Air Fryer Apple Chips: A Quick, Easy Snack

Air fryers are a great way to make apple chips, which are a delicious and healthy snack. They are simple to make, perfect for kids and adults, and have no added sugar. The process is also faster than dehydrating or oven-baking them, and the finished apples are nice and crispy. To make apple chips in an air fryer, you will need to slice apples thinly and toss them with cinnamon and optionally, nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice. Then, place them in a single layer in a preheated air fryer and cook until golden brown, flipping and rotating them occasionally. The total cooking time will be around 20-30 minutes, depending on the air fryer and the desired crispiness.

Choosing the right apples

Variety

You can use any variety of apples to make apple chips. Red apples, such as Red Delicious, tend to produce extra-pretty chips. Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, and Envy apples are sweeter options that will give you a more sugary taste without adding extra sweeteners. Granny Smith apples will give you a more sour flavour.

Size

Larger apples are preferable, as they will give you larger apple chips. This is especially important if you're looking for a more substantial snack.

Taste

The taste of the apple chips will depend on the variety of apple you choose. Sweeter apples, such as Honeycrisp, will result in sweeter chips. If you prefer a more sour taste, opt for apples like Granny Smith. You can also adjust the taste by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.

Price

If you're looking to make apple chips on a budget, consider cheaper apple varieties like Jonagolds or Red Delicious. These apples are usually inexpensive and can be found at most grocery stores.

Availability

Depending on your location, certain apple varieties may be more readily available than others. For example, if you live in an area with apple orchards or farms, you might be able to find fresh, locally grown apples.

Texture

The texture of the apple chips can vary depending on the variety of apple you choose. Some apples, like Red Delicious, tend to produce crispier chips, while others may result in a chewier texture. If you're looking for a specific texture, consider trying out different apple varieties to find the one that suits your preference.

Remember, the key to making delicious apple chips in the air fryer is to experiment with different apple varieties and find the ones that work best for you. Don't be afraid to try out different combinations of apples, spices, and cooking times to create your perfect snack!

Slicing the apples

When slicing the apples, you don't need to worry about peeling or coring them. Simply remove any seeds from the middle slices. If you're using a mandoline, the seeds will likely fall out on their own.

It's important to slice the apples as thinly and evenly as possible because this will ensure that the apple chips dehydrate and cook evenly. Thinner slices will also result in crispier chips.

Once you've sliced the apples, you can optionally sprinkle them with cinnamon, sugar, or other spices like nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice. You can also coat the apples in lemon juice to prevent browning.

Seasoning the apples

The most popular seasoning for apple chips is cinnamon. You can sprinkle cinnamon on the apple slices before placing them in the air fryer, or you can toss the slices in a bowl with cinnamon and oil. If you are using a small amount of cinnamon, it is recommended to add it in small dashes to ensure that each apple slice is coated evenly. Cinnamon gives the apple chips a warm, spicy flavour and is a great option if you want your chips to have a classic, comforting taste.

You can also experiment with other spices to find your perfect flavour combination. Nutmeg is a good option to pair with cinnamon, giving the apple chips an extra depth of flavour. Pumpkin pie spice is another great choice, especially if you are looking for a festive, seasonal treat. If you want to make your apple chips sweeter, you can add a sprinkle of sugar to the cinnamon before tossing the apple slices.

If you are looking for a more savoury option, you can try seasoning your apple chips with salt, pepper, or other savoury spices. You could also experiment with different types of oil to use when tossing the apple slices. Olive oil, avocado oil, or even a cooking spray can be used, and each will impart a slightly different flavour to the final product.

Finally, if you want to enhance the natural flavour of the apples, you can coat the apple slices in a little bit of lemon juice before placing them in the air fryer. This will help to prevent the apples from browning and will brighten their natural flavour.

With so many seasoning options to choose from, you can easily customise your apple chips to suit your taste preferences. Whether you prefer them sweet, savoury, or somewhere in between, there is a seasoning combination that will make your apple chips delicious.

Air-frying the apples

Phase 1: Drying

First, preheat your air fryer to 300°F. While that's heating up, prepare your apples. You can peel and core the apples if you like, but it's not necessary. Use a mandoline to slice the apples thinly (about 1/8 of an inch thick). If you don't have a mandoline, a sharp knife will do, but be careful!

Once your apples are sliced, place them in the air fryer basket, trying to keep them in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, there may be some overlap, but that's okay—you'll be rotating the apple slices during cooking. Place a metal rack over the apples to prevent them from flying up into the fan.

Close the air fryer basket and set it to 300°F for 15-20 minutes. Every 5 minutes, open the basket and flip and rotate the apples. After this drying phase, the apple chips will appear dried, soggy, and the edges will begin to shrivel.

Phase 2: Crisping

Once the apples are dried out, increase the temperature to 325-330°F. Stay close to the air fryer during this phase, as the apples will cook much faster at this higher temperature. Check, flip, and shake the apple chips every 90 seconds to 2 minutes. The chips will begin to fly around the inside of the air fryer, curl, and gain colour.

Remove any chips that are browning faster than the others, and continue cooking until all the chips are crisped to your liking. The chips will continue to crisp as they cool, so let them cool for at least 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Storing the apple chips

Storing Apple Chips:

• Cooling: Allow the apple chips to cool completely before transferring them to a storage container. This step is crucial as it helps prevent moisture buildup, which can make the chips soggy.
• Container Type: Store the apple chips in an airtight container, such as a glass jar or a reusable storage bag. If you want the chips to retain their shape, opt for a hard-surface container as plastic bags can cause breakage.
• Storage Temperature: Store the container at room temperature in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a pantry cabinet. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as this can affect their texture and freshness.
• Moisture Control: To maintain crispness, consider adding a moisture-absorbing desiccant packet to the container, especially if you live in a humid area or plan to open the container frequently.
• Long-Term Storage: Properly dried and stored apple chips can last up to a year! For long-term storage, vacuum seal the container to extend the shelf life and maintain the quality of the apples.
• Labelling: Label the container with the date and any other relevant information, such as the type of apples used or additional seasonings. This helps you keep track of when the chips were made and ensures you consume them within their recommended timeframe.
• Consistency: Aim for consistent thickness when slicing the apples. Thinner slices may become brittle and break, while thicker slices may take longer to crisp and can be chewier.
• Storing in the Fridge: While apple chips are typically stored at room temperature, you can also store them in the refrigerator, especially if you want to extend their shelf life. However, they may lose some of their crispness, so let them come to room temperature before consuming for the best texture.
• Freezing: Freezing apple chips is not recommended as it can alter their texture and make them soggy. Apple chips are best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of preparation.
• Shelf Life: The shelf life of apple chips can vary depending on preparation and storage methods. When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they can last for up to a week while maintaining their crispness. However, they remain edible for up to five days, after which they may become softer.

Frequently asked questions