Looking for a healthy, crunchy snack that’s easy to make and full of flavor? These Perfect Baked Apple Chips are a fantastic option. With just a few ingredients, you can make these crispy, sweet-tart chips that are perfect for munching, serving at parties, or adding to lunchboxes. The slow baking method enhances the apple flavor and gives you that satisfying crunch without all the oil. Try this simple recipe and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade apple chips!

Perfect Baked Apple Chips Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthy Snack: These apple chips are a naturally healthy alternative to store-bought snacks, packed with fiber and vitamins.
Customizable: Adjust the sweetness and flavor by choosing the type of apple you prefer or experimenting with different seasonings.
Simple to Make: With minimal ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy homemade chips in just a few hours.
Long-Lasting: These apple chips store well for several days, making them perfect for meal prepping or keeping on hand for snacks.

Ingredients

4 medium-sized apples (approximately 1.5 lbs or 680g) – Recommended varieties:
- Fuji: Sweet, crisp, and holds shape well.
- Gala: Mildly sweet, crisp, and a great all-around option.
- Honeycrisp: Sweet-tart flavor with crispness and juiciness.
- Pink Lady (Cripps Pink): Firm and crisp with a balanced sweet-tart flavor.
- Granny Smith: Tart and firm, perfect for a tangier chip.
1 to 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (adjust to taste)
1 to 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, but helps prevent browning)
Pinch of salt (optional, enhances sweetness)
Maple syrup or honey (optional, lightly drizzled for sweetness)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets:

Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). If your oven runs hot, you can lower the temperature to 175°F (80°C) to avoid burning.
Prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone mats. Avoid greasing them, as it can make the chips less crispy.

Prepare the Apples:

Wash and dry the apples thoroughly with cool water and a clean towel.
Core the apples (optional). You can either use an apple corer or slice them first and remove the core with a small knife.
Slice the apples thinly. Aim for slices about 1/16 to 1/8 inch thick (1.5mm to 3mm). A mandoline slicer is perfect for this step, ensuring uniform thickness for even baking.

Note: The thinner the slices, the crispier the chips will be!
Prevent browning (optional): Toss the apple slices in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to help keep them from turning brown during preparation.

Season the Apples:

Mix the cinnamon: In a small bowl, combine ground cinnamon, optional sugar, and salt (if using).
Coat the apple slices: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the apple slices. Toss gently to coat, being careful not to break the delicate slices.

Arrange on Baking Sheets:

Lay the apple slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they do not overlap. Overlapping slices will trap moisture and prevent crisping.

Bake Low and Slow:

Bake in the preheated oven at 200°F (93°C) for 1 hour. After the first hour, carefully flip each apple slice over using tongs or a thin spatula.
Continue baking for another 1 to 2 hours. Check for doneness after 2 hours. The chips are ready when they’re dry to the touch, slightly curled at the edges, and no longer soft or pliable in the center.

Tip: Thinner slices may crisp up faster, so keep an eye on them. Remove any that are crisping up early to prevent overbaking.

Cool for Ultimate Crispness:

Cool the chips: Once the apple chips are done, turn off the oven and leave the door slightly ajar for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This helps them crisp up further.
Alternatively, transfer the chips to a wire rack to cool completely at room temperature. They will become significantly crisper as they cool, which should take about 20-30 minutes.

Store:

Store the cooled chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to extend their shelf life, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag, but be aware that they may lose some of their crispness upon thawing.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2-3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours (including cooling)

Variations

Sweet and Salty: Drizzle with a bit of maple syrup or honey and a pinch of sea salt for a sweet-salty contrast.
Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a spicy kick.
Sugar-Free: Skip the sugar or use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener to make the chips keto-friendly or sugar-free.
Flavored Chips: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg, ginger, or even vanilla for varied flavor profiles.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store your apple chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the apple chips in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. They may lose some crispness once thawed, so it’s best to eat them soon after thawing.

FAQs

Can I use other fruits for chips?

Yes! You can try making chips from pears, peaches, or even pineapple, though baking times may vary depending on the fruit.

Can I make these apple chips in a dehydrator?

Absolutely! Use your dehydrator according to the manufacturer’s instructions for fruit chips. The process will be similar, but drying time will likely be longer.

Can I make these chips without cinnamon?

Yes, if you prefer a simpler flavor, you can skip the cinnamon and sugar. The apple chips will still be delicious on their own.

How can I make the chips extra crispy?

Ensure the apple slices are as thin as possible and flip them halfway through the baking time to help them crisp evenly.

Can I bake these chips in a regular oven?

Yes, this recipe is designed for a conventional oven. Just make sure to bake at a low temperature (200°F or 93°C) for the best results.

Can I freeze the apple chips?

Yes! Freezing apple chips helps to preserve their crunch, but they might lose a bit of their crispiness upon thawing.

Conclusion

These Perfect Baked Apple Chips are a healthy, delicious, and easy-to-make snack that’s perfect for anytime you’re craving something crunchy. The slow-baking method results in perfectly crisp chips with a delightful apple flavor that can be customized with your favorite spices and sweeteners. Enjoy them on their own, or get creative by pairing them with dips, salads, or even desserts. Happy snacking!

Perfect Baked Apple Chips Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients

Directions