ABout this recipe
These air fryer apple chips are crisp, naturally sweet, and made with just two ingredients: apples and cinnamon. Whether you bake them in the oven or air fry them, you’ll end up with a healthy, irresistible snack that’s ready to crunch any time of day.
They’re great for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or cozy fall afternoons when your kitchen smells like baked apples.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Only two ingredients — apples and cinnamon.
- Can be made in the oven or air fryer.
- Crispy, naturally sweet, and oil-free.
- Healthier (and fresher!) than Bare apple chips.
- A perfect grab-and-go snack for any season.
Ingredient notes
Apples: Choose firm, crisp varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp. Organic is best to avoid wax or pesticides.
Cinnamon: Use ground cinnamon for a warm, cozy flavor.
Optional lemon juice: Prevents browning if you’re slicing ahead.
HOW TO MAKE APPLE CHIPS AT HOME?
- Select apples that are firm and thoroughly wash them.
- Slice the apples as thinly as you can using a mandoline or a very sharp knife.
How to make with the Oven Method
- Preheat oven to 225°F (100°C).
- Slice apples thinly using a mandoline or sharp knife.
- Arrange on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Bake for 1½ to 2 hours, flipping halfway through.
- Let cool — they’ll crisp as they cool!
How to make with Air Fryer Method
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange apple slices in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
- Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Cool completely for the crispiest texture.
TIPS TO MAKE THE BEST HEALTHY APPLE CHIPS
- The time it will take in the oven depends on the thickness of the apple.
- Cut them thin, so they are ready faster. Use a mandoline for thin, even slices — this helps them crisp perfectly.
- Don’t overcrowd your tray or air fryer basket.
- If you see that the apple slices are oxidizing, you can add a little lemon juice to them while working with the rest. It is best to cut the apple and put it in the oven as quickly as possible.
- You can add sugar if you prefer, but it’s not necessary.
- Store in an airtight container once completely cool. If they soften, pop them back in the air fryer for 3 minutes.
Variations
- Add pumpkin spice for fall flavor.
- Dust with coconut sugar for an extra sweet touch.
- Dip half in dark chocolate for a dessert version.
Are these healthier than Bare Apple chips?
Yes! Bare apple chips are convenient, but they’re shelf-stable because they’re dehydrated for extended storage. Homemade air-fried or baked chips are fresher, with no additives or oil, and you can choose your favorite apple varieties for added flavor.
Air Fryer Apple Chips (Better Than Store-Bought Bare Chips)
Equipment
- mandolin
Ingredients
- 2 apples Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp work great
- Ground cinnamon to taste
- Optional 1 tsp lemon juice to prevent browning
Instructions
Oven Method:
- Preheat oven to 225°F (100°C).
- Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Slice apples as thinly as possible using a mandoline or sharp knife.
- Arrange slices in a single layer on the baking sheets and sprinkle lightly with cinnamon.
- Bake for 1½ to 2 hours, flipping halfway through, until dry and crisp.
- Let cool on the tray — they’ll crisp up more as they cool.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange apple slices in a single layer (work in batches if necessary).
- Sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Remove and let cool completely before storing.
Notes
- Slice thinly: The thinner the slice, the crisper the chip.
- Use a mandoline: For even, paper-thin slices that cook uniformly.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If they soften, reheat in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes.
- Flavor variations: Add pumpkin spice or nutmeg for a fall twist, or dip in dark chocolate once cooled.
- Kid tip: Perfect for lunchboxes or movie-night snacks!
Nutrition
information
Nutritional information of this recipe is only an estimate, the accuracy for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
This post is a republish from December 2013.
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I’m Ale Graf, a Mexican living in Texas and the creator of AleCooks and Piloncillo&Vainilla. I share easy, family-friendly recipes—some Mexican, mostly plant-based—that can be enjoyed all day, every day. My focus is on recipes that bring people together around the table, making mealtime simple, delicious and meaningful. I’m also the co-author of Yo Cocino Latino, and my recipes have been featured in numerous online magazines and publications.
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