Alright, let’s talk snacks. More specifically, air fried snacks that my kids will actually eat without side-eyeing me like I just served them a plate of broccoli for dessert. If your house is anything like mine, finding something that’s both healthy and kid-approved is basically like finding a unicorn. But let me tell you—Air Fryer Apple Chips are that unicorn.

These crispy, naturally sweet bites are everything you want in a snack—simple, quick, and mess-free. And the best part? You only need apples and a little cinnamon (if you’re feeling fancy). Whether you call them Air Fry Apple Chips, Air Fryer Apple Slices, or just “Mom’s Magic Chips” like my youngest does, they’re about to become your new favorite go-to.
I used to think making homemade apple chips would require some fancy dehydrator or an entire afternoon in the kitchen, but nope. With the air fryer, you can have perfectly crisp Apple Chips in the Air Fryer in about 15 minutes. It’s hands down one of the best things to air fry, especially when you want something sweet but don’t feel like baking a whole pie.
If you’ve never tried dehydrating apples in the air fryer, now’s the time. Whether you’re looking for a quick apple chips recipe, experimenting with air fryer fruit recipes, or just trying to make a healthy after-school snack that won’t come home untouched in a lunchbox, these air fryer apples are the answer. And trust me, once you make them, you’ll start wondering what else you can toss in that magical machine. (Spoiler alert: A lot. But that’s a post for another day.)
Let’s get to it—because once you taste these air fryer chips, you’ll never go back to store-bought.
What You’ll Need
- 2–3 apples (I love using Honeycrisp or Gala, but honestly, whatever you have is fine)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, but highly recommended)
That’s it. No oil, no sugar, no extra nonsense. Just simple, wholesome snacking.
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Slice the Apples

First things first—wash those apples. I don’t know about you, but my kids somehow manage to eat everything they’re not supposed to, so at least we can make sure the apples aren’t covered in dirt or mystery germs.
Now, slice them super thin—like, as thin as you can get without losing a fingertip. If you have a mandoline slicer, use it. If not, just do your best with a knife. The thinner they are, the crispier they’ll get.
And no, you don’t need to peel them. That’s just extra work, and we don’t have time for that.
Step 2: Sprinkle with Cinnamon
Lay the apple slices out in a single layer on a plate or cutting board. If you’re using cinnamon, go ahead and sprinkle a little on top. Not too much—just enough to give them that warm, cozy flavor. If your kids are super picky, maybe just do half the batch with cinnamon and leave the rest plain.
Step 3: Air Fry Like a Pro

Preheat your air fryer to 300°F. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat button, just turn it on and let it run for a couple minutes before adding the apples.
Now, lay the apple slices in the basket in a single layer—no overlapping. You might need to work in batches, but trust me, it’s worth it.
Air fry for 12–15 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through. Keep an eye on them, because thin slices cook faster, and nobody wants burnt apple chips.
Step 4: Let Them Cool (If You Can Wait)

When the apples look golden and slightly curled up at the edges, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. They’ll get even crispier as they sit.
If they still feel a little soft, pop them back in for another minute or two. But don’t overdo it—apple chips go from crispy to “why do they taste like charcoal?” real quick.
Step 5: Snack Time (or Hide Them for Yourself)
Now comes the hard part: not eating them all at once. I usually have to hide a few if I want any for myself, because my kids will inhale an entire batch in about three minutes.
If you somehow end up with leftovers, store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay crispy for a few days… unless, of course, they mysteriously disappear.
FAQs About Air Fryer Apple Chips
What are the best apples to use for air fryer apple chips?
You can use any apples, but some work better than others. Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, and Pink Lady are naturally sweet and crisp up beautifully. If you like a more tart flavor, Granny Smith is a great choice.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Nope! The peel actually adds a little extra crunch and fiber, plus it saves you time. If your kids prefer them without the peel, go ahead and peel them before slicing.
How thin should I slice the apples?
As thin as possible—about 1/8-inch thick. The thinner they are, the crispier they’ll get. If they’re too thick, they might turn out chewy instead of crispy. A mandoline slicer works best, but a sharp knife will do the job, too.
Can I make air fryer apple chips without cinnamon?
Absolutely! The apples are naturally sweet, so you don’t need any extra seasoning. But if you want to switch things up, try nutmeg, pumpkin spice, or even a little honey for different flavors.
What else can I air fry besides apples?
So many things! If you’re into air fryer fruit recipes, try making banana chips, pear chips, or even dehydrated strawberries. If you want savory snacks, you can air fry sweet potatoes, zucchini chips, or chickpeas for a crunchy alternative to store-bought snacks.
Air Fryer Apple Chips

Air Fryer Apple Chips
Ingredients
- 2 –3 apples Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or your favorite
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon optional
Instructions
Slice the Apples
- Wash and thinly slice apples (about 1/8-inch thick). No need to peel.
Add Cinnamon (Optional)
- Lay slices on a plate and sprinkle with cinnamon if using.
Air Fry the Apple Slices
- Preheat air fryer to 300°F.
- Place apple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Let Them Cool & Crisp Up
- Remove from air fryer and let sit for 5 minutes. They’ll get crispier as they cool.
Enjoy or Store
- Eat immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Notes
Letting them cool helps them get crunchier
Reheat in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes if they soften
So there you have it—Air Fryer Apple Chips that are crispy, sweet, and way too easy to eat in one sitting. If your kids are anything like mine, they’ll grab a handful, crunch away, and then immediately ask if you made more. And honestly? That’s a win in my book. Finding air fried snacks that are actually healthy and don’t end up smushed at the bottom of a lunchbox is rare.
The best part? You don’t need any fancy ingredients or a ton of time. Just apples, an air fryer, and a little patience while they crisp up. Whether you’re calling them Air Fry Apple Chips, Air Fryer Apple Slices, or Apple Chips In Air Fryer, they all come down to the same thing—an easy, guilt-free snack that tastes like a treat. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different airfryer fruit recipes or even dehydrating apples in the air fryer for a chewier texture.
Honestly, these are one of the best things to air fry because they’re simple, mess-free, and way cheaper than store-bought apple chips. Plus, if you’ve got extra apples sitting around, this apple chips recipe is the perfect way to use them up before they get all soft and sad in the fruit bowl.
So go ahead, give this air fryer apples recipe a try. Your snack game will never be the same. And if you find yourself making batch after batch (because, let’s be real, they don’t last long), just know you’re not alone.