Apple Chips

5 from 1 vote

For years I used to shell out (too many) dollars for overpriced store bought apple chips - and annoyingly half the bag was filled with air! Homemade apple chips still get that perfect crunch, with a lower price tag. Not to mention, they're actually super easy to make with only 4 simple ingredients. Many homemade apple chips turn out chewy or soggy, but this recipe comes out light, crunchy, and just the right snap. I'll teach you two methods: baked and air fried. Personally, I recommend air frying (if you have this available): it's quicker and creates a crunchier apple chip! After lots of recipe testing, I also found that drying your apple slices with a little paper towel will create an even crispier chip!

Prep Time5

Cook Time1 30

Total Time1 35

Course: Snack

Diet:

Servings:

Calories: 66kcal

Author: Allie Petersen

Equipment

Baking Sheet + Parchment Paper (for baked option)
Air Fryer with Rack (for air fryer option)

Ingredients

2 medium/large apples of choice (I like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady)
1 tsp brown sugar
1 tsp white sugar
1/4 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

Baked Apple Chips: First, preheat your oven to 250°F. Prepare 1 large baking sheet. Place down a layer of parchment paper.
Wash and dry your apples. Using a sharp knife, slice your apple as thinly as possible. You can also use a mandolin. No need to remove the core (unless desired). I personally love the pretty star shape from the core! Remove any seeds.
2 medium/large apples of choice
In a small dish, combine your sugars & cinnamon.
1 tsp brown sugar, 1 tsp white sugar, 1/4 tsp cinnamon
Briefly pat each apple slice on each side with a paper towel to soak up extra liquid. This will help the chips crisp up more.
Baked Apple Chips: Lay out your apple chips evenly on the baking sheet with no overlap.
Air Fryer Apple Chips: spread apple slices out with as minimal overlap. Use a few racks if your air fryer has this. If not, you may have to do 2 batches.
Sprinkle your apple chips with the cinnamon sugar mixture. (You may not need all of it.)
Bake: Bake your apple chips for 90-120 minutes. I recommend checking at the 1 hour and 1.5 hour mark.
Air Fry: Air fry for 15-20 minutes at 275°F. Shake your chips every 5 minutes.
You know your chips are done when the edges start to curl and the chips are lightweight and fairly stiff. Thinner sliced chips will cook faster. If you have some thicker ones that need longer, consider removing the cooked chips so they don't burn.
*The chips will crisp up slightly more once they are set out to cool. If they are still very soft after that, consider baking or air frying for longer.
Enjoy your apple chips either alone or with a dip (like my cheesecake dip!) The chips are definitely better the day of, but can be stored in an airtight container or plastic bag for a few days.
If your chips become soft within a day, consider throwing them back into the oven or air fryer to crisp them back up!

Notes

Air frying vs. Baking: Personally, I recommend air frying (if you have this available): it's quicker and creates a crunchier apple chip!

Which apples are best?

Any apple you enjoy will work for apple chips! I personally like a super crisp apple like a Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Fuji.

Nutrition