If you are looking for a healthy, naturally sweet snack, these homemade oven-dried apple chips are a simple and delicious option. Made with just apples and an optional touch of sugar or spice, these crispy apple chips are perfect for lunchboxes, afternoon snacking, or satisfying a craving for something crunchy without reaching for processed snacks. Slow drying the apples in a low-temperature oven intensifies their natural sweetness while creating a light, crisp texture that is hard to resist.
One of the best things about this easy apple chips recipe is its versatility. You can enjoy them plain, sprinkle them with cinnamon, dust them with apple pie spice, or add a light coating of sugar for extra sweetness. They are naturally gluten-free, easy to make, and a wonderful way to use up an abundance of fresh apples.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
2 to 3 hours
Total Time
2 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes
Yield
4 servings
4 medium apples
1 to 2 teaspoons sugar (optional)
Optional seasonings:
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon apple pie spice
Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 200°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Slice the Apples
Wash and thoroughly dry the apples. Using a mandoline slicer or a very sharp knife, cut the apples into ⅛-inch thick slices. For a decorative appearance, leave the cores intact to create a star-shaped center in each chip. If preferred, remove the cores before slicing.
Arrange the Apple Slices
Place the apple slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Make sure the slices do not overlap so they dry evenly and become crisp.
Season the Apples
Leave the apples plain or lightly sprinkle them with sugar, cinnamon, apple pie spice, or your favorite combination of seasonings. Keep the coating light so the natural apple flavor remains the star.
Slowly Dry the Apples
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 2 to 3 hours. Flip the apple slices halfway through the baking time to promote even drying and crisping.
The exact drying time will depend on the variety of apples used and the thickness of the slices. The chips should appear dry and slightly curled around the edges when ready.
Cool and Crisp
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the apple chips to cool completely. They will continue to crisp as they cool.
For extra crunchy apple chips, turn off the oven and leave the chips inside for an additional hour with the oven door slightly ajar. This allows any remaining moisture to escape and helps create a crispier texture.
Choose firm apple varieties such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith for the best results.
A mandoline slicer produces the most consistent slices, which helps the chips dry evenly.
Store cooled apple chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
If the chips soften during storage, place them back into a 200°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes to restore their crispness.
These oven-dried apple chips make a delicious topping for oatmeal, yogurt, smoothie bowls, and salads.
