Simple Baked Apple Chips

These baked apple chips offer a simple and delicious way to enjoy a healthy snack any time of year. With just three ingredients and no added sugar, this recipe transforms crisp apples into lightly spiced, crunchy chips perfect for snacking, topping a salad, or even stirring into oatmeal. Making apple chips at home is easier than you might think and requires very little hands on time. They add a touch of natural sweetness with a warm cinnamon aroma that makes them irresistible.

I first made these apple chips on a chilly autumn afternoon and ended up making multiple batches because everyone loved the crispy texture and cozy cinnamon flavor.

Ingredients

• Apple: Choose firm apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala for a balance of sweetness and crunch. Avoid very soft varieties to ensure crisp chips.
• Cooking spray: Lightly sprays prevent sticking and help the chips crisp up as they bake. Any neutral vegetable oil spray works well.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm spice without added sugar and enhances the apple’s natural flavor. You can substitute with apple pie spice for more complexity.

Instructions

Slicing the Apples:

Use a mandoline or sharp knife to cut apples into very thin, even slices about oneeighth inch thick. This ensures they bake evenly and become crisp instead of soggy. Remove the core and any seeds from each slice.

Preparing the Baking Sheet:

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone liner to prevent sticking. Lightly spray the lined sheet with cooking spray for extra crispness.

Arranging the Apples:

Lay the apple slices in a single layer on the baking sheet without overlapping. This allows air to circulate and helps them dehydrate properly.

Spraying the Apples:

Lightly spray the apple slices with cooking spray to help them develop a golden, crispy finish during baking.

Seasoning with Cinnamon:

Sprinkle ground cinnamon evenly over the apple slices for a fragrant and flavorful touch. Feel free to adjust the amount to your liking.

Baking:

Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit (about 95 degrees Celsius). Bake the apples uncovered for 1 hour, then flip each slice carefully and bake for another 45 minutes to 1 hour until they are completely dry and crisp.

Cooling:

Remove from the oven and allow the apple chips to cool completely on a wire rack. They will crisp up further as they cool.

Storing:

Store the cooled apple chips in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep fresh for up to one week and remain crispy.

These apple chips are a wholesome alternative to sugary snacks that satisfy your craving for crunch. I love cinnamon in this recipe because it offers warmth and depth without any added calories. When I first shared these with my family, my kids were amazed that something so simple could taste this good and they begged for more each time I made them.

Storage Tips

Keep apple chips in an airtight container to preserve their crunch. Moisture is the enemy of crispness, so avoid storing them in the fridge which can add humidity. You can also keep them in a cool dark place like a pantry for up to a week.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try sprinkling apple pie spice instead of cinnamon for a slightly different aroma with hints of nutmeg and clove. If you prefer a savory twist, dust with a pinch of sea salt and smoked paprika before baking. Different apple varieties will yield contrasting flavors from tart to sweet so feel free to experiment.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy apple chips on their own as a snack or crumble them over yogurt, oatmeal, or a fresh spinach salad. They add a pleasant crunch and natural sweetness that balances savory dishes well.

These baked apple chips are an easy healthy snack that store well for up to a week. Enjoy them plain or as a crunchy topping.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ Are baked apple chips healthy?

Yes, they are a wholesome snack option made from fresh apples without added sugars, offering fiber and natural sweetness.

→ How can I make apple chips crispy?

Slice apples thinly using a mandoline and bake them at a low temperature until they crisp up evenly.

→ Which apples work best for this dish?

Fuji, Honeycrisp, Gala, and Granny Smith apples provide a good balance of sweetness and tartness for crisp chips.

→ Can I add spices other than cinnamon?

Yes, apple pie spice or nutmeg can add warm flavors without overpowering the natural apple taste.

→ Do I need special equipment to prepare these?

A mandoline slicer is helpful for thin, even slices but isn’t absolutely required.