Baked Cinnamon Apple Chips

Why You’ll Love Baked Cinnamon Apple Chips Recipe

I love this recipe because it requires only two simple ingredients and very little hands-on preparation. The oven handles most of the work while the apple slices slowly dry and become crisp. I also like that I can enjoy these chips as a naturally sweet snack without adding sugar. They are easy to pack for snacks, serve alongside lunch, or keep around when I want something crunchy.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

• 2 large apples OR 3 small apples (see apple types above)
• cinnamon (if desired)

Directions

1. I preheat my oven to 230 degrees F.
2. I slice the apples thinly, keeping the slices as even as possible so they bake at approximately the same rate.
3. I arrange the thinly sliced apples on 2 baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
4. I sprinkle the apple slices with cinnamon.
5. I bake the apples for 1 hour.
6. I remove the baking sheets from the oven and carefully flip the apple slices. I sprinkle the other side with cinnamon.
7. I return the apples to the oven and bake them for another hour.
8. I leave the apples inside the oven but turn the oven off. I allow them to cool completely inside for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours. I check them periodically because this resting period is when they continue to dry and crisp.
9. Once completely cooled and crisp, I transfer the apple chips to an airtight container for storage.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2–4
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours

Variations

I sometimes make these apple chips without cinnamon when I want the natural apple flavor to stand on its own. When I want more warming spice, I can combine the cinnamon with a small pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or apple pie spice.

I can also experiment with different apple varieties. Sweeter apples give me naturally candy-like chips, while tart varieties create a more balanced sweet-and-tangy snack. For the best results, I still keep the slices consistently thin regardless of which variety I choose.

Storage/Reheating

I let the apple chips cool completely before storing them because any remaining warmth can create condensation and soften their crisp texture. Once cooled, I keep them in an airtight container at room temperature.

I don’t normally need to reheat apple chips. If mine lose some crispness during storage, I can place them in a low oven briefly to help dry them again. I let them cool completely afterward because they become crispier as they cool.

FAQs

How thin should I slice the apples?

I slice my apples as thinly and evenly as possible. Consistent slices help prevent some pieces from remaining soft while others become overly dry.

Do I need to peel the apples first?

I don’t need to peel the apples for this recipe. I like leaving the peel on because it saves preparation time and gives the finished chips attractive edges.

Do I need a dehydrator to make apple chips?

No. I make these apple chips entirely in the oven, so I don’t need a dehydrator or other specialized equipment.

Why aren’t my apple chips crispy?

I find that the apple chips often need their cooling period to become fully crisp. I leave them in the turned-off oven for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours, checking their texture as they cool.

Can I make these apple chips without cinnamon?

Yes. Cinnamon is optional, so I can leave it out and make the chips using only apples.

Do I need to add sugar?

No. I don’t add sugar to this recipe because the apples provide plenty of natural sweetness, which becomes more concentrated as they bake.

Why do I need to flip the apple slices?

I flip the slices after the first hour so both sides have an opportunity to dry evenly. I also add cinnamon to the second side after flipping them.

Can I bake both trays at the same time?

Yes, I use 2 baking sheets for this recipe. I make sure the apple slices are arranged in a single layer rather than piled on top of one another.

How do I keep homemade apple chips crispy?

I make sure the chips are completely cool before transferring them to an airtight container. Keeping excess moisture away from them helps preserve their crisp texture.

Can I use different types of apples?

Yes. I enjoy experimenting with different apple varieties because each one creates a slightly different flavor. I can choose sweeter apples for a sweeter snack or tart apples when I want more contrast with the cinnamon.

Conclusion

Baked Cinnamon Apple Chips are one of my favorite ways to transform fresh apples into a simple homemade snack. I love that I only need apples, optional cinnamon, and a little patience while the oven slowly creates their crisp texture. With minimal preparation and no dehydrator required, these crunchy apple chips are an easy treat I can make whenever I want something naturally sweet and satisfying.