Description

This Apple Chips Recipe offers a healthy and delicious way to enjoy apples as a crispy, naturally sweet snack. Thinly sliced apples are slowly baked at a low temperature to dry them out, resulting in crunchy chips that retain the fruit’s natural flavors. Optional spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, as well as a drizzle of maple syrup, add extra warmth and sweetness. These apple chips are perfect for snacking, adding to trail mix, or packing in lunchboxes.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 large apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala)
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Lemon juice (optional, to prevent browning)

Optional Add-Ins

Pinch of ground nutmeg or cloves
Drizzle of maple syrup (before baking, for added sweetness)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 225°F (110°C). A low temperature allows the apples to dry out slowly without burning or becoming too dark, ensuring crisp, evenly baked apple chips.
Prepare the Apples: Wash and core the apples, leaving the peels on for added texture and nutrition. Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice the apples into uniform slices about 1/8 inch thick to ensure even drying throughout the baking process.
Optional Lemon Bath: To reduce browning, soak the apple slices in a bowl of water with a splash of lemon juice for 5 minutes. After soaking, pat the slices completely dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture before baking.
Add Flavor: Arrange the apple slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined or silicone-lined baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap. Lightly sprinkle the slices with ground cinnamon, and add nutmeg or cloves if using. For a sweeter variation, drizzle a small amount of maple syrup over the slices before baking.
Bake Low and Slow: Place the baking sheet(s) in the oven. Bake the slices for about 1 hour, then carefully flip each slice over to promote even drying. Continue baking for another 1 to 1½ hours, depending on slice thickness and moisture. The chips are ready when they feel dry and start curling at the edges.
Cool and Crisp: Transfer the baked apple slices to a wire rack to cool completely. As they cool, they will crisp up further. If any slices remain soft or chewy after cooling, return them to the oven for an additional 20 to 30 minutes until properly crisp.

Notes

Use firm apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala for the best texture and flavor.
Cut the apple slices evenly to ensure uniform baking and crispiness.
Soaking in lemon juice water prevents browning but is optional if slight discoloration is acceptable.
The chips will crisp up more as they cool; if they remain chewy, bake longer at low temperature.
Store apple chips in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispness.
Adjust spices and sweetness to preference. Maple syrup adds a nice glaze but will increase sugar content.