Baked Apple Chips with Cinnamon
Healthy Snacking Made Simple
Imagine the comforting aroma of cinnamon filling your home as thin slices of crisp apples slowly bake to perfection. These baked apple chips with cinnamon are the perfect combination of sweet and crunchy, offering a guilt-free treat you can enjoy anytime. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack to satisfy midday cravings or something special to serve to guests, this recipe is as easy as it is delightful. Best of all, it’s made with just a couple of simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Perfect for those who love clean eating, these apple chips are naturally sweet, gluten-free, and vegan. They provide all the satisfaction of a crunchy snack without any of the processed ingredients found in store-bought alternatives. Grab your favorite apples, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and let’s get baking!
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Best Apples to Use for Baked Apple Chips
Not all apples are created equal when it comes to making the perfect baked apple chips. The variety of apple you choose can impact both the flavor and texture of your chips, so here’s a breakdown to help you decide which one best suits your taste preferences.
Sweet Apples (Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp):
If you prefer a naturally sweet and mild chip, opt for varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp. These apples are known for their high sugar content, which will give your chips a satisfying, candy-like sweetness without the need for added sugars. They also tend to crisp up beautifully due to their firm texture.Tart Apples (Granny Smith, Pink Lady):
For those who like a more tangy flavor, Granny Smith or Pink Lady apples are ideal. Their tartness pairs well with the warming spices like cinnamon, creating a nice contrast that’s perfect if you don’t want your chips too sweet. These varieties also hold their shape well during baking, making them perfect for a crisp texture.Soft Apples (McIntosh, Red Delicious):
While apples like McIntosh or Red Delicious are often sweeter, they have a softer flesh that may result in slightly chewier chips. If you prefer a tender chip with a more delicate texture, these varieties will work, but they won’t be as crispy as firmer apples.
No matter which variety you choose, the key is to slice them as evenly as possible to ensure uniform baking. You can even mix and match varieties to create a balance of sweet and tart chips for a more complex flavor experience!
Customize Your Crunch: Fun Flavor Variations for Apple Chips
One of the best things about making baked apple chips at home is how customizable they are! Here are a few variations to try, depending on your preferences:
Sweeter Chips: If you have a sweet tooth, sprinkle a little brown sugar or coconut sugar on the apple slices before baking. This will give the chips a subtle caramelized flavor as they crisp up in the oven.
Spiced Apple Chips: Want to add a little extra warmth to your chips? Along with the cinnamon, sprinkle on some nutmeg, allspice, or even ground ginger. These spices pair perfectly with the apples for a more complex flavor.
Tart and Tangy: If you prefer a hint of tartness, try using Granny Smith apples instead of sweet varieties like Gala or Fuji. The contrast between the tangy apples and the warming cinnamon is delightful.
Cinnamon-Sugar Combo: For an extra treat, mix cinnamon with a touch of sugar (or a sugar substitute like stevia) before dusting the apple slices. This creates a slightly sweet coating that adds an extra layer of flavor without overwhelming the natural sweetness of the apples.
Savory Twist: If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with a savory version by adding a pinch of sea salt and smoked paprika or chili powder. This creates a unique, sweet-and-savory chip that’s perfect for those who love a little spice!
Dipped Apple Chips: For an indulgent twist, dip half of the cooled apple chips in melted dark chocolate or drizzle some over the top. This adds a luxurious touch while still keeping it relatively healthy.
Feel free to mix and match these variations to find your perfect version of baked apple chips. They’re incredibly versatile, and you’ll have fun experimenting with different flavors!
Baked Apple Chips with Cinnamon
Equipment
- 1 Mandoline slicer (optional but helpful for evenly thin slices)
- 1 Sharp knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Baking sheet(s)
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- 1 Fine mesh sieve (optional, for dusting cinnamon evenly)
- 1 Oven
Ingredients
- 3-4 medium-sized apples (Gala, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best)
- 1-2 tsp ground cinnamon (adjust to your preference)
Optional Ingredients:
- A pinch of nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth.
- A sprinkle of brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter touch.
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 225°F (107°C). This low temperature ensures the apple chips will slowly dehydrate, leaving them perfectly crisp without burning.
Slice the Apples:
- Using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer, cut the apples into thin, even slices—about 1/8-inch thick. The thinner the slices, the crispier your chips will be!
- Tip: No need to core the apples before slicing. You can simply remove the seeds as you go, or leave them for a rustic look.
Arrange the Slices:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Lay the apple slices out in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap, which would prevent even baking.
Add Cinnamon:
- Lightly dust the apple slices with cinnamon. You can use a fine mesh sieve or your fingers to sprinkle it evenly across the slices. Feel free to add more or less cinnamon depending on your preference.
- Optional: For a sweeter variation, sprinkle a little brown sugar or nutmeg on top.
Bake:
- Place the tray in the oven and bake the apple slices for 1.5 to 2 hours. Flip the slices halfway through to ensure they bake evenly. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and crispy.
Cool and Crisp:
- Once baked, remove the apple chips from the oven and let them cool completely on the tray. This allows them to fully crisp up.
- Tip: If your apple chips are still slightly chewy after cooling, place them back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes.
Notes
Storage Tips
To keep your baked apple chips crispy and fresh, store them in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature. They should stay crunchy for up to a week. If they lose their crispiness, pop them back in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crunch. For long-term storage, you can also freeze them in a sealed container and enjoy later!
Sweet, Crisp, and Homemade: Share the Joy of Baked Apple Chips
There’s something so satisfying about creating your own wholesome snacks, and these baked apple chips with cinnamon are no exception. With their perfect balance of sweetness and spice, they’re a treat you can feel good about enjoying any time of day. Whether you’re packing them in lunchboxes, serving them at gatherings, or simply snacking on them at home, these apple chips will quickly become a favorite. Plus, the joy of knowing they’re made with just two simple ingredients makes them even more delightful.
We can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your own! If you add a personal twist or use a different apple variety, we’d love to hear about it in the comments. Don’t forget to share your experience and tag Satisfy Your Cravings on social media so we can see how your apple chips turn out. And if you’re not already subscribed, be sure to follow the blog for more delicious, clean-eating recipes to enjoy with your loved ones!