2-Ingredient Air Fryer Apple Chips Your Kids Will Devour

I’ll never forget the first time I tried making air fryer apple chips in my tiny apartment kitchen. My kids were begging for a snack, and we were fresh out of their usual crackers. With just two apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon, we had crispy, sweet chips in minutes – no fancy equipment or hours of baking. These air fryer apple chips became our go-to healthy snack, perfect for lunchboxes, movie nights, or when those 3pm cravings hit. What I love most? You don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen to make them. They’re foolproof, naturally sweet, and so much better than anything you’d buy in a bag.

Table of Contents

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Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Apple Chips

These apple chips will become your new favorite snack for so many reasons. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll wonder why you ever bought those expensive bags at the store.

Quick & Easy Snack

From fridge to table in under 15 minutes – that’s my kind of snack. No fancy techniques or hours of baking required. Just slice, air fry, and enjoy. Perfect for those “I need something NOW” moments.

Healthy Alternative to Store-Bought Chips

No weird preservatives or mystery ingredients here – just real apples with their natural sweetness. You get all the satisfying crunch without any of the guilt. My nutritionist friend gives these two thumbs up.

Kid-Approved Flavor

The secret’s out – kids go crazy for these. The light cinnamon dusting makes them taste like apple pie, but in chip form. I’ve converted even the pickiest eaters with this recipe. Lunchbox magic.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Apple Chips

You won’t believe how simple this ingredient list is. Here’s all you need for perfect apple chips every time:

  • 2 medium apples (I love Honeycrisp or Granny Smith – firm and sweet)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, but oh-so-good)

That’s it, No fancy ingredients, no special trips to the store. Just grab those apples from your fruit bowl and you’re halfway to crispy snack heaven.

How to Make Air Fryer Apple Chips

Ready to make magic happen? I’ll walk you through each simple step – it’s so easy you’ll have these chips memorized after one try. Just follow along and you’ll have perfectly crispy apple chips in no time.

Step 1: Slice the Apples

Grab your sharpest knife (or a mandoline if you’re feeling fancy) and slice those apples thin – about 1/8 inch thick is perfect. Don’t stress about perfection, but try to keep them somewhat even so they cook at the same rate. Pro tip: Leave the skins on. They add beautiful color and extra nutrients. Just core them first – nobody wants to snack on apple seeds.

Step 2: Arrange in the Air Fryer

Now for the most important step – don’t crowd them. Lay those apple slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket with a little breathing room between each one. I know it’s tempting to pile them in, but trust me, they need space to crisp up properly. If you’ve got extra slices, just cook them in batches – it’s worth the wait.

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Step 3: Cook and Flip

Pop the basket into your air fryer at 350°F and set the timer for 4 minutes. When it beeps, carefully flip each slice – I use kitchen tongs for this. Then cook for another 4-6 minutes until they’re golden and crisp around the edges. Watch closely at the end – they can go from perfect to burnt fast.

Step 4: Cool Before Serving

Here’s the hardest part – you’ve got to let them cool. I know, the temptation is real, but this is when they crisp up even more as they dry. Spread them on a wire rack or plate (never stack them while hot – they’ll steam and get soggy). In about 5 minutes, you’ll have the crispiest, most addictive apple chips ever.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Apple Chips

After making dozens of batches (okay, maybe hundreds – we’re obsessed), I’ve learned all the tricks for apple chip perfection. First, choose firm apples – Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are my favorites because they hold their shape. Slice them thin but not see-through, and don’t skip the flip halfway. And here’s my golden rule – if you think they’re almost done, they probably are. Those last 60 seconds can mean the difference between golden crisp and charcoal. Oh, and resist opening the air fryer too often – that heat needs to stay in to work its magic.

Variations for Air Fryer Apple Chips

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, it’s so fun to play with flavors. My kids love when I sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg with the cinnamon – it tastes like autumn in every bite. For a little extra sweetness, try a light drizzle of honey over the warm chips right after they come out of the air fryer. One of my favorite grown-up versions adds just a whisper of cayenne pepper for a sweet-heat kick that’s absolutely addictive.

Storing Air Fryer Apple Chips

Here’s the good news – if you somehow have leftovers (rare in my house), these chips store beautifully. Just pop them in an airtight container with a paper towel to soak up any sneaky moisture. They’ll stay crisp for about 3 days at room temperature – if they last that long. Whatever you do, don’t refrigerate them or they’ll turn soft and sad. I learned that lesson the hard way after ruining a perfect batch.

Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Apple Chips

One serving (about half the batch) gives you all the crispy satisfaction with just 52 calories and zero guilt. Each portion has 14g carbs (2g fiber), 10g natural sugar from the apples, and absolutely no fat. Keep in mind – exact numbers might vary slightly depending on your apple size and whether you add that optional cinnamon sprinkle. But either way, it’s a snack you can feel great about. You can find more inspiration for healthy snacks like these apple cinnamon overnight oats.

FAQ About Air Fryer Apple Chips

I get so many questions about these crispy little wonders. Here are answers to the most common ones that pop up in my kitchen (and my inbox). Trust me – I’ve made every mistake possible so you don’t have to. You can see more visual ideas for recipes like this on our Pinterest page.

Can I Make These Without Cinnamon?

Absolutely, The cinnamon is totally optional. Sometimes I skip it when I want pure apple flavor, especially with sweeter varieties like Fuji. The natural sugars caramelize beautifully on their own. My kids actually prefer them plain for dipping in peanut butter – try it.

How Thin Should I Slice the Apples?

Think “thin but sturdy” – about the thickness of two quarters stacked together. Too thin and they’ll burn before crisping; too thick and they stay chewy. My test? Hold a slice up to light – you should see a faint glow through it but not be able to read through it.

Can I Use a Different Fruit?

You bet, Pears work amazingly well with the same method (just slice slightly thicker). Bananas need lower heat (300°F) and cook faster. For berries or softer fruits, try fruit leather instead – I’ve got a great method for that too if you’re interested. If you are looking for other easy fruit-based snacks, check out our recipe for caramel apple dip.

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2-Ingredient Air Fryer Apple Chips Your Kids Will Devour

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Crispy air fryer apple chips. A healthy snack you can make quickly with minimal ingredients.

  • Author: RecipeZest
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium apples
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and thinly slice the apples.
  2. Place slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.
  4. Cook at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
  5. Let cool before serving.

Notes

  • Use firm apples for best results.
  • Thinner slices crisp faster.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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