Apple chips are one of those snacks that feel fussy—until you make them in the air fryer once and realize it’s mostly just slicing and waiting. At a low 300°F, the apples slowly dry out and turn crisp at the edges, with that cozy cinnamon smell taking over the kitchen in the best way.
This version keeps it simple: apples, cinnamon, and an optional spoon of sugar if you want a slightly candied finish. The cleanup is basically just a quick rinse of the bowl and basket, and if you’ve liked my one-pan air fryer apple chips, this low-calorie take is the same kind of easy, snackable win.
Why This Air Fryer Recipe Works
- Low-and-slow heat (300°F) dries the apples out instead of scorching them, so you get chips—not soft slices.
- Cinnamon clings best to thin slices, giving you even flavor without needing extra ingredients.
- Single-layer cooking in the basket means air can circulate around each slice, which is the whole crispness secret.
- Flipping halfway through helps both sides dry evenly, especially the center where moisture likes to hang on.
- Cooling is part of the “cook”—they crisp up noticeably as they sit for a few minutes after air frying.
The Story Behind This Recipe
I make these when I want something crunchy and sweet-ish that isn’t a full baking project—usually when there are a couple of big apples hanging around and I need a snack that feels lighter than a cookie but still satisfying.
What It Tastes Like
These taste like concentrated apple flavor with warm cinnamon—almost like the crispy edge of a baked apple, but in chip form. The edges get lightly curled and crisp, while the centers go from pliable in the fryer to snappy as they cool. Compared to softer sautéed apples (like my air fryer apples), these are all about that dry, crackly crunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Big apples are ideal here because you get wider slices that feel more “chip-like.” Cinnamon does most of the flavor work, and the sugar is truly optional—it nudges the chips toward a lightly candied finish but you’ll still get plenty of sweetness from the apples themselves. A quick spray on the basket keeps sticking minimal and makes lifting the slices out much easier.
- 2 large apples
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- Cooking spray
How to Make Low Calorie Apple Chips
- Preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C). This low temp is key for drying the apple slices into chips instead of browning them too fast.
- Slice the apples very thin. Use or remove the skin—either works. What matters most is thin, even slices so they finish at the same time.
- Season the slices. Put the apple slices in a bowl and toss with cinnamon (and sugar, if using) until they look evenly dusted.
- Spray the basket. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray so the slices release cleanly.
- Arrange in a single layer. Lay the apple slices flat in the basket with as little overlap as possible. If they’re stacked, they’ll steam and stay bendy.
- Air fry for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. Flip the slices around the halfway mark so both sides dry evenly. They’re ready when the edges look dry and slightly curled and the slices feel mostly crisp.
- Cool before serving. Let them sit out for a few minutes—this is when they finish crisping up.
Air Fryer Tips for Best Results
- Go thinner than you think. If your slices are even a little thick, the centers tend to stay chewy instead of crisp.
- Don’t crowd the basket. A true single layer matters here; cook in batches if you need to.
- Flip gently. The slices get delicate as they dry—use a light touch so they don’t tear.
- Use sugar strategically. If you want a more “dessert” vibe, add it; if you want pure apple-cinnamon crunch, skip it.
- Trust the cool-down. If they seem slightly flexible right when they come out, give them time—many slices crisp as they cool.
Variations and Add-Ons
- Cinnamon-only (no sugar): The most straightforward, snacky version—clean apple flavor with warm spice.
- Cinnamon + sugar: For a lightly candied edge and a touch more sweetness.
- Mix-and-match apples: Use two different large apples if you have them; you’ll notice subtle differences in sweetness and tartness from chip to chip.
Serving Ideas
- Pile them into a bowl for an afternoon snack (they’re great alongside tea or coffee).
- Add a crunchy side to breakfast—especially with something quick like 3-minute air fryer French toast.
- Serve with a simple snack spread and something savory like low-calorie air fryer zucchini fries for that sweet-salty balance.
Storage and Reheating
Apple chips are at their crispiest the day they’re made. If you have leftovers, store them in a container at room temperature and try to keep them as dry as possible. If they soften, you can pop them back into the air fryer briefly to help restore some crunch—just keep an eye on them since thin slices can go from crisp to overdone quickly.
FAQs
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Yes—preheating to 300°F helps the chips start drying right away instead of sitting in a warming-up basket.
Can I make these in batches?
Absolutely. In fact, it’s usually better—overcrowding makes them steam and stay chewy.
Why aren’t my apple chips crispy right out of the air fryer?
They often crisp up as they cool. Give them a few minutes on the counter before judging the final texture.
Do I have to peel the apples?
No. Skin-on works fine and adds a little extra texture; skin-off is slightly more delicate and uniform.
What’s the point of flipping halfway?
It helps both sides dry evenly, especially if one side is pressed more against the basket.
Recipe Recap
These low calorie apple chips are thin-sliced apples tossed with cinnamon (plus optional sugar), air fried at 300°F for 20–25 minutes, flipped halfway, then cooled until crisp. They’re a simple, practical way to turn two apples into a crunchy snack with minimal mess—and they fit right in with other easy air fryer staples like my low-carb vegan air fryer recipe ideas when you want something light and snackable.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve got two large apples and ten minutes to slice, the air fryer does the rest—just don’t skip the single layer and that cool-down crisping step. Make a batch, taste one warm, then taste one after it cools… you’ll get why I keep this one on repeat.
Conclusion
If you want more apple-chip inspiration beyond the air fryer, I genuinely like comparing methods and slice thickness tips from Well Plated’s apple chips guide. For a more classic homemade approach (and good practical notes), take a look at The Busy Baker’s homemade apple chips. And if you’re curious how other cooks keep apple crisps ultra-light, Tinned Tomatoes’ cinnamon apple crisps is an interesting read for ideas on keeping things simple and snack-focused.
Air Fryer Apple Chips
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
- Slice the apples very thin, with or without the skin.
- Toss the apple slices in a bowl with cinnamon and sugar (if using) until evenly coated.
- Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange apple slices in a single layer in the basket, minimizing overlap.
- Air fry for 20-25 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through.
- They are ready when the edges are dry and slightly curled, feeling mostly crisp.
- Let them cool for a few minutes to crisp up further.
