Cinnamon Sugar Apple Chips

The first time I pulled a tray of these Cinnamon Sugar Apple Chips from the oven, the entire house filled with the most comforting, warm scent of baked apples and cinnamon. My kids, initially skeptical about “healthy snacks,” were drawn in by the aroma alone. Watching their eyes light up after the first crispy, sweet bite was incredibly rewarding. They crunched their way through the entire batch before it had even fully cooled! Since then, these apple chips have become a staple in our home. They’re ridiculously easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients, and the result is a wonderfully crispy, naturally sweet treat that feels indulgent but is actually quite wholesome. Forget store-bought versions with questionable additives; making them at home lets you control the sweetness and guarantees the freshest flavour. They disappear almost as fast as I can make them, whether packed in lunchboxes, served as an after-school snack, or even enjoyed as a light dessert. It’s one of those simple recipes that brings a lot of joy and deliciousness with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 4 medium Apples (such as Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady): Choose firm, crisp apples for the best texture. These varieties hold their shape well during baking and offer a balanced sweetness. Avoid softer apples like McIntosh, which can become mushy.
• 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar (or Coconut Sugar): Provides classic sweetness and helps with caramelization and crisping. Coconut sugar can be used for a slightly different flavour profile. Adjust amount to your preference.
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: Adds the essential warm, cozy spice flavour that pairs perfectly with apples. Use good quality ground cinnamon for the best aroma and taste.
• Optional: Pinch of Nutmeg or Allspice: For added warmth and complexity, a tiny pinch of nutmeg or allspice can be included with the cinnamon and sugar.
• Optional: Lemon Juice (1 teaspoon, if prepping apples ahead): Tossing apple slices in a little lemon juice can help prevent excessive browning if you aren’t baking them immediately after slicing.

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and ensures easier cleanup. Using parchment paper is highly recommended for achieving maximum crispiness without the need for oil.
2. Wash and Core Apples: Thoroughly wash the apples under running water. You can leave the skin on for added fibre and colour, or peel them if you prefer. Using an apple corer or a small knife, carefully remove the core from each apple.
3. Slice Apples Thinly: This is the most crucial step for achieving crispy chips. Aim for slices that are about 1/8-inch (approx 3mm) thick. A mandoline slicer is the best tool for achieving consistently thin and even slices, which ensures they bake evenly. If using a knife, use a very sharp one and take your time to slice as uniformly as possible. Discard the end pieces or save them for another use. Thicker slices will result in softer, chewier apple pieces rather than crisp chips.
4. Arrange on Baking Sheets: Lay the apple slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Make sure the slices are not overlapping, as this will cause them to steam rather than crisp up. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your oven and baking sheets.
5. Mix Topping: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon (and any optional spices like nutmeg or allspice). Stir well to ensure the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sugar.
6. Sprinkle Over Apples: Lightly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the apple slices on the baking sheets. You don’t need to completely coat them; a light dusting is sufficient. You can adjust the amount based on how sweet you like your chips.
7. Bake Low and Slow: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour.
8. Flip the Slices: After 1 hour, carefully remove the baking sheets from the oven. Using tongs or your fingers (be careful, they will be hot), flip each apple slice over. This helps ensure both sides dry out and become crispy.
9. Continue Baking: Return the baking sheets to the oven and continue baking for another 1 to 1.5 hours. Keep a close eye on them during the last 30 minutes. Baking time can vary significantly depending on the thickness of your slices, the moisture content of the apples, and your specific oven. The apples are done when they are dried out, slightly curled at the edges, and feel crisp to the touch (they will crisp up more as they cool). Some thinner slices might be ready sooner, so you can remove them as they finish. Avoid over-baking, as they can burn quickly towards the end.
10. Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the baking sheets from the oven. Let the apple chips cool on the baking sheets for about 10-15 minutes. They will become much crispier as they cool down. After the initial cooling, transfer the chips to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature. This step is essential for maximum crispness. Do not store them until they are 100% cool.
11. Store: Once completely cool, store the cinnamon sugar apple chips in an airtight container at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: Approximately 1/4 of the recipe (equivalent to 1 medium apple’s worth of chips)
• Calories: Roughly 90-120 kcal per serving (estimate, depends on apple size and sugar amount)
• Fiber: A good source of dietary fibre (approx. 3-4g per serving), primarily from the apple skin (if left on), aiding digestion and promoting fullness.
• Sugars: Contains natural sugars from the apples plus the added granulated sugar (approx. 15-20g total sugar per serving). Homemade allows control over added sugar compared to many commercial snacks.
• Low Fat: Naturally very low in fat, making them a lighter snack option compared to fried chips or many processed snacks.
• Vitamin C: Apples provide some Vitamin C, although some is lost during the baking process. It remains a contributor to daily intake, supporting immune function.

(Note: Nutrition information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients, apple variety, size, and exact preparation.)

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 15-20 minutes (includes washing, coring, and slicing the apples). Using a mandoline can speed this up significantly.
• Cook time: 2 – 2.5 hours (low-temperature baking takes time to dehydrate the apples properly).
• Total time: Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 50 minutes, plus cooling time. While the hands-on time is short, the baking process requires patience.

How to Serve

These versatile Cinnamon Sugar Apple Chips are delicious on their own but also pair wonderfully with other foods. Here are some serving ideas:

• Straight Up Snack: Enjoy them plain right out of the container for a quick, crispy, and satisfying snack anytime. Perfect for packing in lunchboxes or taking on the go.
• With Dips: Serve alongside sweet dips for an extra treat:
  • Salted Caramel Dip
  • Cream Cheese Fruit Dip
  • Yogurt Dip (plain or vanilla Greek yogurt)
  • Peanut Butter or Almond Butter
  • Nutella or Chocolate Hummus
• Breakfast Boost: Crumble them over:
  • Oatmeal or Porridge
  • Yogurt Parfaits
  • Granola or Cereal
  • Pancakes or Waffles (as a topping)
• On Salads: Add a sweet crunch to salads, especially those featuring nuts, cheese (like goat cheese or cheddar), and vinaigrette dressings. They pair particularly well with fall-themed salads.
• Cheese Board Addition: Include them on a cheese platter alongside various cheeses, nuts, and crackers. They offer a sweet counterpoint to savoury cheeses.
• Dessert Topping: Use crushed apple chips as a topping for:
  • Ice Cream (especially vanilla or caramel flavours)
  • Apple Crisp or Cobbler (for extra texture)
  • Puddings or Custards
• Trail Mix Component: Mix them with nuts, seeds, dried cranberries, and maybe some chocolate chips for a delicious homemade trail mix.

Additional Tips

1. Uniform Slicing is Key: The most critical factor for even baking and uniform crispiness is slicing the apples as thinly and consistently as possible, ideally 1/8-inch thick. A mandoline slicer is highly recommended for this task. If using a knife, be patient and precise.
2. Low and Slow Wins the Race: Resist the temptation to increase the oven temperature to speed things up. Baking at a low temperature (225°F / 110°C) allows the apples to dehydrate slowly and evenly without burning, resulting in truly crisp chips. Higher temperatures will cook the outside too quickly, potentially burning them before the inside is dry.
3. Watch Carefully Near the End: Ovens vary, and apple moisture content differs. Start checking the chips more frequently during the last 30-45 minutes of baking. Thinner slices or edges might brown faster. Remove individual chips as they become crisp, if necessary.
4. Don’t Skip the Flip: Flipping the apple slices halfway through the baking process is important for exposing both sides to the dry oven air, promoting even drying and preventing one side from becoming soggier than the other.
5. Cooling = Crisping: The apple chips will seem somewhat pliable when they first come out of the oven. They crisp up significantly as they cool completely. Let them cool first on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to allow air circulation all around until they reach room temperature.
6. Proper Storage is Crucial: Store the completely cooled apple chips in a truly airtight container at room temperature. Any moisture exposure will cause them to lose their crispness quickly. If they do soften, you might be able to re-crisp them in a low oven for 10-15 minutes.
7. Mandoline Safety: If using a mandoline, ALWAYS use the safety guard provided. Mandoline blades are extremely sharp. Work carefully and keep your fingers away from the blade at all times.
8. Adjust Sweetness and Spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar and cinnamon to your taste. You can make them less sweet by reducing the sugar or add other warm spices like cardamom, ginger, or a pumpkin pie spice blend for different flavour variations.

FAQ Section

1. What are the best types of apples to use for apple chips?
Firm, crisp apples work best because they hold their shape well during baking and have a good texture when dried. Excellent choices include Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Granny Smith (for a tarter chip), Braeburn, and Golden Delicious. Avoid softer apples like McIntosh or Red Delicious, as they tend to become mushy rather than crisp.

2. Why didn’t my apple chips get crispy?
There are a few common reasons:

• Slices were too thick: Thinner slices (1/8-inch) dehydrate much better.
• Oven temperature was too low/high: Too low, and they might not dry enough; too high, and they might cook/burn before drying. 225°F (110°C) is generally ideal.
• Baking time was too short: They need sufficient time to fully dehydrate.
• Overlapping slices: Slices need space on the baking sheet for air circulation.
• Not cooled completely: They crisp up significantly during the cooling process.
• Humidity: High kitchen humidity can make it harder to achieve crispness and maintain it.
• Improper storage: Storing them before fully cool or in a non-airtight container allows moisture back in.

3. Can I make these apple chips without sugar?
Absolutely! Apples have natural sweetness. You can omit the sugar entirely for a purely fruit-sweetened snack, or just sprinkle them with cinnamon. They might not have the same slight caramelization but will still be delicious and crispy if baked correctly.

4. How long do homemade apple chips last?
When stored properly in a truly airtight container at room temperature, homemade apple chips can last for about a week while maintaining optimal crispness. They might last longer, but their texture may start to soften over time, especially if exposed to any moisture or humidity.

5. Can I make these in an air fryer or dehydrator?

• Air Fryer: Yes, you can make apple chips in an air fryer, but the process is different. You’ll likely need to work in smaller batches and use a higher temperature (around 300°F / 150°C) for a shorter time (maybe 15-25 minutes, flipping halfway), watching very carefully to prevent burning. Check your air fryer’s manual for specific guidance.
• Dehydrator: A food dehydrator is excellent for making apple chips. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, typically setting it around 135°F (57°C) for 6-12 hours, depending on slice thickness and desired crispness. Dehydrators provide very consistent results.

6. Why do baking times vary so much?
Several factors influence baking time:

• Slice Thickness: Thicker slices take significantly longer.
• Apple Type & Moisture: Different apples have varying water content.
• Oven Accuracy: Home ovens can have temperature fluctuations.
• Humidity: Ambient humidity affects drying time.
• Number of Baking Sheets: Using multiple sheets can slightly increase time.
  It’s crucial to judge doneness by the look and feel of the chips rather than relying strictly on a timer.

7. Can I add other spices besides cinnamon?
Definitely! Get creative with your spices. Try adding:

• Nutmeg
• Allspice
• Ground Ginger
• Cardamom
• Pumpkin Pie Spice blend
• Apple Pie Spice blend
• A tiny pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick!

8. Are these cinnamon sugar apple chips actually healthy?
Compared to many processed snacks like potato chips or cookies, homemade baked apple chips are a healthier option. They are low in fat, provide dietary fibre (especially with skin on), and retain some vitamins from the apples. While this recipe includes added sugar, you control the amount, and it’s often far less than in commercially produced snacks. Making them sugar-free enhances their health profile further. They offer a way to enjoy a sweet, crunchy snack made from whole fruit.

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