Crunchy Cinnamon Sugar Baked Apple Chips

$- 3 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji recommended for sweetness) - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Pinch of salt For these cinnamon sugar baked apple chips, you want to choose the right apples. Honeycrisp and Fuji are my favorites because they are sweet and crisp. You will need three medium apples. Next, gather your other ingredients. You will need two tablespoons of granulated sugar and one teaspoon of ground cinnamon. These two will add the sweet and spicy flavor we all love. Don't forget the lemon juice! One tablespoon keeps the apples from turning brown. It also adds a nice zest. Lastly, a pinch of salt enhances all the flavors in this tasty snack. With these simple ingredients, you create a delicious and healthy treat. These apple chips are perfect for snacking or sharing. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 220°F (104°C). This low heat helps the apples dry out without burning. While the oven warms up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will keep your apple chips from sticking and make cleanup easier. Wash three medium apples under cold water. Dry them well with a towel. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, cut the apples into very thin slices, about 1/8 inch thick. Be sure to remove any seeds you see in the slices. In a medium bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir the mixture well to ensure that the flavors mix evenly. This will give your apple chips a sweet and spicy kick. Lemon juice is key to keeping your apple slices fresh. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of lemon juice over the freshly cut apple slices. This will stop them from browning and adds a nice zing to the flavor. Now it’s time to coat the apple slices. Gently toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they are all evenly coated. This step enhances the flavor, making every bite delicious. Lay the coated apple slices in a single layer on your lined baking sheets. Avoid overlapping them. This ensures that every slice bakes evenly and gets nice and crispy. Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for about 1½ to 2 hours. Halfway through, flip the apple chips. This helps them crisp up evenly. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent burning. When the apple chips turn golden and crispy, take them out of the oven. Let them cool completely on the baking sheets. As they cool, they will become even crispier. This step is important for the perfect crunch! For sweet apple chips, I love using Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. These varieties have a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. Honeycrisp apples are juicy and crisp, making them ideal. Fuji apples are also sweet and hold their shape well during baking. If you prefer a tart flavor, try Granny Smith apples. They offer a nice contrast to the sweet cinnamon sugar. Using a mandoline slicer helps achieve thin, even slices. This tool makes slicing quick and easy. Aim for slices that are about 1/8 inch thick. Thinner slices will crisp up better in the oven. If you don’t have a mandoline, a sharp knife works too. Just be sure to cut evenly for the best results. For a fun presentation, place your apple chips in a decorative bowl. You can also stack them in a tall glass. This shows off their lovely shapes. For a tasty twist, serve them with dips like caramel or yogurt. You could even sprinkle some extra cinnamon on top for a beautiful touch. Enjoy your crunchy snack! Pro Tips Choose the Right Apples: For the best flavor and sweetness, opt for Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. Their natural sugars enhance the taste of the chips. Slicing Technique: Use a mandoline slicer for uniform thickness. Consistent slices ensure even baking and crispiness. Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the apple chips towards the end of baking to prevent burning. Every oven is different, and they can go from perfect to burnt quickly. Storage Tips: Store cooled apple chips in an airtight container to maintain their crunchiness. They can last for up to a week if kept dry. {{image_4}} To make your apple chips even more exciting, you can add nutmeg or cloves. Just a pinch of these spices adds warmth and depth. If you want to try alternative sweeteners, use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar. This change can offer new flavors that are still sweet. Always adjust the amount to match your taste. Don't stop at apples! You can make chips with pears or bananas. Each fruit has its own taste and texture. When using pears, slice them thinly, just like apples. Bananas need a bit more care since they have higher moisture. You might want to bake them for a shorter time. Keep an eye on them to avoid softness. If you like a kick, try adding cayenne or chili powder. Just a little will give your chips a fun twist. You can also experiment with herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory touch. These options bring a new dimension to your snack. They can surprise your taste buds and impress your friends! To keep your apple chips fresh, use an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure the container seals tightly to keep out air. Store your apple chips in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can make them soft. Apple chips can stay fresh for about 1 to 2 weeks when stored properly. After that, they may lose their crunch. Look for signs of spoilage, like a stale smell or a soft texture. If they feel chewy, they are past their prime. If your apple chips lose their crispiness, you can easily fix them. Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Spread the chips on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 10 to 15 minutes. Check them often to avoid burning. This should bring back their crunch! To keep your apple chips crispy, watch the baking temperature and time. Bake at 220°F (104°C) for 1½ to 2 hours. Thin slices are key! Aim for 1/8 inch thick. Flip them halfway through baking. This helps them crisp evenly. Keep an eye on them toward the end. Any overcooking can lead to burnt chips. Yes, you can swap sugars! Granulated sugar is common, but try brown sugar or coconut sugar. Each adds a unique flavor. Brown sugar gives a deeper, richer taste. Coconut sugar is a great option for a lower glycemic index. Adjust the amount slightly if you use different sugars. Cinnamon sugar baked apple chips can be a healthier snack. Apples are full of fiber and vitamins. They help with digestion and keep you full. The sugar and cinnamon do add calories, so watch your portions. Using less sugar can help. Enjoy these chips as a fun treat! You learned how to make tasty and healthy apple chips. With simple steps, you can choose the right apples and season them for great flavor. Don't forget to store your chips properly to keep them fresh. When you explore variations, you can try different fruits or add spices. Remember to adjust your baking time to avoid chewy chips. Enjoy making and sharing these easy snacks!$

Crunchy Cinnamon Sugar Baked Apple Chips

Deliciously crispy apple chips coated with cinnamon sugar, perfect for a healthy snack.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 2

Total Time 2 15

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients

3 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji recommended for sweetness)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 pinch salt

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 220°F (104°C). To make cleanup easier, line two baking sheets with parchment paper, creating a non-stick surface for the apple chips.
Prepare the Apples: Wash and thoroughly dry the apples. Utilize a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to cut the apples into very thin slices, approximately 1/8 inch thick, ensuring to remove any seeds found in the slices.
Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to ensure even distribution of flavors.
Prevent Browning: Drizzle the lemon juice over the freshly sliced apple pieces. This step is essential as it prevents browning and adds a hint of zesty freshness to the apples.
Coat the Slices: Gently toss the apple slices in the prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture until they are evenly coated. This will enhance their flavor with every bite.
Arrange the Slices: Lay the coated apple slices in a single layer on the lined baking sheets. Be careful not to overlap the slices; this ensures they bake evenly and become perfectly crispy.
Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1½ to 2 hours. Flip the apple chips halfway through the baking time for even crisping. Keep a vigilant eye on them towards the end of cooking to prevent any burning.
Cooling Time: After the chips reach a golden color and crispy texture, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheets. As they cool, they will become even crispier for your enjoyment.

Notes

For serving, arrange the apple chips in a decorative bowl or stack them in a tall glass. Finish with a light sprinkle of cinnamon for added appeal.

Keyword apple chips, healthy, snack