Baked apple chips are a tasty and healthy snack that’s crisp and sweet. Just slice your favorite apples, sprinkle a little cinnamon, and bake until they’re nice and crunchy!
Making these chips is super easy and fun! You can snack on them anytime or add them to your cereal for a yummy twist. I love tossing them in my bag for a quick treat on the go! 🍏✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Choose tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance with cinnamon or sweeter ones like Fuji for a sweeter snack. If you don’t have apples on hand, pears work well too—just slice and bake them the same way!
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is the star here, but you can add other spices like nutmeg or allspice for a different flavor twist. Spice mixes for apple pie can be a great substitute too if you have it!
Sugar or Honey: The sugar or honey is optional! If you’re watching your sugar intake, feel free to skip it or use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit. You can also use maple syrup for a unique flavor.
How Do You Get Perfectly Crispy Apple Chips?
For crispy apple chips, slicing the apples evenly is key. Use a mandoline for perfect thickness or be consistent with a knife. Thin slices of about 1/8 inch will turn out best!
- Preheat your oven slowly to 200°F; this low heat helps dehydrate the apples instead of baking them too quickly.
- Make sure to arrange the slices in a single layer on the baking sheets. Overlapping may lead to softer spots.
- Patience is crucial! Bake them for a full two hours, flipping them halfway for even crisping, then allow them to cool completely—they will get crunchier as they cool.
How to Make Baked Apple Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: 1 teaspoon sugar or 1 tablespoon honey (for extra sweetness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 2 hours to bake. After baking, let the chips cool for a while until they’re crispy. So, in total, plan on around 2 hours and 15 minutes to enjoy your homemade baked apple chips!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 200°F (93°C). This low temperature is perfect for drying out the apple slices, making them crispy. While the oven heats up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Prepare the Apples:
Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, carefully cut the apples into very thin slices—aim for about 1/8 inch thick. You can leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients. If you see any seeds in the slices, remove those, but there’s no need to core the apples.
3. Arrange the Slices:
Place the apple slices in a single layer on the lined baking sheets. Make sure they aren’t overlapping; this helps them crisp up beautifully.
4. Season the Slices:
Evenly sprinkle the slices with ground cinnamon. If you like your apple chips a bit sweeter, feel free to add a light sprinkle of sugar or drizzle a little honey over the top.
5. Bake the Apple Chips:
Put the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour. After that, carefully flip each slice over and bake for another hour, or until the slices are fully dried and crisp. Keep an eye on them towards the end so they don’t burn!
6. Cool and Store:
After baking, remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the apple chips cool completely on the sheets. This is important as they’ll become even crisper as they cool down. Once cooled, transfer the chips to an airtight container, where they can be stored at room temperature for up to one week.
7. Enjoy Your Snack!
Your crunchy, naturally sweet baked apple chips are ready to enjoy! Snack on them as they are, or use them as a tasty topping for yogurt, salads, or oatmeal. Enjoy! 🍏✨
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji are great options, you can experiment with any apple variety you enjoy. Just keep in mind that tart apples will give a more balanced flavor, while sweeter apples will result in sweeter chips.
What Should I Do If My Apple Chips Aren’t Crispy Enough?
If your chips aren’t crispy after the baking time, return them to the oven and bake for additional 15-minute intervals until they reach your desired crispness. Just make sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
How Should I Store My Baked Apple Chips?
Store your cooled apple chips in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to one week when stored properly. For longer storage, you can freeze them, just remember to let them cool completely first.
Can I Add Other Spices or Flavors?
Definitely! You can add a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or even a bit of vanilla extract to customize the flavor. Just keep in mind that a little goes a long way, so start with small amounts!