Crispy Homemade Oven Baked Apple Chips with Cinnamon: Your Easy & Healthy Snack Guide
Craving a sweet, satisfying, and incredibly healthy snack? Look no further than these crispy homemade oven baked apple chips! This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves the natural sweetness of apples, especially when infused with the warm, comforting spice of cinnamon. Forget store-bought versions filled with added sugars and preservatives; you’re about to learn how to make your own perfectly crunchy apple chips right in your home oven, using just three simple ingredients and absolutely no added sugar.
Whether you’re looking for a guilt-free dessert, a wholesome afternoon treat, or a unique addition to your breakfast, these baked apple chips are versatile and delicious. They’re naturally vegan, gluten-free, and surprisingly easy to prepare. Get ready to transform a humble apple into an irresistible, healthy delight that everyone will adore!
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If you enjoy this delightful recipe for baked apple chips, you might also love exploring my other apple-inspired creations and healthy snack ideas. Check out my Frozen Sweet Potato Fries in Air Fryer for another savory snack, my Instant Pot Apple Butter for a sweet spread, and my Mango Overnight Oats for a tropical breakfast treat!
Why Make Homemade Apple Chips?
There are countless reasons to ditch the store-bought varieties and whip up your own batch of homemade apple chips. First and foremost, you have complete control over the ingredients. This means no mystery additives, no excessive sugars, and no preservatives – just pure, natural apple goodness. Making them yourself is also incredibly cost-effective, especially when apples are in season. You can easily turn a few affordable apples into a substantial amount of chips, saving money in the long run.
Beyond the health and financial benefits, there’s an immense satisfaction that comes from creating a delicious snack from scratch. The aroma of cinnamon-spiced apples baking in your oven is utterly intoxicating, filling your kitchen with a warm, inviting scent that store-bought snacks simply can’t replicate. Plus, homemade apple chips are perfectly customizable. Want more cinnamon? Go for it! Prefer a different spice? The choice is yours. This recipe makes it easy to experiment and find your perfect crisp.
The Health Benefits of This Wholesome Snack
Apples are renowned for their nutritional value, and turning them into chips in this way preserves much of that goodness. Apples are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health and can help you feel fuller for longer, aiding in weight management. They also contain important vitamins like Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports your immune system, and various B vitamins. Furthermore, apples are rich in antioxidants, which combat free radicals in the body, promoting overall health and potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Because this recipe uses no added sugar, it keeps the calorie count low while still delivering a naturally sweet flavor. This makes these crispy apple chips an ideal snack for those monitoring their sugar intake, following specific dietary plans like Weight Watchers (they’re zero WW points!), or simply aiming for a healthier lifestyle. They are naturally vegan and gluten-free, making them suitable for a wide range of dietary needs and preferences. It’s a truly wholesome and guilt-free treat that you can feel good about enjoying every day.
3-Ingredient Recipe for Ultimate Simplicity
The beauty of this baked apple chips recipe lies in its incredible simplicity. You truly only need three basic ingredients to create these delightful crisps:
- Apple: The star of the show! While I personally love using Fuji apples for their balance of sweetness and firmness, the world of apples is your oyster. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite varieties. Sweet apples like Red Delicious or Honeycrisp will yield a naturally sweeter chip, while tart apples like Granny Smith or McIntosh will offer a lovely tangy contrast to the cinnamon. Gala apples are another excellent choice, known for their crisp texture and mild sweetness. The key is to choose an apple that you enjoy eating fresh, as its flavor will be concentrated during baking.
- Cooking Spray: A light coating of vegetable oil cooking spray helps prevent the apple slices from sticking to the baking sheet and contributes to that desirable crisp texture. Any standard vegetable oil-based cooking spray will work perfectly. It’s a minimal amount of oil, making these chips incredibly light.
- Cinnamon: This warm, aromatic spice is what elevates these apple chips from good to irresistible. Cinnamon naturally enhances the sweetness of the apples and provides that classic, comforting apple pie flavor without needing any added sugar. If you’re a fan of other autumnal spices, feel free to use apple pie spice instead, which typically contains a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. For an extra flavour kick, you can even add a tiny pinch of ground ginger or cardamom. If you can’t get enough of this spice, be sure to check out my Cinnamon Roll Apple Pies!
Essential Equipment for Perfect Apple Chips
While you don’t need a professional kitchen setup, a few key tools can significantly streamline the process and guarantee perfectly thin, uniform apple slices – which is crucial for even baking and maximum crispiness.
The main tool I wholeheartedly recommend for achieving those delicate, consistent slices is a mandoline slicer. I use this particular model, and it’s a favorite in my kitchen because it comes with various blades for different thicknesses and, most importantly, a safety glove! Using a safety glove is essential when operating a mandoline to protect your hands from the incredibly sharp blade. If you don’t have a mandoline, a very sharp chef’s knife and a steady hand can work, but aim for the thinnest slices possible to ensure they dehydrate and crisp up properly in the oven.
Beyond the slicer, here are a few other tools you’ll find helpful:
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- Mandoline Slicer: As mentioned, for super thin, even slices.
- Large Baking Sheet(s): You’ll need enough surface area to lay the apple slices in a single layer without overcrowding. Overcrowding leads to steaming, not crisping.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Essential for preventing sticking and making cleanup a breeze.
- Oven Thermometer: Highly recommended to ensure your oven’s temperature is accurate, which is critical for successful baking of delicate items like apple chips.
- Wire Cooling Rack: Allows air circulation around the chips as they cool, helping them crisp up perfectly.
Tips and Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)
Making apple chips is straightforward, but a few tips and common troubleshooting solutions can ensure your first batch is a resounding success. Here’s what you need to know:
While I’m not a registered nutritionist, I can confidently say that these homemade apple chips are a fantastic choice for a wholesome snack. Made with real fruit, a touch of spice, and absolutely no added sweeteners, they are naturally vegan and gluten-free. Compared to many processed snacks, they are a much healthier alternative, providing natural fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. They’re a great option for various diets, including those focused on whole foods or reducing sugar intake. Always check with a healthcare professional if you have specific dietary concerns.
Soft or mushy apple chips are a common issue, but easily remedied! There are a few culprits to consider. First, your oven temperature might be slightly off. Ovens can vary, so I highly recommend using an oven thermometer to ensure it’s accurately maintaining 230°F (110°C). If the temperature is too high, the apples will cook rather than dehydrate. Second, your apple slices might not be thin enough. Uniformly thin slices (around 2mm) are key for even drying and crispiness. My favorite mandoline slicer helps achieve this effortlessly. Finally, you might need to extend the baking time. Apples should be lightly golden, and their edges should visibly curl when they are fully dehydrated and ready. Don’t be afraid to add another 10-20 minutes if they still feel pliable.
For the best results and consistently thin slices, a mandoline slicer is your secret weapon. It allows you to set a precise thickness (I recommend 2mm) and achieve uniform slices quickly and safely (especially with a safety glove!). If you don’t have a mandoline, you can absolutely use a very sharp chef’s knife. The key is to be patient and careful, aiming for slices as thin as possible, typically around ⅛-inch thick. If your slices are a bit thicker, simply adjust your baking time by adding an extra 10-20 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning.
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility! While I often reach for Fuji, Gala, or Golden Delicious due to their balanced flavor and good texture when baked, nearly any apple variety will work beautifully. Consider your personal preference: for a sweeter chip, opt for Honeycrisp, Red Delicious, or Gala. If you prefer a tart flavor profile, Granny Smith or McIntosh apples are excellent choices. Don’t be afraid to experiment with seasonal varieties to find your absolute favorite for homemade apple chips!
Once fully cooled, store your crispy apple chips in an airtight container at room temperature. They should remain crispy for 3-5 days. To prolong their crispness, you can also add a small paper towel to the bottom of the container to absorb any residual moisture. Avoid refrigerating them, as the moisture in the fridge can make them soft.
Related Recipes & Apple Delights
If you’re finding yourself with an abundance of fresh fall fruit or simply loving the flavors of apple and spice, I have a few more recipes you’ll definitely want to try. These range from healthy, no-sugar-added options to more decadent desserts that celebrate the versatility of apples.
For another wonderfully healthy and vegan way to utilize your fresh fall fruit, my Instant Pot Pear Applesauce is an absolute must-try. It’s incredibly easy to make in either a pressure cooker or a slow cooker, blending the autumnal goodness of apples and pears with comforting fall spices and a hint of vanilla, all without any added sugar. It’s perfect for breakfasts, snacks, or as a side dish.
However, if your palate is calling for a more indulgent apple dessert, you simply cannot go wrong with my Deep Dish Caramel Apple Pie. This recipe is an instant fall and holiday classic, guaranteed to be a showstopper at your family table! It’s generously packed high with richly spiced, tender apples encased in my signature flaky all-butter pie crust, complete with a luscious caramel drizzle. Or for a simpler, yet equally delicious apple dessert, consider this delightful rustic apple tart, which highlights the natural flavors of the fruit in an elegant way!
📖 Recipe: Crispy Homemade Oven Baked Apple Chips
Apple Chips Recipe
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Equipment you may need
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Mandoline Slicer
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¾ Sheet Baking Pan
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Silicone Baking Mat
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Parchment Paper
Ingredients
- 1 medium apple – washed and thoroughly dried (Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, or your favorite baking apple)
- Cooking spray – any vegetable oil spray will work
- ½ teaspoon Ground cinnamon – or apple pie spice for extra flavor
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Instructions
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Prepare your oven and baking sheet: Preheat your oven to a low 230°F (110°C). This low temperature is crucial for dehydrating the apples rather than cooking them. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure the apple slices don’t stick and can be easily removed. If you have multiple baking sheets, prepare them all, as you want to avoid overcrowding.
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Slice the apple thinly: Carefully slice your chosen apple through the center using a mandoline slicer set to a 2 mm (approximately 1/16th inch) setting. This uniform thinness is key for even baking and maximum crispiness. If you’re slicing by hand, use a very sharp knife and exert steady pressure, aiming to make your slices as consistently thin as possible. Remove any seeds.1 medium apple
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Season and arrange: Evenly lay the thinly sliced apple pieces in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Ensure none of the slices overlap, as this will prevent them from crisping up properly. Lightly spray both sides of the apple slices with cooking spray. This helps with browning and prevents sticking. Generously sprinkle the slices with the ground cinnamon. For an extra touch, you could even mix the cinnamon with a tiny pinch of nutmeg or allspice.cooking spray, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
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Bake to perfection: Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes. The baking time can vary slightly depending on the thickness of your apple slices and your oven’s accuracy. The goal is for the apples to become lightly golden around the edges and visibly curled. Crucially, flip the apple slices halfway through the baking time (around the 25-minute mark) to ensure even dehydration and crisping on both sides. If your slices are thicker, they may require an additional 10-20 minutes of baking.
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Cool and serve: Once baked, remove the apple chips from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels. Allow them to cool for at least 10 minutes. This cooling period is essential, as the apple chips will continue to crisp up as they come to room temperature. They might seem slightly soft directly out of the oven, but don’t worry – they will achieve that satisfying crunch as they cool. Serve them immediately to enjoy their peak crispness, or store them in an airtight container for later.
Last Step!
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Notes
Storage: Ensure your apple chips are completely cool before storing. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. If they lose some crispness, you can briefly re-bake them at 230°F (110°C) for 5-10 minutes, then cool again.
Serving Suggestions: These cinnamon apple chips are delightful on their own, but also make a great topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or even a healthy ice cream alternative. You can dip them in a small amount of nut butter for added protein and flavor.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Carbohydrates: 6 g |
Protein: 1 g |
Fat: 1 g |
Saturated Fat: 1 g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 1 g |
Sodium: 1 mg |
Potassium: 50 mg |
Fiber: 1 g |
Sugar: 5 g |
Vitamin A: 25 IU |
Vitamin C: 2 mg |
Calcium: 5 mg |
Iron: 1 mg
Nutrition Disclaimer
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