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
Scale
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.
