You know those snacks that make you feel smugly healthy while still tasting like a treat? That’s these Air Fryer Apple Chips. They’re crunchy like your favorite kettle chips, have that natural fruity sweetness, and come together faster than you can scroll through TikTok. There’s zero fake flavor, zero deep frying, and definitely zero waiting around for dough to chill.

What’s even better? You can whip them up with three ingredients you probably already have. I toss them into lunchboxes, snack on them during editing sprees, and once even served them at brunch next to a yogurt parfait bar. They vanished in minutes. Whether you’re team sweet or just trying to break up with processed snacks, these are the glow-ups your snack game needs.

Recipe Snapshot

Category	Details
Yield	2 servings
Serving Size	1 apple per person
Prep Time	5 minutes
Cook Time	20-25 minutes
Total Time	30 minutes
Calories per Serving	~95
Primary Cooking Method	Air frying
Diet Type	Vegan, Gluten-Free

Calories are approximate and may vary depending on exact ingredients used.

Air Fryer Apple Chips

Recipe by Angela JonesCourse: SnackCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

apple

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

kcal

These apple chips are your secret weapon when snack cravings hit but you still want to feel like a responsible adult. They’re crunchy, cozy, and totally guilt-free. Think sweet flavor, easy prep, and that rustic American vibe we all secretly love.

They’re like the snack version of wearing fuzzy socks while crushing your to-do list—comfort meets accomplishment. No artificial nonsense, no deep frying, just apples doing the absolute most. Let’s break it down.

Ingredients

Main Stuff
2 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala are MVPs)
½ tsp ground cinnamon (totally optional but totally delicious)
Optional Extras
A few sprays of lemon juice (if you’re anti-browning)
A light pinch of coconut sugar (for sweet tooth emergencies)

Directions

Pick the Right Apples
The apple is the star here, so pick ones that hold up under heat and bring the flavor. Honeycrisp and Fuji are my go-tos for a natural sweetness and firm bite. Granny Smith if you’re feeling tangy.
Slice Like a Pro
Use a mandoline slicer for even, thin slices—1/8 inch is the sweet spot. A sharp knife works too, just keep the thickness consistent. Uniform slices = even crispiness.
Pat Dry (Yes, It Matters)
This one sounds skippable, but don’t. Use paper towels to dab off extra moisture from both sides of the slices. Moisture is the enemy of crunch, and nobody signed up for soggy apple bites.
Add a Little Flair
Lay the slices flat on a baking sheet or clean surface. Spray lightly with lemon juice to keep them from browning mid-air-fry. Add a dusting of cinnamon for that cozy, fall-vibes flavor. Want sweet? Sprinkle a pinch of coconut sugar. Totally optional.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Some air fryers don’t need preheating, but if yours does, go ahead and heat it to 300°F. This ensures a quicker, more even cook. No guessing games.
Arrange Slices Like You Care
Lay the slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. No stacking, no overlapping. If you’re making a big batch, do it in waves. Crowding leads to steaming—not the vibe.
First Fry Round
Air fry at 300°F for 15 minutes. Flip them over halfway through using tongs. The edges should start to curl up, but the centers might still look soft—that’s okay for now.
Finish with a Low-and-Slow
Reduce the heat to 250°F and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them during this part. You’re looking for dry, curled edges and a light golden tint. Every air fryer’s a little different, so your total cook time might vary.
Cool Completely (Do Not Skip)
The chips will seem a little soft straight from the fryer, but don’t be fooled. Let them cool on a wire rack or plate for at least 10 minutes. As they cool, they’ll crisp up into that perfect chip texture.
Alternate Method: How to Make Apple Chips in the Oven
No air fryer? No problem. You can still get crisp, tasty apple chips using your oven—it just takes a bit more time. The bonus? You can do a big batch all at once.
Preheat your oven to 225°F. Once your apples are sliced, arrange them in a single layer on parchment-lined baking sheets. Sprinkle with cinnamon if using.
Bake for 2 to 2 ½ hours, flipping the slices halfway through to ensure even drying. Your kitchen will smell like fall exploded in the best way. Once done, turn the oven off and let the chips cool inside for another hour. This extra step helps them dry out fully and crisp up just right.

Extra Tips

Use firm apples for the best texture. Softer ones like Red Delicious tend to get mushy.
Flip carefully with tongs during cooking to avoid tearing the slices.
Uniform thickness matters more than the apple variety—this is what keeps chips from burning or staying soggy.
Cooling is non-negotiable—they might seem bendy at first, but crisp up perfectly after a 10-minute cool down.
Double batch alert: If you’re already firing up the air fryer, make a bigger batch and store them in multiple containers. You’ll thank yourself later.

Equipment List

You don’t need much to make these, and chances are, you’ve already got everything. Here’s the lowdown on what tools will help you pull it off:

Air fryer (duh)
Mandoline slicer or sharp knife
Paper towels
Tongs
Cutting board

Substitution Options

Not everyone keeps the same stash of apples or pantry spices, so here’s how you can mix and match to fit your flavor profile, diet, or mood:

Apples: Use what you’ve got. Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Gala bring the sweet crisp vibes, but Granny Smith gives a tart kick if that’s your thing.

Cinnamon Swap: Not a fan of cinnamon? Go rogue. Try nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, apple pie spice, or even a little ground ginger for a zingy twist.

Sweeteners: The apples are sweet enough on their own, but if you’re feeling indulgent, a sprinkle of brown sugar or coconut sugar before air frying adds a subtle caramel note. Want a no-sugar-added vibe? Skip it entirely.

Citrus Option: No lemon juice? Try lime or orange juice if you’re adventurous. It’ll help with browning and add a slight tang.

Make-Ahead Tips

Trying to get ahead of your snack game? These chips have your back. You can slice the apples up to a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge with a quick spray of lemon juice to keep them from browning. When you’re ready to make magic, pull them out, pat them dry, and go straight to seasoning and air frying.

Want to prep the whole batch? Bake them, let them cool completely, and then store them in a sealed glass jar or zip-top bag at room temperature. They’ll keep their crunch for 2–3 days. Just don’t seal them warm or they’ll steam and get soft. Nobody wants limp chips.

FAQ

Can I use green apples?
Yes! Granny Smith apples offer a tart twist and crisp texture. Just know they may need a tiny dusting of sugar if you’re craving something sweet.

Do I have to peel the apples?
Nope. The skin crisps up nicely and gives the chips a more rustic, wholesome vibe—not to mention extra fiber.

Can I make a big batch at once?
Absolutely, but you’ll want to do it in multiple air fryer batches so the chips cook evenly. Crowded baskets = soft, uneven chips.

Do I need to use lemon juice?
It’s optional, but helps keep your apples from turning brown mid-prep. Plus, it adds a light zing.

Can I sweeten them up more?
Totally. A sprinkle of coconut sugar, brown sugar, or even a drizzle of maple syrup before cooking can take them to dessert level.

Why didn’t my chips get crispy?
Either they were sliced too thick, not cooked long enough, or weren’t cooled properly. Remember, they crisp up after cooling—don’t rush it.

What if they turn out too crispy or burnt?
Your air fryer might run hotter than others. Try lowering the temp slightly and keeping a closer eye near the end of cook time.

Can I use the chips in other recipes?
Heck yes. Crumble them on oatmeal, stir into granola, or use as a crunchy topping on yogurt or ice cream.

Nutrition Information

Let’s keep it real—these aren’t just delicious, they’re pretty darn healthy too. Here’s a quick look at what you’re snacking on (per serving, using medium apples and no added sugar):

Calories: ~95
Carbs: ~25g
Fiber: ~4g
Sugars: ~19g (natural from apples)
Fat: 0g
Protein: ~0.5g

Simple, clean, and naturally sweet. Now that’s snack goals.

Storage Instructions

Once your apple chips are crisped to perfection and cooled completely, proper storage is key to keeping that satisfying crunch alive. Let them cool all the way before even thinking about sealing them up—residual warmth turns into steam, and steam equals soggy disappointment.

Store them in a dry, airtight container at room temperature, like a mason jar or a zip-top bag. If you live somewhere humid, toss in a food-safe silica packet or a folded paper towel to soak up any extra moisture. Skip the fridge unless you enjoy limp snacks.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Apple Chips are that rare combo of ridiculously easy and seriously satisfying. They hit all the notes—crunchy, sweet, cozy—and somehow manage to make you feel like a snack hero without lifting more than a knife and a mandoline. Whether you’re looking for a clean snack, a fun lunchbox add-in, or just something to curb your late-night cravings, this recipe’s got you covered.

Try them once, and you’ll find yourself making them on repeat. And hey, if you start stockpiling apples just to keep a batch going—same here. No judgment.