Baked apple chips are a healthy snack made with your favorite apple variety. Cinnamon enhances the flavor while cutting the apples into thin slices, and baking at a low oven temperature for a few hours ensures super crispy chips.
Are you looking for that healthy snack that can satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt? I have the perfect crispy treat for you, tasty homemade baked apple chips with cinnamon. The recipe is only three ingredients: your favorite apple, a light dusting of powdered sugar, and some cinnamon. That’s it – nice and straightforward!
Once you’ve chosen the apple, there are a few key steps to deliver thin and crispy chips. Using a mandoline makes slicing a breeze. Baking the apples at low oven temperatures helps to gradually drive off the moisture without burning the fruit. It takes just a few minutes to prepare and with a little patience, you’ll have a tasty treat to nosh on.
What type of apple can you use?
Apple season varies depending on the type of apple, but common varieties like Granny Smith or Red Delicious are available year-round. This versatile recipe can be used with any variety, so use any enticing fruit available at your local market. Some of my favorite apples are Fuji and Honeycrisp for their balance of sweetness and flavor.
Are apple chips really healthy?
Fresh apples are packed with fiber, phytonutrients in their skin, and natural sugar coming from fructose. According to the USDA, 1 large apple contains 116 calories, 30 grams carbohydrates 5.4 grams fiber, and 23.2 grams sugar. The recipe uses 2 apples and makes about 30 chips for a low-calorie and low-fat snack.
Drying the apples causes a significant amount of the moisture to evaporate while the flavor and sweetness are concentrated. I use a light dusting of powdered sugar, but it can be omitted if you do not want to add extra sugar.
How to make baked apple chips
- Use a mandoline to thinly slice the apples, 1/16-inch thick. Make sure the apples are consistent in size so they bake evenly. Slice from the bottom of the apple.
- Place apples in a single layer on a piece of parchment paper or Silpat mat to make it easier to flip over.
- Lightly dust each side with a mixture of powdered sugar and cinnamon for extra flavor and crispiness. This step is optional.
- Bake at 200ºF (93ºC) for 1 hour. This will partially dry the chips.
- Make sure to flip the apple slices over when they’re still warm so they don’t stick to the paper. Bake until the pieces feel mostly dry and crisp on the edges, about another hour.
- To test if the chips are done drying after 2 hours, let them sit on the warm sheet pan for 5 minutes. If they feel crispy, they’re ready. If not, keep drying in 15-minute increments.
Ways to add more flavorful
Cinnamon is my go-to spice for sprinkling onto apple chips. It’s got a warm, sweet aroma, and the flavor mimics the taste of sugar but without all of the calories. I mix it with some powdered sugar to make it easier to sprinkle evenly on the chips.
The powdered sugar also has a little cornstarch, so it helps keep the chips dryer when storing. You can omit the powdered sugar and still get tasty results. Other spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom can also add an extra punch of flavor.
How long do they last?
If you’re using resealable plastic bags for portioning, transfer them the day you plan to eat them. Plastic bags don’t give a good enough moisture barrier compared to plastic containers or glass jars.
This recipe makes for a nutritious, lightly sweetened treat that is a popular request by my children. My son loves helping me make them, and the bowl of apple chips tends to disappear the same day if I don’t quickly pack them away!
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Recipe Science
What makes these chips crispy?
The key to making apple chips crispy is cutting them as thin as possible and gently driving off the moisture. Slowly baking the chips for about 2 hours in a low 200ºF (93ºC) oven ensures crunchy chips that do not taste burnt. Fructose, the fruit sugar in apples, caramelize, and brown at around 230ºF, so keeping the cooking temperature below this level is key.
Baked Apple Chips
Ingredients
- 2 apples, your favorite variety
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°F (93ºC).
- Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Sift powdered sugar into a bowl. Add cinnamon to the powdered sugar and gently whisk to combine.
- Thinly slice the apples using a mandoline, to 1/16-inch. Remove the seeds from the individual slices.
- Spread the apple slices onto the lined baking sheets making one single layer. About 15 slices should fit on a half sheet pan.
- Transfer the cinnamon and sugar mixture into a sifter or strainer. Gently sprinkle each apple slice with a thin coating of the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Turn the apple slices over and sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon-sugar.
- Bake for 1 hour, then flip and bake until crisp, an additional 1 hour.
- To test the doneness, remove the apples from the oven and allow to rest at room temperature for 5 minutes. If the apples are not crunchy, continue baking in 15-minute increments.
- Remove the apples from the baking sheets and allow to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Any apple variety can be used. I recommend Granny Smith, Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Red Delicious.
- Work quickly, as the apples will begin to brown if left exposed to air for too long.
- Use 4 apples if you want more slices with the star pattern in the center. This is done by slicing from the bottom of the apple.
- Apple chips can be made without any powdered sugar, cinnamon is also optional. Use the same recipe baking directions.
Nutrition Facts
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000-calorie diet. All nutritional information is based on estimated third-party calculations. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.
Baralai says
So… how long do they last?
Jessica Gavin says
About 5 to 7 days in an airtight container.
catherine T Sluis says
Have you ever tried with the Monk Fruit Powered Sweetener?
Jessica Gavin says
No, I haven’t, but you could! Use sparingly as the high-intensity sweetener is potent.
Jane says
Can I substitute powdered sugar for regular, granulated sugar?