Air Fryer Dried Apples with Ginger

A simple, warming snack for when apples need using up

You’re craving a snack. Nothing heavy, nothing complicated — just something warm, lightly sweet, and comforting. On the counter sits a bowl of apples that have seen better days: still good, but no longer crisp enough to feel exciting. This is where the air fryer quietly shines.

Drying apples with a touch of ginger turns surplus fruit into something intentional: gently spiced apple slices that work just as well for snacking as they do for tea blends, porridge toppings, or simmer pots. Air Fryer Dried Apples are an easy, low-effort kitchen ritual that feels very Simmer & Stir.

Air Fryer Dried Apples with Ginger

Note: I’ve recently discovered the joy of owning an air fryer — and it’s completely changed the way I experiment in the kitchen. What started as curiosity quickly turned into a habit of testing, tweaking, and rediscovering familiar ingredients in new ways. I now share my air fryer experiences, small discoveries, and everyday recipes on my Substack, Hello Airfryer — a space where I document what works, what surprises me, and how this compact appliance fits into a slower, more intentional way of cooking.

Why dry apples in the air fryer?

• No dehydrator needed

• Perfect for small batches

• Gentle, low-temperature drying

• Ideal for experimenting with warming spices like ginger

Air Fryer Dried Apples: Ingredients

An air fryer offers control and consistency, especially when working with thin slices and delicate flavours.

Ingredients

• Apples (any variety works, even slightly soft ones)

• Ground ginger or fresh ginger, finely grated

• Lemon juice (optional)

• Optional spices: cinnamon, cardamom, cloves

How to dry apples with ginger in the air fryer

1. Slice the apples

Wash and core the apples, then slice thinly — around 2–3 mm thick. Even slices dry more evenly and give the best texture.

2. Prevent browning (optional)

Lightly toss the slices with lemon juice or briefly dip them in water with a squeeze of lemon. This helps keep the colour light but can be skipped if you don’t mind a deeper, caramelised tone.

3. Add the ginger

• Ground ginger: lightly dust both sides of the apple slices

• Fresh ginger: mix a very small amount with lemon juice and gently brush over the slices

Use ginger sparingly — the flavour intensifies as the apples dry.

4. Arrange in the air fryer

Place the slices in a single layer in the basket. A little overlap is fine, but avoid stacking to ensure good airflow.

Drying larger batches? Use stacking racks

If you find yourself drying fruit more often — or you want to use up a whole bowl of apples in one go — air fryer stacking racks are a quiet game changer.

These are simple, multi-layer metal racks designed to sit inside the air fryer basket, allowing you to dry fruit on several levels at once without stacking slices on top of each other.

Why they’re worth it:

• Better airflow than piling fruit in a basket

• More even drying across slices

• Ideal for apples, pears, citrus, and banana

• Saves time when making larger batches

What to look for when buying:

• Stainless steel racks (easy to clean, food-safe)

• Designed specifically for your air fryer size or brand

• Enough spacing between layers for air circulation

How to use them well:

• Keep slices in a single layer on each rack

• Rotate the racks halfway through drying if needed

• Expect slightly longer drying times than a single layer — airflow matters more than speed

If you regularly make dried fruit, tea blends, or ingredients for simmer pots, racks quickly earn their place in the cupboard. They turn the air fryer into a compact dehydrator — perfect for slow, intentional kitchen projects.

5. Dry low and slow

• Temperature: 55–65°C / 130–150°F

• Time: 1½–2½ hours

Turn the slices every 30–40 minutes to help them dry evenly. If your air fryer runs hot, check earlier and reduce the temperature slightly.

Airfryer dried apple crisps flavoured with cinnamon and ginger

6. Cool completely

Remove the apple slices and allow them to cool fully. They will crisp up further as they cool.If they are still bendy, return them to the air fryer for 10–15 minutes at the same temperature.

Texture guide

• Chewy: remove while still slightly flexible

• Crisp: continue drying until fully brittle

Both textures work beautifully — it simply depends on how you plan to use them.

How to use dried apple & ginger slices

• Snack straight from the jar

• Stir into porridge, yoghurt, or granola

• Add to herbal or black tea

• Use in simmer pots with orange peel and cinnamon

• Grind into apple–ginger powder once fully dry

Storage tips

• Let the slices cool completely before storing

• Keep in an airtight jar in a dry cupboard

• Best used within 2–3 weeks for flavour and texture

If condensation appears, simply return them briefly to the air fryer to re-dry.

A small kitchen habit worth keeping

Drying apples with ginger is less about efficiency and more about intention. It’s a gentle way to use what you already have, reduce waste, and create something comforting from very little.

A quiet snack. A warming flavour. Apples saved from being forgotten.

Simmer slowly. Stir gently.

Air Fryer Dried Apples: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I stack apple slices directly in the air fryer?

It’s best not to stack apple slices directly on top of each other, as this blocks airflow and leads to uneven drying. For larger batches, use stacking or dehydrator racks so the air can circulate freely around each slice.

2. Do I need a dehydrator function on my air fryer?

No. Most air fryers work perfectly for drying fruit as long as they can run at low temperatures (55–65°C / 130–150°F). If your air fryer runs hotter, check frequently and reduce the temperature where possible.

3. Should I use ground ginger or fresh ginger?

Both work well.

• Ground ginger gives a more even, subtle warmth

• Fresh ginger adds a brighter, sharper noteUse either sparingly — ginger becomes stronger as the apples dry.

4. Why are my dried apples still bendy?

This usually means they need more drying time or haven’t cooled fully yet. Let the slices cool completely first — they crisp up as they cool. If they’re still flexible, return them to the air fryer for 10–15 minutes at the same low temperature.

5. How long do dried apple slices keep?

When fully dried and stored in an airtight container, they keep well for 2–3 weeks. If you notice any moisture or condensation, simply re-dry them briefly in the air fryer before storing again.