There’s something so satisfying about turning simple apples into a crispy, delicious snack. Baked apple chips are one of my favorite guilt-free treats—they’re sweet, crunchy, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re craving something light or need a quick snack for busy days, these chips have you covered.
Baked Apple Chips: Easy DIY Snack
I’ve always loved turning classic ingredients into healthy, delicious treats, and baked apple chips are one of my favorite DIY snacks for satisfying crunchy cravings. Not only are they simple to make, but they’re also a naturally sweet, guilt-free option perfect for clean snacking. Let me walk you through how to make these crispy wonders at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 medium-sized apples (preferably Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala for a natural sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for a warm, spiced flavor)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (prevents browning)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 200°F. This low temperature ensures the apples dry out slowly and evenly for crispiness without burning.
- Prepare the Apples
Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, slice the apples thinly, about 1/8-inch thick. The thinner the slices, the crispier the chips will be. Keep the skin on for added texture and nutrients.
- Prevent Browning
In a shallow bowl, mix the lemon juice with a few tablespoons of water. Gently dip each apple slice into the mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. This step not only helps maintain their color but also gives a mild tangy layer.
- Season the Slices
Arrange the apple slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly sprinkle ground cinnamon over the slices if you’re adding a touch of spice. Avoid overlapping to allow even baking.
- Bake Low and Slow
Place the tray in the oven and bake the slices for 1 hour. After the first hour, flip the slices and bake for another 1-2 hours. Check frequently towards the end; they’re ready when they feel dry and pliable but stiffen as they cool.
- Cool Completely
Remove from the oven and transfer the chips to a wire rack to cool. As they cool, they’ll become even crispier, creating that perfect crunch every time you take a bite.
Storage Tip
Store cooled apple chips in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crisp for up to 1 week, giving you plenty of time to enjoy this wholesome snack.
Once you try these baked apple chips, you’ll see how easy and satisfying it is to create a healthy snack right in your own kitchen. They’re a hit with kids and adults alike, and I usually end up making double batches because they disappear so quickly.
Ingredients
When crafting healthy and delicious snacks like baked apple chips, starting with clean, natural ingredients is key. Here’s what you’ll need for this easy recipe:
- 2 medium-sized apples: Choose a firm variety like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith for the best crunch. Wash and core them; no peeling needed.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, spiced flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the apples.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Keeps the apple slices from browning and adds a subtle tang.
- Optional: 1 teaspoon granulated sweetener or coconut sugar: For those who prefer a sweeter chip, but I often skip this for a healthier option.
Having fresh, simple ingredients ensures the nutrients stay intact, making these apple chips a guilt-free snack.
Tools And Equipment
When making baked apple chips, having the right tools and equipment can make the process seamless and enjoyable. I always aim to keep things simple and efficient so you don’t need a kitchen packed with fancy gadgets. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Baking Sheet: A sturdy, non-stick baking sheet is essential. Lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Sharp Knife or Mandoline: For slicing apples thinly and evenly, a sharp knife works well, but a mandoline slicer is a game-changer for precision and speed. Even slices bake more consistently, giving you that perfect crunch.
- Cutting Board: A stable cutting board ensures safety and keeps your counters scratch-free while slicing your apples.
- Mixing Bowl: Use a medium-sized bowl to toss your apple slices with lemon juice and seasoning evenly.
- Oven: Since we’re baking the chips low and slow, any standard oven works perfectly. Make sure it’s preheated correctly to maintain consistent temperature.
- Cooling Rack: After baking, cooling racks allow air to circulate around the chips, keeping them crispy as they cool.
Directions
Making your own baked apple chips at home is simple and fun. Follow these steps to create a wholesome and crunchy snack that’s perfect for anytime munching.
Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 200°F to ensure the low, slow heat needed for crisping up the apple slices without burning. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Then, wash and dry the apples thoroughly. I prefer to leave the skin on for extra fiber and nutrients, but feel free to peel them if you want a smoother texture.
Slice The Apples
Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice the apples into thin, even rounds—about 1/8 inch thick. Consistent thickness is key to even baking, so take your time here. Remove any seeds from the slices as you go. If you’re using a mandoline, make sure to use the finger guard for safety. Once sliced, toss the apple rounds in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent browning and preserve the vibrant color.
Season The Apples
Lay the apple slices out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they don’t overlap. Sprinkling them lightly with ground cinnamon gives the chips a delightful warm flavor. If you’d like a touch of sweetness, you can add a pinch of granulated sweetener or coconut sugar. Be gentle with the seasoning—a little goes a long way in boosting the natural sweetness and flavor of the apples.
Bake
Baking the apple slices low and slow is the secret to achieving that irresistible crunch without frying or adding oil. Trust me, this step transforms simple apple slices into a light and crispy snack you won’t be able to resist.
Arrange On Baking Sheet
Place the seasoned apple slices in a single layer on your prepared baking sheets. Make sure they don’t overlap since overcrowding will prevent even baking and crispiness. I like to use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to keep the slices from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Patience is key here—take your time to spread them out evenly for the best results.
Bake Slowly
Slide the baking sheets into your preheated oven set at 200°F. This low temperature is essential for dehydrating the apples and locking in their natural sweetness without burning. Bake them for about 1 hour, then check their progress. The edges should start to curl slightly as they dry. Keep an eye on them but resist the urge to increase the heat. Good things take time, and the slow bake ensures the chips remain healthy and flavorful.
Flip The Chips For Even Baking
After the first hour, pull the sheets out and carefully flip each apple slice using a spatula or your hands—whichever works best for you. Flipping helps both sides of the chips crisp up evenly. Return the sheets to the oven and bake for another 45 minutes to 1 hour. I check every 15 minutes during the last half-hour to ensure the chips don’t overbake. You’ll know they’re ready when they feel dry to the touch and achieve that perfect crispy texture. Let them cool on the sheets or transfer them to a cooling rack to set completely before storing.
Cool And Serve
Once the apple chips are done baking, I carefully remove the baking sheets from the oven and place them on a heat-safe surface. Here’s the secret to retaining that signature crispiness—let them cool completely on the baking sheets or transfer them to a wire cooling rack. This step is crucial because the chips will continue to firm up as they cool. Rushing this process could lead to softer chips, which no one wants from a crunchy snack. Patience here really pays off.
Once the chips are fully cooled, I gently lift them off the baking sheet using my hands or a spatula. They’re incredibly delicate, so being gentle helps avoid breaking them. Now, they’re ready to serve! I like to pile them into a big bowl for easy snacking or portion them into small snack bags to grab on the go. For an extra treat, try pairing them with a dollop of almond butter or a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance their flavors naturally.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the things I love about baked apple chips is how easy they are to prepare in advance. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, planning snacks for a road trip, or simply looking to have a healthy option on hand for those between-meal cravings, these chips fit perfectly into a make-ahead routine. Here’s how I recommend doing it:
- Prepare a Bulk Batch
When making your apple chips, don’t hold back—double or even triple the recipe! Most ovens can fit a few baking sheets at a time, which is great for creating larger quantities. Slice a few extra apples, season them evenly, and bake in batches if necessary. Just remember to rotate your baking sheets halfway through to ensure consistent results.
- Storing for Freshness
Once the apple chips are completely cooled, transfer them into an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. I like to use glass jars with tight-fitting lids or silicone reusable bags to keep them crisp while cutting down on waste. Store the chips in a cool, dry place, such as your pantry, for up to 1 week. If you live in a humid climate, you may want to add a small silica gel packet (food safe) to the container to help maintain their crunch.
- Re-Crisping When Needed
If your apple chips start to lose their crunch, don’t worry—they’re easy to fix! Spread the chips on a baking sheet and pop them back in the oven at 200°F for about 5-10 minutes. Let them cool completely before storing again. This trick always brings them back to their crispy glory.
- Portion for Convenience
To make snacking on the go even more convenient, I like to portion the chips into individual servings right after cooling. Use small snack bags or containers to grab and go whenever you need a quick, healthy bite. This is especially great for packing lunches or keeping your snack drawer organized.
Tips For Perfect Apple Chips
Over the years of experimenting with healthy snacks, I’ve learned that a few small tweaks can take your apple chips from good to absolutely perfect. Here are my top tips to help you make the crispiest, evenly baked apple chips every time.
1. Choose the Right Apple Variety
The type of apple you use makes all the difference. I recommend firm and slightly tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith. These apples hold their shape well during baking and provide the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.
2. Slice Evenly for Consistent Baking
Evenly sliced apple rounds are essential for consistent baking. Use a mandoline if you have one—it’s a game-changer for creating uniform, wafer-thin slices. Aim for slices about 1/8 inch thick. If you’re using a knife, take your time to ensure each slice is as similar in thickness as possible.
3. Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This small step prevents sticking and ensures that your apple chips lift off cleanly after baking. It also makes cleanup a breeze!
4. Keep the Apple Slices in a Single Layer
Spread the apple slices in a single layer on the baking sheet without overlapping. Overlapping slices steam instead of crisping, which can result in unevenly cooked chips. If you’re making a large batch, use multiple baking sheets or bake in batches.
5. Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice
Tossing your apple slices in a little lemon juice before seasoning does more than prevent browning—it also enhances their natural tartness. Just a light coating is enough to keep the apples looking vibrant and delicious.
6. Be Patient with Low and Slow Baking
One of the secrets to crispy apple chips is baking them low and slow. Stick to 200°F and resist the urge to crank it up to save time. The low temperature allows the apples to dehydrate gently and evenly, giving them that signature crunch without burning.
7. Flip Them Halfway Through
For even crispiness, flip the apple slices halfway through the baking time. This ensures that both sides dry evenly and prevents one side from getting overly browned.
8. Test for Crispiness Before Removing
To know when your apple chips are ready, check their texture rather than relying solely on the baking time. If they feel slightly pliable but firm, they’ll crisp up more when cooling. If they’re still too soft, give them a few more minutes in the oven.
9. Cool Completely to Maximize Crunch
Allow the apple chips to cool entirely on the baking sheet or transfer them to a wire rack. This final step lets them firm up completely, giving you that satisfying crunch. Cooling is where the magic happens, so don’t rush it!
10. Store Properly to Retain Freshness
Once cooled, store your apple chips in an airtight container to keep them at their best. I recommend adding a food-safe silica gel packet to the container, especially if you live in a humid area. This helps absorb extra moisture and keeps the chips crisp for days.
Perfecting apple chips is a simple process that comes down to patience and attention to detail. Give these tips a try, and you’ll have a healthy, crispy snack that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Conclusion
Baked apple chips are such a delightful way to turn simple ingredients into something special. I love how they’re both healthy and satisfying, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re prepping snacks for the week or just craving a quick treat, these crunchy chips are always a win.
With a little patience and the right techniques, you’ll have a snack that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Give it a try, and I’m sure you’ll find yourself reaching for these homemade apple chips time and time again!
