Apples, right? They’re like nature’s candy—sweet, crunchy, and just brimming with possibilities.
Fall always gets me in the mood for something cozy and nostalgic, and apple chips hit the spot every single time. It’s funny, isn’t it?
—how just the scent of apples baking can send you on a memory trip back to grandma’s kitchen or that one autumn festival where everything smelled like cinnamon. Making apple chips at home is a bit like capturing that essence, like bottling up a moment of crisp autumn air.
And let’s be honest, those store-bought ones—though convenient—can’t hold a candle to the homemade version. So, grab your favorite apples, maybe a sprinkle of cinnamon, and let’s turn these humble fruits into a snack that’s as wholesome as a hug on a chilly day.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- Slice the cored apples thinly and place the slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the apple slices.
- Bake the apples in the oven until they are dried and the edges begin to curl, approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Once baked, use a metal spatula to move the apple chips to a wire rack to cool down and become crispy.
Ingredients
- 2 Golden Delicious apples, cored and sliced thinly
- 1 ½ teaspoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Nutritional Values
Calories: 144 | Carbs: 42g | Protein: 0g | Sodium: 6mg | Dietary Fiber: 6g | Total Sugars: 36g | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 0mg | Potassium: 210mg
FAQ
- What type of apples should I use for apple chips?
- Golden Delicious apples are recommended for this recipe due to their balance of sweetness and tartness. However, you can experiment with other apple varieties based on your taste preference.
- At what temperature should I bake the apple chips?
- Bake the apple slices at a low temperature of 225 degrees Fahrenheit (110 degrees Celsius) to effectively dehydrate them while preserving their flavor.
- How do I ensure the apple chips become crispy?
- To achieve a crispy texture, bake the apple slices until they are dried and their edges curl, typically for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Allow them to cool on a wire rack for added crispiness.
- Can I add other spices to the apple chips?
- Yes, you can customize the flavor by adding spices like cayenne pepper to the cinnamon sugar mixture if you prefer a bit of heat.
- Do I need any special tools to slice the apples?
- While you can use a knife, a mandoline or the slicing blade of a food processor will help achieve uniformly thin slices, which are ideal for even dehydration.
Tips
- For even slicing, use a mandoline or the slicing blade of a food processor. This will help ensure uniform cooking and crispiness.
- Consider flipping the apple slices midway through baking, and sprinkling them with additional cinnamon sugar for extra flavor.
- If you prefer a spicy kick, try adding cayenne pepper to the cinnamon sugar mixture. Adjust the amount to suit your taste.
- If the apple chips are not crispy enough, extend the baking time. Some thicker slices may require up to three hours to achieve the desired crunchiness.
Equipment
- Mandoline – For slicing apples thinly and evenly.
- Metal Baking Sheet – If you don’t already have one suitable for this low-temperature recipe.
- Wire Rack – For cooling the apple chips to achieve crispiness.
