Homemade Cinnamon Apple Chips

Introduction

Homemade Cinnamon Apple Chips are the perfect balance of crunchy, sweet, and spiced goodness. These simple yet irresistible snacks are made by thinly slicing apples, tossing them with cinnamon, and baking them until they reach the perfect crispy texture. The result is a deliciously light treat that feels indulgent while offering a healthy alternative to traditional chips.

What makes these cinnamon apple chips so special is their irresistible aroma as they bake—the sweet scent of apples combined with the warmth of cinnamon fills the air, making it nearly impossible to resist. I recall the first time I made them for an afternoon snack, and it quickly became a favorite for everyone who tried them. They are the perfect treat for cozy days, but they’re also a great way to satisfy a craving for something crispy without the guilt.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and customization. You can adjust the level of cinnamon or sweetness to your liking, and it’s easy to experiment with different types of apples for a variety of flavors. These homemade apple chips are also a fantastic way to use up apples before they go bad, making them not only a tasty treat but a practical one, too. Trust me, once you try making these cinnamon apple chips, they’ll be your new go-to snack for any occasion.

Perfect For:

A healthy snack or treat.
Meal prep for the week.
Gifting or sharing with friends.
Kids’ lunchboxes or after-school snacks.
An on-the-go snack for hiking, road trips, or travel.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthy Snack: These baked apple chips offer a nutrient-rich, satisfying option compared to traditional snack chips. With fiber and vitamins from the apples, they make for a nourishing treat.
Low in Calories: By baking instead of frying, these apple chips remain light yet crispy, so you can snack without guilt. It’s a great way to indulge in a crunchy treat without packing on the calories.
Easy to Make: With minimal effort required, all you need to do is slice the apples, add a sprinkle of cinnamon (or any other preferred seasoning), and bake for a healthy snack ready in no time.
Naturally Sweetened: Apples’ natural sugars shine through, enhanced by a subtle touch of cinnamon. This keeps the dish lightly sweet without any added sugars—perfect for a satisfying, guilt-free snack.
Versatile: The base recipe is simple, which means you can easily customize it. Experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom, or make a sweet twist with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of brown sugar. You can even add a touch of salt for a sweet-salty combo.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 2 hours
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 ½ hours
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per Serving: Approximately 100 calories (for 1 serving of 1 apple)
Key Nutrients: Fiber: 4g, Vitamin C: 10% DV

Ingredients

Base Ingredients:

2 medium apples (your choice of variety, such as Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp)
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional)

Optional Ingredients:

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg or ginger (for added spice)
1 teaspoon lemon juice (to prevent browning)

Ingredient Highlights

Apples: Rich in fiber and antioxidants, apples are a healthy, crunchy base for this snack.
Cinnamon: Not only does it add warmth and sweetness, but cinnamon also offers anti-inflammatory and blood-sugar-regulating properties.
Lemon Juice: A small amount of lemon juice will help maintain the bright color of the apple chips and prevent oxidation.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Apples:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Slice the Apples: Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice the apples as thinly as possible (around ⅛ inch thick). Removing the core and seeds is optional. If you prefer, leave the skins on for added fiber.
Toss with Cinnamon and Sugar: In a bowl, toss the apple slices with cinnamon and granulated sugar (if using). Ensure the apple slices are evenly coated.

Bake the Apple Chips:

Arrange the Slices on the Baking Sheet: Lay the apple slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they do not overlap.
Bake Slowly: Bake the apples in the preheated oven for about 1 ½ hours, flipping halfway through. Baking times can vary based on your oven and the thickness of the apple slices, so check for crispness towards the end of the baking time. The chips should be golden and crispy when done.

Cool and Serve:

Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the chips from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows the chips to crisp up even more.
Store: Enjoy the apple chips immediately or store in an airtight container for up to a week.

How to Serve

As-is: Enjoy fresh, crispy apple chips straight from the baking sheet for a light snack.
With Yogurt Dip: Serve with a side of plain yogurt mixed with honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a satisfying snack or dessert.
As a Topping: Crumble the chips over oatmeal, yogurt, or even salads for an extra crunch and flavor boost.
For Kids: Pack apple chips into lunchboxes for a wholesome snack during school.

Additional Tips

Uniform Slicing: Use a mandoline slicer for the thinnest and most even slices. This will ensure uniform crispiness.
Use Different Apple Varieties: Mix and match apple types for varied flavor—some apples will be sweeter (like Honeycrisp), while others will be tart (like Granny Smith).
Avoid Overcrowding: Ensure there’s enough space between each apple slice to allow airflow so they bake evenly and become crispy.
Use Parchment Paper: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
For Extra Crispy Chips: After the apple slices are baked, let them cool in the oven with the door cracked open slightly for an additional crispy texture.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Cinnamon Chips: Add a ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to your cinnamon and sugar mixture before sprinkling it over the apples. The heat from the cayenne balances out the sweet and savory flavors, giving your apple chips a bold, spicy kick that’s sure to impress.
Caramel Apple Version: After baking, drizzle your apple chips with homemade caramel syrup or toffee sauce for an indulgent twist. The richness of caramel enhances the natural sweetness of the apples, taking them to dessert-level deliciousness.
Pumpkin Spice Chips: For a cozy, fall-inspired version, replace the cinnamon with a blend of pumpkin pie spice and add a little brown sugar. The fragrant spices give these apple chips a warm, autumnal flair that’s perfect for chilly days.
Maple Sweetened Chips: Swap out the sugar for pure maple syrup to create a more natural, earthy sweetness in your apple chips. The maple flavor pairs beautifully with the apples, adding depth and warmth to each bite.
Choco-Cinnamon Apple Chips: For a twist on the classic cinnamon flavor, lightly dust your apple chips with cocoa powder and cinnamon before baking. The addition of cocoa gives the chips a chocolatey flavor that perfectly complements the apple’s sweetness, making for a decadent yet healthy treat.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Store cooled apple chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Make sure they are completely dry to maintain their crispness.
Freezing: While apple chips are best fresh, you can freeze them for up to a month. Place them in a sealed freezer-safe bag and thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.

Special Equipment

Mandoline Slicer: Ideal for slicing apples uniformly and ensuring crisp chips.
Parchment Paper: Use this for easy baking and cleanup while preventing the apple chips from sticking.
Baking Sheet: A large baking sheet helps to lay the apples out in a single layer without overcrowding.

FAQ

Can I use any type of apple for apple chips?

Yes! Sweet apples like Fuji or Gala work well, but tart apples like Granny Smith can also be used for a tangier flavor.

Can I make these apple chips without a mandoline?

Absolutely. A sharp knife can work just fine, but just be sure to slice the apples as evenly as possible for uniform crispness.

Why are my apple chips not crispy?

If they’re not crisping, it might be due to oven temperature or slice thickness. Check after the baking time and leave them in the oven for a little longer or use the residual heat to dry them out further.

Can I add more spices?

Of course! Feel free to add a little ground ginger, cloves, or nutmeg for extra flavor complexity.

Conclusion

Homemade Cinnamon Apple Chips are a crispy, flavorful snack that combines the natural sweetness of apples with the warmth of cinnamon. Perfect for satisfying cravings in a healthy way, these apple chips are a great option for an afternoon snack or a light treat any time of day. Their crunch and rich flavor are sure to please both kids and adults, making them a fun and healthy choice for the whole family.

These homemade apple chips are not only easy to make but also customizable—experiment with different spices, like nutmeg or cloves, or even a drizzle of honey for a touch of extra sweetness. Whether served on their own or paired with a dip, these chips offer a delicious way to enjoy the goodness of apples.

Try making a batch today, and enjoy the satisfying crunch and flavor! Don’t forget to share your apple chip creation on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see how your chips turn out. Happy snacking!