Crispy Cinnamon Apple Chips Recipe (3-Ingredients Only!)

Cinnamon Apple Chips are a healthy, crispy snack made by baking thinly sliced apples low and slow until they become delightfully crunchy. Perfect for kids’ lunchboxes, adult snacking, or even as a topping for oatmeal or yogurt, this easy recipe transforms simple apples into an irresistible treat. All you need are apples, powdered sugar, cinnamon—and a little patience.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

• Guilt-Free Snacking: These chips are naturally sweet with no added fat.
• Kid-Approved: A great way to satisfy sugar cravings without candy.
• Easy Prep: Just slice, sprinkle, and bake—your oven does the rest.
• Customizable: Mix in spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a seasonal twist.
• Whether you're after a light snack or a crunchy side to your charcuterie board, these baked apple chips deliver flavor and texture.

What Are Apple Chips?

Apple Chips are thinly sliced apples that are baked until they’re crisp. Originally popular in health food circles, they’ve now gone mainstream as a nutritious alternative to fried chips or sugary snacks. Made without oil and full of natural fruit sugars, they retain the essence of fresh apples but with a satisfying crunch. Some even call them "apple crisps," especially in the UK, but whatever the name, they’re pure comfort food with a healthy twist.

Pro Tips for the Best Apple Chips

• Slice Evenly: Use a mandoline slicer to get uniform 2 mm slices for consistent baking.
• Use Firm Apples: Varieties like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala hold their shape best.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Give each slice room to breathe on the baking tray.
• Flip Halfway: Flip slices after 2–3 hours for even dehydration.
• Watch the Edges: If the edges start to brown too quickly, reduce the oven temperature slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Apple Chips Without Cinnamon?

Yes! Cinnamon adds warmth, but you can skip it or use other spices like nutmeg or pumpkin spice.

What’s the Best Apple Variety for Chips?

Crisp apples like Fuji, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp are ideal—they hold their shape and taste sweet even after baking.

Do I Need a Dehydrator?

No dehydrator needed—your regular oven works perfectly as long as you bake at low temperature for several hours.

How Thin Should the Apple Slices Be?

Around 2 mm (1/16 inch) thick is ideal for even crisping without burning.

Why Are My Chips Chewy?

They may need more time in the oven or were sliced too thick. Let them cool fully to crisp up completely.

Can I Add Sugar or Leave It Out?

Powdered sugar is optional. The apples are naturally sweet, but a light sprinkle enhances flavor and caramelization.

How to Store Apple Chips

Once fully cooled, store your apple chips in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay crisp for up to 5 days, although they’re so delicious, they rarely last that long!

To keep them from softening:

• Use a glass jar or metal tin to avoid humidity.
• Add a small silica packet (like the kind found in store-bought snacks) if storing for more than a few days.

How to Freeze Apple Chips

Freezing is not recommended for apple chips, as moisture can soften them and ruin the texture. If you must, place them in a freezer-safe container with layers of parchment paper between them. Re-crisp in the oven at 200°F (90°C) for a few minutes before serving.

How to Make Apple Chips

Set your oven to 180°F (90°C). Line 1–2 large baking trays with parchment paper.

Wash and dry the apples. Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice apples into thin, even rounds (about 2 mm thick). No need to peel or core them—apple stars in the center add charm!

Lay slices in a single layer on the prepared trays. Avoid overlapping. Lightly sprinkle with powdered sugar and cinnamon.

Bake in the preheated oven for 5 hours, flipping the slices halfway through for even crisping.

Remove from oven and let cool completely—chips will crisp up as they cool. Serve in bowls, lunchboxes, or store for later.