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These apple chips are a wonderfully simple and healthy snack that you can easily make at home with just a few ingredients. They offer a crisp texture and a naturally sweet flavor enhanced by cinnamon, perfect for satisfying snack cravings without any added sugar. Making these chips yourself means you get full control over ingredients and freshness, plus it’s fun to prepare.
I first made these apple chips on a quiet weekend afternoon and was surprised at how addictive they turned out. Now they’re a favorite snack around here that my whole family enjoys without any second thoughts.
Ingredients
- Apples: choose sweet Fuji for natural sweetness or tart varieties like McIntosh for a sharper flavor. Look for firm, unbruised apples to get the best crunch
- Cooking spray: any vegetable oil spray works to lightly grease the baking surface so the apples don’t stick and bake evenly
- Cinnamon: adds warm, cozy spice without the need for sugar. Opt for fresh ground cinnamon if possible for the most vibrant flavor
Instructions
- Slicing the Apples:
- Use a mandoline slicer or sharp knife to cut the apples into very thin, even slices about one eighth of an inch thick. This uniformity ensures they bake evenly and crisp up nicely. Remove any seeds or stems as you slice.
- Preparing the Baking Sheet:
- Preheat your oven to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a cookie sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Lay the apple slices out in a single layer without overlapping so the air circulates freely around each piece.
- Seasoning the Slices:
- Lightly spray the apple slices with cooking spray on both sides to help the cinnamon stick and to aid crisping. Sprinkle cinnamon evenly across the top of the apples for a warm, sweet aroma.
- Baking the Apples:
- Place the tray in the oven and bake for about 90 minutes. After the first 45 minutes, flip each chip carefully to promote thorough crisping on both sides. Continue baking until the slices look dry and crisp but not burnt. Watch closely near the end to prevent overcooking.
- Cooling and Storing:
- Remove the apple chips from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. This step helps them firm up further. Once cool, store your apple chips in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crispy.
These chips bring back memories of cool autumn afternoons in my kitchen where the cinnamon scent filled the air and everyone gathered around to sample the first batch fresh from the oven. I especially love how apples turn from juicy to satisfyingly crispy through slow baking.
Storage Tips
Store apple chips in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crisp texture. Avoid storing in the refrigerator as moisture can cause them to soften. If leftovers get a bit soft, you can refresh them in a low oven for a few minutes.
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to use any apple variety according to your taste preferences. You can mix and match sweet and tart apples for an interesting flavor blend. Instead of cinnamon, try apple pie spice or a pinch of nutmeg for a variation on the classic flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy apple chips as a snack on their own or add them as a crunchy topping to oatmeal, yogurt, or salads. They also make a nice garnish for cheese boards or serve them alongside nut butters for extra protein.
Enjoy these crunchy apple chips anytime as a healthy snack.
Your Recipe Questions Answered
- → What type of apples work best for baked apple chips?
Firm apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala hold up well when baked, offering a nice balance of sweetness and crispiness.
- → How thin should apple slices be for crisp chips?
Slices about 1/8 inch thick ensure they become nice and crispy without burning or staying soft.
- → Can I use other spices besides cinnamon?
Yes, apple pie spice blends or a pinch of nutmeg add warm flavors complementing the natural sweetness of apples.
- → Do I need special equipment to slice the apples?
A mandoline slicer is recommended for even, thin slices, but a sharp knife will also work with care.
- → How long do baked apple chips stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they remain crisp for up to a week.