Description
Crispy, naturally sweet apple chips made by slow-baking thin apple slices flavored with cinnamon and optional spices. A healthy and delicious snack perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without added processed sugars.
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)
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.
- Prepare the apples: Wash and core the apples while leaving the peels on for added texture and nutrition. Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to cut the apples into uniform slices about 1/8 inch thick to ensure even drying.
- Optional lemon bath: To help reduce browning, soak the apple slices in a bowl of water mixed with a splash of lemon juice for 5 minutes. After soaking, thoroughly pat the slices dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Add flavor: Arrange the apple slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined or silicone-lined baking sheet, making sure not to overlap. Lightly sprinkle with ground cinnamon and add nutmeg or cloves if desired. For a sweeter variation, drizzle a small amount of maple syrup over the slices.
- Bake low and slow: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake the apple slices for 1 hour. Then carefully flip each slice over and continue baking for another 1 to 1½ hours depending on thickness and moisture. The apple chips are ready when they feel dry and start to curl at the edges.
- Cool and crisp: Transfer the baked apple slices to a wire rack to cool. 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 fully crisp.
Notes
- Using apples with firm flesh like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala gives the best crisp texture.
- Cut slices uniformly thin to ensure even drying and crispiness.
- Lemon juice soak prevents undesirable browning but is optional if you prefer natural color changes.
- Adjust baking time based on your oven and slice thickness; monitor closely to avoid burning.
- Store cooled apple chips in an airtight container for up to a week to maintain crispness.
- Feel free to experiment with different spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves for varied flavor profiles.
