Crispy Air Fryer Apple Chips with Cinnamon
While our warm cinnamon-butter apple slices are soft, tender, and dessert-like, these air fryer apple chips are specifically formulated as a dry, crunchy fruit snack. The key difference lies in slicing thickness and cooking temperature: by slicing apples paper-thin (1/16 to 1/8 inch) and circulating dry air at a gentle 300°F (150°C), the air fryer evaporates moisture without burning the natural fruit sugars. As the hot slices cool on a rack, they turn crisp and chip-like.
Instructions
- 01
Wash and thoroughly dry the apples. You may core the apples with an apple corer, or leave the core intact and remove any loose seeds after slicing to create a decorative star center.
- 02
Using a mandoline slicer with a hand guard (or a very sharp chef's knife), slice the apples into uniform paper-thin rounds between 1/16-inch and 1/8-inch (1.5 to 2 mm) thick.
- 03
Lay the apple slices in a single layer on a plate or cutting board and sprinkle lightly with ground cinnamon and optional nutmeg.
- 04
Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly mist the basket with oil spray.
- 05
Arrange the apple slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Slight overlapping is acceptable as the apples will shrink during cooking, but avoid heavy piling.
- 06
Air fry at 300°F (150°C) for 8 minutes. Pull the basket out and flip the apple slices using tongs.
- 07
Continue air frying for another 8 to 10 minutes (16 to 18 minutes total), flipping every 4 to 5 minutes so both sides dehydrate evenly without scorching.
- 08
Remove the apple slices when the edges are ruffled, dry, and lightly golden (they will still feel slightly flexible while hot).
- 09
Immediately transfer the hot apple slices to a wire cooling rack in a single layer. Let them cool completely for 5 to 10 minutes; they will become delightfully crisp and crunchy as residual moisture evaporates.
- ✦Mandoline Safety First: Always use the safety hand guard or a cut-resistant glove when using a mandoline. Slicing uniformly at 1/16 to 1/8 inch is essential for consistent crunch.
- ✦Low Temperature Rule (300°F): Never cook apple chips at 350°F or 400°F. High heat burns the natural fructose before moisture can evaporate. 300°F (150°C) dehydrates them gently.
- ✦The Cooling Rack Secret: Apple chips do NOT come out of the air fryer completely hard. They crisp up during the 5-minute cooling process on a wire rack as steam dissipates.
- ✦Best Apple Varieties: Honeycrisp, Gala, and Fuji produce sweet chips. Granny Smith apples create tart, tangy chips with great crunch.
- ✦Storage: Once 100% cooled to room temperature, store in an airtight glass container or zip-top bag with all air squeezed out for up to 1 week at room temperature.
Converting from a Standard Oven?
Adapting this dish from a conventional oven recipe? Calculate temperature reductions and convection cook times.
Easy Variations
Apple Pie Spice Chips
Toss with 1/2 tsp apple pie spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cardamom).
Sweet & Salty Apple Chips
Add a tiny pinch of fine sea salt alongside the cinnamon.
Maple Dusted Chips
Brush with 1/2 tsp pure maple syrup before air frying for extra caramelization.
Tart Green Apple Chips
Use Granny Smith apples dusted with cinnamon and a pinch of citric acid for a sour-sweet kick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do you make apple chips crispy in an air fryer?
A: Slice apples paper-thin (1/16 to 1/8 inch), air fry at a low 300°F (150°C) for 16 to 18 minutes with regular flipping, and let them cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes to firm into crunchy chips.
Q: Why are my air fryer apple chips soft or chewy?
A: Apple chips stay soft if sliced too thick, not cooked long enough, or not allowed to cool on a wire rack where moisture finishes evaporating.
Q: What is the difference between apple chips and apple slices?
A: Apple slices are thick 1/2-inch wedges cooked with butter and sugar into a soft, warm dessert, whereas apple chips are paper-thin, unbuttered slices dehydrated at 300°F into a dry, crunchy snack.
Q: Do you need to peel apples before making apple chips?
A: No, leave the peel on! The skin adds vibrant color, structure, and extra dietary fiber.
Q: How should homemade apple chips be stored?
A: Cool completely to room temperature, then store in an airtight container or mason jar at room temperature for up to 7 days.
Nutrition
Approximate values — meant as a guide, not a verdict.
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