Of all the scents that can fill a home, the warm, sweet embrace of cinnamon and baked apples is perhaps the most comforting. I remember the first time I perfected this recipe for Baked Apple Chips with Cinnamon. It was a crisp autumn afternoon, the kids had just burst through the door from school, ravenous as always, and I was determined to give them something better than the usual processed snacks. I had a bag of beautiful Honeycrisp apples on the counter, and a simple idea sparked. An hour or two later, the entire house was perfumed with what can only be described as the essence of fall. When I pulled the tray of ruby-tinged, perfectly curled apple slices from the oven, they weren’t just a snack; they were a triumph. The kids devoured them, their little fingers dusty with cinnamon sugar, the sound of the incredible crunch echoing in the kitchen. My husband, who usually bypasses “healthy” snacks, couldn’t stop reaching for more. Since that day, these baked apple chips have become a staple in our home. They are our go-to for movie nights, a healthy addition to lunchboxes, and the perfect, guilt-free treat to have on hand when a craving strikes. They are deceptively simple to make, requiring just a few ingredients and a bit of patience, but the result is a snack that is endlessly satisfying, wholesome, and tastes like pure, unadulterated comfort.

Ingredients for Perfect Baked Apple Chips with Cinnamon

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of basic ingredients, allowing the natural sweetness and flavor of the apples to shine through. Choosing high-quality ingredients will elevate the final product from good to unforgettable.

• 4 Medium-Sized Apples (about 2 pounds): The star of the show. Crisp, firm apples work best as they hold their shape during baking and provide a better texture. Varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Pink Lady are excellent for a sweeter chip, while Granny Smith will yield a more tart and tangy result.
• 1 ½ Teaspoons Ground Cinnamon: This is the warm, aromatic spice that makes these chips so irresistible. A good quality cinnamon will have a more potent and complex flavor.
• 1 Tablespoon Granulated Sugar (Optional): While the apples provide plenty of natural sweetness, a light dusting of sugar helps with caramelization and adds an extra layer of crispiness and classic flavor. You can substitute with coconut sugar or brown sugar for a different flavor profile, or omit it entirely for a purely fruit-sweetened snack.
• 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice (Optional but Recommended): A small amount of lemon juice tossed with the apple slices before baking works wonders to prevent them from browning (oxidizing) and helps to brighten their natural flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crispy Oven-Baked Apple Chips

Patience is the key virtue when making baked apple chips. The goal is not to roast or cook the apples, but to slowly dehydrate them in the oven, drawing out the moisture to create that signature snap. Follow these steps carefully for perfectly crispy results every time.

1. Preheat and Prepare Your Workspace: Begin by preheating your oven to a low temperature, 200°F (or approximately 95°C). A low temperature is absolutely crucial; any higher and the apples will cook and become soft rather than dehydrating and becoming crisp. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This is a non-negotiable step, as it prevents the apple slices from sticking to the pan and makes cleanup incredibly easy.
2. Wash, Core, and Prepare the Apples: Thoroughly wash and dry your apples. There is no need to peel them; the skin adds a beautiful color, a pleasant texture, and contains valuable nutrients and fiber. Using an apple corer, remove the core from each apple. If you don’t have a corer, you can slice the apples first and then carefully cut out the core and seeds from each individual slice with a small paring knife.
3. The Art of Slicing Thin: This is the most important step for achieving crispy chips. The slices must be incredibly thin and, just as importantly, uniform in thickness. The ideal thickness is about 1/8 of an inch (around 3mm). A mandoline slicer is the best tool for this job, as it produces consistently thin slices with ease. Please use extreme caution and always use the safety guard that comes with the mandoline. If you do not have a mandoline, use your sharpest knife and a steady hand. Take your time to slice the apples as evenly as possible. Uneven slices will result in some chips burning while others remain soft and chewy.
4. Prevent Browning (Optional): Place all your thin apple slices into a large bowl. Drizzle the optional tablespoon of lemon juice over the slices and gently toss them with your hands to ensure each slice is lightly coated. This will keep them from turning brown and will add a subtle, bright note to the flavor.
5. Season Generously: In a small bowl, whisk together the ground cinnamon and the optional granulated sugar until they are well combined. Sprinkle this cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the apple slices in the large bowl. Once again, use your hands to gently toss the slices, making sure each one gets a light, even coating of the spice mixture.
6. Arrange for Success: Carefully arrange the seasoned apple slices in a single layer on the parchment-lined baking sheets. It is vital that the slices do not overlap. Overlapping traps steam and will prevent the chips from becoming crispy. Make sure there is a little bit of space between each slice to allow air to circulate freely. You will likely need two baking sheets to accommodate all the slices without crowding.
7. The First Bake – The Low and Slow Dehydration: Place the baking sheets in the preheated 200°F (95°C) oven. Bake for 1 hour. The low heat will slowly begin to evaporate the water content from the apples.
8. Flip for Even Crisping: After 1 hour, carefully remove the baking sheets from the oven. Using tongs or your fingers (be careful, they will be hot), gently flip over each individual apple slice. This ensures that both sides dry out evenly.
9. The Second Bake and Checking for Doneness: Return the baking sheets to the oven and bake for another 1 to 1.5 hours. The total baking time can vary depending on the thickness of your slices, the water content of your apples, and the accuracy of your oven. Start checking the chips after the 1-hour mark. They are done when they are dry to the touch, no longer feel soft or spongy, and the edges have started to curl up. They might not feel completely crispy yet right out of the oven.
10. Cool and Crisp – The Final, Crucial Step: Remove the baking sheets from the oven. Immediately transfer the baked apple slices to a wire cooling rack. This is a critical step! The chips will continue to crisp up significantly as they cool down to room temperature. Spreading them out on the rack allows air to circulate underneath, preventing them from becoming soggy. Allow them to cool completely for at least 20-30 minutes before enjoying or storing. You will be amazed at the transformation from slightly pliable to perfectly crunchy.

Nutrition Facts: A Healthy, Guilt-Free Snack

These homemade apple chips are a fantastic alternative to potato chips and other processed snacks. By making them at home, you control the ingredients, especially the amount of sugar. They are a naturally delicious and nutrient-rich treat.

• Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (about 1/4 of the total recipe)
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 95-110 kcal (will vary based on apple size and optional sugar)
• Fiber: Apples are an excellent source of dietary fiber, particularly pectin, which is concentrated in the skin. Fiber is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system, promoting feelings of fullness, and helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
• Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant, Vitamin C supports a healthy immune system and is crucial for skin health and collagen production. While some is lost during heating, a significant amount remains.
• Potassium: This essential mineral helps to maintain fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions. It also plays a role in supporting healthy blood pressure.
• Natural Sugars: The majority of the sweetness in this snack comes from fructose, the natural sugar found in fruit. This provides a quick source of energy without the additives and refined sugars found in many commercial snacks.
• Antioxidants: Apples are rich in powerful antioxidants, such as quercetin and other flavonoids. These compounds help to combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.

Preparation and Cooking Time

While this recipe requires a significant amount of oven time, the hands-on preparation is quite minimal, making it an easy project for a lazy afternoon.

• Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes. This includes washing, coring, and slicing the apples. Using a mandoline will speed this process up considerably.
• Cooking Time: 2 to 2.5 hours. The long, slow baking time is essential for dehydration and achieving the perfect crispy texture.
• Cooling Time: 20-30 minutes. Do not skip this! This is when the magic of crisping happens.
• Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours 20 minutes.

How to Serve Your Homemade Cinnamon Apple Chips

These versatile chips can be enjoyed in so many more ways than just straight from the bowl. Their delightful crunch and sweet-tart flavor make them a wonderful component in various dishes and snacks.

• As a Standalone Snack:
  • Pack them in an airtight container or zip-top bag for a healthy school lunchbox treat.
  • Serve them in a large bowl for a guilt-free movie night or game day snack.
  • Keep a jar on your desk for a crunchy and satisfying afternoon pick-me-up at the office.
  • Take them on hikes or road trips for a lightweight, non-perishable, and energizing snack.
• With Dips and Spreads:
  • Caramel Dip: Serve alongside a warm, gooey caramel sauce for an indulgent dessert.
  • Peanut or Almond Butter: The classic pairing of apples and nut butter is even better with a crunch.
  • Yogurt Dip: Mix plain Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup and a dash of cinnamon for a tangy and protein-rich dip.
  • Cream Cheese Fruit Dip: Beat softened cream cheese with a little powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla extract for a decadent, cheesecake-like dip.
• As a Topping:
  • Oatmeal or Porridge: Crumble the chips over your morning bowl of oatmeal for a fantastic textural contrast.
  • Yogurt Parfaits: Layer the apple chips with yogurt, granola, and fresh berries for a beautiful and delicious parfait.
  • Ice Cream: Use them as a crunchy topping for vanilla, caramel, or cinnamon ice cream.
  • Salads: Break them into smaller pieces and sprinkle over a salad with goat cheese, walnuts, and a vinaigrette for a surprising and delightful crunch.
• In Other Recipes:
  • Trail Mix: Combine apple chips with your favorite nuts (almonds, pecans), seeds (pumpkin, sunflower), and a few chocolate chips for a custom trail mix.
  • Savory “Crust”: Crush the chips into coarse crumbs and use them as a crust for baked pork chops or chicken for a sweet and savory twist.

Additional Tips for Apple Chip Perfection

A few extra tricks can help you master this recipe and customize it to your liking.

1. The Apple Absolutely Matters: Don’t just grab any apple. For the best flavor and texture, choose a firm, crisp variety. Softer apples like Red Delicious can become mealy when baked. A mix of sweet (like Fuji) and tart (like Granny Smith) can create a wonderfully complex batch.
2. A Mandoline is Your Best Friend: While not strictly necessary, a mandoline slicer is the single best investment for making homemade chips of any kind. It guarantees uniform slices, which is the secret to even baking and universal crispiness.
3. Don’t Fear the Lemon: Even if you don’t mind a little browning, the small amount of lemon juice does more than just preserve the color. It adds a subtle acidic brightness that cuts through the sweetness and enhances the overall apple flavor.
4. Embrace the Single Layer Rule: It might be tempting to crowd the pan to finish faster, but this is the fastest way to get soggy, steamed apples. Give each slice its personal space to breathe and release moisture. Use multiple pans if you have to.
5. Parchment Paper is Non-Negotiable: Do not try to make these directly on a metal pan, even a non-stick one. The natural sugars in the apple, plus any added sugar, will caramelize and stick like glue. Parchment paper ensures a clean release and saves you from a major scrubbing job.
6. Know Your Oven’s Hot Spots: Most ovens have hot spots. Rotating your baking sheets halfway through the total cooking time (not just when you flip the slices) can help ensure a more even bake across both trays.
7. Patience During Cooling: It cannot be stressed enough: the chips will not be fully crisp when they come out of the oven. They must cool completely on a wire rack. Resisting the urge to test one right away is hard, but the crispy reward is worth the wait.
8. Experiment with Spices: Cinnamon is classic, but don’t be afraid to get creative! Try a “pumpkin pie spice” blend with nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. A pinch of cardamom can add an exotic warmth, or a tiny dash of cayenne pepper can create a surprising sweet-and-spicy kick.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about making baked apple chips at home.

1. Why aren’t my apple chips crispy?
This is the most common issue and usually has one of four causes: 1) The slices were too thick, retaining too much moisture. 2) The oven temperature was too high, causing them to cook instead of dehydrate. 3) They were not baked long enough. 4) You didn’t let them cool completely on a wire rack. Humidity in your kitchen can also affect crispness; ensure they are stored in an airtight container as soon as they are cool.

2. Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes, you can! An air fryer works wonderfully for making apple chips and is much faster. Set your air fryer to around 300°F (150°C). Arrange the seasoned slices in a single layer in the basket (you will have to work in batches). Air fry for 8-12 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket every 3-4 minutes, until they are dried and lightly golden. They will also crisp up as they cool.

3. How do I store baked apple chips to keep them crispy?
The key to storage is to ensure they are 100% completely cool and dry before you put them away. Any residual warmth will create steam inside the container, making them soggy. Store them in a truly airtight container, like a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid or a zip-top bag with all the air pressed out. They will last at room temperature for up to a week.

4. Can I make these without any sugar?
Absolutely! The recipe is delicious without any added sugar. The chips will be less sweet and more tart, allowing the natural apple flavor to be the star. They also won’t have the same slightly caramelized sheen, but they will still become wonderfully crispy.

5. What other spices can I use besides cinnamon?
The possibilities are endless! Try a blend of nutmeg and allspice for a classic “apple pie” flavor. A dash of cardamom adds a sophisticated, fragrant note. For a savory twist, you could even try a tiny pinch of salt and smoked paprika.

6. Are homemade baked apple chips actually healthy?
Yes, they are a very healthy snack, especially when compared to fried potato chips or sugary cookies. They are low in calories, high in fiber, and retain many of the vitamins and minerals from the raw fruit. When you make them at home, you have complete control over the ingredients, meaning no preservatives, artificial flavors, or excessive sugar.

7. Why did my apple chips burn?
Burning usually happens for a few reasons. Your oven temperature might have been too high, causing the sugars to burn before the moisture could evaporate. Your slices might have been too thin in some spots. Also, every oven has hot spots, so some chips might burn while others are perfect. Rotating the pan can help prevent this.

8. Can I use a food dehydrator instead of an oven?
Yes, a food dehydrator is the ideal appliance for this task. Arrange the seasoned apple slices on the dehydrator trays in a single layer. Set the temperature to 135°F (57°C) and let them dehydrate for 6-10 hours, or until they are dry and crisp. They will be perfectly and evenly dehydrated.

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