Air Fryer Apple Chips with Cinnamon Sugar

Ingredients

• 2 medium apples (such as Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent browning)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Optional: Pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

1. Wash, dry, and core the apples. Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, slice the apples into very thin rounds (about 1/8-inch thick). Try to keep the slices as even as possible for uniform cooking.
2. Place the apple slices in a bowl of water mixed with lemon juice to prevent browning while you work.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

1. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar , cinnamon , and optional spices (nutmeg or allspress).

Step 3: Coat the Apple Slices

1. Remove the apple slices from the lemon water and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Excess moisture will prevent them from crisping up.
2. Lightly sprinkle both sides of each apple slice with the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring an even coating. You can also place the slices in a zip-top bag with the cinnamon sugar and shake gently to coat.

Step 4: Air Fry the Apple Chips

1. Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C) (or the lowest setting available).
2. Arrange the apple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
3. Cook the apple slices for 8–12 minutes , flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the slices and your air fryer model.

Step 5: Cool and Crisp

1. Remove the apple chips from the air fryer and let them cool completely on a wire rack. They will crisp up further as they cool.

Step 6: Serve and Store

1. Enjoy the apple chips as a standalone snack, crumble them over yogurt or oatmeal, or use them as a garnish for desserts.
2. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2–3 days (if they last that long!).

Tips and Variations

• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a sweet-and-spicy kick.
• No Added Sugar: Skip the sugar and simply sprinkle the apple slices with cinnamon for a healthier option.
• Different Fruits: Try this method with pears, bananas, or even thinly sliced sweet potatoes for variety.
• Dehydrator Alternative: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can make these chips in a dehydrator at 135°F (57°C) for 6–8 hours or in an oven at the lowest temperature for 2–3 hours .
• Extra Flavor: Spritz the apple slices lightly with apple cider or orange juice before adding the cinnamon sugar for an extra burst of flavor.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Chips

• Healthy Snack: Made with just three simple ingredients, these chips are a guilt-free treat packed with natural sweetness.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes, they’re perfect for when you need a fast snack.
• Customizable: Adjust the spices or skip the sugar to suit your taste preferences.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids love helping to make and eat these fun, crunchy snacks.

These Air Fryer Apple Chips with Cinnamon Sugar are a delightful way to enjoy the natural goodness of apples in a crispy, portable form.