3-Ingredient Healthy Air Fryer Apple Chips and S’mores
When Life Gives You Apples… Make Chips. Then S’mores.
Some days, you just need a sweet treat that makes you feel like a kid again minus the sticky fingers, smoke in your eyes, and questionable campfire setups. That was me last weekend, standing in my kitchen in fuzzy socks, craving s’mores but also trying to balance my sugar rush with something a bit more… virtuous. Enter: healthy air fryer apple chips and their indulgent partner-in-crime, gooey air fryer s’mores. Yes, I made both. No regrets.
This little pairing came to life while I was playing around with my air fryer my ride-or-die kitchen sidekick. I was making a batch of crispy air fried apples for my niece’s lunchbox (she calls them “apple chips that smile back”), and the sweet, cinnamon-y smell got me nostalgic. I remembered how my mom would always sneak a few healthier bites into our sugary snacks, like sliced apples alongside a marshmallow treat. So in her honor, I gave these recipes a homey twist one that’s equally good for your soul and your snack stash.
So whether you’re feeding hungry kids, craving a cozy night-in snack, or just want something sweet and semi-saintly, this snack duo has your back.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Healthy Air Fryer Apple Chips
Let’s be honest healthy doesn’t always mean tasty. But in this case? These Healthy Air Fryer Apple Chips are the perfect mix of crisp, sweet, and chewy-in-the-middle. They’re:
- Made with just apples and cinnamon no sugar, no oil.
- An easy, no-fuss snack for the whole family.
- A guilt-free apple treat you can pack, store, or munch late at night.
And paired with no-campfire-needed air fryer s’mores? You’ve got the best of both snack worlds.
Simple Ingredients to make Healthy Air Fryer Apple Chips
Making air fryer apple chips is easy. You only need a few ingredients and basic tools. I was amazed at how simple it was to make these homemade apple chips. You don’t need fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Just apples and some pantry staples!
These healthy apple snacks are easy for anyone to make. Even my brother, who’s not great in the kitchen, managed to make them without setting off the smoke alarm. That’s a big win!
Choosing the Best Apple Varieties
Not all apples are good for making chips. The type you choose affects the taste and texture. I’ve tried many apples and found some work better than others.
Sweet apples like Fuji, Gala, and Honeycrisp make naturally sweet chips. They get even sweeter when air fried. Tart apples like Granny Smith and Pink Lady add a tangy flavor that balances the sweetness.
I like using Honeycrisp apples. They’re sweet, firm, and get crispy in the air fryer.
| Apple Variety | Flavor Profile | Texture When Dried | Best Seasoning Pairings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honeycrisp | Sweet with slight tartness | Very crisp, light | Cinnamon, vanilla |
| Granny Smith | Distinctly tart | Crisp, slightly chewy | Brown sugar, sea salt |
| Fuji | Very sweet, honey notes | Crisp with good snap | Nutmeg, cardamom |
| Pink Lady | Balanced sweet-tart | Consistently crisp | Apple pie spice, ginger |
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Healthy Air Fryer Apple Chips
I’ve perfected making healthy air fryer apple chips that taste better than store-bought ones. The secret is understanding a few key principles. These principles transform ordinary apples into extraordinary snacks. Follow my guide to learn how to make delicious air fryer dehydrated apples.
Preparation Process
The foundation of perfect air fryer fruit chips starts with proper preparation. A few extra minutes in this stage can make a big difference. Begin by washing your apples under cool running water to remove wax coating or residue.
Dry your apples completely with a clean kitchen towel before slicing. This step is crucial to avoid soggy chips. Skipping it can lead to disappointing results.
Remember to remove the apple cores before slicing. Use an apple corer or a small paring knife. Cut the apple in half first, then carefully cut out the core from each half.
Slicing Techniques for Even Cooking
Uniform thickness is key for evenly cooked apple chips. Aim for slices that are about 1/8 inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly without burning.
For the best results, use a mandoline slicer with the guard attachment. If slicing by hand, use a sharp knife and take your time. Slicing horizontally creates more attractive round chips.
Pre-Treatment Options to Prevent Browning
To prevent browning, a quick acid bath works wonders. Mix 2 cups cold water with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Soak your slices for about 5 minutes, then pat them dry.
For enhanced flavor, try soaking in water with apple cider vinegar. This adds a subtle tang. A quick toss in ground cinnamon before air frying also adds flavor and helps mask browning.
Want more ideas? Check out the full roundup: Easy Air Fryer Desserts →
FAQ about healthy air fryer apple chips
How long do air fryer apple chips stay crispy?
My air fryer apple chips stay crispy for 5-7 days when stored in an airtight container. I add a paper towel to absorb moisture. Let them cool completely before storing in a cool, dry place.
Can I make these apple chips without any seasoning?
Yes, you can make them plain. The apples’ natural sweetness becomes more pronounced during air frying. Just slice and air fry without adding anything extra.
What’s the best thickness to slice apples for chips?
Slice apples about 1/8 inch (3mm) thick for crisp chips. Too thin, and they burn; too thick, and they’re chewy. A mandoline or sharp knife helps get even slices.
Do I need to peel the apples before making chips?
No, you don’t need to peel them. The skin adds color, nutrients, and helps chips keep their shape. Just wash the apples well, especially if they’re not organic.
Why are my apple chips not getting crispy?
If they’re not crispy, check a few things. They might be too thick or overcrowded in the basket. Some air fryers need longer cooking times. They crisp up more as they cool, so wait 10-15 minutes.
Can I use other fruits to make air fryer chips?
Yes! I’ve made chips with pears, bananas, strawberries, and pineapple. Each fruit has its own cooking time and temperature. Firmer fruits like pears work like apples, while softer fruits like bananas cook faster.
Is it necessary to soak apple slices in lemon water before air frying?
Soaking in lemon water is helpful but not necessary. It prevents browning and adds flavor. If you’re short on time or using cinnamon, you can skip this step.
Gooey Air Fryer S’mores + Healthy Air Fryer Apple Chips Treat
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Mandolin (optional)
Ingredients
Healthy Air Fryer Apple Chips
- 2 large apples Honeycrisp or Fuji work great
- 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon optional
- lemon juice for dipping to prevent browning
Gooey Air Fryer S’mores
- graham crackers halved
- marshmallows large or mini
- chocolate squares milk, dark, or peanut butter cups
Instructions
- Slice apples into 1/8 inch thick rounds using a mandolin or knife.
- Dip apple slices in lemon water and sprinkle with cinnamon if using.
- Arrange in a single layer in air fryer basket. Cook at 300°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Let cool completely to crisp up fully.
- Place one graham cracker half in air fryer, add chocolate and marshmallow on top.
- Cook at 375°F for 2–3 minutes until marshmallow puffs.
- Add second graham cracker half, press gently, and serve warm.
