The sweet, warm scent of cinnamon and apples baking in the oven is the kind of comforting aroma that fills your home and soul. These Homemade Cinnamon Apple Chips are the ultimate wholesome snack crisp, subtly sweet, and totally guilt-free. Using just a few simple ingredients, this recipe transforms fresh apples into an irresistible treat that both kids and adults will love. With no deep-frying or preservatives involved, they’re perfect for lunchboxes, road trips, or cozy afternoon snacks. Make a big batch you’ll be surprised how quickly they disappear!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 large apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji work best)
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional)
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Lemon juice (from ½ lemon)
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Non-stick cooking spray (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Wash and core the apples, then slice them very thin using a mandoline slicer or sharp knife.
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Place apple slices in a bowl and toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning.
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In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar (if using).
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Arrange the apple slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Lightly spray with non-stick spray if desired.
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Sprinkle the cinnamon mixture evenly over the slices.
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Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, flipping the slices halfway through, until they are dry and crispy.
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Allow the chips to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 2 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 95 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
Crispy, Healthy, and Delicious: All About Homemade Cinnamon Apple Chips
Few snacks strike the perfect balance between indulgent and healthy like Homemade Cinnamon Apple Chips. Light, crisp, naturally sweet, and infused with the warm, comforting flavor of cinnamon, these chips are a wholesome treat you can feel great about eating. Whether you’re prepping school lunches, looking for a healthy snack during work, or just craving something crunchy and sweet, apple chips are the perfect go-to.
In this article, we’ll dive into the benefits of making apple chips at home, what makes them a smart snacking choice, how you can customize the recipe, and tips to get perfectly crispy results every time. We’ll also look at ways to store, serve, and use these addictive little slices of joy. Let’s get started!
Why Homemade Is Better Than Store-Bought
You’ve likely seen apple chips in the snack aisle at your grocery store. While they seem healthy at first glance, many store-bought versions are loaded with added sugars, preservatives, and even oils that diminish their nutritional value. Making apple chips at home allows you to control every ingredient.
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No added preservatives: Just apples, cinnamon, and a touch of lemon juice.
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No artificial flavors: The natural sweetness of the apples shines through.
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Customizable flavor: From the type of apples to the spices you use, the options are endless.
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Budget-friendly: Making your own chips can cost a fraction of what you’d spend at the store.
Homemade apple chips are not only more cost-effective, but they’re also fresher and free from unwanted additives. You get to enjoy a guilt-free snack that’s wholesome and flavorful.
The Health Benefits of Cinnamon Apple Chips
These apple chips are more than just tasty they offer a surprising number of health benefits.
1. Rich in Fiber
Apples are naturally high in dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and keeps you feeling full longer. This makes them a fantastic option for anyone trying to maintain or lose weight.
2. Packed with Antioxidants
Both apples and cinnamon are rich in antioxidants, which combat free radicals and reduce inflammation. Cinnamon, in particular, contains cinnamaldehyde, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
3. Naturally Low in Calories
Because these chips are baked not fried they are low in calories and free from unhealthy fats. You can snack freely without the heaviness or guilt associated with processed snacks.
4. Blood Sugar Friendly
Cinnamon has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels, making it a smart addition for people managing diabetes or looking to prevent sugar crashes.
When you combine the nutritional punch of apples with the superfood qualities of cinnamon, you’re getting a snack that supports your health with every bite.
Choosing the Right Apples
The type of apple you use can significantly affect the flavor and texture of your chips. Some apples are sweet and soft, while others are crisp and tart. Here are some excellent choices:
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Honeycrisp: Naturally sweet and crisp perfect for snacking.
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Fuji: Very sweet and holds up well when baked.
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Granny Smith: Tart and refreshing, with a firmer bite.
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Pink Lady: Balanced between sweet and tangy, with a good texture for chips.
Each apple variety brings its own unique flavor profile to the table. You can even mix and match varieties for a more dynamic snacking experience.
Tips for Perfectly Crispy Apple Chips
Achieving that perfect crunch takes a bit of technique. Here are some pro tips:
1. Use a Mandoline Slicer
Thin slices are key to crispy chips. A mandoline slicer ensures even, thin slices—ideally around 1/8 inch thick. Uneven slices can lead to inconsistent texture, with some pieces turning too chewy or burning.
2. Low and Slow Is the Way to Go
Baking at a low temperature (around 200°F or 95°C) allows the moisture to slowly evaporate without browning or burning the apples. This drying technique mimics a dehydrator and results in chips that are crisp all the way through.
3. Flip Halfway Through
To ensure even drying and to prevent sticking, flip the apple slices halfway through baking. This also helps prevent them from curling too much.
4. Let Them Cool Completely
Apple chips crisp up as they cool. If they’re a little soft when you take them out of the oven, give them time. Place them on a cooling rack to allow air to circulate.
Fun Variations to Try
Once you master the basic cinnamon apple chip, you can start experimenting with other flavors. Here are some fun twists:
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Spicy Apple Chips: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for a sweet and spicy snack.
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Maple Glazed Chips: Lightly brush slices with maple syrup before baking.
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Pumpkin Spice Apple Chips: Use a pumpkin pie spice blend instead of cinnamon.
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Vanilla Infused Chips: Mix ground vanilla bean or a few drops of extract into the cinnamon for a richer flavor.
You can also dip your finished chips in dark chocolate or nut butter for a dessert-like treat that’s still on the healthy side.
Storage Tips
Once your chips have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If dried thoroughly, they can last for up to a week without losing their crunch.
To extend shelf life, store them in a glass jar with a moisture absorber packet or in vacuum-sealed bags. If they start to lose crispiness, pop them back in a 200°F oven for 10 minutes to refresh them.
Serving Ideas
Cinnamon apple chips are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many ways:
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On their own as a standalone snack.
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With yogurt as a topping for added crunch.
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In oatmeal for a sweet, spiced bite.
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As a garnish on smoothie bowls or baked goods.
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In lunchboxes as a healthier alternative to chips or crackers.
They’re also a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without turning to candy or baked desserts.
A Kid-Friendly Snack
If you have kids, you know how tough it can be to find healthy snacks they’ll actually eat. Apple chips are sweet, fun to eat, and mess-free making them perfect for picky eaters. You can even get your kids involved in the process by letting them help sprinkle the cinnamon or arrange the slices on the tray.
Since they’re free from allergens like nuts, dairy, and gluten, they’re a safe and school-friendly snack option.
Sustainability Tip: Use Apple Cores and Peels
Don’t throw away the cores and peels! Use them to make apple scrap vinegar, apple-infused water, or compost. You can even dehydrate the peels separately with cinnamon sugar for a fun snack twist.
Conclusion:
Homemade Cinnamon Apple Chips are the kind of snack that checks all the boxes: delicious, nutritious, budget-friendly, and fun to make. With just a few basic ingredients and a bit of time, you can transform fresh apples into a crunchy treat that satisfies cravings and supports your health.
Whether you’re snacking on the go, packing lunchboxes, or simply looking for a wholesome way to enjoy fruit, these chips are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Once you try making them yourself, you may never go back to store-bought again.
So fire up your oven, grab your favorite apples, and let the aroma of cinnamon fill your kitchen it’s time to make something delightfully crispy and naturally sweet.