If you’ve ever craved a snack that is irresistibly crunchy, naturally sweet, and infused with warm spice, you’re going to love this Cinnamon Apple Chips Recipe. It transforms ordinary apples into addictive, crispy chips that carry the comforting aroma and flavor of cinnamon with a hint of citrus brightness. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack, a guilt-free dessert, or a charming addition to your party platter, these homemade apple chips are a showstopper. The recipe is easy to follow and uses simple ingredients you’ll likely have on hand, making it a perfect cozy kitchen project.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze, yet each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture in your cinnamon apple chips. The apples provide crispness and natural sweetness, while the cinnamon adds that iconic warm spice. Lemon juice keeps the slices fresh and bright, and the optional sweetener enhances the overall taste if you prefer a little extra indulgence.
- 4 medium apples (preferably Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp): These firm varieties hold up well to baking and slice beautifully thin for crunchiness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warming spice that perfectly complements the apples.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Prevents browning and adds a subtle tart brightness to the chips.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor profile.
- Optional: 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey: A touch of natural sweetness for those who like their chips a bit more indulgent.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Chips Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Set your oven to a low temperature of 200°F (93°C) to dry out the apple slices slowly without burning them. Make sure to line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats, ensuring your apple slices don’t stick and bake evenly. This detail makes cleanup easier and guarantees a smooth baking process.
Step 2: Slice the Apples Thinly and Evenly
Core each apple and slice them as thinly as possible — about 1/8 inch is ideal. Using a mandoline slicer makes this step a breeze and ensures uniformity, which means all your chips will bake at the same rate and crisp up perfectly. Thin, even slices are key to that delightful crunch you’re aiming for with the Cinnamon Apple Chips Recipe.
Step 3: Mix Cinnamon, Salt, and Sweetener
In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon, salt, and if desired, your maple syrup or honey. This mixture is going to lightly coat each apple slice, providing that irresistible aroma and flavor boost. Gently tossing the slices in this blend helps the spice stick evenly, so every bite bursts with warmth and just a hint of sweetness.
Step 4: Arrange Slices Neatly and Drizzle Lemon Juice
Lay the spiced apple slices out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheets. Overlapping will cause uneven baking and some slices will remain soft, so give each piece some breathing room. Drizzle the lemon juice over the arranged slices — this simple addition prevents discoloration and contributes a subtle tang, enhancing the overall flavor without overpowering the cinnamon.
Step 5: Bake Low and Slow for Crispy Perfection
Place the trays in the oven and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours. Flip each slice halfway through the time to ensure even drying on both sides. The low temperature dehydrates the apples slowly, transforming them into crisp chips without caramelizing or burning. Patience here pays off with a wonderfully crunchy, naturally sweet treat.
Step 6: Cool Completely Before Storing
Once the baking time is up, let your apple chips cool entirely on the baking sheets. This resting period allows them to crisp up further and reach that perfect texture. Storing them too soon while warm can trap moisture and cause your chips to lose their delightful crunch, so this step is crucial in your Cinnamon Apple Chips Recipe journey.
How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Chips Recipe
Garnishes
Though these chips are fantastic on their own, a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of melted dark chocolate can elevate their presentation and flavor. Adding a pinch of flaky sea salt can also create a wonderful sweet-salty contrast if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
Apple chips make a fantastic companion to creamy dips like Greek yogurt mixed with honey and cinnamon or nut butters such as almond or peanut butter. They also pair perfectly with sharp cheeses, making them a sophisticated addition to any cheese board.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering these cinnamon apple chips into parfaits with yogurt and granola for an added crunch or crumble them over oatmeal and salads for a sweet-spicy twist. You can also gift them in decorative jars tied with a ribbon for a charming homemade treat that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your completely cooled apple chips in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and crispy for up to one week, making them a perfect snack to enjoy throughout your busy week or to pack for on-the-go cravings.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t ideal for maintaining crunch in apple chips, you can store them in a freezer-safe container if necessary. Just be sure to let them thaw and crisp in the oven briefly before serving to revive their texture.
Reheating
If your apple chips lose a bit of their crispness, a quick 5 to 10-minute stint in a 200°F (93°C) oven will help them regain their delightful crunch. Keep a close watch to prevent burning and enjoy them warm or cooled.
FAQs
Can I use different varieties of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While firm apples like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp work best for crisp chips, you can experiment with other varieties to find your favorite taste and texture.
Is it necessary to use lemon juice on the apple slices?
Yes, lemon juice helps prevent the apple slices from browning during baking and adds a delicate tang that balances the sweetness and cinnamon.
Can I make this recipe without added sweetener?
Yes, the apples and cinnamon naturally provide enough sweetness for many palates, but adding maple syrup or honey can enhance the flavor if you prefer a sweeter chip.
How thin should the apple slices be?
A thickness of about 1/8 inch is ideal. Thinner slices dry out evenly and become crispier, while thicker slices might remain chewy instead of crunchy.
What if my apple chips are soggy after baking?
This usually means they need more drying time in the oven. Make sure to slice thinly, space them out, and flip halfway through baking. Cooling completely on the baking sheet is also essential for crispness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a snack that’s bursting with comforting autumn flavors, wonderfully crisp, and simple to make, then this Cinnamon Apple Chips Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Once you try them, you’ll want to make these crunchy delights over and over again, sharing them with loved ones or savoring them yourself anytime the craving strikes. So go ahead, gather your apples, and get ready to create a snack that brings warmth and joy with every bite!
Print
Cinnamon Apple Chips Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy, lightly spiced Cinnamon Apple Chips are a healthy and delicious snack made from thinly sliced apples baked until crispy and coated with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a hint of salt, and optional sweetness. These homemade apple chips are easy to prepare, perfect for satisfying snack cravings with a naturally sweet and tangy flavor.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples (preferably a firm variety like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (for extra sweetness)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Slice the Apples: Core and slice the apples very thinly, about 1/8-inch thick, using a knife or mandoline slicer for uniform slices that will crisp evenly.
- Mix the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine ground cinnamon, salt, and if desired, the optional maple syrup or honey to add a touch of sweetness.
- Coat the Apple Slices: Sprinkle the cinnamon mixture evenly over the apple slices and gently toss or rub them to coat each slice thoroughly with the spice blend.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Lay the apple slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets, making sure the slices do not overlap for proper crisping.
- Add Lemon Juice: Drizzle or lightly brush the apple slices with lemon juice to prevent browning and provide a fresh, tart contrast to the sweetness.
- Bake the Chips: Bake the apple slices in the preheated oven for 1.5 to 2 hours, flipping them halfway through to ensure crispness on both sides. Bake until the chips are dry and crunchy.
- Cool Completely: Remove the apple chips from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheets, which allows them to crisp further as they cool down.
- Store the Chips: Once cooled, store the apple chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their crispness and flavor.
Notes
- Use firm, crisp apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp for the best texture.
- Slice uniformly thin to ensure even baking and optimal crunch.
- Flipping halfway through baking helps both sides become evenly crispy.
- Apple chips can be stored in an airtight container but may lose crispness over time; re-crisp by baking briefly if needed.
- Optional sweetener adds extra sweetness but is not necessary as the apples have natural sugars.
- Lemon juice prevents oxidation and keeps chips visually appealing.
