Crispy Air Fryer Apple Chips in Just 20 Minutes

You know those days when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to wreck your healthy eating streak? Air fryer apple chips are my go-to lifesaver—crispy, naturally sweet, and ready in minutes. I discovered these little miracles when my air fryer became my best kitchen buddy (seriously, it’s a game-changer!). No sugar, no fuss, just pure apple goodness with a satisfying crunch. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever snacked without ’em.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Apple Chips

These apple chips are my snack-time superhero for so many reasons:

• Lightning fast – Ready while your tea steeps (20 minutes start to finish!)
• No guilt – Just fruit + cinnamon, no added sugar sneaking in
• Crispy magic – That addictive crunch you’d swear came from a chip bag
• Kid-approved – My 5-year-old thinks they’re “apple candy” (shh!)

Ingredients for Air Fryer Apple Chips

Here’s all you need for these ridiculously easy apple chips (I literally make them with my eyes half-open some mornings!):

• 2 medium firm apples – Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness (my personal fave!)
• 1 tsp cinnamon (optional but oh-so-worth it)
• 1 tsp lemon juice (optional – keeps them looking pretty but skip if you’re lazy like me sometimes)

That’s it! Well, plus a sharp knife or mandoline – we’ll get to that next. Pro tip: slice them paper-thin like you’re making apple confetti!

Equipment Needed

My trusty trio for perfect apple chips every time:

• Air fryer (obviously!)
• Mandoline or sharp knife – I use my $10 mandoline but a steady hand works too
• Small bowl – For tossing with lemon juice if you’re going fancy

That’s all – no fancy gadgets required! Though I won’t judge if you want to use that apple corer collecting dust in your drawer.

How to Make Air Fryer Apple Chips

Okay, let’s turn those apples into crispy little miracles! Follow these simple steps (I promise it’s easier than convincing kids to eat veggies).

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

First, give your apples a good rinse – no one wants waxy chips! Core them (I just slice around the middle like cutting pizza slices). Here’s the crucial part: slice them paper-thin, about 1/8-inch thick. My mandoline makes this a breeze, but if you’re using a knife, pretend you’re slicing prosciutto – the thinner, the crispier!

Step 2: Season and Preheat

Toss your apple slices in a bowl with lemon juice if using (it keeps them from turning brown, like magic). Sprinkle cinnamon like you’re dusting fairy dust – a little goes a long way! Meanwhile, preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). This isn’t just busywork – it helps them crisp up evenly!

Step 3: Cook and Flip

Arrange slices in a single layer – no stacking unless you want apple jerky (trust me, I learned the hard way). Cook for 8-10 minutes, but here’s my secret: at the 5-minute mark, give them a quick flip with tongs. You’ll hear them start to sizzle and smell like autumn heaven!

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Resist eating them straight from the basket (ouch, hot apples!) – let them cool on a plate for 5 minutes. This is when the magic happens as they turn from floppy to crispy. Then? Dive in! They’ll shatter like glass when perfectly done – that’s your golden ticket.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Apple Chips

After burning (and salvaging!) more batches than I’d like to admit, here are my foolproof tricks for apple chip success:

• Slice thinner than you think – I aim for “see-through” thinness (they crisp up like potato chips!)
• Give them breathing room – Overcrowding = steamed apples (ask my sad first attempt)
• Watch like a hawk – At 8 minutes, start checking every 60 seconds (they go from golden to charcoal fast!)
• Let them cool completely – They crisp up as they rest (impatience leads to chewy chips!)

Bonus tip: If some slices are thicker, group them together – they’ll need an extra minute or two!

Variations and Substitutions

Mix it up with these fun twists – try Fuji apples for extra sweetness or add a pinch of nutmeg with the cinnamon. Feeling adventurous? A sprinkle of cayenne makes them sweet and spicy!

Serving Suggestions

These crispy apple chips shine in so many ways! My family loves them piled on morning yogurt, stirred into oatmeal for crunch, or devoured straight from the bowl (no judgment here). They’re also magical crumbled over ice cream when that sweet tooth strikes!

Storage and Reheating

Pop these beauties in an airtight container – they’ll stay crisp for 3 days (if they last that long!). No reheating needed; they’re perfect at room temp. Though good luck not eating them all in one sitting!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the skinny on these apple chips (per serving): just 52 calories and pure apple goodness! Remember, these are estimates – your exact apples may vary slightly. No guilt, just crunch!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best apples for air fryer chips?
My top picks are Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness, but any firm apple works! Avoid mealy varieties like Red Delicious – they turn mushy instead of crisp. Pro tip: mix apple types for a flavor party in your mouth!

Why use lemon juice?
It’s your browning insurance! The acid keeps slices looking fresh and pretty (like they just came from the orchard). But if you’re going for that rustic look or don’t have lemons, skip it – they’ll still taste amazing!

Can I bake these instead?
Absolutely! Spread slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 200°F (95°C) for 1-2 hours. The air fryer’s magic is speed – you’ll get that perfect crunch in a fraction of the time. I use my oven when making big batches for parties though!

Rate This Recipe

Made these crispy apple chips? I’d love to hear how they turned out! Drop a quick note below – your tips might help fellow snack lovers too!

Print