Crispy baked apple chips are a healthy, naturally sweet snack made from thinly sliced apples baked to perfection. They are lightly crisp, subtly chewy, and carry the natural flavor and sweetness of apples without any added preservatives.

This snack is perfect for anyone looking for a guilt-free treat, whether for kids’ lunchboxes, office snacks, or simply a cozy afternoon nibble. The aroma of baked apples and a hint of cinnamon filling the kitchen is enough to make anyone’s mouth water.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple, wholesome, and satisfying. Unlike store-bought apple chips, homemade ones are fresh, free from excess sugar, and customizable to taste. The process of slowly baking the apples until they turn golden and crisp is therapeutic, and the result is a snack that feels indulgent yet guilt-free.

The sweet, slightly tangy flavor of apples combined with the hint of cinnamon makes these chips incredibly addictive.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it transforms a simple fruit into a crunchy, addictive snack that’s perfect for all ages. It’s ideal for healthy snacking, topping yogurt or oatmeal, or adding to charcuterie boards for a touch of natural sweetness.

Crispy baked apple chips are versatile, portable, and far healthier than most processed snacks, making them a perfect alternative to store-bought chips or sweets.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Calories: ~50 kcal per 1 cup of chips
Cuisine: American
Course: Snack / Dessert

Ingredients

2–3 medium apples (any variety, e.g., Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1–2 teaspoons granulated sugar or coconut sugar (optional)
Lemon juice (to prevent browning, optional)

Simple Cooking Directions

Preheat oven to 200°F (95°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Core and thinly slice apples (about 1/8-inch thick).
Optional: Sprinkle slices with cinnamon and sugar.
Arrange apple slices in a single layer on baking sheets.
Bake for 1–1.5 hours, flipping halfway, until crisp.
Let cool completely before serving.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Preheat Oven: Set oven to 200°F (95°C). Line one or two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Prepare Apples: Wash apples thoroughly. Core them using an apple corer, then slice very thinly using a knife or mandoline (about 1/8-inch thick for even baking).
Optional Treatment: To prevent browning, brush apple slices lightly with lemon juice.
Season Slices: Sprinkle apple slices lightly with cinnamon and sugar if desired for extra flavor.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Lay apple slices in a single layer, avoiding overlap to ensure even baking.
Bake Slowly: Place in the oven and bake for 1 hour. Flip slices halfway through baking to promote even crisping. Bake until edges curl slightly and slices are golden and crisp.
Cool: Remove from oven and allow apple chips to cool completely on the baking sheet. They will crisp up further as they cool.
Serve or Store: Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container.

How to Serve

Serve as a healthy snack on their own.
Add to yogurt, oatmeal, or cereal for crunch and sweetness.
Include on a charcuterie or cheese board for a fruity addition.
Use as a decorative garnish for desserts or baked goods.

Additional Recipe Tips

Slice apples uniformly for even baking. A mandoline slicer works best.
Bake slowly at a low temperature to avoid browning or burning.
Flip slices halfway to ensure crispiness on both sides.
Store completely cooled chips to prevent sogginess.

Variations

Spiced Apple Chips: Add a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or ginger along with cinnamon.
Sweetened Chips: Drizzle lightly with honey or maple syrup before baking.
Savory Chips: Sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt for a sweet-savory twist.
Mixed Fruit Chips: Combine thin slices of pear or kiwi with apples for a colorful mix.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Can be stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

Baking sheets
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Knife or mandoline slicer
Spatula

FAQs

Q1: Can I use any type of apple?
Yes! Firmer apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala work best for crispiness. Softer varieties may be chewier.

Q2: How thin should I slice the apples?
About 1/8-inch thick slices work best for even baking and crisp texture.

Q3: Can I skip the sugar and cinnamon?
Yes, plain apple slices also taste delicious and naturally sweet.

Q4: How do I prevent apple chips from sticking?
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.

Q5: Why are my apple chips not crispy?
Slices may be too thick, oven temperature too high, or they may need additional baking time. Make sure they cool completely—they crisp up as they cool.

Conclusion

Crispy baked apple chips are a wholesome, easy-to-make snack that’s crunchy, naturally sweet, and customizable. Perfect for snacking, gifting, or topping your favorite dishes, these apple chips offer a healthy alternative to packaged chips while delivering flavor, texture, and nostalgia. Once you try this recipe, it’s hard to stop at just one serving!