Do you love dried fruit as a healthy snack? So do we! These air-fried apple chips are the perfect afternoon pick-me-up or wholesome dessert for both kids and adults. No dehydrator required...your air fryer does all the work.
What makes this recipe special is its simplicity: just apples, warm spices, and a quick whirl in the air fryer for irresistibly crisp, cinnamon-kissed chips. They pair beautifully with a creamy honey-cinnamon fruit dip and look extra festive for fall gatherings and lunchboxes alike.
If you're building out your snack prep routine, you'll also love exploring our Healthy Snacks and Gluten Free recipe collections.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Crispy, sweet, and cinnamon-spiced without any added oil.
- Fast and hands-off... air fryer > dehydrator for weeknight prep.
- Budget-friendly way to use up apples and reduce food waste.
- Kid-approved snack that doubles as a light dessert.
- Meal-prep friendly with easy long-term storage options.
Air-Fried Apple Chips Ingredients:
- 2 medium apples thinly sliced/seeds removed
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
For Honey Cinnamon Dip
- 4 oz. light cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup non-fat Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
How to make
Step 1: Prep
Wash apples well. Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice apples crosswise into ⅛-inch rounds; remove any seeds. If using, quickly toss slices with the lemon-water mix and pat dry.
Step 2: Season
In a small bowl, combine cinnamon and nutmeg. Sprinkle a light coating over both sides of the apple slices.
Step 3: Air-fry
Preheat the air fryer to 300°F. Arrange slices in a single layer (no overlap) in the basket. Air-fry for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway and rotating trays if needed. Chips are done when dry and crisp around the edges. Extra-moist apples may need 2-5 more minutes.
Step 4: Make the dip (while chips cook)
In a medium bowl, beat the yogurt, cream cheese, honey, cinnamon, and salt until smooth. Add vanilla if using. Chill until serving.
Step 5: Cool & crisp
Transfer chips to a wire rack to cool completely-they'll crisp further as they cool.
How to store
- Room temperature (best for short-term): Store fully cooled chips in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 1 week. Add a small desiccant packet or a sheet of paper towel to help absorb moisture.
- Longer-term pantry storage: If your chips are fully dehydrated and very dry, store airtight in a cool, dark place for several months. For maximum shelf life, vacuum-seal.
- Freezer: Place chips in a heavy-duty freezer bag, press out air, and freeze for up to 3 months for best quality (longer if vacuum-sealed).
Store the dip separately in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Do not freeze the dip.
How to reheat (re-crisp)
- Avoid the microwave-it softens chips.
- Air fryer: 250°F for 3-5 minutes until crisp again.
- Oven: 250°F on a parchment-lined sheet for 5-7 minutes.
Helpful tips or ingredient swaps
- Extra crisp insurance: Let chips cool on a rack and return any softer pieces to the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.
- Slice evenly: ⅛-inch slices crisp best. Thicker slices will be chewier and need more time.
- Single layer wins: Overlapping slices trap steam and prevent crisping. Work in batches for best results.
- Apple choice matters: Firmer, less juicy apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, Pink Lady) crisp faster than very juicy varieties.
- Spice it your way: Swap nutmeg for pumpkin pie spice, cardamom, or a pinch of ginger.
- No added sugar: The recipe is naturally sweet, but a light dusting of coconut sugar adds a caramel-like edge if desired.
More air-fryer snack and dessert meal prep recipes:
- Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Chickpeas
- Tasty Churro Meal Prep
- Air Fryer Sweet and Spicy Mixed Nuts
- We Tried It: Pancakes in the Air Fryer
FAQ's
They were either sliced too thick or crowded in the basket. Air-fry in a single layer, slice ⅛-inch thick, and add a few more minutes. Cool completely on a rack to finish crisping.
A quick toss in diluted lemon juice (then pat dry) helps. Also work quickly after slicing and get them into the air fryer soon after seasoning.
Absolutely. Keep them plain, use only a pinch of sea salt, or try pumpkin pie spice, chai spice, or even a dusting of cocoa.
Final thoughts
Air-fried apple chips deliver big fall flavor with minimal effort, and they're a perfect make-ahead snack to keep your week on track. Prep a batch on Sunday, stash them in airtight containers, and you're set for lunchboxes, desk snacks, and after-dinner munching.
If you love this recipe, check out the Workweek Lunch Meal Planner to make healthy meal prep simple and stress-free all week long.
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples thinly sliced/seeds removed
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
For Honey Cinnamon Dip
- 4 oz. light cream cheese softened
- ½ cup non-fat Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Stir together cinnamon and nutmeg in a small bowl. Add half of the apple slices to the air fryer basket and sprinkle with half of the cinnamon/nutmeg. Air fry at 300F for 25-30 minutes, flipping apple slices halfway through cooking.
- Transfer fried apple slices to a plate. Apples will continue to crisp as they cool. Repeat with remaining apple slices.
- While the apples fry, mix together ingredients for the honey cinnamon dip in a medium mixing bowl using a hand mixer.
- Divide dip between ½ cup sides of 4 snack containers. Divide apple chips between the other ½ cup compartments.
Nutrition
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