Crispy Air Fryer Apple Chips are a light and crunchy snack made from thinly sliced apples sprinkled with just a touch of cinnamon. These chips come out perfectly crisp without any added oil, making them a simple and healthy treat that’s full of natural sweetness.
I love making these apple chips because they’re so quick and easy to prepare, and you can customize them with your favorite spices. Sometimes I add a little nutmeg or even a pinch of sugar for extra flavor. The air fryer does all the work, and I’m always amazed at how crispy and satisfying they get without needing to bake for hours.
These apple chips are great for snacking straight from the basket, but I also enjoy tossing them into my morning oatmeal or yogurt for a fun crunch. Whenever I make a batch, they disappear fast—family and friends always ask for more! It’s a nice way to enjoy a healthy treat with minimal fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I prefer Fuji or Honeycrisp for their natural sweetness and crisp texture. Gala works well too. If you like tart chips, try Granny Smith apples. Just avoid overly soft apples, as they can turn chewy instead of crispy.
Cinnamon: This adds a warm flavor that pairs perfectly with apples. You can skip it or swap with pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg for a different twist. If cinnamon isn’t your thing, a little vanilla powder or ginger can be nice substitutes.
Lemon Juice: This is optional but helpful if you want to keep the apple slices looking fresh and prevent browning. You can also use orange juice or dilute any citrus juice with a little water as a substitute.
Sugar or Sweetener: Adding sugar is optional, especially if your apples are already sweet. You can swap with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute if you want a different kind of sweetness.
How Can You Get Crispy Apple Chips Without Burning Them?
Air frying apple chips can be tricky because the thin slices cook quickly and can easily burn. Here are some tips to get them crispy without overdoing it:
- Slice apples thin and evenly (about 1/8 inch). A mandoline slicer works best for this.
- Spread slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket with some space between them to allow air circulation.
- Cook at a low temperature (around 300°F/150°C) to slowly dry out the slices.
- Flip the slices halfway through cooking to crisp both sides evenly.
- Check often toward the end and cook more in short increments if needed to avoid burning.
- After cooking, let the chips cool on a wire rack to firm up and get crispier.
Patience is key! Taking your time lets the moisture leave the apple slices without burning, resulting in beautifully crisp chips.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mandoline slicer – I recommend it because it slices apples very thin and even, giving you crispy chips every time.
- Air fryer – makes the apple chips crispy without oil and is quick to heat up.
- Mixing bowl – useful for tossing apple slices with lemon juice or cinnamon mixture.
- Wire rack – helps cool the chips evenly and keeps them crispy once cooked.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Switch cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg for a warm, seasonal flavor.
- Sprinkle a little bit of sugar or caramel bits before cooking for a sweeter, dessert-style chip.
- Add a pinch of ginger or allspice to spice things up or a tiny bit of vanilla for a sweet aroma.
- If you like a hint of tartness, toss slices with a splash of orange juice instead of lemon.
Crispy Air Fryer Apple Chips Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large apples (such as Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: 1 tablespoon sugar or sweetener (adjust to taste)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon juice (to prevent browning)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to cook in the air fryer, depending on your device and apple slice thickness. Plus, a few minutes to cool, so plan for about 30-35 minutes total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Slice the Apples Thinly:
Wash your apples well. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, cut the apples into very thin slices, about 1/8 inch thick or less. Remove the core to create a hole in the center, but keep the peel on for added texture and a nice look.
2. Prepare the Slices:
If you want to keep your apple slices from turning brown, gently toss them in a bowl with lemon juice. Then, mix the ground cinnamon and optional sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apple slices.
3. Air Fry the Apple Chips:
Place the apple slices in a single layer inside your air fryer basket, making sure not to overlap them so they crisp evenly. Set your air fryer to 300°F (150°C) and cook for 15-20 minutes. Flip the slices halfway through to make sure both sides cook well. Check often towards the end and continue cooking in 2-3 minute bursts if they’re not crisp yet.
4. Cool and Store:
Once done, carefully remove the apple chips and let them cool on a wire rack—it helps them become extra crispy. When cooled, store them in an airtight container to keep them crunchy for later snacking.
Enjoy your simple, crispy, and healthy apple chips right out of the basket or as a crunchy topping on your favorite dishes!
Can I Use Frozen Apples for Apple Chips?
It’s best to use fresh apples for crispy chips because frozen apples contain extra water, which can make the chips soggy. If you only have frozen apples, thaw and pat them very dry before slicing and air frying.
How Do I Store Apple Chips to Keep Them Crispy?
Store cooled apple chips in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid sealing them while they’re still warm or moist, as this can trap steam and make them soft.
Can I Make Apple Chips Without an Air Fryer?
Yes! You can bake thin apple slices in the oven at about 225°F (110°C) for 1.5 to 2 hours, flipping halfway through. Keep the door slightly open to let moisture escape for best crispness.
How Thin Should I Slice the Apples?
Aim for slices about 1/8 inch thick or thinner. Thin slices crisp up better and cook more evenly in the air fryer. Using a mandoline slicer can help you get even thickness every time.