These baked apple chips are a tasty and crunchy snack that packs a sweet punch! They’re made simply by slicing apples thin and baking them until crispy. Yum!
Honestly, they vanish quickly in my house! Perfect for when you want something healthy but still sweet. Try them with a sprinkle of cinnamon—so good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: The star of the show! Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala are my favorites for their sweetness and crunch. However, you can also use Granny Smith for a tangy twist, or any apples you have on hand.
Cinnamon: This is optional, but it adds delicious warmth to the chips. If you don’t have cinnamon, consider using pumpkin pie spice or a little nutmeg instead for a unique flavor boost!
Lemon Juice: Helps keep the apple slices looking fresh and prevents browning. If you’re out, apple cider vinegar can be a substitute, though it might alter the flavor slightly.
How Do I Get My Apple Chips Crispy?
A key to achieving perfectly crispy apple chips lies in the baking time and temperature. Always slice the apples very thin; thinner slices make for crunchier chips. Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) to ensure low, slow drying.
- Spread the apple slices in a single layer without overlapping—they need space to breathe and get crispy.
- Flip the slices halfway through baking for even crispness.
- If they’re not quite crispy enough, let them bake a bit longer, checking every 10-15 minutes.
Cooling entirely on a wire rack is also essential, as they will continue to harden a bit more once out of the oven.
How to Make Baked Apple Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Chips:
- 2 large apples (e.g., Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, helps prevent browning)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and approximately 2 to 2.5 hours of baking time. So, you can whip these up in a little over 2 hours and enjoy a healthy snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets:
Start by preheating your oven to 200°F (93°C). This low temperature helps to gently dry out the apples for that perfect crisp. While the oven is warming up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the apple slices from sticking.
2. Slice the Apples:
Wash and thoroughly dry your apples. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, slice the apples very thinly—aim for about 1/8 inch or thinner. You can choose to core the apples before slicing or leave them whole for that lovely center hole. Just know that it’s all about personal preference!
3. Add Lemon Juice (if using):
If you want to keep your apple slices from browning too quickly, lightly brush them with lemon juice. This step is optional, but it definitely helps enhance their color!
4. Arrange the Apple Slices:
Next, lay the apple slices in a single layer on your prepared baking sheets. Make sure none of the slices overlap. If they do, they won’t crisp up as well. Spread them out evenly for best results!
5. Sprinkle with Cinnamon:
If you love the flavor of cinnamon, lightly sprinkle it over the apple slices now. It adds a delightful warmth to the chips, but you can skip it if you prefer just the natural apple taste!
6. Bake Away!
Place the baking sheets in your preheated oven. Bake for about 1 hour. After this time, carefully flip the apple slices over so they bake evenly. Return them to the oven for an additional 1 to 1.5 hours. Keep an eye on them to check for doneness—the exact time will depend on how thick the slices are and your oven.
7. Watch for Crispiness:
Check on your apple chips regularly as they bake. They’re ready to come out of the oven once they are golden brown and crispy. Remember, they will get a bit crisper as they cool!
8. Cooling Time:
Once they’ve reached the perfect crispness, transfer the baked apple chips to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is super important, allowing them to harden further.
9. Store or Enjoy:
Once cooled, store your apple chips in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to a week (if they last that long!).
Enjoy your crispy, naturally sweet baked apple chips as a healthy, delicious snack!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Gala are great choices for sweetness and crunch, you can use any apples you enjoy. Granny Smith will give a tangy flavor, while other varieties might add unique notes to your chips.
How Do I Prevent My Apple Chips from Browning?
To prevent browning, you can lightly brush the apple slices with lemon juice before baking. This not only helps preserve their color but also adds a bit of citrus flavor. If you don’t have lemon juice, a little apple cider vinegar works too!
Can I Adjust the Sweetness or Flavor of the Chips?
Yes! You can sprinkle a little sugar over the apple slices if you prefer a sweeter chip. Additionally, experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger for a twist. Just keep in mind that the natural sweetness of the apples is often sufficient!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover apple chips in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week, but be sure to check for any moisture, as that can make them lose their crispiness.
