Delicious Baked Apple Chips
Light, crispy, and naturally sweet, these Baked Apple Chips are a healthy and easy snack. With just a few simple ingredients, they’re oven-baked to perfection, offering a fiber-rich treat that’s low in saturated fat and perfect for everyday snacking or topping on oatmeal and salads.
Equipment
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Medium bowl
- 1 Knife set
- 1 Small Whisk
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring cups
Ingredients
- 2 medium firm apples
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat Oven for Crispiness: Begin by setting your oven to 225°F (107°C). This low and slow temperature is essential for drying out the apple slices without burning them, ensuring they become perfectly crisp while retaining their natural sweetness. While the oven heats, prepare the baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Apples for Slicing: Wash your apples thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or residues. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Choose firm apple varieties like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala for the best results—soft apples like Red Delicious or McIntosh will not crisp properly. Decide whether you want to leave the core in for a decorative round shape or remove it for a fully open ring.
- Slice Apples Thinly: Using a sharp chef’s knife or a mandoline slicer, cut the apples into very thin rings, ideally about 1/8 inch thick. Thin slices are crucial because they allow the moisture to evaporate evenly during baking, producing crispy chips instead of chewy pieces. Take your time to slice consistently to ensure even cooking.
- Arrange Apple Slices on Sheet: Lay the apple slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure the slices do not overlap, as this will trap moisture and prevent crisping. If needed, use a second baking sheet for extra slices. This careful arrangement ensures that each chip bakes evenly and comes out beautifully golden.
- Mix the Sweet Spice Coating: In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir well using a small whisk to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. This aromatic mixture enhances the natural flavor of the apples and adds a subtle, warm sweetness that complements the crisp texture.
- Sprinkle Spice Blend on Apples: Evenly sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture over each apple slice. Use your fingers or a small spoon to distribute it gently, making sure each slice gets a light coating. This step ensures that every chip has a balanced flavor without overpowering the apple’s natural taste.
- Bake Slowly for Crunchy Texture: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the apple slices slowly for 1½ to 2 hours. Check them periodically after the first hour. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, the type of apple, and the thickness of your slices. They are done when the edges are golden brown, and the slices are crisp to the touch.
- Rotate for Even Baking (Optional): If your oven has hot spots, consider rotating the baking sheet halfway through the cooking time. This ensures that all apple slices receive equal heat and crisp uniformly. Avoid opening the oven too frequently, as this can lower the temperature and extend baking time.
- Cool Completely for Maximum Crispiness: Once baked, remove the apple chips from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for at least 10–15 minutes. During cooling, they will firm up further, reaching the perfect crunchy texture. Transfer them carefully to a cooling rack if desired, to allow air circulation around each chip.
- Serve or Store: Enjoy the apple chips immediately as a snack, or allow them to cool completely and store in an airtight container. Properly stored, they can last for several days without losing their crispiness. These chips are also excellent for topping oatmeal, yogurt, or salads for a sweet, crunchy addition.
Notes
- Use firm, crisp apple varieties like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala for optimal texture.
- Slice apples very thin (around 1/8 inch) for maximum crispiness; thicker slices may remain chewy.
- Keep apple slices in a single layer on the baking sheet to prevent steaming.
- Adjust spices according to taste—try adding a dash of ginger, allspice, or cardamom for variety.
- Cool chips completely before storing to maintain crunchiness.
- These chips are naturally vegan, low in saturated fat, and fiber-rich, making them a healthy snack option.
