These Oven Baked Apple Chips are a simple, healthy, and delightfully crisp snack I love to make when I have a few extra apples on hand. With just apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar (optional), they come out naturally sweet and satisfyingly crunchy—perfect for snacking, packing in lunchboxes, or topping oatmeal and salads.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how easy and wholesome these chips are. No added oils, minimal ingredients, and no special equipment beyond a mandoline or sharp knife. The apples turn crisp in the oven and develop a lightly caramelized flavor. Plus, they’re incredibly cost-effective compared to store-bought apple chips.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 to 3 apples (or 1 apple per oven rack or tray)
- cinnamon sugar (optional)
Directions
- I preheat the oven to 300°F.
- Using a mandoline (or sharp knife), I slice the apples very thinly—about 1/16-inch thick—to ensure they crisp up evenly.
- I arrange the apple slices in a single layer on a sprayed wire rack (my preferred method) or a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- If I’m using cinnamon sugar, I sprinkle it lightly over the apple slices.
- I place the tray in the oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 250°F.
- I bake the apples for about 1 hour, turning the slices over and rotating the trays halfway through baking. If I’m using cinnamon sugar, I sprinkle a little more on the flipped side.
- Once the chips are lightly browned and starting to crisp, I turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let them cool completely inside. They continue to crisp as they cool.
Servings and timing
Yield varies based on the number and size of apples used.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 1 to 2 hours (depending on thickness)
Cooling time: ~30 minutes (in the oven)
Total time: At least 1 hour, varies by slice thickness and oven
Storage/reheating
I store apple chips in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed the same day for maximum crispness, but they can last several days. Over time, they may lose their crunch—I just pop them back in the oven for a few minutes at 250°F to re-crisp if needed.
FAQs
Can I make these without a mandoline?
Yes, but I make sure to slice the apples as thin and evenly as possible with a sharp knife. Thin slices are key to getting that crisp texture.
Do I need to core the apples first?
No, I leave the core in and slice straight through—the seeds can be popped out after slicing, or left in for a more rustic look.
Can I use any type of apple?
Yes, I like using Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala for their natural sweetness, but tart apples like Granny Smith work beautifully too.
How do I keep them from being chewy?
I slice them thin enough and bake them long enough at a low temperature, then let them cool in the oven with the door cracked to finish crisping.
Can I skip the cinnamon sugar?
Absolutely. I often enjoy them plain—just apples on their own. But the cinnamon sugar adds a cozy flavor if I want something extra.
Can I use a dehydrator instead of the oven?
Yes, I’ve made them in a dehydrator at 135°F for 6–8 hours. The result is similar, though I love the caramelized edges the oven creates.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Not at all. I leave the skins on for added texture, color, and nutrition.
Can I make them sweeter without sugar?
I choose sweeter apple varieties or drizzle a little bit of maple syrup before baking for a naturally sweet variation.
What if they’re still soft after baking?
I let them cool completely first. If they’re still too soft, I return them to the oven for 10–15 minutes and let them cool again.
Can I bake these in batches?
Yes, I rotate multiple trays in the oven and switch their positions halfway through for even baking.
Conclusion
These Oven Baked Apple Chips are one of my favorite go-to healthy snacks. They’re simple to make, deliciously crisp, and endlessly customizable with spices or toppings. Whether I’m snacking between meals or looking for a way to use up apples, this recipe always delivers that perfect crunch.
Print
Oven Baked Apple Chips
- Total Time: ~1 hour
- Yield: Varies depending on apple size
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These oven baked apple chips are a simple and healthy snack made by baking thinly sliced apples until perfectly crisp. With optional cinnamon sugar, they’re a delicious and naturally sweet treat for fall or any time of year.
Ingredients
2–3 apples (any variety)
Cinnamon sugar (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 300°F, then reduce to 250°F.
Slice apples very thinly (about 1/16-inch) using a mandoline if possible.
Place slices on a sprayed rack or parchment-lined tray.
Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, if using.
Bake for 1 hour, flipping and rotating trays halfway through.
Once browned and starting to crisp, turn oven off, crack the door, and cool in oven.
Serve once fully cooled and crisp.
Notes
Thicker slices may take up to 2 hours.
Best enjoyed the same day.
Store in airtight containers — they’ll lose crispness over time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60+ minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
