Crispy Baked Apple Chips Recipe – Healthy & Easy Snack

Let me tell you something about the snack world: it’s full of lies. “Healthy” bars loaded with sugar, “natural” chips bathed in mystery oils. But every once in a while, a snack comes along that’s honest, clean, and doesn’t taste like cardboard. Enter baked apple chips. They’re what happens when you let simplicity lead, and the result is a crisp, sweet, naturally satisfying bite that doesn’t make you question your life choices.

These apple chips aren’t trying to be anything else. No flour. No frying. Just thin-sliced apples, a touch of spice, and a long, slow bake. The kind of thing your grandma might’ve made if she had a convection oven and a Pinterest account. They come out golden, curled at the edges, and packed with concentrated apple flavor. Each bite is a whisper of fall, whether you make them in October or smack in the middle of July.

I started making these because I had too many apples and not enough fridge space. But they quickly became a staple. Easy to throw in a lunchbox, toss on a salad, or just crunch on straight from the jar. They keep well, look fancy, and taste like you put in way more effort than you did. So if you’re looking for a real snack that delivers crunch without the guilt, you’re in the right place.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Just Two Ingredients: Apples and a little cinnamon, that’s it.
• No Added Sugar: The natural sweetness does all the heavy lifting.
• Low-Calorie Snack: Guilt-free crunch with real flavor.
• Great for Kids: A healthy snack even picky eaters love.
• Perfect Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store for later.

Ingredients

• 2 large apples (Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala work best)
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions/Method

1. Preheat Oven: Set to 225°F (110°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Slice Apples: Core apples if desired, then slice them crosswise into very thin rounds (1/8 inch or less). A mandoline helps here.
3. Arrange Slices: Lay apple slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Make sure they don’t overlap.
4. Add Cinnamon: Lightly sprinkle cinnamon over the slices if using.
5. Bake Low & Slow: Bake for 1 hour, flip the slices, then bake for another 1 to 1.5 hours until dry and crisp.
6. Cool to Crisp: Let the chips cool on the trays. They’ll crisp up more as they cool.

Tips & Variations

• Mandoline Magic: For even slices, use a mandoline. Uneven thickness leads to uneven crisp.
• Flavor Twist: Try pumpkin spice, nutmeg, or even a sprinkle of cayenne for a kick.
• Dip It: Serve with almond butter, caramel dip, or Greek yogurt.
• Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container to keep the crunch.

Note

Don’t rush the bake. Low and slow is the secret to crispy chips. Cranking up the heat will just leave you with chewy, sad slices.

Serving Suggestions

• Snack Jar: Keep a mason jar full on the counter for easy snacking.
• On Salads: Adds crunch and sweetness to green salads.
• With Cheese: Serve with a sharp cheddar for a classy bite.
• Kid Lunches: Pack with some nut butter for dipping.

Nutrition Information

Per 1/2 cup serving (approx.):

• Calories: 50
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 0mg
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Sugar: 11g (natural)
• Protein: 0g

User Reviews/Comments

“Crunchy, sweet, and so easy. My kids thought they were store-bought!” – Jenna K.

“Made a batch with cinnamon and another with pumpkin spice—both were devoured in hours.” – Chris T.

“Used Granny Smiths and added a pinch of salt. Totally addictive.” – Rachel F.

FAQs

Do I need to core the apples? Not necessarily. If you like the look of the star-shaped centers, leave them in. Just remove any seeds.

Can I use any apple variety? Yes, but firmer apples like Fuji, Gala, and Honeycrisp tend to yield better texture and flavor when baked.

How do I store baked apple chips? Once completely cooled, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Add a silica packet if you have one to help keep moisture out.

Can I make them in an air fryer? Yes! Set the air fryer to 300°F and cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Watch closely to prevent burning.

Why are my chips not crispy? Either they weren’t baked long enough or were too thick. Let them cool completely—they crisp up more as they sit.

Conclusion

Baked apple chips are one of those rare unicorn snacks that manage to be wholesome, addictive, and insanely easy to make. No fake ingredients. No oil slicks. Just apples and heat, transformed into golden crisps that actually taste like the fruit they came from.

They’re the perfect answer to those 3 p.m. snack attacks, and they travel well—whether you’re heading to work, school, or just the couch. They also make you look like the kind of person who “has it all together” when you offer them to a guest (even if you’re still in pajamas).

If you’ve ever been curious about the history and versatility of this iconic fruit, check out the Wikipedia article on Apples. But first, go slice some apples, set your oven low, and let the slow magic happen.

These chips won’t last long—so make a double batch and hide the good jar for yourself.

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