If you’re looking for a delightfully crisp, naturally sweet snack that’s as addictive as it is healthy, this Baked Apple Chips Recipe will quickly become your go-to. Thin, golden slices of apple baked low and slow create a light, crunchy treat bursting with mellow apple flavor and just a hint of caramelization. Whether you’re craving a guilt-free nibble in the afternoon or want to jazz up your snack game, these homemade apple chips deliver satisfyingly crisp results without any added sugar or preservatives, making them a wholesome snack favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Baked Apple Chips Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients that shine in simplicity but are essential to creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Each component enhances the final chip’s crispness, natural sweetness, and visual appeal.
- Red Prince apples: These apples bring a beautiful blush color and a sweet-tart flavor that crisps up beautifully when baked.
- Optional parchment paper or silicone baking mat: Prevents sticking and helps the apple slices bake evenly for that ideal crunch.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Baked Apple Chips Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Apples
Start by preheating your oven to 200°F to ensure a low and slow baking process that perfectly dehydrates the apples. Slice your Red Prince apples into ultra-thin rounds, about 1/16 of an inch thick. A mandoline slicer works wonders here for consistent slices, but if you have steady hands and slicing skills, that will do just fine. The thinner the slices, the crisper your apple chips will become.
Step 2: Arrange the Apple Slices
Next, lay your apple slices in a single layer on a thick-bottomed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Make sure none of the slices overlap; this step is crucial because any stacking can cause uneven baking and prevent that signature crispness.
Step 3: Bake and Flip
Bake the slices for 1 hour, then carefully flip each slice to ensure both sides cook evenly. Return them to the oven and bake for an additional hour. This slow baking process gradually draws out moisture and caramelizes the sugars, creating that perfect crisp texture.
Step 4: Cool and Store
Once baked, remove the apple chips from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. They will crisp up further as they cool. When cooled, store the chips in an airtight container to keep their crunch intact. If you bake two sheets at once, just add an extra 30 to 45 minutes to the total baking time for perfect results.
How to Serve Baked Apple Chips Recipe
Garnishes
One of the best things about this Baked Apple Chips Recipe is how versatile it is for garnishing. Sprinkle your chips with a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg right before serving for an extra layer of warm spice. For a sweet-savory twist, a pinch of flaky sea salt can also enhance the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
These apple chips shine as a delightful accompaniment to sharp cheeses like aged cheddar or creamy brie, making them a fantastic addition to your cheese board. They also pair wonderfully with nut butters, yogurt dips, or even as a crunchy topping on oatmeal and salads to add a sweet contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve your baked apple chips stacked in small mason jars or wrapped in parchment cones for a rustic touch. You can even arrange them around a dessert plate for a crunchy garnish. Their beautiful blush color and perfect crispness make them as photogenic as they are delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your homemade apple chips will stay perfectly crisp stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keep them away from humidity and moisture to avoid sogginess and enjoy that fresh crunch days later.
Freezing
While apple chips don’t traditionally freeze well due to their delicate texture, you can freeze them in a sealed container if you want to extend their life. Thaw them at room temperature and eat soon after to minimize moisture buildup that could soften the chips.
Reheating
If your apple chips lose a bit of their crunch, a quick 5 to 10 minute warm-up in a low oven (around 200°F) can help revive their crisp texture. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning or over-drying.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for the Baked Apple Chips Recipe?
Absolutely! While Red Prince apples work wonderfully for their flavor and color, feel free to experiment with Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp. Each variety offers a unique sweetness or tartness that will slightly change the flavor profile of your chips.
Do I need to peel the apples before slicing?
There’s no need to peel them—the apple skin adds a lovely texture, extra nutrients, and vibrant color. Just be sure to wash the apples well before slicing.
Can I add spices or sweeteners to the apple slices before baking?
Yes, you can sprinkle cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a light dusting of brown sugar on the apple slices before baking. Just keep in mind that added sugar may caramelize faster, so watch your chips carefully to prevent burning.
How thin should I slice the apples for the best results?
The ideal thickness is about 1/16 of an inch for perfectly crispy chips. Thicker slices tend to stay chewy, while thinner slices could bake too quickly and risk burning.
Can I make a large batch of baked apple chips at once?
Definitely! You can bake two sheets at once, just remember to increase the baking time by 30 to 45 minutes to ensure all slices get evenly dry and crisp.
Final Thoughts
Making your own crispy, flavorful snack has never felt so rewarding. The Baked Apple Chips Recipe is easy, requiring minimal ingredients but delivering maximum delight. Once you try these crunchy apple slices, you’ll wonder how you ever bought snacks from the store before. Go ahead, give it a try—you’re just a couple of hours away from your new favorite wholesome treat!
PrintBaked Apple Chips Recipe
Delightfully crispy and naturally sweet, these Baked Apple Chips are an easy and healthy snack made by slowly baking thinly sliced apples until perfectly crisp. This simple recipe requires minimal ingredients and equipment, offering a wholesome alternative to store-bought chips with no added sugars or preservatives.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 2 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving per apple (approximately 1 baking sheet per apple)
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 Red Prince apple per person (you can bake slices from two apples at once by using two baking sheets)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven temperature to 200°F (93°C), ensuring it’s low enough to slowly dehydrate the apple slices without burning them.
- Slice the apples: Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife with precise slicing skills, cut the apples into very thin slices about 1/16 inch thick. Aim for uniform thickness to ensure even baking.
- Arrange the slices: Line a thick-bottomed baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. Lay the apple slices flat on the sheet without overlapping to allow proper air circulation and even crisping.
- Bake first side: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the apple slices for 1 hour at 200°F.
- Flip slices: After the first hour, carefully flip each apple slice over to the other side to ensure even drying and crispiness.
- Bake second side: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake the slices for another hour at the same temperature.
- Cool and store: Remove the apple chips from the oven. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet; this will allow them to crisp up further. Once cool, store the apple chips in an airtight container to maintain their crisp texture.
Notes
- You can bake slices from two apples simultaneously using two baking sheets, but you will need to increase the total baking time by 30 to 45 minutes to fully dry the slices.
- For best results, use a mandoline slicer to ensure ultra-thin and even slices, which yield crispier chips.
- Store in an airtight container away from moisture to keep chips crispy for several days.
- Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties to adjust the sweetness and tartness of your chips.
