If you’ve been looking for a snack that’s crunchy, naturally sweet, and takes almost no effort to make, these Air Fryer Apple Chips are exactly what you need.
They come together with just a handful of ingredients, and your air fryer does most of the work.
The result is a batch of thin, crispy apple chips that smell like fall, taste like a treat, and feel like a guilt-free win every single time.
These are the kind of snacks you’ll start making on repeat, because once you try them, store-bought chips just won’t cut it anymore.
| Quick Recipe Summary | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Servings | 2–3 servings |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
If you love easy air fryer snack recipes, you’ll definitely want to check out this roundup of Air Fryer Snacks for even more ideas.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Apple Chips
These chips are naturally sweet without any added sugar overload.
You get that satisfying crunch without frying anything in oil.
They’re made with real, whole fruit, so you know exactly what’s going into your snack.
The air fryer makes the process fast and hands-off compared to oven-baking.
Kids love them, adults love them, and they work as a lunchbox snack, an afternoon treat, or even a topping for oatmeal and yogurt.
You also only need one piece of equipment and a few ingredients, which makes cleanup an absolute breeze.
- Naturally sweetened: The apple’s own sugars caramelize beautifully without needing much added sugar.
- Incredibly crunchy: The air fryer circulates hot air evenly, giving you chips that are crispy all the way through.
- Ready in under 30 minutes: No waiting around for hours like some dehydrator recipes require.
- Customizable: Use your favorite apple variety or add different spices to change the flavor.
- Kid-friendly: No artificial flavors, dyes, or preservatives, just real fruit.
- Budget-friendly: A couple of apples makes enough chips for the whole family.
Another recipe your family will love alongside these chips is this creamy Yogurt Parfait, which pairs perfectly for a wholesome snack spread.
Ingredients
You only need four simple ingredients to make these air fryer apple chips, and most of them are probably already in your kitchen.
The key to getting the best chips is choosing the right apples. Fuji, Gala, and Honeycrisp apples all work wonderfully here because they have a naturally high sugar content and hold their shape well when sliced thin.
- 2–3 medium apples (Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp recommended)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1–2 tsp granulated sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice (to prevent browning)
Read Also: Caramel Apple Crisp Recipe
Kitchen Equipment Needed
You don’t need any special tools to make this recipe, just a few basics you likely already have on hand.
The most important piece of equipment is a good mandoline slicer, which helps you get consistently thin, even slices for the crispiest chips.
- Air fryer (any basket-style or tray-style works)
- Mandoline slicer or a sharp chef’s knife
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Pastry brush or your hands for coating
- Parchment paper or air fryer liner (optional but recommended)
- Apple corer or melon baller (to remove seeds)
- Wire cooling rack
Recommended Products for This Recipe
These are products I personally use and trust to make this recipe easier and more enjoyable.
1. Mandoline Slicer with Safety Guard
Getting even, paper-thin apple slices is the biggest factor in making perfectly crispy chips.
A mandoline slicer does this in seconds and gives you much more consistent results than slicing by hand.
Look for one with an adjustable thickness setting so you can dial in the exact thinness you want.
2. Parchment Paper Air Fryer Liners
These perforated liners sit right in your air fryer basket and prevent the apple slices from sticking without blocking airflow.
They make cleanup so much faster and are a huge help when you’re making multiple batches.
3. Ceylon Ground Cinnamon
There’s a noticeable difference between regular cinnamon and high-quality Ceylon cinnamon.
Ceylon cinnamon has a lighter, more floral, sweeter flavor that doesn’t overpower the apple.
It’s the kind of upgrade that makes a simple recipe taste genuinely special.
4. Apple Corer and Slicer Tool
If you plan to make apple chips regularly, a dedicated apple corer makes the prep work much faster.
It cores and slices the apple in one press, which saves time and helps keep all your slices a similar size before you run them through the mandoline.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Air Fryer Apple Chips
1. Wash and Dry Your Apples
- Rinse your 2–3 medium apples thoroughly under cold running water.
- Gently scrub the skin with your fingers or a soft produce brush to remove any wax or residue.
- Pat the apples completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Dry apples slice more cleanly and the cinnamon mixture sticks better when there’s no moisture on the surface.
2. Core the Apples
- Use an apple corer or the tip of a melon baller to remove the core from each apple.
- If you don’t have a corer, you can slice the apple first and then use a small round cookie cutter or knife to remove the seed area from each slice.
- You don’t need to peel the apples. The skin adds structure and holds the chip together during cooking. It also crisps up nicely.
3. Slice the Apples Thinly
- Using a mandoline slicer set to approximately 1/8 inch (2–3mm) thickness, carefully slice the apples crosswise into round chips.
- If using a knife, slice as evenly and thinly as you possibly can. Uneven slices will cook unevenly, with thinner pieces burning before thicker ones are done.
- Place all the sliced apple rounds into a large mixing bowl.
4. Add Lemon Juice
- Squeeze a small amount of fresh lemon juice (about 1 teaspoon) over the apple slices in the bowl.
- Toss the slices gently with your hands or a spoon to coat them lightly in the lemon juice.
- This step prevents the apple slices from browning and turning gray before they go into the air fryer. It also adds a faint brightness that balances the sweetness.
5. Mix the Cinnamon and Sugar
- In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon with 1–2 teaspoons of granulated sugar (if using).
- Stir them together until evenly blended.
- The sugar is optional but adds a slightly sweeter, more caramelized flavor to the finished chips. If your apples are already very sweet (like Honeycrisp), you may want to skip the sugar entirely.
6. Coat the Apple Slices
- Sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar mixture over the apple slices in the bowl.
- Toss everything gently until each slice is lightly and evenly coated on both sides.
- Avoid piling on too much coating, a light, even dusting is all you need for great flavor.
7. Preheat Your Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C) for about 3 minutes.
- A lower temperature is important here. Apple chips need time to dry out and crisp up slowly without burning. High heat will brown the outside before the inside has a chance to dry, leaving you with chips that are soft in the middle.
8. Arrange the Slices in the Air Fryer Basket
- Place the coated apple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the tray.
- Do not overlap or stack the slices. Overlapping prevents even airflow, which means some chips will be soggy and some will be overdone.
- If you have more slices than fit in one layer, set the extras aside and cook them in batches.
- If using a parchment liner, place it in the basket before adding the apple slices.
9. Cook the Apple Chips
- Air fry at 300°F (150°C) for 12–15 minutes.
- Flip each slice carefully at the halfway point (around 6–7 minutes) using tongs or a fork.
- The chips are done when they look dry, golden at the edges, and slightly curled. They will still feel a little soft when hot but will crisp up as they cool.
- Keep a close eye on them in the last few minutes of cooking. Different apple varieties and air fryer brands vary, so your chips may need slightly more or less time.
10. Cool the Chips Before Serving
- Transfer the finished chips to a wire cooling rack in a single layer.
- Let them rest at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before eating. This is the step most people skip, but it’s really important.
- As the chips cool, they firm up and become fully crispy. Eating them too soon will make them seem underdone when they actually just need a few minutes to set.
Tips for The Best Air Fryer Apple Chips
Getting apple chips perfectly crispy every time comes down to a few small details that make a big difference.
Follow these tips and you’ll get consistently excellent results, even on your very first batch.
- Slice as thin as possible: Aim for 1/8 inch or thinner. The thinner the slice, the crispier the chip. Thick slices will stay chewy in the middle.
- Don’t skip the lemon juice: It prevents browning and keeps your chips looking golden and appealing rather than gray.
- Cook in batches: Resist the urge to pile slices on top of each other. Overlapping creates steam, and steam is the enemy of crispy chips.
- Keep the temperature low: 300°F (150°C) is ideal. Higher temperatures cause burning on the outside before the inside has time to dry out.
- Let them cool completely: Chips firm up as they cool, so be patient for at least 5–10 minutes before judging the final texture.
- Use a mandoline slicer: It’s the single most effective tool for consistent, paper-thin slices that cook evenly.
- Try different apples: Each variety gives a slightly different flavor. Tart varieties like Granny Smith make a nice contrast to the sweet cinnamon coating.
You might also enjoy: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Serving Suggestions
Air fryer apple chips are delicious on their own, but they’re also incredibly versatile.
Serve them as a standalone snack, or pair them with other foods to make something even more special.
They’re a natural fit for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, and afternoon pick-me-ups that feel indulgent without being heavy.
The combination of crunch, sweetness, and warm cinnamon flavor makes them feel like a treat even though they’re totally wholesome.
- Serve alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla yogurt for dipping.
- Crumble them over a bowl of oatmeal for added crunch and flavor.
- Pair them with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese for a sweet-salty snack board combo.
- Layer them into a Spring Fruit Salad for texture and visual interest.
- Serve them with nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew) for a protein-packed snack.
- Toss a few chips into a homemade trail mix with nuts, seeds, and dried cranberries.
- Use them as a garnish on top of warm oatmeal, chia pudding, or smoothie bowls.
Variations of Air Fryer Apple Chips
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to switch things up.
The base recipe is simple and works beautifully on its own, but there are plenty of ways to customize the flavor to suit your mood or the season.
- Pumpkin spice version: Replace the cinnamon with an equal amount of pumpkin spice blend for a cozy autumn twist.
- Cardamom and honey: Skip the cinnamon and drizzle just a tiny bit of honey over the slices before adding a pinch of cardamom.
- Unsweetened and plain: Leave out all the spices and sugar for a pure, clean apple chip with nothing added. Great for topping salads.
- Cinnamon brown sugar: Use brown sugar instead of white granulated sugar for a deeper, more caramel-like sweetness.
- Savory version: Try a tiny pinch of sea salt and black pepper instead of cinnamon for a surprisingly addictive snack.
- Spiced chai: Use a blend of cinnamon, ginger, and a tiny pinch of cloves for a chai-inspired chip that’s perfect with tea.
Read Also: Apple Pie Bread Recipe
Storage and Reheating
These chips are best eaten the same day they’re made, but they store reasonably well if kept properly.
The biggest enemy of crispy apple chips is moisture, so the goal with storage is to keep them as dry as possible.
- Room temperature storage: Place cooled chips in an airtight container or zip-lock bag with a paper towel inside to absorb any moisture. Store at room temperature for up to 2–3 days.
- Avoid the refrigerator: The fridge introduces moisture and will make your chips go soft quickly. Room temperature is the best option for short-term storage.
- Reviving chips: If your chips have gone a little soft, pop them back into the air fryer at 300°F for 3–5 minutes. Let them cool again before eating, and they’ll crisp right back up.
- Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for apple chips, as thawing introduces too much moisture and the texture won’t recover.
- Best within 24 hours: For the absolute best crunch and flavor, enjoy these chips the day they’re made.
Nutritional Facts
The following is an approximate estimate per serving (about 1/2 of the batch made from 2 medium apples with optional sugar included):
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving | ||| | Calories | ~80 kcal | | Total Fat | 0g | | Saturated Fat | 0g | | Carbohydrates | ~21g | | Dietary Fiber | ~3g | | Total Sugars | ~16g | | Added Sugar | ~2g (if using optional sugar) | | Protein | 0g | | Sodium | ~1mg | | Vitamin C | ~6% DV | | Potassium | ~115mg |
Nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on apple size, variety, and the amount of optional sugar used.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
These air fryer apple chips aren’t just delicious, they also come with some genuinely good nutritional perks.
Let’s take a look at what makes this snack more than just a tasty treat.
Apples are one of the most nutrient-dense fruits you can eat, and when you make chips out of them in the air fryer, you preserve most of those nutrients without adding any fat or oil.
Cinnamon also brings its own set of benefits that make this snack even more worthwhile.
- Apples are rich in dietary fiber, particularly pectin, which supports gut health and helps keep you full longer.
- Apples contain antioxidants such as quercetin and catechins, which are linked to heart health and reduced inflammation.
- The natural sugars in apples provide a quick, clean source of energy without the crash that comes from processed sugar-heavy snacks.
- Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties and has been studied for its potential role in supporting healthy blood sugar levels.
- Cinnamon is a good source of manganese, a mineral that supports bone health and metabolism.
- No oil is used in this recipe, which keeps the fat content at virtually zero, making these chips appropriate for almost any diet.
- Lemon juice provides vitamin C and helps preserve the nutritional quality of the apple slices during cooking.
If you enjoy using apples in healthy and flavorful recipes, you’ll love this Apple Cinnamon Detox Drink too.
FAQs About Air Fryer Apple Chips
1. Do I need to peel the apples before making air fryer apple chips?
No, you don’t need to peel the apples. The skin actually helps hold the chip together and crisps up nicely during cooking.
It also adds a little extra fiber and nutrition to the finished chips.
2. Why are my apple chips still soft after cooking?
The most common reason is that the slices were too thick or the chips weren’t given enough time to cool down.
Make sure you’re slicing as thin as possible (around 1/8 inch), and always let the chips rest on a wire rack for at least 5–10 minutes before eating.
They firm up significantly as they cool.
3. Can I make these without a mandoline slicer?
Yes, a sharp chef’s knife works if you don’t have a mandoline. The key is to slice as consistently and thinly as you can.
Just know that hand-cut slices may vary in thickness, which can cause uneven cooking where some chips are crispier than others.
4. What are the best apples to use for apple chips?
Fuji, Gala, and Honeycrisp apples are the top choices because of their natural sweetness and firm texture.
Granny Smith apples work well if you prefer a tart flavor. Avoid very soft apple varieties like McIntosh, as they tend to turn mushy rather than crispy.
5. Can I make these in the oven instead of an air fryer?
Absolutely. Spread the coated slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 225°F (107°C) for 1–2 hours, flipping halfway through.
The oven method takes longer but produces a similarly crispy result. The air fryer is just much faster.
Air Fryer Apple Chips
Ingredients
- 3 medium apples 2–3 medium, Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp recommended
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp granulated sugar 1–2 tsp, optional for extra sweetness
- fresh lemon juice A squeeze to prevent browning
Equipment
- Air fryer Basket-style or tray-style works
- Mandoline slicer With safety guard, for consistent thin slices
- Sharp chef’s knife Alternative to mandoline
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Pastry brush Optional, for coating
- Parchment paper or air fryer liner Optional but recommended, perforated liners work best
- Apple corer or melon baller To remove seeds
- Wire cooling rack
Method
- Wash and dry apples thoroughly, then pat completely dry.
- Core apples using an apple corer or melon baller. Do not peel.
- Slice apples thinly (about 1/8 inch or 2–3mm) using a mandoline slicer or sharp knife.
- Place slices in a large bowl and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- In a small bowl, mix cinnamon with sugar (if using).
- Sprinkle cinnamon mixture over apple slices and toss until evenly coated.
- Preheat air fryer to 300°F (150°C) for 3 minutes.
- Arrange coated slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping.
- Air fry at 300°F (150°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Transfer to a wire rack and cool for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow chips to crisp up.
Nutrition
Notes
- Slice as thin as possible (1/8 inch or thinner) for the crispiest chips. Thick slices will stay chewy in the middle.
- Don’t skip the lemon juice – it prevents browning and keeps your chips looking golden rather than gray.
- Cook in batches and never overlap slices. Overlapping creates steam, which makes chips soggy.
- Keep the temperature low at 300°F (150°C). Higher temperatures cause burning on the outside before the inside dries out.
- Let chips cool completely on a wire rack for 5–10 minutes before judging texture – they firm up significantly as they cool.
- Use a mandoline slicer for the most consistent, paper-thin slices that cook evenly.
- Try different apple varieties: Fuji, Gala, and Honeycrisp are sweetest; Granny Smith makes a nice tart contrast.
- Store cooled chips in an airtight container with a paper towel at room temperature for up to 2–3 days.
- To revive soft chips, return to air fryer at 300°F for 3–5 minutes and cool again before eating.
- Do not refrigerate chips – the moisture will make them go soft quickly.
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Conclusion
These Air Fryer Apple Chips are one of those recipes that prove the best snacks don’t need to be complicated.
A few apples, a little cinnamon, and your air fryer are all it takes to make something genuinely crunchy, naturally sweet, and completely satisfying.
They’re great for kids, easy enough for beginners, and flexible enough to customize a dozen different ways.
Give them a try this week, and I’d love to hear how they turn out for you!
Drop a comment below with your favorite apple variety or spice combination, and share this recipe with someone who loves a good healthy snack.
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- Dutch Apple Pie
- Apple Cobbler
- Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
- Crockpot Apple Cinnamon Pork Chops
- German Applesauce Cake
