can be a good option if you want a milder flavour.
• Granny Smith: Granny Smith apples are tart and crisp, so they will give your apple chips a tangy flavour and a nice, firm texture.

When shopping for apples, look for those that are fresh and in season, as they will likely yield the best results. Also, consider buying organic apples to avoid any potential pesticide residue.

Remember, the key to getting crispy apple chips is to slice the apples thinly and evenly. A mandolin slicer can help you achieve this, but a sharp knife and a steady hand will also do the trick!

Preparing the apples

Selecting the Apples

Start by choosing the right apples for your chips. Look for apples that are fresh, crunchy, and naturally sweet. Some recommended varieties include Red Delicious, Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, Pink Lady, and Granny Smith. You can use a single type of apple or a mixture of different varieties to create a colorful and flavorful batch of apple chips.

Slicing the Apples

The next step is to slice the apples thinly and uniformly. The recommended thickness for apple chips is about 1/8 inch or 2.5 mm. You can use a mandolin slicer or a sharp knife for this step. If using a mandolin, set it to the thinnest setting to achieve the desired thickness. If slicing by hand, aim for consistency in thickness to ensure even cooking.

Coring and Peeling (Optional)

You don't have to core or peel the apples before slicing. Leaving the core in will result in a fun star shape in the center of your apple chips, while coring will give them a donut-like appearance. As for peeling, it's a matter of personal preference. Peeling the apples will result in a smoother texture, but leaving the skin on adds color and extra fiber.

Spicing the Apples

Once your apples are sliced, it's time to add some flavor. While apple chips can be delicious on their own, a sprinkle of cinnamon enhances their natural sweetness. You can also experiment with other spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin pie spice. Simply sprinkle the desired amount of spice over the apple slices and toss gently to coat.

Layering in the Air Fryer Basket

Place the spiced apple slices in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with minimal overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Overlapping slices may require a longer cooking time and can affect crispness.

Covering the Apples (Optional)

If you're concerned about the apple slices flying up into the fan during cooking, you can place a low metal rack over them. This is especially useful if your air fryer doesn't have an accessory kit.

Now that your apples are prepared, you're ready to move on to the cooking process. Remember to keep a close eye on them during cooking, as the timing and temperature may vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of your apple slices. Enjoy your homemade crispy apple chips!

Seasoning

If you want to get creative, there are plenty of other spices you can experiment with. Nutmeg, cardamom, pumpkin pie spice, apple pie spice, and even a pinch of sea salt can all be used to season your apple chips. You could also try a savoury take on the snack by adding some rosemary or thyme.

For an extra sweet treat, you can add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the apple slices before air frying. This will give the chips a richer, caramelised flavour.

Air frying

Firstly, it's important to cut the apples thinly and uniformly. A mandolin is the best tool for this, but a sharp knife and a steady hand will also work. Aim for slices that are about 1/8 of an inch thick.

Next, you'll want to season the apple slices. Cinnamon is a popular choice, but you can also add a teaspoon of sugar for extra sweetness. You can also try other spices like nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, or a pinch of cardamom for a different flavor profile.

Now you're ready to air fry! Place the apple slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, and set the temperature to somewhere between 300 and 380 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook times vary, but generally, you'll want to air fry for around 8-15 minutes, flipping the slices at the halfway point. Keep a close eye on them, especially towards the end of the cooking time, to ensure they don't burn.

Once the apple slices are golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool. They will continue to crisp up as they cool, so don't be concerned if they still feel a bit soft.

And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy apple chips to enjoy as a snack or dessert.

Storing

Firstly, it is recommended to let the apple chips cool completely before storing them. Allowing them to cool will help them reach their maximum crispness and prevent sogginess. Place the apple chips on a wire rack or a plate to cool down.

Once cooled, transfer the apple chips to an airtight container or a zip-top bag. Glass mason jars are also a great storage option. Make sure the container is dry and clean before adding the apple chips.

The ideal storage temperature for apple chips is room temperature. Keep the container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Properly stored apple chips can last for about a week. However, they are best enjoyed fresh, as they tend to lose their crispness over time. If you want to revive their crispness, place them in an oven preheated to 300°F for about 5 minutes.

Lastly, it is important to note that apple chips are very addictive and may not last long enough to require storage! Many people report that their apple chips are devoured as soon as they are cooled, so be prepared for some quick snacking!

Frequently asked questions