There’s something undeniably magical about the satisfying crunch of a perfectly made apple chip. These aren’t your soggy, store-bought kind; we’re talking about irresistibly crispy, cinnamon-spiced slices of apple, made incredibly easy with your air fryer. Perfect as a healthy snack, a delightful addition to your lunchbox, or a surprising twist on dessert, this Air Fryer Apple Chips recipe is a winner for all ages. They’re a frequent treat in our house, especially during the autumn months when apples are at their peak!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Apple Chips Recipe
This recipe takes just minutes to prepare and delivers a delicious, healthy treat. The air fryer crisps the apples beautifully without needing excessive oil, making it a guilt-free indulgence. Plus, the warm cinnamon aroma filling your kitchen during the cooking process is just heavenly! I remember the first time I made these – my kids were completely hooked, and now they constantly request them. It’s a simple recipe but provides such a satisfying reward.
Health Benefits of Apples and Cinnamon
Apples are packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, contributing to overall health and well-being. Cinnamon boasts anti-inflammatory properties and may help regulate blood sugar levels. Combining these two powerhouses in this Air Fryer Apple Chips recipe gives you a delicious and nutritious snack.
Pro Tip: For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a sprinkle of cardamom along with the cinnamon.
Ingredients for the Best Air Fryer Apple Chips
- 2-3 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work well)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer
- Mandoline slicer (highly recommended for even slices) or a very sharp knife
- Small bowl
Instructions: Making Perfect Air Fryer Apple Chips
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking and perfectly crispy chips. Personal touch: I always preheat my air fryer for a few minutes longer than instructed – it really makes a difference.
2. Slice the Apples Evenly
Wash and dry your apples thoroughly. Using a mandoline slicer (for perfectly even slices) or a very sharp knife, slice the apples into thin, even 1/8-inch rounds. Consistency in thickness is key for even cooking. Helpful tip: If you don’t have a mandoline, a sharp knife and a steady hand will do the trick; just aim for uniform thickness.
3. Season with Cinnamon
In a small bowl, gently toss the apple slices with the cinnamon, ensuring an even coating. Avoid overcrowding the bowl to prevent the apples from breaking. Tip: For extra flavour, add a pinch of nutmeg!
4. Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket
Arrange the apple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping the slices to ensure they crisp evenly. Tip: Work in batches if necessary to prevent overcrowding.
5. Air Fry Until Golden and Crispy
Air fry for 15-20 minutes, flipping the apple slices halfway through, until they reach your desired level of crispness. Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of the apple slices. Personal anecdote: I always check the chips at the 12-minute mark, they’re usually ready, but this depends on the apples and your air fryer settings.
6. Cool and Enjoy!
Once cooked, remove the apple chips from the air fryer and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. This allows them to crisp up further. Serve and enjoy immediately! Tip: Letting them cool slightly will make them crispier, but they’re still great warm.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Store leftover Air Fryer Apple Chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. They also store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week (although they will not be as crispy as when freshly cooked). They are delicious served on their own as a snack, or paired with yogurt, ice cream, or even sprinkled over oatmeal or salad for added crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use other types of apples?
Yes! Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Gala apples are great choices, but you can experiment with other varieties. Just keep in mind that some apples may brown more quickly than others.
What if my apple chips are not crispy enough?
Increase the air frying time by a few minutes and check again. Make sure the apple slices are arranged in a single layer and not overlapping. You can also try increasing the air fryer temperature slightly, but be careful to avoid burning them.
Can I make these chips without an air fryer?
While an air fryer is ideal for achieving that perfect crispiness, you can try baking them in a conventional oven at a low temperature (around 200°F) for a longer period, flipping halfway. However, the results might not be as crispy.
Can I add other spices?
Absolutely! Experiment with other spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Air Fryer Apple Chips
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice apples into thin, even 1/8-inch rounds.
- Sprinkle apple slices with cinnamon, ensuring even coating.
- Arrange apple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until desired crispness is reached.
- Allow to cool slightly for increased crispness.
