How to Slice Apples

Originally published in August 2018; updated October 2020.

Apples are such a simple fruit. They are portable. To eat them, you don’t need to bother peeling or cutting. They come in a variety of flavors, from sweet to tart and in-between. Best of all, they are nutritious and delicious! I can see how a post on how to slice apples seems silly, but I thought demonstrating a few slicing techniques could offer inspiration on how to slice apples in new ways when you aren’t on-the-go and just biting right into this superfruit!

The following video demonstrates six simple apple slicing techniques. I also explain each technique below and share how I recommend using this application. To keep sliced apples, from browning, check out this post.

Sliced Apples: This common method for slicing apples is incredibly easy. Remove the stem from the fruit, and cut it in half from stem top to bottom. Then, take one half and slice into pieces that are 2-inches at their widest point. Enjoy these sliced apples on their own or with your favorite dip (peanut butter, nut butter, yogurt, and melted cheese are a few favorites!)

Thinly Sliced Apples: I love thinly sliced apples for little ones and for sandwiches and salads! To thinly slice an apple, remove the stem and cut in half from stem top to bottom. Then, take one half and cut slices as thinly as you can. A sharp knife is helpful for this job, and you can also cut the apple half in half again to have less fruit to work with.

Apple Rings or Apple Donuts: Apple rings are one of my kiddos favorites because they look like a donut. Spread some peanut or nut butter on one side and add whatever your heart desires – raisins, coconut flakes, honey, or walnuts. The result is one delicious snack! To cut apple rings, you remove the stem and turn the apple onto its side (stem facing to the right of a cutting board). Cut through the middle of the fruit. Then, cut another slice (1/2 inch thick) in the same direction. You’ll have a ring of fruit but it will have seeds. Use a vegetable peeler or cake piping tip to carve into and remove the seeds. This puts a perfect circle in the center of the apple ring/donut.

Apple Chips: An apple chip is like an apple ring except without the hole in the middle. These are great for making baked or dehydrated apple chips, and for making apple sandwiches (like this apple grilled cheese). Follow the instructions above for apple rings, except don’t bother cutting out the seed pockets. The seeds will fall out as you eat the fruit and the star-shaped center of the apple is just fine to eat!

Apple Sticks: Apple sticks are one of my favorites for adding crunch and sweetness to a salad. They also look so pretty! Remove the stem from the fruit, and cut in half from stem top to bottom. Then, cut the apples into slices. Take a small stack of slices and turn them on their sides (skin facing out). Cut lengthwise into small (1/4 inch) strips. There you have apple sticks!

Diced Apples: Diced apples are great for salads, salsa, or when making apple desserts! Remove the stem from the fruit, and cut in half from stem top to bottom. Then, cut the apple into slices. Take a small stack of slices and turn them on their sides (skin facing out). Cut into cubes by making two slices, one the length of the slice, and one the width of the slices. Voila, you have diced apples!

No matter how you slice ‘em, apples are a healthy and tasty option to enjoy each day. I would love to hear your favorite apple slicing method in the comments below!