Air-Fryer Soft Dried Apples: The Perfect Healthy Snack

Making soft dried apples in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to create a healthy snack. The process involves thinly slicing apples, coating them in spices, and cooking them at a low temperature in the air fryer until they are dried out. This method is faster and more convenient than using a dehydrating machine or an oven, and results in crispy apple chips that are perfect for snacking, adding to breakfast recipes, or using as a garnish.

Choosing the right apples

On the other hand, if you prefer something to use as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or pancakes, sweeter apple varieties are the way to go. Gala, Golden and Red Delicious, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, and Envy apples will shrink a bit but their higher sugar content will concentrate their flavour.

Large apples are a good choice as they give you large apple chips. Sweeter apples are also a good option as they provide a sweet flavour without having to add any extra sweetener. Some examples of sweeter apples are Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, and Envy apples.

If you're looking for a more affordable option, cheaper apples such as Jonagolds can be a great choice. You can often find them on sale at a bargain. They may not be known for their sweetness, but with the addition of cinnamon, they can make delicious apple chips.

It's also important to note that juicy apples should be avoided as they will take much longer to dry out. Additionally, if you want to avoid adding extra sugar, go for naturally sweet varieties.

In terms of preparation, it is recommended to wash your apples thoroughly to remove any dirt that might be on the skin. If your apples have wax, rub them with vinegar to remove it before slicing and dehydrating.

Preparing the apples

Firstly, you'll want to choose the right apples for the job. Sweet varieties such as Gala, Honey Crisp, Fuji, Golden Delicious, and Pink Lady are good options, as they will taste sweet even without adding sugar. If you prefer a sharper flavor, go for Granny Smith, Jonagold, or McIntosh apples. You can also use Red Delicious, Honeycrisp, or Envy apples if you want something in between.

Once you've selected your apples, give them a good wash to remove any dirt or residue. If your apples have a waxy coating, rub them with vinegar to remove it. This will ensure the spices adhere well and also prevent any unwanted flavors from affecting the final product.

Now it's time to slice the apples. The ideal thickness for apple chips is about 1/8 of an inch. You can use a sharp knife, but a mandoline slicer will give you more consistent results. You can choose to remove the core or leave it in, but be sure to remove any seeds. If you're using a mandoline, you can slice the apples into thin rounds, or you can cut the apple in half and make thin slices.

Some people like to soak the apple slices in a solution of lemon juice or citric acid to prevent browning, but this step is optional and may make the apples take longer to dehydrate. If you do choose to soak them, be sure to pat the slices dry before moving on to the next step.

Finally, it's time to add some flavor! Cinnamon is a classic pairing with apples, but you can also experiment with nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, or even a little sugar if you have a sweet tooth. Give the apples a generous sprinkle of your chosen seasoning, making sure to coat all the slices evenly.

And that's it! Your apples are now ready to be dehydrated, either in an air fryer or another method of your choice.

Air fryer settings

The ideal air fryer temperature for dehydrating apples is between 150°F and 350°F. The higher the temperature, the shorter the dehydration time. However, it's important to note that air frying at higher temperatures requires more attention and frequent flipping and rotating of the apple slices.

For the initial drying phase, set your air fryer to 300°F. This phase can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the apples. Flip and rotate the apple slices every 5 minutes to ensure even drying.

Once the apples appear dried out, with no shiny or wet spots, it's time for the crisping phase. Increase the temperature to 325°F. This phase will take 4 to 8 minutes, depending on the thickness and amount of apple slices. Check, flip, and shake the apple chips every 90 seconds to 2 minutes.

If your apple chips are burning, try lowering the temperature by 10 degrees or slicing the apples a little thicker. It's also important to ensure that all the apple slices get their own "air time" by rotating them between the top, bottom, and middle of the air fryer basket.

Additionally, it's worth noting that the dehydration time can vary depending on the type of apple used. Sweeter apple varieties, such as Gala, Golden Delicious, and Honeycrisp, tend to dehydrate better and hold their shape and color during the process.

Drying the apples

The key to making soft dried apples in an air fryer is to slice the apples thinly and evenly. You can use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to cut the apples into thin, equal slices, preferably about 1/8-inch thick. You can slice the apples with or without the core, but make sure to remove any seeds.

Before slicing, you may want to wash the apples thoroughly to remove any dirt or wax on the skin. If your apples are waxed, you can rub them with vinegar to remove the wax.

Once your apples are sliced, you can optionally soak them in an acidic pre-treatment bath to prevent browning. Prepare a bath by mixing either 1 teaspoon of citric acid, 1/4 cup of lemon juice, or 1 tablespoon of vinegar with 4 cups of water. Soak the apple slices for 10 minutes, then drain and pat them dry with a kitchen towel.

Next, assemble your apples for dehydrating. If desired, you can add spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice to the apple slices before drying.

When drying apples in an air fryer, it is best to work in batches to prevent overcrowding. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may only be able to dehydrate a few apples at a time. Place the apple slices in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. If needed, you can place a small metal rack or a pot pan stand on top of the apples to prevent them from flying around during the drying process.

Set the air fryer temperature to 300°F and let the apples dry for 20-25 minutes. During this time, you will need to flip and rotate the slices every 5-7 minutes to ensure even dehydration. The apples at the edges of the basket may brown faster, so be sure to move them towards the center periodically.

The apples are done when they appear dry and shrivelled, with no shiny or "wet" spots remaining. They should feel rubbery to the touch, and when torn, there should be no signs of moisture inside.

Storing the apples

Allow the apples to cool down to room temperature before storing them. Place them in an airtight container, such as a glass jar, and store them in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a pantry. If you live in a hot and humid place, it is better to store them in the fridge. They will last for about six months if stored in small batches in airtight containers.

You can also freeze the apples for up to a year. To do this, place them in an airtight Ziplock bag and put that bag in a freezer-safe container.

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

Additionally, if your apples are still a little soft after cooking, you can put them back in the air fryer for a few more minutes.

Frequently asked questions