How to Make Apple Chips in the Air Fryer (Crispy and Healthy)

Crispy Apple Chips in the Air Fryer

Fall is here, and apples are everywhere—hello, apple season! Instead of just snacking on them straight from the fridge, capture the crisp fall air and vibrant colors by making air fryer apple chips. It’s the perfect way to enjoy and preserve them as a healthy, crunchy snack.

These sweet, crispy chips are super easy to throw together and make a guilt-free treat. Plus, there are so many fun ways to enjoy them! Keep reading for tips, tricks, and more ways to eat apple chips.

Ingredients And Supplies Needed to Make Crispy Apple Chips

Ingredients

• Apples
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Cinnamon

Supplies

• Mandoline slicer or sharp knife
• Air fryer

More flavors to add to apple chips

Just adding a sprinkle of cinnamon is enough to make this a go-to snack. But if you’d like more sweetness or additional spices, add these for more delicious flavors:

• Nutmeg
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Vanilla
• Ginger
• Sea salt
• Maple syrup
• Unsweetened chocolate powder

How to Make Healthy and Crispy Apple Chips in the Air Fryer

Step 1: Slice the apples thinly

To prep the apples, wash them. There is no need to peel the skin (but of course, you can if you’d like to).

I love to use my mandoline to slice the apples. It makes the process much faster and the slices more consistent, but you can also use a sharp knife. The main goal is to cut the apples all the same size, about ⅛-inch. If they are thicker, you can add cooking time.

Slice through the whole apple; do not worry about removing the core first (the core in the middle will make a pretty flower shape!) You will only need to remove the seeds before air frying.

(Optional) Step 2: Soak in lemon water

Because the air fryer can only fit so many apple slices, you may have apple slices waiting to be baked. To prevent the uncooked apple slices from browning, soak them in about one cup of water with a tablespoon of lemon juice.

Step 3: Season the chips

Place the apple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It is important that the apples do not overlap so they all cook evenly. Sprinkle with cinnamon (or any additional sweeteners or seasonings you like!).

Step 5: Air fry

There is no need to preheat! Air fry at 300°F (149°C) for 10 minutes. Flip the chips. Continue to air fry for another 10 minutes. During this second half of baking, be sure to check the chips often. Add or subtract time as needed to get crispy apple chips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dried apples healthy?

Dried apples are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Almost all their nutrients are retained during dehydration.

Air frying apples removes most of the water content, so the sugar concentration is higher. This means dried apples are higher in sugar per serving than fresh apples. Be sure to portion control with these. Only grab a handful of apple chips at a time if you’re watching your calorie intake because they are sure easy to snack on if you’re not paying attention!

Why aren’t my apple chips crispy?

To get crispy apples, you need to be sure to do these 3 things:

1. Slice the apples thin and at the same thickness. The thinner the slice, the easier it will be to get a crispy apple. But at least make sure to slice them all the same thickness so you won’t have some that are crispier than others.
2. Spread the apple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If stacked on top of each other or overlapped, they trap moisture, causing uneven cooking and soggy spots. When they are in an even layer, you maximize airflow and heat.
3. Cook at a low heat for longer. If you cook apples at a high heat, they will burn before they dry out. Air frying apples at a low temperature for 20 minutes will help them dehydrate and become crispy without burning.

Do I need to oil the apple chips to make them crispy?

You can achieve a crispy texture without any oil. However, a thin layer of oil can promote browning, crispiness, and even drying. It can also add a rich taste! But you have to make sure to give the apple slices just a light mist of oil so you don’t add too much moisture or get greasy apples.

What type of apples are best for apple chips?

Any apple will do! If you love the apple fresh, there’s a good chance you’ll love it dried.

The best apples are firm for easy and uniform slicing and have a good balance of sweet and tart. My favorite apples for making apple chips are Honeycrisp and Fuji.

How long do apple chips last?

The apple chips will stay good for a few weeks when stored in an airtight container. To make them last even longer, wrap them in a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture and keep them crunchy.

Before storing apple chips, let them cool completely so you don’t lock moisture in the container.

If your apple chips do become soft, you could throw them back into the air fryer at a low temperature to crisp them back up again.

Ways to enjoy apple chips

• On their own: healthy, easy on-the-go snack.
• In yogurt or oatmeal: adds a crunchy texture and fall flavor.
• As a salad topper: Crunchy twist for a fall salad that pairs great with ingredients like goat cheese, walnuts, and cranberries.
• In homemade trail mix: Combine apple chips with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit for a healthy, protein packed snack.
• In pancakes or waffles: Add crumbled apple chips to pancake or waffle batter to elevate a breakfast with extra texture and flavor.

More Ways to Cook Apples in Your Air Fryer:

• Air Fryer Apple Spiced Oatmeal
• Chicken, Cabbage, and Apples Sheet Pan Dinner
• Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Buns
• Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Apple Pecan Salad

Need Air Fryer Tips?

• How to Use an Air Fryer: Everything You Need to Know
• The Top 12 Air Fryer Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make
• What to Consider When Buying an Air Fryer PLUS The 5 Best Air Fryers

Simple Air Fryer Apple Chips for an Easy Afternoon Snack

Delicious and healthy afternoon snack in your air fryer with these apple chips

4.25 / 5 ( 8 Reviews )

Print Rate

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Serves: 4

Adjust Servings: 4

US CustomaryMetric

Equipment

• Air Fryer

Ingredients

• 4 apples sliced ⅛” with a mandoline or kitchen knife.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

• Place apples in an air fryer basket and sprinkle with cinnamon.
• Cook at 300˚F/149˚C for 10 minutes, then turn apples over and cook an additional 10 minutes or until they reach desired crispness.

Recipe Notes

Cooking time and temp may vary according to air fryer. Watch your apples closely.

Nutrition

Calories: 96kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 2mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 19g