I absolutely love making healthy snacks at home, and these air fryer apple chips are a perfect example of something that’s both nutritious and delicious. They’re light, crispy, and packed with flavor, and the best part is they only take a few minutes to prepare. Whether you’re craving a crunchy treat or looking for a healthy option to satisfy your sweet tooth, these apple chips will definitely hit the spot. Plus, they’re super easy to make in your air fryer, making them a quick and convenient snack for any time of day.
Apple chips are an ideal snack for anyone looking to reduce processed sugars and carbs. They’re naturally sweet, and the air fryer gives them that perfect crispiness that you just can’t get from traditional baking. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a batch of homemade apple chips ready in no time. So let’s dive into what you need to make this easy recipe!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Apples: The star ingredient of this recipe! You’ll want to choose firm apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith. These apples have the right balance of sweetness and tartness and hold up well during the air frying process.
Cinnamon: This adds the perfect hint of warmth and spice to the apple chips. Cinnamon complements the natural sweetness of the apples and gives them that cozy, fall flavor.
Sugar: While apples are naturally sweet, a light sprinkle of sugar helps to caramelize them as they cook, making the chips just a touch sweeter. You can adjust the amount to your preference for sweetness.
Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice will help prevent the apples from browning too quickly, keeping them looking fresh and vibrant as they cook.
Ingredients List
- 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji work great)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- A pinch of salt (optional, for balance)
How to Make Air Fryer Apple Chips
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Start by washing the apples thoroughly. Then, slice the apples into very thin rounds, about 1/8-inch thick. The thinner the slices, the crispier the chips will be. You can use a mandoline slicer for precision, or a sharp knife if you prefer.
Step 2: Coat with Lemon and Cinnamon
In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar. Drizzle the apple slices with lemon juice and toss them gently in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Ensure all the slices are evenly coated to get that perfect burst of flavor in each bite.
Step 3: Air Fry the Chips
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the apple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s important not to overcrowd them, as they need room to crisp up. Air fry for about 8 to 10 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Once the apple chips are golden brown and crispy, carefully remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool. They will crisp up even more as they cool down. Serve and enjoy your delicious homemade apple chips!
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter snack, increase the sugar slightly, or even add a drizzle of honey after air frying.
- Don’t skip the lemon juice: This helps to preserve the apples’ color and prevents them from becoming too brown or mushy.
- Experiment with spices: You can switch things up by adding a little nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon mixture for extra flavor.
- Store properly: Store any leftover apple chips in an airtight container. They should last a few days, though they’re usually eaten up quickly!
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without sugar? Yes! You can skip the sugar entirely, especially if you prefer the natural sweetness of the apples to shine through.
Can I use a different fruit? Absolutely! Pears or even sweet potatoes can be swapped in for apple chips. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the fruit, so just keep an eye on them.
What if my apple chips aren’t crispy enough? If your apple chips are not crispy after the initial cooking time, simply return them to the air fryer for a few extra minutes. Just be sure to check on them often to avoid burning.
Can I make apple chips in the oven instead of the air fryer? Yes, you can bake the apple slices in a preheated oven at 200°F (93°C) for about 2 hours, flipping halfway through. They will take longer, but the result will be just as tasty!