Baked apple chips are a tasty and healthy snack you can make at home! Sliced apples are baked until they are crispy and delicious. You can enjoy them plain or sprinkle some cinnamon on top for extra flavor.
They’re super easy to make, and the house smells amazing while they’re baking! I love munching on them while watching a movie—who needs popcorn when you have apple chips? 🍏✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: A mix of sweet and tart apples works best. Fuji offers sweetness, while Granny Smith adds a nice tang. If you can’t find those, try Honeycrisp or Braeburn. All will give your chips great flavor!
Cinnamon: This spice adds warmth and depth. If you’re not a fan, consider nutmeg or pumpkin spice as alternatives. You can also skip it entirely; the apple flavor is plenty tasty on its own!
Sugar: Optional for those who like a touch of sweetness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using honey or maple syrup in a very light drizzle instead.
Lemon juice: Prevents browning, keeping your chips looking fresh. If you’re out of lemons, a splash of vinegar mixed with water can work as well.
How Do I Slice Apples Thinly for the Chips?
Getting the apple slices thin is crucial for that perfect chip texture. Here’s how you can do it easily:
- Use a mandoline slicer if you have one; it ensures even thickness. If you’re using a knife, try to keep the slices about 1/8 inch thick.
- Start your cuts from the top down, and be cautious as you work towards the core.
- If you choose to leave apple cores intact while slicing, simply remove any seeds afterwards to avoid a bitter taste.
Your goal is uniform slices so they all cook evenly. Practice makes perfect! Enjoy your baking!
How to Make Baked Apple Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Chips:
- 2 large apples (a mix of sweet and tart, such as Fuji and Granny Smith)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- Lemon juice (from half a lemon, optional to prevent browning)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 2 hours of baking time. You’ll be able to enjoy your homemade baked apple chips in about 2 hours and 15 minutes, including cooling time. It’s a simple and rewarding process!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 200°F (95°C). While it’s heating, line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will keep your apple chips from sticking as they bake.
2. Prepare the Apples:
Wash and dry your apples thoroughly. Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, slice the apples very thinly, about 1/8 inch thick. You can choose to core the apples first, or simply slice through the core and remove any seeds later.
3. Prevent Browning (Optional):
If you want your apple slices to stay looking fresh, lightly brush them with lemon juice to prevent browning. Alternatively, you can soak them in lemon water for a few minutes, then pat them dry before baking.
4. Arrange the Slices:
Lay out the apple slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Make sure they don’t overlap—this is key to getting crispy chips!
5. Add Flavor:
In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar (if you choose to use it). Then, lightly sprinkle this mixture over the apple slices. This adds a tasty twist!
6. Bake the Chips:
Put the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour. After that, carefully flip each apple slice and bake for another hour. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary depending on the thickness of your slices!
7. Cool the Chips:
Once they are done, the apple slices should be dry and crisp. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the chips cool on them; they will get even crispier as they cool down.
8. Store for Enjoyment:
After they’ve completely cooled, store your apple chips in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week, but I bet they’ll be gone much sooner!
Enjoy your crunchy, naturally sweet baked apple chips as a healthy snack! They’re perfect to munch on anytime or to share with friends and family.
Can I Use Other Types of Apples for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Fuji and Granny Smith are great choices, you can also experiment with Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or even Pink Lady apples. Different varieties will give your chips unique flavors and sweetness levels!
Can I Make Baked Apple Chips Without Sugar?
Yes, you can skip the sugar altogether if you prefer a healthier option. The natural sweetness of the apples will still shine through, especially if you use sweeter varieties. If you want, you can add a touch of honey or maple syrup instead, but keep it light!
How Do I Store Leftover Apple Chips?
Store your cooled apple chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If they become a bit soft, you can re-crisp them in the oven at a low temperature for about 10 minutes!
Can I Season the Apple Chips Differently?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your seasonings. You might try adding a dash of nutmeg, pumpkin spice, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet-and-salty combo. Just keep the seasonings light so the apple flavor remains the star!