Ingredients:
- 2 medium apples (any variety, like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp granulated sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
- A squeeze of lemon juice (optional, to prevent browning)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Apples:
- Wash and dry the apples thoroughly.
- Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, cut the apples into thin slices, about 1/8-inch thick. Try to keep the slices even so they cook uniformly.
- If you prefer, core the apples before slicing, or leave the core in for a rustic look with star-shaped centers.
- Optional: Prevent Browning
- If you’re concerned about the apple slices browning, you can lightly brush them with lemon juice. This step is optional but can help maintain the apples’ fresh appearance.
- Season the Apple Slices:
- In a small bowl, mix the ground cinnamon and sugar (if using).
- Lightly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over both sides of the apple slices. You can adjust the amount to your taste.
- Preheat and Arrange:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Arrange the apple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure the slices don’t overlap too much, as this will help them crisp up evenly. You may need to cook the apple chips in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air Fry the Apple Chips:
- Air fry the apple slices for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes, as they can quickly go from perfectly crisp to burnt.
- For extra crispy chips, you can reduce the temperature to 300°F (150°C) after the initial 10 minutes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Cool and Serve:
- Once the apple chips are done, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a wire rack to cool. The chips will continue to crisp up as they cool down.
- Enjoy your apple chips as a healthy snack on their own or pair them with your favorite dip, like peanut butter or yogurt.
Storage:
- Store any leftover apple chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If they lose their crispness, you can pop them back in the air fryer for a minute or two to refresh them.
These homemade apple chips are a great alternative to store-bought snacks, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch with the warm flavor of cinnamon!