Air Fryer Apple Chips

My kitchen smelled like a cinnamon-dusted apple orchard the afternoon I first tried making these in my air fryer, mostly because I'd accidentally dumped half the cinnamon sugar into the basket instead of sprinkling it. What started as a small mess turned into discovering that these chips could be ready in under 30 minutes, crispy enough to rival store-bought versions but infinitely better. Now they're my go-to when I need something that feels indulgent but isn't, and my kids actually request them over cookies.

I made a big batch of these for a friend's book club once, piled them into a mason jar with twine wrapped around it, and watched people's faces light up when they realized they could eat something this delicious guilt-free. One person asked if I'd bought them from a fancy bakery—that moment proved everything I needed to know about this recipe.

Ingredients

• 2 large apples (Fuji or Honeycrisp varieties work beautifully): Crisp apples hold their shape better than softer ones, and the natural sweetness means you won't feel like you're adding too much sugar.
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: This amount balances sweetness without overwhelming the apple's natural flavor, but honestly, you can adjust to your taste.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The cinnamon does the heavy lifting here, so don't skimp or use that jar that's been sitting in your cabinet since last year.
• Olive oil spray or nonstick cooking spray (optional but recommended): A light mist helps the edges crisp up beautifully and prevents sticking without adding much fat.

Instructions

Mount paper towels nearby for quick cleanup of spills, grease, and messes while cooking and prepping meals.

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Prep your apples with care:

Wash them under cold water, then use a sharp knife or mandoline to slice them about 1/8-inch thick—thin enough to crisp up but thick enough not to burn instantly. Skip peeling; the skin helps hold everything together.

Mix your cinnamon sugar blend:

In a small bowl, stir the sugar and cinnamon together until it looks like sweet sand. This prevents the cinnamon from clumping and ensures even distribution.

Set up your air fryer:

Give the basket a quick spray with oil if you're using it, which really does make a difference in the final crispness. It's a small step that changes everything.

Arrange and season:

Lay the apple slices in a single layer without overlapping—they need air circulating underneath to crisp properly. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly across the top, using your fingers to press it gently so it sticks.

First round of cooking:

Air fry at 350°F for 7 to 8 minutes. The kitchen will smell incredible, and you'll be tempted to open the basket constantly—resist that urge, but do peek once to check progress.

Flip and finish:

Turn each slice over and continue cooking for 5 to 7 more minutes until they're golden and crispy at the edges. Watch closely toward the end since every air fryer behaves slightly differently.

Cool on a rack:

Remove the chips to a wire rack while they're still warm; they'll firm up even more as they cool and will taste incredible. If you eat them straight from the air fryer, they're a little bendy, which is fun but not quite the same.

Repeat with remaining slices:

Work through your remaining apples in batches, and don't try to squeeze too many into the basket at once or you'll steam them instead of crisping them.

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There's something deeply satisfying about handing someone a paper cone of homemade apple chips—it feels like sharing something you actually put care into. These have become my snack of choice when I want to prove that healthy food doesn't have to be boring.

The Mandoline Game Changer

The first time I used a mandoline slicer instead of a knife, I understood why restaurant-quality chips exist. Uniform thickness means they cook evenly, and the whole process becomes almost meditative—slide, slice, slide, slice. Just keep your fingers back from that blade; I learned this the hard way and still have a tiny scar to remind me to respect sharp tools.

Storage and Longevity

These chips stay crispy for up to 3 days if you keep them in an airtight container, though honestly, they rarely last that long in my house. The moment they cool, they start disappearing—snacked on straight, crumbled over yogurt, or tucked into lunch boxes where they surprise everyone with their deliciousness.

Sweet Variations and Serving Ideas

Once you master the basic cinnamon sugar version, you can play around with flavors—try a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg, or even a sprinkle of cardamom if you're feeling fancy. They pair beautifully with Greek yogurt for breakfast, stand alone as a snack, or even crumble over vanilla ice cream for an unexpected treat.

• Reduce the sugar if you prefer less sweetness and let the apple flavor shine through.
• Store in an airtight container away from moisture so they don't absorb humidity and lose their crunch.
• Make a double batch and freeze any extras in the same container for up to a week—they thaw and regain their crispness beautifully.

Track cooking times accurately for baking, boiling, roasting, and multitasking recipes without overcooking.

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These apple chips prove that the best snacks don't require complicated ingredients or hours in the kitchen. Once you taste them, you'll understand why they've become my answer to "what can I bring to a gathering that's both impressive and actually good for you."

Kitchen Q&A

→ What type of apples work best for these chips?

Crisp apple varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp are ideal for thin, crunchy chips due to their firmness and natural sweetness.

→ Can I adjust the sweetness of the chips?

Yes, you can reduce the cinnamon sugar or use a sugar substitute to suit your taste preferences.

→ How can I make the chips crispier?

Lightly spraying the air fryer basket with oil and ensuring the apple slices are arranged in a single layer helps achieve maximum crispness.

→ Is it necessary to peel the apples before slicing?

No, leaving the skins on adds texture and nutrients while crisping nicely during cooking.

→ How should I store leftover chips?

Store cooled chips in an airtight container for up to three days to maintain their crunch.

→ Can these chips be served with other foods?

They pair well with yogurt or can be enjoyed alone as a light, flavorful snack.