Dehydrating Apples (Dried Apple Chips) in an Oven, Dehydrator, or Air Fryer

Learn how to preserve and dry apples in a food dehydrator, oven, or air fryer to create crispy apple chips - or soft chewy apple rings!

4.38 from 8 votes

Prep Time 35

Cook Time 8

Course Appetizer, Breakfast, Preserved Food, Snack

Wash and slice the apples into even 1/8 to 1/4-inch thick rings or slices. Peeling is optional.
Thinner slices will result in more crisp apple chips. Slightly thicker slices will take longer to dry, but will be more reminiscent of soft chewy fruit leather.
Lightly season the apple slices with cinnamon and nutmeg (optional) once they're on the baking or dehydrator trays. Sprinkle over to taste.

Fill the dehydrator trays full of sliced apples. Keep them in a single layer, not overlapping.
In a food dehydrator, dry apple slices on 135°F (medium heat or fruit setting) for approximately 6 to 12 hours - until the apples are leathery or crispy in texture, depending on your preference.

Spread the apple slices in a single layer on oven-safe wire baking racks set on top of baking sheets. If you don’t have wire baking racks, you can put them directly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper instead.
In the oven, use the lowest temperature setting possible (150-175°F) and bake the apples for 2 to 6 hours or longer. If you aren’t using a wire rack, flip the fruit over every hour. If you’re drying more than one tray, rotate the trays on occasion too.

To dry apples in an air fryer, preheat it to 150°F. Place a layer of apple slices in the bottom of the air fryer without overcrowding them. (Dry several small batches if needed).
Dry for 15 to 20 minutes, tossing and turning them every 5 minutes or so, until the apples are dry and moderately crisp.

Drying for a shorter time will result in more soft, chewy, supple dehydrated apples. Longer drying times will create crisp and crunchy apple chips. However, keep in mind that the more moisture that remains, the shorter their shelf life will be. Drier apple chips are less likely to mold and will last longer in storage.

Store dried apples in an airtight storage container such as zip lock bags or a large glass container with tight-fitting lid. Store in a cool, dark, dry location.
If properly dried, apples should stay good in dry storage for several months or longer. Though not required, storing them in the refrigerator will help prevent mold and extend their lifespan even further – up to a year. As long as they don’t grow mold, they’re still good!
Air fryer apple chips are best consumed within a couple weeks. Store in the refrigerator to help them last up to a couple months.

Keyword Apple Chips, Dried Apple Rings

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