I’ve always loved the idea of having a crunchy, slightly sweet snack that doesn’t make me feel guilty afterward. When I first discovered apple chips, I was instantly hooked—but I didn’t love how long it took in a regular oven. That’s when I turned to my air fryer, and let me tell you, it was a total game-changer. Perfectly crisp, lightly spiced, and ready in a fraction of the time—these apple chips have become my go-to treat whenever I’m craving something light yet satisfying.
What I adore most about these apple chips is how simple they are. With just a couple of apples, a sprinkle of spice, and a touch of sweetness, you get a snack that feels indulgent but is actually quite wholesome. They’re great for movie nights, packing into lunch boxes, or just munching on while scrolling through your phone. The best part? They taste like something you’d buy in a gourmet shop, but they’re made right in your own kitchen.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Apples: The star of the show. You can use any variety you like, but I find that Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala give the best results—they’re naturally sweet and have just the right crunch. If you prefer a slightly tart flavor, Granny Smith is also a wonderful choice.
Cinnamon: A warm, comforting spice that pairs beautifully with apples. It enhances their natural sweetness and gives your chips that cozy, autumn vibe.
Sugar (optional): While not strictly necessary, a light dusting of sugar can make your apple chips taste like a sweet treat. Brown sugar adds a caramel-like richness, while white sugar keeps it clean and simple.
Lemon juice (optional): This is a little trick I love—brushing the apple slices with lemon juice helps preserve their color and prevents browning. It also adds a subtle brightness to the flavor.
Ingredients List
- 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1–2 teaspoons sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
How to Make Air Fryer Apple Chips
Step 1: Slice the apples
Wash your apples well and slice them as thinly as possible. A mandoline slicer works best for even slices, but a sharp knife will do the job too. The thinner the slices, the crispier the chips will be.
Step 2: Add flavor
Lay the slices out and lightly brush them with lemon juice if using. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar to taste, making sure each slice gets a little love.
Step 3: Arrange in the air fryer
Place the apple slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping too much, as this will prevent them from crisping properly. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Step 4: Air fry until crisp
Cook at 300°F (150°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times can vary depending on thickness. They’ll continue to crisp up a little as they cool.
Step 5: Cool and enjoy
Let the apple chips cool completely before eating—this helps them firm up to the perfect crunch. Store leftovers in an airtight container for a couple of days, though they rarely last that long in my house.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Slice the apples evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—air circulation is key for crispiness.
- If you want ultra-sweet chips, try using a mix of cinnamon and sugar before air frying.
- For a savory twist, skip the sugar and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt instead.
- Keep a close watch during the last few minutes of cooking—they can go from golden to burnt quickly.
- Use parchment liners with holes (made for air fryers) to prevent sticking without blocking airflow.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apple?
Yes! Sweet varieties like Fuji or Gala are great, but tart ones like Granny Smith also work wonderfully.
Do I need to peel the apples first?
No, the peel adds extra fiber and crisps up nicely. But if you prefer peel-free chips, go ahead and remove it.
How long do air fryer apple chips last?
They’re best eaten the same day but can last up to 2–3 days in an airtight container.
Can I make these without cinnamon?
Of course! You can leave them plain, or experiment with other spices like nutmeg, pumpkin spice, or even a dash of chili powder for heat.
Why aren’t my chips getting crispy?
They may be too thick or overcrowded in the basket. Slice thinner and cook in smaller batches for best results.