Air Fryer Apple Chips Recipe

Crisp, sweet-tart apple slices transformed into addictively crunchy chips with caramelized edges and intense flavor concentration.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
15-20 mins
Serves:
2-3 servings
Overhead shot of perfectly golden-brown apple chips arranged in a spiral pattern on a rustic wooden serving board, with some pieces stacked to showcase their translucent, paper-thin texture. The chips exhibit beautiful caramelized edges with visible spice specks of cinnamon. Shot in bright natural light that highlights the variations in amber coloration and crispy surfaces. A small bowl of ground cinnamon and a fresh whole apple sits nearby, with a few fresh apple slices waiting to be transformed, creating a visual story of the cooking process.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">2-3 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp ground cinnamon</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp granulated sugar (optional)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Cooking spray or 1 tsp neutral oil</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Mandoline slicer (or sharp knife)</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Paper towels</li></ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Wash your apples thoroughly under cool running water. Pat them dry with paper towels - this is crucial as moisture will prevent proper crisping during the air frying process.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Using a mandoline slicer set to 2-3mm thickness (or a very sharp knife with a steady hand), slice the apples into thin, even rounds. For the crispiest chips, aim for slices that are consistently thin - thicker slices will have a more chewy texture. You can core the apples first or simply remove the seeds from each slice afterward.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Place the apple slices on paper towels and gently pat them to remove any excess moisture. This step is essential for achieving maximum crispness. In a large bowl, combine the cinnamon, optional sugar, and optional nutmeg, then add the apple slices and toss gently until all slices are evenly coated.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a small amount of neutral oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the apple slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. You'll likely need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Set your air fryer to 160°C (320°F) and cook for 8 minutes. Check the slices and flip them over. Continue cooking for another 4-6 minutes, but start checking frequently after the 4-minute mark. The chips can go from perfectly crisp to burnt very quickly, so keep a close eye on them as they finish cooking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>The apple chips are ready when the edges are visibly curled and the centers appear dry. They will continue to crisp up as they cool, so don't worry if they still feel slightly flexible when you remove them from the air fryer. Let the chips cool completely on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes, where they'll develop their signature crunch as the remaining moisture evaporates.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Once cooled, enjoy your apple chips immediately or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If they lose some crispness over time, you can refresh them with a quick 1-minute cycle in the air fryer at 160°C (320°F).</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving
🔥 Calories: 95 calories
🥑 Fat: 0 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 0 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 25 g
🍭 Sugar: 19 g
🍗 Protein: 0 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 0 mg
🧂 Sodium: 2 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Which apple varieties work best for crispy air fryer chips?

Firm varieties with balanced sweetness and acidity produce the best air fryer apple chips. Honeycrisp, Gala, and Granny Smith are ideal choices as they hold their shape well and don't turn mushy. Pink Lady and Fuji also work beautifully, offering natural sweetness that caramelises nicely.

How do you keep homemade apple chips crispy after cooking?

For maximum crispness, cool apple chips completely on a wire rack before storing in an airtight container. If they soften after a few days, refresh them with a quick 1-minute cycle in the air fryer at 160°C. Silica gel packets can also help maintain crispness during storage.

Can you make sweet apple chips without adding sugar?

Absolutely! The natural sugars in apples concentrate during air frying, creating sweet chips without added sugar. Choose naturally sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji or Gala. For flavour without sugar, try cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom or even a touch of vanilla extract.

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