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These crispy apple chips make a wonderfully simple and healthy snack that comes together quickly in your oven. Perfect for satisfying a sweet craving without added sugars they bring out the natural flavors of apples paired with a touch of warm cinnamon spice for a treat the whole family can enjoy any time of the year.
I discovered this recipe on a chilly afternoon and immediately loved how easy it was to turn one apple into a basketful of snackable chips that kept my kids happily munching without guilt
Ingredients
- Apple: Choose firm and fresh apples such as Fuji Gala or Honeycrisp for sweetness and crispness. Avoid overly soft or mealy apples
- Cooking spray: Lightly coats the baking sheet or apples to prevent sticking without adding heaviness
- Cinnamon: Brings a warm spice note that complements the apple, choose fresh ground cinnamon or a good quality apple pie spice if you want a more complex flavor
Instructions
- Slicing the Apples:
- Wash and dry your apples thoroughly. Using a mandoline slicer or a very sharp knife cut apples into very thin, even slices roughly one eighth of an inch thick. Thin slices are key to crispiness. Remove seeds but keep the peel for extra texture and nutrients.
- Preparing the Baking Sheet:
- Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking. If you prefer, line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup. Arrange apple slices in a single layer without overlapping to ensure they bake evenly and become crispy.
- Seasoning the Apples:
- Sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon over the apple slices. You want just enough to add flavor but not so much that it overpowers the natural apple taste.
- Baking the Chips:
- Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit or 90 degrees Celsius. Place the baking sheet with apples in the oven and bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes. Flip the slices halfway through baking to help both sides get perfectly crisp. Keep an eye near the end to avoid burning.
- Cooling and Storing:
- Remove the apple chips from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack. They will harden further as they cool. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain crunchiness.
My favorite part of this recipe is the playful way the cinnamon brings out a nostalgic warmth in the apples reminding me of cozy fall afternoons with family. It's a simple pleasure that never gets old.
Storage Tips
Store apple chips completely cooled in a dry airtight container to keep crispness. Avoid refrigeration which can introduce moisture and soften chips. For longer storage freeze the chips in a sealed bag and thaw briefly before eating.
Ingredient Substitutions
Try different apple varieties like Granny Smith for tang or Braeburn for balanced flavor. Instead of cinnamon you can experiment with a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger for a twist. Use a light mist of coconut or avocado oil spray if preferred over vegetable cooking spray.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these apple chips alone as a healthy snack or alongside nut butters for added protein and texture. They also make a festive salad topper or a crunchy garnish on oatmeal or yogurt bowls.
Enjoy these apple chips as a simple healthy snack any time of year. They are easy to make and freeze well for quick cravings.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What type of apples work best for baked apple chips?
Fuji, Honeycrisp, Gala, or any sweet to slightly tart apples work well for crisp, flavorful chips.
- → How can I slice apples thinly and evenly?
Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife helps achieve uniform thin slices for even baking.
- → Why are some apple chips soft instead of crispy?
Softness usually means they need longer baking or lower oven humidity to fully dehydrate and crisp up.
- → Can I add spices other than cinnamon?
Yes, apple pie spice or a pinch of nutmeg and cloves can enhance the flavor without overpowering.
- → Is additional oil needed for baking apple chips?
A light coating of cooking spray helps prevent sticking and promotes crisp edges without excess oil.