Air fryer apple chips with cinnamon sugar are a delicious, crispy, and healthy snack that’s easy to make at home. Whether you’re looking for a guilt-free alternative to store-bought chips or a satisfying way to enjoy apples, this recipe is perfect. With the magic of the air fryer, you can achieve crispy apple chips with a light, sweet, and spiced coating, all while avoiding deep frying.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making air fryer apple chips, from selecting the right apples to tips for achieving the perfect crispiness. Let’s dive in!
Why Make Apple Chips in the Air Fryer?
Apple chips are traditionally baked in an oven or dehydrated over several hours, but using an air fryer speeds up the process while delivering fantastic results. Here are a few benefits of making apple chips in an air fryer:
- Quick Cooking: Air fryers use rapid air circulation, which allows apples to crisp up much faster than traditional methods.
- Healthier Snack: Since you don’t need oil, air-fried apple chips are a healthy, low-calorie treat.
- Minimal Effort: No need for constant monitoring. Just slice the apples, season them, and let the air fryer do the work.
- Delicious Flavor: The natural sweetness of apples pairs perfectly with cinnamon and sugar for an irresistible snack.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Apple Chips
Making air fryer apple chips requires just a few simple ingredients:
Basic Ingredients:
- 2 large apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith work well)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (or brown sugar)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- A pinch of salt (enhances flavor)
Optional Add-Ons:
- A drizzle of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness
- A dash of nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a fall-inspired taste
Choosing the Right Apples
Not all apples are created equal when it comes to making chips. The best apples for air fryer chips are those that are firm and slightly sweet. Here are a few great options:
- Honeycrisp – Naturally sweet and crisp, making them ideal for chips.
- Fuji – Another sweet and juicy apple that holds up well to air frying.
- Granny Smith – If you like a tart contrast to the cinnamon sugar, Granny Smith apples are a great choice.
- Gala – Milder in flavor but still a good option for apple chips.
Tip: Avoid softer apples like Red Delicious as they may become too chewy instead of crispy.
How to Make Air Fryer Apple Chips with Cinnamon Sugar
Step 1: Prep the Apples
- Wash the apples thoroughly.
- Use an apple corer to remove the seeds, or slice around the core.
- Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, cut the apples into thin, uniform slices (about 1/8-inch thick). Thinner slices will crisp up better.
- If you prefer, you can soak the apple slices in a bowl of lemon water (1 cup water + 1 tablespoon lemon juice) for 5 minutes to prevent browning. Pat dry before seasoning.
Step 2: Season the Apple Slices
- In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon, sugar, and salt.
- If using vanilla extract, lightly brush the apple slices with it.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over both sides of the apple slices.
Step 3: Arrange in the Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 minutes.
- Arrange the apple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping to ensure even crisping.
- You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Step 4: Air Fry the Apples
- Set the air fryer to 300°F (150°C) and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping the apple slices halfway through.
- Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
- If they still feel soft after the timer goes off, continue cooking in 2-minute increments until they reach your desired crispiness.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
- Transfer the apple chips to a wire rack and let them cool for 5-10 minutes. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
- Enjoy immediately, or store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
Tips for Perfect Apple Chips
- Use a Mandoline Slicer: Cutting apples evenly ensures they cook at the same rate.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Air needs to circulate around the apple slices for them to crisp up properly.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your slices, you may need to adjust the time slightly.
- Let Them Cool Completely: Apple chips become crunchier as they cool, so be patient before tasting.
- Store Properly: Keep them in a sealed container at room temperature. If they lose crispness, pop them back in the air fryer for a couple of minutes.
Variations and Flavor Ideas
Want to switch things up? Here are some fun variations of this recipe:
- Caramel Apple Chips: Drizzle with melted caramel before serving.
- Spiced Apple Chips: Add nutmeg, ginger, or pumpkin spice for extra warmth.
- Sweet and Salty Apple Chips: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the chips for a flavor contrast.
- Chocolate Dipped Apple Chips: Dip cooled apple chips in melted dark or white chocolate.
Nutritional Information
A serving (about 1 cup of apple chips) contains:
- Calories: ~80-100
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3-4g
- Sugar: 17g (natural + added sugar)
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
This makes air fryer apple chips a fantastic low-calorie, high-fiber snack with natural sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Air fryer apple chips are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:
- As a snack – A healthier alternative to potato chips.
- With yogurt – Mix into Greek yogurt for a crunchy texture.
- On oatmeal – Sprinkle over warm oatmeal for added flavor.
- In lunchboxes – A great snack for kids and adults alike.
- As a topping – Use as a crunchy topping for ice cream or smoothie bowls.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make apple chips without cinnamon sugar?
Yes! If you prefer plain apple chips, simply air fry the slices without any seasoning. The natural sweetness of the apples will still shine through.
2. Why are my apple chips chewy instead of crispy?
This usually happens if the apple slices are too thick or not cooked long enough. Try slicing them thinner and extending the cooking time slightly.
3. Can I use a dehydrator instead of an air fryer?
Yes, but it will take longer. Dehydrating apple slices at 135°F (57°C) for 6-8 hours will yield similar results.
4. Do I need to peel the apples?
No, the peel adds extra fiber and texture, but you can peel them if you prefer.
5. Can I store these apple chips for later?
Yes! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If they soften, reheat them in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.
Conclusion
Making air fryer apple chips with cinnamon sugar is a simple, delicious, and healthy way to enjoy apples. Whether you’re snacking on them at home, packing them for a road trip, or using them as a crunchy topping, they’re sure to satisfy your cravings. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can have a homemade treat that’s both nutritious and tasty.
So, grab some apples and fire up your air fryer—it’s time to make some crispy, cinnamon-sugar-coated apple chips! 🍏🍎
