Warm, naturally sweet, and perfectly crisp, these Homemade Oven-Dried Cinnamon Apple Chips are an easy and wholesome snack that fills your kitchen with the comforting aroma of baked apples and cinnamon. Made with just a few simple ingredients, these dried apple chips are a delicious alternative to packaged snacks and are perfect for lunchboxes, afternoon cravings, or healthy dessert options. Whether you enjoy them on their own or use them as a topping for oatmeal, yogurt, or salads, these cinnamon apple chips are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed year-round.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
2 to 3 hours
Total Time
2 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes
Yield
4 servings
3 to 4 apples, such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala
1 to 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 to 2 teaspoons sugar or maple sugar (optional)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat the oven to 225°F. Line one or two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even drying.
Step 2: Slice the Apples
Wash the apples thoroughly and remove the cores. Slice the apples into thin, even rounds approximately ⅛-inch thick. A mandoline slicer works well for creating uniform slices, which helps the apples dry evenly.
Step 3: Prevent Browning
If desired, place the apple slices in a bowl and lightly toss them with lemon juice. This step helps preserve their color during the drying process.
Step 4: Season the Apples
Sprinkle the cinnamon over the apple slices and gently toss until evenly coated. If you prefer a sweeter chip, add the optional sugar or maple sugar and toss again.
Step 5: Arrange on Baking Sheets
Place the apple slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Leave a small amount of space between each slice and avoid overlapping to ensure proper air circulation.
Step 6: Dry the Apples
Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 2 to 3 hours. Flip the apple slices halfway through the drying time to encourage even dehydration. The exact drying time will vary depending on the thickness of the slices and the moisture content of the apples.
For chewy apple chips, remove them when they are dry around the edges but still slightly flexible in the center. For crisp apple chips, continue drying until they are fully dehydrated and crisp.
Step 7: Cool Completely
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the apple chips to cool completely. As they cool, they will continue to firm up and develop their final texture.
Storage Tips
Store the cooled apple chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For extended freshness, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. If the chips soften during storage, place them back in a 225°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes to restore their crispness.
Serving Ideas
These oven-dried cinnamon apple chips are delicious straight from the container, but they are also a wonderful addition to many dishes. Crumble them over oatmeal, yogurt, smoothie bowls, or breakfast parfaits. Add them to homemade trail mix with nuts and dried fruit, or use them as a crunchy garnish for salads and baked desserts. They also make a beautiful edible decoration for cakes, pies, and holiday charcuterie boards.
For the best results, choose crisp apple varieties such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith.
Thinner slices create crispier chips, while slightly thicker slices produce a chewier texture.
A mandoline slicer helps achieve consistent thickness and even drying.
For additional flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, or apple pie spice along with the cinnamon.
