If you love a snack that’s both delightfully crunchy and packed with warm cinnamon flavor, then you absolutely have to try this Crunchy Cinnamon Baked Apple Chips Recipe. I promise you, once you get the hang of making these apple chips, they’ll become your go-to healthy treat that’s unbelievably satisfying and surprisingly easy. I still remember when I first tried making them—it was quickly clear that homemade beats store-bought every single time. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through all my best tips to get that perfect crispiness and flavor every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything on hand—just apples and cinnamon.
- Healthy & Guilt-Free: A crunchy snack with no added sugar or preservatives that tastes like dessert.
- Customizable Crispness: You control how crunchy or chewy you want your chips.
- Versatile Snack: Perfect on their own, or sprinkled on yogurt, oatmeal, or salads for extra texture and flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crunchy Cinnamon Baked Apple Chips Recipe is a breeze because it leans on good apples and cinnamon to do all the magic. Picking apples that are crisp and not too juicy makes a huge difference, and a little cinnamon goes a long way in flavoring.
- Sweet Crisp Apples: I love Honeycrisp or Fuji because they hold their shape and aren’t too soft or too tart.
- Ground Cinnamon: Freshly ground cinnamon adds a warm spice note that complements the apple’s natural sweetness beautifully.
Variations
I like to play around a bit when making this Crunchy Cinnamon Baked Apple Chips Recipe—that’s part of the fun! Sometimes I add a pinch of nutmeg or even a dash of pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist, and you absolutely can, too. Experimenting ensures you’ll find your perfect flavor combo.
- Spiced Up: Adding ground nutmeg or allspice ups the cozy vibes, which my family absolutely adores during fall and winter.
- Sweet Twist: A light drizzle of honey or maple syrup before baking transforms these chips into a sweet treat, though it does make them a bit chewier.
- Apple Variety: Don’t hesitate to try different apples—you’ll notice differences in sweetness and crispiness that are fun to explore.
- Vegan Treat: This recipe is already naturally vegan and gluten-free, perfect if you’re catering to special diets.
How to Make Crunchy Cinnamon Baked Apple Chips Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Apples with Care
Wash your apples thoroughly, then use a corer or a small round cutter to remove the cores—this helps avoid bites into the seeds, but it’s optional if you don’t mind a few. The trick here is slicing: set your mandolin to about 1/8 inch thickness for the best crisp. I found that thicker slices just don’t get crunchy the same way. If you don’t have a mandolin, a sharp knife and patience will do, but take your time for even slices.
Step 2: Arrange and Sprinkle Cinnamon
Lay the apple slices out on parchment-lined baking sheets in a single layer—crowding the slices can cause steaming rather than baking. I sprinkle a light dusting of ground cinnamon on top; I like to keep it even but not too thick to maintain that balanced flavor profile.
Step 3: Slow Bake for Perfect Crispiness
The magic happens in the oven! Bake at 200°F, placing sheets in the upper and lower thirds of your oven for one hour. Then rotate the pans between racks and continue baking for an additional 1 to 1.5 hours. Don’t rush this part—slow baking lets moisture evaporate gradually. I always test a single chip by letting it cool at room temp for a few minutes before deciding if they’re done to keep that perfect crunch.
Step 4: Cooling to Crunch
Turn off the oven and leave the apple chips inside for about an hour to let them crisp up more as the oven cools. This step is one I didn’t realize mattered until I tried skipping it—your patience will pay off with chips that snap delightfully when you bite into them.
Pro Tips for Making Crunchy Cinnamon Baked Apple Chips Recipe
- Mandolin Magic: Using a mandolin slicer guarantees uniform thickness which is the key to even baking and perfect crunch every time.
- Patience Pays Off: Don’t rush the baking or cooling times—slow and steady dries the apples nicely without burning them.
- Avoid Moisture Traps: Make sure your apples don’t overlap and your baking sheets are lined properly so air can circulate freely.
- Test Early and Often: Check a chip halfway through the final baking; this helps prevent overcooking and achieve your preferred crispness.
How to Serve Crunchy Cinnamon Baked Apple Chips Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling these cinnamon apple chips over creamy Greek yogurt topped with granola—adds a delightful crunch and a sweet-spiced flavor. Sometimes I toss them onto a salad for texture and a hint of natural sweetness. You’ll find they elevate even the simplest meals.
Side Dishes
Honestly, these apple chips shine as a snack on their own, but pairing them with nut butter is a combo my kids can’t resist. I also enjoy them alongside a bowl of warm oatmeal or a slice of sharp cheddar for a sweet-savory snack experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifts, I arrange the apple chips in a clear jar or a pretty bowl garnished with cinnamon sticks and a sprig of fresh rosemary—it makes an inviting, homey presentation that always gets compliments. Your guests will never guess how easy they were to make!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover apple chips in an airtight container at room temperature, and they keep their crunch beautifully for up to a week. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before storing to avoid any trapped moisture that could soften them.
Freezing
While I haven’t frozen the apple chips myself, I’ve heard that freezing can cause them to lose their crispness, so I prefer making smaller batches fresh. If you do freeze them, try reheating briefly in a low oven to bring back some crunch.
Reheating
If your apple chips feel a little soft after storage, pop them in a warm oven at 200°F for 5-10 minutes—they’ll crisp right back up. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
FAQs
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Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?
You can use most apples, but I recommend firmer, sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Jazz, or Pink Lady for the best crunchy texture and balanced sweetness. Softer apples might end up chewier or darker in color.
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How thin should I slice the apples?
For perfect crispiness, slice your apples about 1/8 inch thick. Thinner slices crisp up better and bake more evenly, and using a mandolin makes this step much easier.
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Can I skip removing the apple cores?
Yes, you can! Some people don’t mind finding a seed here and there in their chips. But coring helps keep the texture uniform and avoids any bitterness from seeds.
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Why do my apple chips turn out chewy instead of crispy?
This usually happens if the slices are too thick or the apple is overly juicy. Also, don’t skip the cooling step in the oven—it helps the chips dry out fully and achieve that satisfying crunch.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Crunchy Cinnamon Baked Apple Chips Recipe transforms simple fruit into a snack that feels indulgent yet wholesome. It’s a recipe that’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for all seasons. If you give it a try, please enjoy the process as much as the crunchy, cinnamon-spiced results—I guarantee it’ll soon become a staple in your kitchen, just like it has in mine.
PrintCrunchy Cinnamon Baked Apple Chips Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Yield: Approximately 3 cups
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously crispy homemade apple chips made with thinly sliced sweet apples and a hint of cinnamon. These oven-baked snacks are perfect for a healthy treat, topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or salads, offering a naturally sweet and satisfying crunch without any added sugars or preservatives.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3 large sweet crisp apples, such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, Jazz, or Pink Lady
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheets: Place racks in the upper and lower thirds of your oven and preheat to 200°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silpat mat to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the apples: Wash the apples thoroughly. Core them using an apple corer, a very small cookie cutter, or the round side of a metal piping tip, or leave seeds if you prefer. Using a mandolin or a very sharp knife, slice the apples horizontally into thin 1/8 inch-thick rounds for optimal crispness.
- Arrange and season: Lay the apple slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle evenly with ground cinnamon for a warm, spicy flavor.
- Bake and rotate: Bake the apple slices for 1 hour on the upper and lower racks of the oven. After 1 hour, remove the baking sheets and swap their positions between the upper and lower racks to ensure even baking.
- Continue baking: Bake for an additional 1 to 1 ½ hours until the apple chips become crisp. Test crispness by removing a single chip and letting it cool at room temperature for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Cool in oven: Once crispness is achieved, turn off the oven and allow the apple chips to sit inside the cooling oven for 1 hour to crisp up further. Remove immediately if overcooked or you prefer them less dry.
Notes
- Thin slices (1/8 inch) yield the crispiest apple chips. Thicker slices will be chewy but still tasty.
- Apple chip color varies by apple variety; crisper apples produce lighter chips, while softer sweeter apples darken more.
- Total cooking time varies depending on the moisture content of the apples.
- Store apple chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain crispness.
- Enjoy apple chips as a snack or chopped over yogurt with granola, salads, or oatmeal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (approximately 15 grams)
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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