These baked apple chips are a crunchy and sweet snack that are super easy to make! Just slice apples thin, bake until crispy, and enjoy a tasty treat without any guilt.
Kids love them, and they also make a great snack for adults! I love to enjoy these while watching a movie. Who needs popcorn when you have apple chips? 🍏🍿
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala for their sweetness and texture. They hold up well when baked. If you prefer a tarter flavor, Granny Smith apples are great too!
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warmth and flavor, but it’s totally optional. If you don’t like it, you can skip it or use other spices like nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for a different twist.
Sugar or Sweetener: This sweetener is up to you. If you’re watching your sugar intake, try using a sugar substitute. Honey or maple syrup can also be nice natural sweeteners—just keep in mind they may add moisture.
Lemon Juice: This ingredient helps keep the apple slices from browning. If you don’t have lemon, vinegar or even lime juice works well too!
How Do I Cut the Apples Without Making a Mess?
Slicing apples thinly is key to crunchy chips. For the best results, a mandoline slicer can give you even slices quickly, making your job easier. If you’re using a knife, aim for uniform, thin slices (about 1/8 inch thick).
- Start by washing the apples and use a paring knife to core them.
- Cut each apple into thin, round slices. Aim for consistency, as this ensures they bake evenly.
Taking your time with the slicing will help achieve that perfect chip texture!
How Do I Make Sure They Bake Evenly?
When placing your apple slices on the baking sheets, make sure they are in a single layer, with space between each slice. Overlapping can lead to soggy chips as they bake.
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Flipping the slices after the first hour helps them cook evenly on both sides.
By paying attention to these details, you will get perfectly crispy baked apple chips every time!
Baked Apple Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chips:
- 2 large apples (such as Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar or sweetener (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent browning, optional)
Time Estimate:
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 1.5 to 2 hours to bake. Make sure to allow time for cooling afterward. All in all, you can expect about 2 hours and 15 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C). While the oven heats up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This makes cleaning up easier and keeps your chips from sticking.
2. Prepare the Apples:
Wash and dry your apples thoroughly. Then, using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, core the apples and slice them very thinly—about 1/8 inch thick. Try to make the slices as even as possible so they bake uniformly.
3. Prevent Browning:
If you want your apples to look fresh and colorful, toss the slices in a tablespoon of lemon juice. This helps prevent them from browning while they bake.
4. Arrange for Baking:
Lay the apple slices on your prepared baking sheets in a single layer. Make sure they’re spaced out and not overlapping; this helps them get crispy instead of soggy.
5. Add Flavor (Optional):
If you’d like, mix the ground cinnamon and sugar together, and lightly sprinkle this mixture over the apple slices. This adds a delightful flavor and sweetness!
6. Bake the Apple Chips:
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours. About halfway through (after the first hour), carefully flip the apple slices to help them cook evenly. Keep an eye on them as they get close to being done to avoid burning, especially during the last 30 minutes.
7. Cooling Time:
Once they are crispy and golden, take the apple chips out of the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheets. They will become even crisper as they cool down.
8. Storage:
Store your baked apple chips in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week, though I doubt they’ll last that long with how tasty they are!
Enjoy your healthy, crispy baked apple chips as a delightful snack any time of day! 🍏✨
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! You can use various apple varieties based on your flavor preference. Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Gala are great for their sweetness and texture, while Granny Smith offers a tart option if you prefer that flavor.
What Should I Do If My Apple Chips Aren’t Crispy Enough?
If your chips aren’t crispy after the suggested baking time, simply return them to the oven and continue baking in 10-minute increments. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, as thinner slices may cook faster than thicker ones.
How Should I Store Leftover Apple Chips?
Store your leftover baked apple chips in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crunchy. They should stay fresh for up to a week, but they’re best enjoyed sooner rather than later!
Can I Make These in a Dehydrator?
Yes! If you have a dehydrator, you can make these apple chips in it. Set the dehydrator to around 135°F (57°C) and dry them for 6-8 hours or until they’re crisp. Just keep in mind that the cooking time will vary based on the dehydrator model.
