Baked apple chips are a tasty and crunchy snack that’s super easy to make! Just slice your favorite apples thin, sprinkle with a little cinnamon, and bake until crispy. Yum!
They’re perfect for munching any time of the day! I like to pack them for lunch or enjoy them while binge-watching my favorite shows. Trust me, they won’t last long!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I love using Fuji or Honeycrisp apples for their perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. You can swap these with Granny Smith for a tart flavor or use any apples you have available. The key is to pick firm apples for the best texture!
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds a lovely warmth and spice. If you want to mix up the flavor, try adding nutmeg, apple pie spice, or even a touch of ginger. These spices can give your chips a fun twist!
Sugar or Maple Syrup: This is optional, and you can leave it out if you prefer a healthier snack. If you’re looking for a natural sweetener, try honey or agave syrup instead of sugar. A drizzle before baking can enhance the flavor significantly!
How Do I Cut Apples Thinly for Chips?
Getting your apple slices thin is crucial to achieving the perfect crispy chip. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer; the latter gives more consistent, even slices.
- Start by washing and coring the apples first, then cut them into rings, about 1/8 inch thick. The thinner, the better!
- Try to work quickly to avoid browning and keep your slices even for uniform baking.
Remember, the thinner slices will dry out quicker, so keep an eye on them while they bake!
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 extra sweetness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 1.5 to 2 hours to bake. Plus, you’ll need some time for the chips to cool before enjoying them. So, in total, you’re looking at around 2 to 2.5 hours. Perfect for a snacking marathon!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 200°F (95°C). This low temperature is key to getting those chips to dry out nicely without burning. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Apples:
Wash each apple thoroughly, then core them to remove the seeds. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, carefully cut the apples into very thin slices, aiming for about 1/8 inch thick. The thinner the slice, the crispier the chip!
3. Arrange the Slices:
Place the apple slices on your lined baking sheets in a single layer, making sure none of the slices overlap. This spacing helps them bake evenly. You might need to do this in batches if you have a lot of slices.
4. Add the Flavor:
Sprinkle the cinnamon evenly over the apple slices to give them a warm spice flavor. If you’re using sugar or maple syrup for extra sweetness, drizzle it on lightly at this point.
5. Bake the Chips:
Put the baking sheets in the oven and let the apples bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Halfway through, flip the slices over to help them dry properly. Keep an eye on them – they should be crisp and dry when ready!
6. Test for Crispness:
After 1.5 hours, check the apple chips. They should be crunchy. If they’re still soft or pliable, let them bake a little longer, checking every 15 minutes to make sure they don’t burn.
7. Cool and Store:
Once they’re done, take them out of the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheets. As they cool, they will get even crispier. Once cooled, store your delicious apple chips in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last up to a week, though they might disappear much faster!
Enjoy your crunchy and naturally sweet baked apple chips as a healthy snack!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Gala are great options for their sweetness and crunch, you can experiment with other varieties like Granny Smith for a tart flavor. Just ensure they are firm for the best texture!
How Can I Make My Apple Chips Even Crispier?
For crispier chips, ensure your apple slices are as thin as possible, around 1/8 inch. Also, make sure they are arranged in a single layer without overlapping on the baking sheet. Flipping them halfway through baking helps too!
What Should I Do If My Chips Are Still Soft After Baking?
If your apple chips are still pliable after the initial baking time, simply continue baking them. Check every 15 minutes until they reach the desired crispness. Remember, they’ll get crunchier as they cool!
How Should I Store Leftover Apple Chips?
Store your leftover apple chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To keep them crispy, make sure the container is sealed tightly to avoid moisture buildup.