Make Delicious Dried Apples Using Your Air Fryer

Air fryers are a great way to make dried apples, also known as apple chips. They are a delicious, healthy snack and a fantastic way of preserving your fruit. The process is simple: thinly slice your apples, optionally coat them in lemon juice and/or cinnamon, and then cook in the air fryer for around 20 minutes, flipping the apples every few minutes. The apples will then crisp up as they cool.

Choosing the right apples

Type of Apple

Some apple varieties that are commonly used for dehydrating include:

• Honeycrisp: This variety is known for its sweetness and is often recommended for making apple chips.
• Gala: Gala apples are sweet and have a crisp texture, making them a good choice for dehydrating.
• Fuji: Fuji apples are sweet and juicy, but their high juice content may require a longer drying time.
• Golden Delicious: This variety is sweet and can make delicious apple chips.
• Granny Smith: Granny Smith apples are not as sweet as the others but can still make tasty apple chips.
• Red Delicious: These apples are inexpensive and work well for making apple chips.
• Pink Lady: Pink Lady apples are sweet and can add a nice flavour to your dried apples.
• Jonagold: Jonagold apples are a good choice if you're looking for a cheaper option, but they may not be as sweet.

Size of Apple

When choosing apples, consider selecting larger apples. Larger apples will give you larger apple chips, and they can also take longer to dry, so keep that in mind when preparing your recipe.

Taste Preference

Depending on your taste preferences, you may want to choose apples that are sweeter or have a sharper flavour. If you want to avoid adding extra sugar, go for a naturally sweet variety like Honey Crisp, Gala, or Fuji. If you prefer a sharper flavour, Granny Smith, Jonagold, or McIntosh apples can be a good choice.

Juiciness

If possible, avoid using extremely juicy apples as they will take much longer to dry out. This is something to keep in mind, especially if you're using varieties like Fuji apples, which are known for their high juice content.

Preparing the apples

Firstly, select your apples. You can use any variety of apples, but larger apples are preferable as they yield larger apple chips. Sweeter and cheaper apples are also good options, such as Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Jonagolds, or Gala apples. Avoid particularly juicy apples as they will take longer to dry out.

Next, wash your apples thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue. If your apples have a waxy coating, rub them gently with vinegar to remove the wax.

Now, it's time to slice the apples. The key to successful apple chips is thin, even slices. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 of an inch. You can use a sharp knife, but a mandoline slicer is highly recommended for consistent results. If using a mandoline, set it to the thinnest setting (around 2.5mm or 1/8 inch). Carefully slice the apples, removing any seeds or core. You don't need to peel or core the apples beforehand, as the mandoline will take care of that for you.

After slicing, you have the option to soak the apple slices in a mixture of lemon juice and water. This step is optional but can help prevent browning. Simply combine one tablespoon of lemon juice with one cup of water and soak the apple slices for a few minutes. Be sure to pat the slices dry before moving on to the next step.

At this point, you can also add some spices to your apple slices for extra flavor. Cinnamon is a classic pairing, but you can also try nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, or a pinch of sugar. Sprinkle your chosen spice(s) liberally over the apple slices and toss to coat.

Once your apples are prepared, you're ready to move on to the air-frying process.

Note: If you're using an air fryer with trays, you may need to adjust the timing and temperature settings slightly, as air fryers with baskets tend to cook faster.

Air fryer settings

Preheating

Preheat your air fryer to ensure consistent cooking. The ideal temperature for preheating is 300°F (150°C). This temperature will help dry out the apples without burning them.

Cooking Temperature and Time

After preheating, you can begin the cooking process. The cooking temperature will vary in two phases: the drying phase and the crisping phase.

Drying Phase

For the drying phase, set your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). This temperature will help remove moisture from the apples without burning them. Cook the apples at this temperature for 15-20 minutes, or until they appear dried out with no "wet" spots. It's important to flip and rotate the apples every 5 minutes during this phase to ensure even cooking.

Crisping Phase

Once the apples are dried out, increase the temperature to 325°F (165°C) for the crisping phase. This higher temperature will give your apple chips that satisfying crunch. Cook the apples for an additional 8-12 minutes during this phase, continuing to flip and rotate them regularly.

Tips for Optimal Results

• Keep a close eye on the apples during the crisping phase, as they can go from perfectly crispy to burnt very quickly.
• Depending on the thickness of your apple slices, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Thinner slices will cook faster, while thicker slices may require a few extra minutes.
• If your air fryer has multiple trays, rotate them from top to bottom during cooking to ensure even dehydration.
• If your apple chips are burning, try lowering the temperature by 10-25 degrees Fahrenheit or slicing the apples a little thicker.
• For maximum crispiness, enjoy the apple chips 10-20 minutes after they come out of the air fryer.

By following these air fryer settings and tips, you'll be able to make delicious, crispy apple chips that are perfect for snacking!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking temperature and time for making dried apples in an air fryer will depend on the type of apples used and the desired texture. For softer, chewier dried apples, a lower temperature of around 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes should suffice. For crispier apple chips, a higher temperature of 320-330°F (165-170°C) for 20-30 minutes is recommended, with frequent flipping to ensure even cooking.

Phase 1 - Drying:

Set the air fryer to a temperature of 300°F (150°C). Place the apple slices in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with minimal overlap. Cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping the apples every 5 minutes to prevent sticking and promote even drying. The apples will appear dried out and slightly shrivelled at the edges.

Phase 2 - Crisping:

For crispier apple chips, increase the temperature to 325-330°F (165-170°C). Continue cooking for another 8-12 minutes, flipping the apples halfway through this phase. Keep a close eye on the apples during this step, as they can go from perfectly dehydrated to burnt within a minute. The apples are done when they have hardened with a little flexibility, and they will crisp up further as they cool.

Tips for Optimal Cooking:

• Use a mandoline to slice the apples uniformly to a thickness of about ⅛ inch. Thinner slices will result in crispier chips.
• For added flavour, sprinkle the apples with cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, or a combination of sugar and cinnamon before placing them in the air fryer.
• To prevent the apples from flying around in the air fryer, use a metal rack or trivet to hold them down while cooking.
• Depending on your air fryer model and the desired level of crispiness, you may need to experiment with the temperature and timing. Some air fryers may require a slightly lower or higher temperature setting than indicated above.

Storing the dried apples

Once your apple chips are ready, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool down for about 5-10 minutes. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.

The apple chips can be stored in an airtight container, like a Tupperware or a mason jar. You can also use a heavy-duty zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. If you have a vacuum sealer, that would be ideal for long-term storage.

Dried apples will last for about 6 to 12 months when stored in a cool, dry, and dark area at room temperature. If you live in a hot and humid environment, it is better to store them in the refrigerator. You can also store them in the freezer, which can extend their shelf life to about 12 to 18 months, or even two years, according to some sources.

Make sure to check on the apples every month or so if they are stored outside of the freezer. They should feel leathery and pliable. If any of the pieces feel soft and fleshy, return them to the air fryer or dehydrator and continue drying them.

Frequently asked questions