Our house transforms into a fragrant haven every time these Baked Cinnamon Sugar Apple Chips are in the oven. The sweet aroma of apples and warm cinnamon wafts through every room, drawing everyone to the kitchen like a magnet. My kids, who can be notoriously picky, absolutely devour these. They see them as a treat, and I see them as a wonderfully healthy snack that I feel good about giving them. The first time I made them, I was astounded by how simple the process was, yet the result was so incredibly delicious and satisfying. That delightful crunch, followed by the burst of sweet apple and comforting cinnamon – it’s a combination that’s hard to beat. They’ve become a staple for school lunches, movie nights, and even as a guilt-free nibble for myself when a sugar craving hits. Forget store-bought versions with their long ingredient lists; these homemade apple chips are pure, wholesome goodness, and making them is almost as enjoyable as eating them!

Ingredients

• 4 medium-sized Apples (e.g., Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady for sweetness; Granny Smith for a tarter chip. Choose firm, crisp apples.)
• 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (or coconut sugar for a less refined option. This provides sweetness and helps with crisping.)
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (the star spice, providing warmth and classic flavor.)
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg (adds a subtle, warm complexity to the spice blend.)
• Optional: 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (mixed with a little water, can be used to prevent browning if you’re working slowly, though not strictly necessary for this recipe.)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This low temperature is key to dehydrating the apples rather than baking them too quickly.
2. Wash and Core Apples: Thoroughly wash and dry the apples. Using an apple corer or a small knife, remove the cores. You can leave the skin on for added fiber and color.
3. Slice Apples Thinly: This is the most crucial step for crispy chips. Using a mandoline slicer (recommended for uniform thinness, set to about 1/16 to 1/8 inch thick) or a very sharp knife, slice the apples into thin rounds. The thinner the slices, the crispier your chips will be. If using a knife, aim for consistency.
4. Mix Sugar and Spices: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Mix well.
5. Arrange Apple Slices: Lay the apple slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Ensure they are not overlapping, as this will prevent them from crisping up properly. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your apples and baking sheets.
6. Sprinkle with Cinnamon Sugar: Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the apple slices. You don’t need to coat them heavily; a light, even dusting is perfect.
7. Bake Low and Slow: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour.
8. Flip and Continue Baking: After 1 hour, carefully flip each apple slice. This helps them dry out evenly on both sides.
9. Second Bake: Return the baking sheets to the oven and bake for another 1 to 1.5 hours. Keep an eye on them during the last 30 minutes, as thinner slices or hotter spots in your oven can cause some chips to brown faster. They should appear dry and slightly curled at the edges. Some may still be slightly pliable when hot.
10. Cool for Crispiness: Turn off the oven and, if you like, you can leave the oven door slightly ajar (propped open with a wooden spoon) and let the apple chips cool completely in the oven for another hour or so. This helps them crisp up further as they dehydrate more. Alternatively, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on wire racks. They will become much crispier as they cool.
11. Store: Once completely cool and crispy, store the baked cinnamon sugar apple chips in an airtight container at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: Approximately 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Roughly 80-100 calories (will vary based on apple size and exact sugar quantity)
• Fiber: A good source of dietary fiber, primarily from the apple skins, aiding digestion.
• Vitamin C: Apples provide a decent amount of Vitamin C, an antioxidant important for immune function.
• Low Fat: Naturally very low in fat, making them a heart-healthy snack option.
• No Added Preservatives: Unlike many store-bought chips, these contain no artificial preservatives or colors.
• Natural Sugars: While some sugar is added, a significant portion of the sweetness comes from the natural sugars in the apples.

Preparation Time

• Active Preparation Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes (mostly for washing, coring, and slicing the apples).
• Baking Time: 2 to 2.5 hours, plus additional cooling time for optimal crispiness.
• Total Time: Around 2.5 to 3.5 hours (including passive baking and cooling).

How to Serve

Baked Cinnamon Sugar Apple Chips are wonderfully versatile! Here are some delightful ways to serve them:

• As a Standalone Snack:
  • Perfect for lunchboxes for kids and adults.
  • A healthy option for satisfying mid-day munchies.
  • Great for movie nights or game days as a lighter alternative to popcorn or potato chips.
• With Dips:
  • Serve alongside a bowl of creamy peanut butter or almond butter.
  • Pair with a light yogurt dip (Greek yogurt mixed with a touch of honey or maple syrup).
  • Offer with caramel sauce for a more indulgent treat.
• As a Topping or Garnish:
  • Crumble over oatmeal or breakfast porridge.
  • Add a crunchy texture to yogurt parfaits.
  • Sprinkle on top of salads for a sweet and crispy element (especially good with salads featuring nuts and goat cheese).
  • Use as a garnish for apple pies, crumbles, or cakes.
  • Decorate ice cream sundaes.
• On a Cheese Board:
  • Their sweet and spicy notes complement a variety of cheeses, especially cheddar, brie, or goat cheese.
• With Hot Beverages:
  • Enjoy with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot apple cider for a cozy fall or winter treat.
• Party Appetizer:
  • Arrange them artfully on a platter for a simple, elegant, and healthy party snack.

Additional Tips

Choose the Right Apples: Selecting the ideal apple variety is crucial for achieving the best flavor and texture in your apple chips. Firm, crisp apples are essential as they hold their shape during the baking process and develop a satisfying crunch. Among the top contenders are Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, and Pink Lady, all of which impart a natural sweetness that enhances the overall taste of the chips. If you prefer a tangier profile, Granny Smith apples are a fantastic option; their tartness creates a delightful contrast to the sweetness of added cinnamon sugar. It’s important to steer clear of mealy apples like Red Delicious, as their soft texture fails to crisp up nicely, leading to disappointing results. Always select apples that feel firm when squeezed and have a vibrant color, as these factors often indicate freshness and optimal flavor.

Uniform Slicing is Key: When it comes to making apple chips, uniform slicing is critical for consistent cooking. A mandoline slicer is highly recommended for this task, as it allows for precise control over the thickness of each slice, ideally between 1/16 to 1/8 inch. This level of consistency ensures that all slices bake evenly, avoiding the risk of some being overcooked while others remain underdone. If you prefer to slice by hand, take your time and focus on maintaining a steady hand and even pressure. It may help to use the apple’s natural curves as a guide, and consider using a sharp knife for clean cuts. The goal is to achieve thin, even slices that will dehydrate uniformly, resulting in perfectly crisp chips.

Don’t Overlap: The arrangement of apple slices on the baking sheet is equally important. To achieve that coveted crispiness, ensure that each slice is laid out in a single layer without overlapping. Overlapping slices trap moisture, which can lead to soggy chips rather than the desired crunch. If you have a large batch of slices, it’s better to utilize multiple baking sheets or bake in batches. This approach not only promotes even cooking but also allows for better air circulation around each slice, enhancing the drying process.

Low and Slow Wins the Race: One of the most critical steps in making apple chips is to bake them at a low temperature. Resist the temptation to raise the oven temperature to expedite the process; instead, maintain a steady temperature of 200°F (93°C). This low and slow approach allows the apples to dehydrate gradually, preserving their flavor while preventing them from burning. Baking at higher temperatures can cause the sugars in the apples to caramelize too quickly, leading to uneven texture and a less appealing taste. Patience is key here, as the longer baking time ultimately rewards you with perfectly crisp apple chips.

Cool Completely for Maximum Crisp: Once your apple chips are done baking, it’s tempting to dig in right away, but allowing them to cool properly is essential for achieving maximum crispness. The cooling process allows any residual moisture to escape, leading to a crunchier texture. For an extra boost of crispiness, consider turning off the oven after baking, propping the oven door ajar with a wooden spoon, and letting the chips cool inside for an additional hour. This method not only helps to maintain a stable environment for cooling but also keeps the chips warm and fresh.

Adjust Sweetness to Taste: The amount of sugar used in the recipe is flexible and can be adjusted according to the natural sweetness of your chosen apples and your personal preference. While the original recipe suggests 2 tablespoons of sugar, feel free to taste the apple slices before baking and modify the sweetness to suit your liking. If you prefer a healthier alternative, consider using natural sweeteners such as maple sugar or coconut sugar, which can impart unique flavors while keeping the chips deliciously sweet.

Experiment with Spices: While cinnamon is the classic choice for flavoring apple chips, don’t hesitate to explore other spices that can elevate your snack. A pinch of nutmeg or allspice can add a warm depth, while cardamom introduces a fragrant twist. For those who enjoy a hint of heat, a tiny dash of cayenne pepper can create an unexpected yet delightful contrast to the sweetness of the apples. Feel free to play around with different spice combinations until you discover a blend that tantalizes your taste buds.

Proper Storage for Longevity: To keep your apple chips fresh and crunchy, proper storage is essential. After they have cooled completely, transfer the chips to an airtight container and store them at room temperature. If stored correctly, they can remain fresh for up to a week, although their crispiness may slightly diminish over time. If you find that your chips have lost some of their crunch, don’t despair; you can easily re-crisp them by placing them back in a low oven (200°F) for 10-15 minutes. This quick reheating method can restore their delightful crunch, ensuring you can enjoy your homemade apple chips to the fullest!

FAQ Section

Q1: Why are my apple chips not crispy?
A1: There are a few common reasons:
* Slices were too thick: Thicker slices retain more moisture and won’t dehydrate enough to become crispy. Aim for 1/16 to 1/8 inch thickness.
* Oven temperature too high: This can cause them to cook or burn before they fully dehydrate.
* Overlapping slices: Slices need space for air to circulate and moisture to escape.
* Not cooled completely: Apple chips crisp up significantly as they cool. Be patient!
* Humidity: High humidity in your kitchen can affect crispiness. Storing them in an airtight container immediately after cooling is crucial.

Q2: Can I make these without sugar?
A2: Yes, you absolutely can! They will be less sweet and might not have the same slight caramelization, but they will still be delicious and even healthier. The cinnamon will still provide a lovely flavor. You might find that using naturally sweeter apples (like Fuji or Honeycrisp) is best if omitting sugar.

Q3: What are the best types of apples to use for apple chips?
A3: Firm, crisp apples are ideal as they hold their shape well and have a good texture when dried. Recommended varieties include Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Braeburn, and Golden Delicious. For a tarter chip, Granny Smith apples are a great choice. Avoid softer, mealy apples like Red Delicious.

Q4: How thin should I slice the apples?
A4: For the crispiest chips, slice the apples very thinly, about 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch (approximately 1.5mm to 3mm). A mandoline slicer is highly recommended for achieving uniform thinness, which ensures even baking.

Q5: How do I store homemade apple chips and how long do they last?
A5: Once the apple chips are completely cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If stored properly, they can last for up to a week. However, they are often best enjoyed within the first few days for maximum crispness. If they lose some crispness, you can try to refresh them in a low oven (200°F / 93°C) for 10-15 minutes.

Q6: Can I use an air fryer or dehydrator instead of an oven?
A6: Yes!
* Air Fryer: Arrange slices in a single layer. Air fry at around 300°F (150°C) for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy. You’ll need to work in batches.
* Dehydrator: This is an excellent method. Arrange slices on dehydrator trays and dry at 135°F (57°C) for 6-10 hours, or until crispy. Dehydrators excel at making perfectly crisp chips.

Q7: My apple slices are browning before I even bake them. How can I prevent this?
A7: Apples naturally oxidize and brown when exposed to air. To minimize this, you can toss the apple slices in a bowl with a tablespoon of lemon juice mixed with a little water before arranging them on the baking sheets. The acidity of the lemon juice helps prevent browning. However, for this recipe, a little browning isn’t usually a major issue as they will darken slightly during baking anyway.

Q8: Can I add other spices or flavorings?
A8: Absolutely! Cinnamon is classic, but feel free to get creative.
* Warm Spices: Nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, or pumpkin pie spice blend well.
* Spicy Kick: A tiny pinch of cayenne pepper can add an interesting contrast.
* Vanilla: A splash of vanilla extract tossed with the apples before sprinkling sugar can add a lovely aroma and flavor.
* Citrus Zest: Lemon or orange zest mixed with the sugar can provide a bright note.
Experiment to find your favorite combinations!

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