These baked apple chips are a simple and yummy snack! With just apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon, they turn crispy and sweet, perfect for munching anytime.
I love making these for movie nights; they’re healthier than popcorn and just as fun to eat! Plus, the smell of apples baking fills the house with warmth. 🍏
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Choose firmer varieties like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala for the best texture. If you have other apples, like Granny Smith, they can work too but will be tangier. You can also mix different types for varied flavors!
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon gives a warm flavor. If you’re out of it, try pumpkin pie spice or even nutmeg for a little twist. You could also leave it out for a more pure apple taste!
Sugar/Maple Syrup: This is optional. If you want to keep things healthier, consider using a sugar substitute like stevia, or enjoy the natural sweetness of the apples. For a richer flavor, a drizzle of honey before baking works well, too.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crispness?
The key to crispy apple chips is in the slicing and baking process. Thin slices allow for even drying and crisping. Here’s how to nail it:
- Use a mandoline slicer for uniform thickness, making sure each slice is about 1/8 inch thick. This helps them cook at the same rate.
- Make sure slices are laid out flat on the baking sheet without overlap. This ensures all sides get air and heat, leading to better crispness.
- Patience is key! Bake them slowly at a low temperature; this gives time for moisture to escape without burning the apples.
- Cool them on a wire rack to maintain crispness. They may seem soft out of the oven, but they will harden as they cool!
Enjoy making your healthy and tasty snack!
How to Make Baked Apple Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Chips:
- 2 large apples (such as Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: 1 tablespoon sugar or maple syrup (for a sweeter touch)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes of preparation time and 1.5 to 2 hours of baking time. Plus, you’ll need some cooling time for the chips to crisp up. Overall, get ready to enjoy a delicious snack in just under 3 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, you’ll want to set your oven to 200°F (93°C). This low temperature is perfect for slowly drying the apple slices without burning them. Also, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper for easy cleanup!
2. Slice the Apples:
Wash your apples thoroughly to remove any dirt or wax. After that, core them to remove the seeds. Using either a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, slice the apples very thinly, about 1/8 inch thick. The thinner the slices, the crisper the chips will be!
3. Arrange the Slices:
Lay the apple slices out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheets. Make sure they don’t overlap! This is crucial for ensuring that each slice gets nice and crispy while baking.
4. Add the Cinnamon:
In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon with sugar or maple syrup if you’re using them. Mix it well so that the sweetener is evenly distributed.
5. Sprinkle the Mixture:
Evenly sprinkle your cinnamon (and sugar, if using) mixture over the apple slices. A light dusting will do, as you want to enhance the flavor without overpowering the natural sweetness of the apples.
6. Bake the Chips:
Now, place the baking sheets in the preheated oven. Bake the apple slices for 1.5 to 2 hours, flipping the slices halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. Keep an eye on them, and remove them from the oven once they are dry and crisp!
7. Cool Completely:
After baking, take the apple chips out of the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. They will become even crispier as they cool down.
8. Store Your Chips:
Store the cooled baked apple chips in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week, if they last that long!
Enjoy your healthy, crispy baked apple chips as a snack or sprinkle them on top of oatmeal and yogurt for added flavor! Happy munching!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala are great choices for their sweetness and firmness, you can experiment with other varieties too. Just keep in mind that tart apples like Granny Smith will yield a tangier chip, which some people love!
Can I Add Other Flavors to the Chips?
Yes! You can mix in other spices like nutmeg, ginger, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick. Another fun option is to drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup over the slices before baking for extra sweetness!
How Do I Store Leftover Apple Chips?
Keep your leftover apple chips in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh and crispy for up to a week. If they lose their crunch, you can re-crisp them in the oven at a low temperature for about 10 minutes.
Can I Use a Dehydrator Instead of an Oven?
Definitely! A dehydrator is a fantastic option for making apple chips. Set it to about 135°F (57°C) and dehydrate for 6-8 hours, or until they reach your desired crispness. Just make sure to slice the apples evenly!
