Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3 large apples (such as Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit (90 Celsius) to prepare for slow baking the apple slices evenly without burning.
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Slice Apples: Wash the apples thoroughly. Using a mandoline slicer, cut the apples into very thin slices about 1/8-inch thick, removing any seeds from each slice to ensure smooth texture.
- Arrange Slices: Lay the apple slices in a single layer, closely spaced but not overlapping, on the prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle ground cinnamon evenly over both sides of each apple slice for added flavor.
- Bake First Side: Bake the apple slices on the center rack for 1 hour to start dehydrating and crisping the fruit.
- Flip and Bake Second Side: Carefully flip each apple slice to the other side to ensure even drying and continue baking for an additional 1 hour.
- Cool in Oven: Once baking is complete, turn off the oven and leave the apple slices inside to cool for about 30 minutes, allowing them to firm up for crispness. If the chips are still not crunchy, bake in additional 15-minute increments until desired texture is achieved.
- Serve or Store: Remove the apple chips from the baking sheets. Enjoy immediately as a snack, or store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch.
Notes
- Using different apple varieties like Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp adds subtle flavor variations.
- Thin and uniform slices ensure consistent crispness; a mandoline slicer works best for precise cuts.
- Keep an eye on the chips during extra baking increments to prevent burning.
- Store in airtight containers at room temperature to keep chips crisp for up to one week.
- For a sugar-free version, omit any additional sweeteners entirely as the natural apple sugars caramelize during baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
