Confession: I don’t like fresh apples. I don’t know what it is exactly, but they’re just not that appetizing to me. Apple chips, however, are a different story altogether. These chips are seriously addictive! So much so that I have to double the recipe every time I make them. One serving is just 48 calories, which goes to show that not all delectable dishes are sinful. They’re also easier to make than you think. Plus, thanks to the air fryer, these chips are completely oil-free! Are you looking for a healthier alternative to greasy potato chips? Treat yourself to these apple chips for a scrumptious yet wholesome snack.
Air Fryer Apple Chips
If you’re trying to cut back on chips but still want something addictive to snack on, turn your eyes on these apple chips. Low-carb, gluten-free, paleo, vegan, and Whole 30 – they’re all those good things, but most importantly, they’re so tasty. Even if you’re not on a diet, you’ll want to try these! They’re sweet, crispy, crunchy, and completely irresistible. One bite will get you hooked. They’re so good, even the kids won’t be able to resist. Add them to their lunch box for a delicious afternoon snack! Because you’ll use the air fryer, the apple chips cook so much faster than if you use an oven or a dehydrator. All you’ll need are three ingredients, an air fryer, and just 30 minutes. In case you don’t have an air fryer, though, don’t worry! The recipe card below also includes instructions on how to make apple chips in the oven. It’ll take longer – a little over an hour – but I say it’s worth it.
How to Make Apple Chips in the Air Fryer
Start by preheating the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. To prepare the apple, give it a good rinse to rid of pesticides and wax. Dry it with a paper towel. There’s no need to peel it, but you can do so if you want to. You can core the apple at this point, or just remove the seeds and stem later. The next step is crucial: slicing the apple. The best way to get thin, even slices is by using a mandolin. If you don’t have one, use a sharp knife instead. Cut it up into 1/8-inch-thick slices. Try to make them as even as you can. Uneven slices won’t cook at the same time. Remove all the seeds and stems. Pat the slices dry with paper towels. The dryer the apple slices, the crispier they’ll be. Place the apple slices in a large bowl and toss them with cinnamon and salt. A little bit of seasoning goes a long way! Because apples are naturally sweet, you won’t need to add sugar at all. Air fryers tend to vary in temperature, so if you’re making apple chips for the first time, you’ll want to check the apples more often, about 4 times. Now that your apple slices are ready, it’s time to air fry! The basket won’t be able to fit all the slices at once, so divide them into two batches. If your apple slices are uneven, now’s the time to group similar-sized ones. Place the first batch in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook the slices for 8 to 10 minutes. The chips will fly around inside the air fryer. You’ll need to turn and flatten them from time to time to avoid them from sticking to the top and burning. Flip and flatten two to three times, or every 4 minutes or so. If it’s your first time air frying apples, you’ll want to check more frequently. That way, you can take out chips that are already cooked. Transfer the cooked apples onto a wire rack. Let them cool for 10 to 20 minutes. This will allow the chips to crisp up. Repeat the process for the remaining apple slices. That’s it! Easy. Store leftover apple chips, if any, in an air-tight container. They’re best eaten within the day because they start softening after a while. But if soft chips are your thing, you can enjoy them for up to 5 days.
Tips for the Best Chips
Use the freshest apples you can find! Good quality apples are usually available at a farmer’s stand or a local orchard.
If you’re not near one, you can always rely on the grocery store. Pick ones with shiny skins that are blemish- and bruise-free. They should be firm and not squishy.
The best way to get thin, even slices is to use a mandolin. If you don’t have one, the next best option is a sharp knife. You’ll want to slice the apples evenly so they cook at the same rate. If you end up with uneven slices, make sure to put the similar-sized ones in the same batch. (You’ll be air frying the slices in two batches).Let the apples cool on the wiring rack for 10 to 20 minutes before eating. They’ll continue to crisp up while cooling.Use this recipe to make pear chips – same process, different flavor.The color of the chips depends on the apple you used. The crispier the apples are, the lighter the hue. Sweet apples yield dark chips. You can enjoy them on their own or add them to oatmeal salads, yogurt, or your morning granola. Try dunking them in dips and sauces, too!Place the apple chips in an air-tight container right after cooling. If you leave them uncovered for too long, they’ll start to soften. Store them at room temperature for up to 5 days. They won’t be as crispy, but they’ll still be edible.
If your apple chips were burned on the first try, just try again! Here are some things you can do on the second try:
Air fryers have different temperatures, so it might take a while to nail the right setting. If the apple chips got burnt at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, use a lower temperature next time.Make thicker apple slices.Check the apples more frequently – about 3 to 4 times. Take out the ones that are already cooked.
What Types of Apple will Make the Best Chips?
Did you know that there are 7,500 apple varieties in the world? And 2,500 of those are grown here in the US! There are literally thousands to choose from, but don’t be overwhelmed. My top choice would be Braeburn apples because I like their crispness and mild sweetness. At the end of the day, it really all boils down to the kind of apples you like. If you want sweeter chips, go for Envy, Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady apples. For tart chips, Granny Smith, and Gravenstein apples are your best bet. If you’re on a budget, Jonagolds are also not so bad. I do suggest you use large apples, though. The larger the apples, the larger the chips.
Can I Dehydrate Apples in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can. Air fryers have a dehydrator function, which you can use for the exact purpose. You’ll need to cook the apple slices at 175 degrees for over 2 hours – a lot faster than using an actual dehydrator. With this air fryer function, you’ll get the same crunch and flavor at a fraction of the time required by a dehydrator. There’s a caveat, though. You won’t be able to fit a lot of apples in the air fryer. Two hours for half an apple’s worth of chips doesn’t seem like a good deal. That said, I’d rather you stick to the air frying method; or just use the oven. It also takes a while – an hour – but at least you can whip up a huge batch in the same amount of time.
More Air Fryer Recipes to Try
Air Fryer Dinner RecipesAir Fryer RibsAir Fryer BiscuitsAir Fryer Corn DogsAir Fryer Desserts Click on a star to rate it!
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