Baked apple chips are a tasty and healthy snack! Just slice apples thin, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon, and bake them until they’re crisp. It’s that simple!
These chips are perfect for munching while watching a movie or as a fun treat for kids. I love making a big batch and keeping them handy for when the snack cravings hit! 🍏✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Select juicy options like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp for the best flavor. If you have a different variety on hand, feel free to experiment! Granny Smith can work too, but it’s tart, so add more sweetness if needed.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon gives a lovely warmth to the apple chips. If you’re looking for something different, try pumpkin spice or apple pie spice for a unique twist.
Sugar/Honey: The sugar or honey is optional for sweetness. If you’re avoiding sugar, try using a sugar substitute or leave it out altogether. The apples are naturally sweet, especially when baked!
Lemon Juice: This prevents browning when slicing the apples. If you don’t have lemon juice, vinegar works too, but use it sparingly. You can skip this step if you’re using apples quickly.
How Do I Get My Apple Chips Extra Crispy?
Achieving perfectly crispy apple chips can be tricky, but here are some tips! The key is to slice the apples very thin—about 1/8 inch is ideal. The thinner the slices, the quicker they dry out and crisp up.
- Bake at a low temperature (200°F) to remove moisture without burning them.
- Flip the slices halfway through to ensure even cooking. Check every 30 minutes to get that perfect texture.
- Let them cool. They will harden as they cool, so resist the urge to munch right away!
With these tips and ingredients, you’re all set for yummy baked apple chips! Enjoy your snacking!
Baked Apple Chips
Ingredients:
- 2 large apples (such as Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: 1 teaspoon sugar or 1 tablespoon honey (for extra sweetness)
- Optional: Lemon juice (to prevent browning)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and roughly 2 to 2.5 hours to bake until your apple chips are perfectly crispy. They require a bit of patience, but the result is definitely worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 200°F (95°C). This low temperature helps to slowly dry out the apples instead of baking them quickly, which keeps them from burning.
2. Prepare the Apples:
Wash and dry your apples. Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, slice the apples very thinly, about 1/8 inch thick. The thinner the slices, the crisper the final product!
3. Prevent Browning:
If you like, you can lightly brush or spray the apple slices with lemon juice. This step is optional but helps keep the apple slices looking fresh and vibrant.
4. Arrange the Slices:
Place the apple slices in a single layer on the lined baking sheets, ensuring that they don’t overlap. This allows them to bake evenly and become crisp.
5. Add the Flavor:
Sprinkle the ground cinnamon evenly over the apple slices. If you want your chips a bit sweeter, now’s the time to sprinkle a little sugar or drizzle some honey on top!
6. Bake:
Put the trays in the oven and bake for about 1 hour. After that, carefully flip the apple slices over and continue baking for another hour to 1 hour 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning—every oven is a bit different!
7. Cool Down:
Once they’re crispy and golden, remove the trays from the oven and let the apple chips cool right on the baking sheets. They will become even crisper as they cool.
8. Store and Enjoy:
Once cooled, transfer your delicious apple chips to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to a week. Now, you have a healthy snack ready to enjoy anytime!
Enjoy this crunchy, healthy treat that’s perfect for snacking!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp are great choices for sweetness and texture, but feel free to experiment with your favorites. Just keep in mind that tart apples like Granny Smith may require a bit more sweetness.
How Do I Prevent My Apple Chips from Getting Soggy?
To avoid sogginess, ensure that the apple slices are very thin and that you bake them at a low temperature. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary; flipping them halfway through helps ensure even drying!
Can I Store These Apple Chips in the Fridge?
While it’s best to store them at room temperature in an airtight container for optimal crunchiness, you can refrigerate them if needed. Just note that they may lose some crispiness, so make sure they’re fully cooled before storing.
Can I Make These Apple Chips Without Sugar?
Yes, you can! The apples are naturally sweet, especially when baked. If you prefer a no-sugar version, simply skip the sugar or honey altogether and enhance the apple flavor with spices like cinnamon!