Air Fryer Apple Chips: A Quick, Easy Treat

Dehydrating apples in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a healthy snack. The process involves removing the water content from apples, which can be done through air drying or freeze-drying. Dehydrated apples can be stored for up to a year and are a great alternative to potato chips, with no added sugar or preservatives.

To make dried apple slices in an air fryer, start by preparing the apples. Wash the apples and dry them with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel. You can peel the apples or leave the peel on, but it is recommended to remove the core. Cut the apples into thin slices, preferably using a mandoline slicer, and place them in a large bowl. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon and toss well to coat the apples.

Next, place the apple slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, without overcrowding. If you have a large number of apples, you may need to cook them in batches. Set the air fryer temperature to between 150-350°F and cook for 8-20 minutes, tossing or flipping the slices every few minutes to ensure even cooking.

Once the apples are done, transfer them to a wire rack or cooling rack and let them cool before serving. Enjoy your delicious and healthy snack!

Choosing the right apples

Some popular apple varieties that fit this description include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn apples. Other good options include McIntosh, Golden Delicious, and Rome Beauty apples. For a sweeter option, try Gala, Fuji, or Pink Lady apples. These varieties will result in sweeter dried apple slices, but they may not hold their shape as well during the dehydration process.

When selecting apples for dehydration, it is important to choose firm, unbruised fruits with no signs of decay. Avoid apples that are overly juicy, as they will take much longer to dry out. The ideal apples for dehydration should also have a relatively thick skin, which will help them withstand the high temperatures of the air fryer.

In terms of quantity, it is recommended to use 1.5 pounds of apples to make a batch of dried apple slices in an air fryer. This will yield around 2 ounces of dried apple slices.

Additionally, consider the flavour profile you want to achieve. If you want to avoid adding extra sugar, choose a naturally sweet variety like Honey Crisp, Gala, Pink Lady, Fuji, or Golden Delicious. These apples will result in sweeter dried slices without the need for additional sweeteners. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharper flavour, go for varieties like Granny Smith, Jonagold, or McIntosh.

Overall, the key to choosing the right apples for making dried apple slices in an air fryer is to select firm, crisp, tart varieties with a good balance of sweetness and sharpness. By selecting the appropriate apples, you can create delicious and healthy dried apple slices that are perfect for snacking or adding to your favourite recipes.

Preparing the apples

Firstly, select the apples you want to use. It is recommended to choose firm, tart apples with a crisp texture that will hold up well during the dehydration process. Some popular varieties include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, McIntosh, and Golden Delicious. You can also use red apples, such as Red Delicious, for extra sweetness. If you want to avoid adding extra sugar, opt for naturally sweet varieties like Honey Crisp, Gala, Pink Lady, or Fuji.

Once you have selected your apples, give them a good wash to remove any dirt or residue on the skin. If the apples have a waxy coating, rub them gently with vinegar to remove it. This will ensure that your dried apple slices are free from any unwanted substances.

Next, use a sharp knife or a mandolin slicer to cut the apples into thin, even slices. Aim for a thickness of around 1/8-inch. You can cut the apples into rings or thin slices, whichever you prefer. There is no need to peel or core the apples, as the skin can add a pop of colour to your apple chips, and the seeds will fall out during slicing or cooking. However, if you prefer, you can core the apples before slicing.

After slicing, place the apple slices into a large bowl. At this point, you can add seasonings to enhance the flavour of your dried apples. A classic option is to sprinkle cinnamon liberally over the apple slices. You can also experiment with other spices like nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, or a combination of your choice. If you have a sweet tooth, you may want to toss the apple slices with a small amount of sugar.

Once your apple slices are prepared and seasoned, they are ready to be placed into the air fryer. However, remember that the key to successful dehydration is to ensure proper airflow around each slice. Therefore, it is important to arrange the apple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding any overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the apple slices in batches.

In summary, preparing the apples for dehydration in an air fryer involves selecting the right variety, washing and slicing them, adding seasonings, and arranging them properly in the air fryer basket. By following these steps, you will be well on your way to creating delicious and healthy dried apple slices!

Air fryer settings

The ideal air fryer temperature for dehydrating apples is a matter of some debate. Some sources recommend a temperature of 300°F (150°C) for 15 minutes, while others suggest 350ºF/180ºC for 8-10 minutes. A third option is to start at 300°F for 15 minutes and then increase the heat to 325°F for 4-8 minutes.

The optimal temperature may depend on the specific model of your air fryer, so it's worth consulting the manufacturer's instructions or experimenting with different settings to find the best results for your machine.

Regardless of the temperature, it's important to flip and rotate the apple slices every few minutes to ensure even cooking. This is because the high-power convection technology in air fryers moves the slices around, so they need to be repositioned for even dehydration.

Additionally, it's worth noting that the dehydration process may take longer if you are using particularly juicy apples, as these will take longer to dry out.

Finally, while not directly related to the air fryer settings, it's worth mentioning that the thickness of the apple slices will also impact the dehydration time. Slices should be no thicker than 1/2-inch, and preferably thinner, to ensure even and efficient dehydration.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for dehydrated apple slices in an air fryer can vary depending on the desired level of crispiness and the specific air fryer being used. However, here is a general guide:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). This temperature setting is ideal for achieving the perfect balance between drying the apples and retaining their sweetness. Thinner slices may require a slightly lower temperature to avoid overcooking, so consider adjusting accordingly.

Next, arrange the 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 cook the apples in batches. Place a small metal rack or trivet over the apples to prevent them from moving around during cooking.

Cook the apples for approximately 15 minutes at 300°F (150°C), flipping them every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. At this point, the apples should be relatively dried out.

For crispier apples, increase the temperature to 325°F-330°F (165°C) for an additional 4-12 minutes, continuing to flip the apples regularly. Keep a close eye on the apples during this stage, as the higher temperature can lead to quicker browning and crisping.

The total cooking time in the air fryer will be around 20-30 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness. Remember that the apples will continue to crisp as they cool, so remove them from the air fryer when they are slightly softer than your desired level of doneness.

Finally, transfer the dehydrated apples to a wire rack or cooling rack and allow them to cool completely before serving or storing. Enjoy your delicious and healthy snack!

Storing the apple slices

The best place to store your dehydrated apple slices is in a cool, dark location, such as a cupboard or pantry. They should be kept out of direct sunlight and not stored in the refrigerator, as this will make them become soggy. Stored like this, your apple slices will last for six months to a year.

If you have made a large batch, it is recommended to store them in several containers, so you don't expose the entire batch to oxygen every time you want to eat some.

You can also freeze your apple slices. To do this, place them into an airtight ziplock bag and then put that bag into a freezer-safe container. They will keep for up to a year when stored this way.

Frequently asked questions