If you’re craving a snack that’s both deliciously crispy and naturally sweet, this Cinnamon Apple Chips Recipe is your new best friend. These thinly sliced apple crisps are sprinkled with warm cinnamon and a hint of zest, transforming simple fruit into an irresistible treat that’s perfect for anytime munching. Whether you want a wholesome snack for the kids, a crunchy topping for your yogurt, or just a cozy nibble alongside your afternoon tea, these cinnamon-infused apple chips deliver flavor and crunch in every bite. Plus, they’re easy to make at home with just a few pantry staples and a touch of love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cinnamon Apple Chips Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in enhancing the final taste and texture. From the crispness of the apples to the aromatic warmth of cinnamon, every component matters.
- 4 medium apples (Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp): Choose firm apples for the best texture that will crisp up nicely.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy, familiar spice that elevates the natural sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Prevents browning and adds a subtle tang that balances the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional): For a touch of extra sweetness, perfect if your apples are on the tart side.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Chips Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready
Start by preheating your oven to a low 200°F (93°C), which is key to drying the apples gently without burning. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to keep the apple slices from sticking and to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Slice Apples Thinly and Evenly
Core your apples and slice them very thinly—about 1/8-inch thick is perfect. A mandoline slicer really shines here because it helps create uniform slices that crisp evenly in the oven. Thin slices are the secret to that perfect crispy texture.
Step 3: Mix Your Cinnamon Blend
In a small bowl, stir together the ground cinnamon, salt, and if you’re using it, the maple syrup or honey. This blend is what will give your apple chips their signature warm and slightly sweet flavor. Trust me, this simple mix makes all the difference!
Step 4: Coat the Apple Slices
Sprinkle your cinnamon mixture evenly over the apple slices, then toss gently to coat every piece with that fragrant spice. This step ensures that every chip bursts with flavor in every crunchy bite.
Step 5: Arrange and Drizzle
Place the apple slices in a single layer on your baking sheets, making sure they don’t overlap—that way, each chip bakes evenly. Drizzle the slices lightly with lemon juice. This little touch prevents browning while adding a bright note to balance the cinnamon’s warmth.
Step 6: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Pop your trays into the oven and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours. Flip the slices halfway through baking so both sides become perfectly dry and crispy. The slow, gentle heat draws out moisture, leaving you with irresistible apple chips that snap with every bite.
Step 7: Cool and Store
Once baked, allow the apple chips to cool completely right on the baking sheets. They will crisp up even more as they cool, so resist the urge to taste too early! Finally, store your batch in an airtight container for up to a week, ready whenever a crispy, spiced snack calls your name.
How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Chips Recipe
Garnishes
These apple chips are delicious on their own, but you can always sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or a dash of powdered sugar for a festive touch. A light drizzle of melted dark chocolate pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and adds a touch of indulgence.
Side Dishes
Cinnamon apple chips are the perfect companion to creamy yogurt, adding texture and a hint of spice. They also work wonderfully alongside a cheese platter, balancing salty and savory flavors with a crisp, sweet crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, try stacking the apple chips in a decorative glass jar tied with a cinnamon stick. They also make charming edible garnishes for hot cider or spiced tea, enhancing both aroma and appearance. Kids love dipping them in nut butter for a fun and healthy snack!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover apple chips in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain that crispiness. Avoid humid areas to prevent sogginess. Stored this way, the Cinnamon Apple Chips Recipe treats stay fresh and crunchy for about a week.
Freezing
Freezing apple chips isn’t usually necessary since they keep so well at room temperature, but if you want to store them longer, freeze them in a tightly sealed bag. When ready to eat, simply bring them back to room temperature and enjoy their crisp, fresh flavor.
Reheating
If your apple chips lose some crunch, a quick reheat in a low oven (around 200°F) for 5 to 10 minutes will revive their texture wonderfully. Just be sure to watch them carefully to avoid burning, and let them cool before snacking.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While firm apples like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp work best because they crisp well, feel free to experiment with your favorites. Just keep in mind that juicier apples might take a bit longer to bake.
Is it possible to make this recipe without a mandoline slicer?
Yes! You can use a sharp knife to slice the apples thinly, though it may take more time and may result in less uniform slices. Uniform thickness helps them bake evenly and crisp properly.
How long can I keep the cinnamon apple chips fresh?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the chips remain crispy and tasty for up to 1 week. After that, they may lose some crunch, but can be revitalized with a short bake.
Can I add other spices to the cinnamon mixture?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the spice blend with a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or ginger to give your apple chips a unique twist that fits your taste buds perfectly.
How do I know when the apple chips are done baking?
The apple slices should look dry and feel crisp when gently touched. They might still be a little flexible right out of the oven but will harden as they cool thoroughly on the baking sheet.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Cinnamon Apple Chips Recipe enough for anyone looking for a wonderfully simple yet flavorful snack. It’s a cozy little treat that comes together with minimal fuss but maxes out on taste. Once you try making these at home, I’m sure they’ll become your go-to snack for satisfying those crunchy cravings in the healthiest way possible.
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Cinnamon Apple Chips Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and naturally sweet cinnamon apple chips made by thinly slicing apples and baking them to perfection. These healthy snacks are flavored with warm cinnamon, a touch of salt, and optionally sweetened with maple syrup or honey for an extra hint of sweetness. Perfect for a guilt-free treat that’s easy to prepare and store.
Ingredients
Apples
- 4 medium apples (preferably a firm variety like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp)
Spices and Flavorings
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Optional Sweetener
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (for extra sweetness)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Slice Apples: Core each apple and slice into thin, 1/8-inch thick pieces. Using a mandoline slicer is recommended to achieve uniform thin slices for even baking.
- Mix Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon, salt, and the optional maple syrup or honey if you prefer a sweeter chip.
- Coat Apple Slices: Sprinkle the cinnamon mixture evenly over the apple slices and gently toss to ensure each slice is well coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Lay the apple slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets, making sure they do not overlap to allow for proper crisping.
- Add Lemon Juice: Lightly drizzle the apple slices with lemon juice to prevent browning and add a subtle tart flavor.
- Bake the Chips: Bake in the preheated oven for 1.5 to 2 hours, flipping the slices halfway through. Continue baking until the apple slices are completely dry and crispy.
- Cool: Let the apple chips cool fully on the baking sheets. As they cool, they will become even crispier.
- Store: Once cooled, store the apple chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain their crispness.
Notes
- Use firm apple varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
- Ensure slices are uniformly thin to bake evenly and become properly crispy.
- You can omit the sweetener for a more natural, less sweet chip.
- If you notice the chips aren’t crisp enough after baking, you can extend the baking time in 15-minute increments.
- Store chips in an airtight container to avoid moisture and sogginess.
- For a quicker alternative, a dehydrator can be used instead of an oven.
