Homemade Dehydrated Cinnamon Apple Chips: Your Easy Oven-Baked Snack Guide

Are you searching for a delicious, healthy, and incredibly simple snack that captures the comforting flavors of autumn? Look no further! This comprehensive guide will teach you how to make perfect dehydrated cinnamon apple chips right in your oven. Forget expensive store-bought versions often loaded with added sugar and oil; our two-ingredient recipe focuses on natural sweetness and pure flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, you’ll discover everything you need to know, from selecting the best apples to mastering the dehydration process, ensuring a delightful, guilt-free treat. Get ready to transform fresh apples into crispy, flavorful chips that are vegan, gluten-free, and irresistibly good.

Why Make Your Own Dehydrated Apple Chips?

During the cooler months, apples, pears, and oranges often dominate the fresh produce aisles. While enjoyable on their own, consistently eating the same fruits can become a bit monotonous. This is where the magic of dehydration comes in, offering a fantastic way to revitalize your fruit consumption and extend the shelf life of your seasonal bounty.

Our recipe for oven-baked dried cinnamon apple slices provides an effortless way to create a snack that evokes the cozy essence of fall and winter. It’s a perfect solution for those moments when you crave something different, yet wholesome.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t need a specialized food dehydrator; your standard oven will do the job perfectly. This makes it an accessible project for anyone, particularly enjoyable on a relaxed weekend when you can savor the wonderful aroma of apples and cinnamon filling your home as they slowly transform into crispy chips. By choosing not to add sugar, you’ll find yourself appreciating the inherent sweetness of the apples even more. Dehydrating fruit concentrates its natural sugars, intensifying the flavor and making it a great stepping stone toward enjoying fruits without any added sweeteners. You might be surprised to find these homemade, sugar-free chips are just as satisfying, if not more so, than their store-bought counterparts.

Choosing the Best Apples for Dehydrating

When it comes to dehydrating apples, the best variety is often a matter of personal preference. If you enjoy a particular apple for fresh eating, chances are you’ll love it dehydrated. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite apples first!

While most apple varieties work well, apples with a crisp texture and a balance of sweet and tart flavors tend to yield the best results. Overly soft or mealy apples might not hold their shape as well during the drying process, though they can still be used if sliced thin enough. Apples that are too sweet might become overwhelmingly so when dehydrated, as the sugars concentrate. Similarly, very tart apples might be too intense without a touch of sweetener, though a sprinkle of cinnamon can balance this beautifully.

For instance, while I generally dislike Red Delicious apples due to their mealy texture, I suspect they might not be ideal for this recipe. In the photos and recipe video, I used Pinova apples simply because they were what I had on hand, and they produced delightfully crispy, sweet dehydrated apple chips.

That being said, my absolute favorite apple for snacking, baking, and for this dehydrated apple chip recipe is the Cortland apple. This variety stands out due to its firm, crisp texture and wonderfully balanced sweet-tart flavor, making it a truly versatile all-purpose apple. Cortland apples are also known for their resistance to browning once cut, which is a fantastic advantage for anyone who prefers their apple slices to maintain a fresh, appealing appearance throughout the dehydration process.

I recall living near Cortland, NY, where these magnificent apples were plentiful. Now residing in Connecticut, Cortlands are a bit harder to find in regular grocery stores. Thankfully, many of our local orchards cultivate them, and we make it a point to pick some every year during our visits. Their superior quality makes the effort entirely worthwhile for these homemade apple chips.

Why These Dehydrated Cinnamon Apple Chips Are Simply the BEST

Often, it’s the simplest recipes that capture our hearts and become beloved staples. Here’s an in-depth look at why these cinnamon apple crisps are poised to become a regular and cherished treat in your home:

• Apple Chips Without Added Sugar and Oil: A significant advantage of making your own apple chips is the complete control over ingredients. Many commercial apple chips, even popular brands like Seneca apple chips, include unnecessary added sugars and oils. While a few exceptions, such as Bare apple chips, offer just apples, crafting them at home saves you money and ensures you’re consuming only natural fruit goodness.
• An Excellent Use for Mealy or Bruised Apples: Apples boast an impressive shelf life, often remaining fresh for weeks or even months. However, if you find yourself with apples that have softened slightly in the fridge or have minor bruises, don’t discard them! Dehydrating is a brilliant way to salvage less-than-perfect fruit. Once sliced thin and dried, any imperfections will be unnoticeable, transforming them into perfectly delicious chips. This also significantly contributes to reducing food waste.
• Flexible Recipe, Versatile for Other Fruits: This dehydration method isn’t exclusive to apples. The same straightforward recipe can be adapted to create other delightful fruit chips. For instance, you can easily make dehydrated pear chips by substituting pear slices for apples. I’ve even experimented with orange chips using this technique, and surprisingly, there’s no need to remove the rind if you slice them thinly enough. While orange chips might be an acquired taste (I was the only fan in my household!), this versatility encourages creative experimentation with various fruits.
• Free of Major Allergens and Suitable for Diverse Diets: This recipe is a fantastic choice for nearly any dietary requirement, as it naturally avoids the eight most common food allergens. It is inherently vegan, whole food plant-based (WFPB), Paleo-friendly, soy-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making it a universally accommodating snack option for friends and family with special dietary needs or preferences.
• Helps Boost Your Daily Fruit Intake: For many, especially children, the novelty and appealing crisp texture of apple chips make them far more enticing than eating a whole fresh apple. This recipe has proven to be an effective strategy in my family for increasing fruit consumption, offering a fun and delicious way to incorporate more essential nutrients into daily diets.
• Naturally Sweet and Utterly Delicious: At its core, any snack should be enjoyable, and these dehydrated cinnamon apple chips certainly meet that criterion. The natural sugars concentrate during drying, creating an intensely sweet flavor profile that, combined with warming cinnamon, makes for a truly satisfying and delightful treat. It’s a wonderful reminder that healthy snacks can indeed be incredibly tasty.

Dehydrated Cinnamon Apples: Simple Ingredients & Essential Equipment

Notice two key items you absolutely do NOT need for this recipe: an apple peeler and a corer. The first time I made these, I meticulously cored each apple to create beautiful dehydrated cinnamon apple rings.

While the rings looked aesthetically pleasing, I quickly realized it was an unnecessary step that wasted both time and a significant amount of apple flesh. For this recipe, I strongly recommend skipping the corer. Simply slicing the entire apple (skin and all!) is not only easier but also retains more of the fruit’s valuable fiber and nutrients.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Dehydrated Cinnamon Apples in the Oven

This recipe is best initiated on a day when you have some time at home, as it requires occasional monitoring and flipping. Patience is key to achieving perfectly crisp apple chips!

Carefully slice your apples into uniform pieces, aiming for a thickness between ⅛-inch to ¼-inch (0.3-0.6 cm). Consistency in thickness is paramount; it ensures that all slices dehydrate at a similar rate, preventing some from burning while others remain soft. A mandoline slicer is excellent for achieving thin, even slices, though always exercise caution to protect your fingers. A sharp chef’s knife can also accomplish this with precision and practice.

Arrange the seasoned apple slices in a single layer on the prepared baking tray. It’s crucial that the slices do not touch or overlap, as this impedes proper air circulation and can lead to uneven drying. If you have some slices that are slightly thicker than others, place them along the outer edges of the baking tray. The edges of the tray typically experience slightly higher temperatures, helping these thicker slices to dehydrate more efficiently and finish at roughly the same time as their thinner counterparts.

Optimizing Temperature for Dehydrating Apples

Dehydration Time: How Long to Dehydrate Apples for Perfect Crispness

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Place the baking tray with the apple slices on the lowest rack in your preheated oven. The total time required to achieve perfectly crispy dehydrated apple chips in the oven typically ranges from 6 to 7 hours. Throughout this process, it is essential to check on your apples and flip them over every 1½ to 2 hours. This ensures even drying and prevents them from sticking to the parchment paper.

Your apple chips are done when they are completely dry, firm, and audibly crisp. They will have shrunk significantly in size, and many will exhibit appealing ruffled edges. Don’t hesitate to leave them in the oven for longer than the specified time if they haven’t reached your desired level of crispness. The goal is to eliminate as much moisture as possible for optimal texture and shelf stability.

Conversely, if your apples appear to be fully dehydrated and crisp before the 6-hour mark, remove them from the oven immediately. Dehydration times can vary based on several factors, including the specific apple variety used (some contain more moisture than others) and the precise thickness of your slices. Thinner slices will always dry faster. This is a very forgiving recipe; the low oven temperature makes it quite difficult to accidentally burn the apples, making it an excellent choice for beginner bakers or those new to food preservation.

Once the apples have finished dehydrating, transfer them from the baking tray and allow them to cool completely to room temperature. This cooling period is crucial, as the chips will become even crisper as they cool. Once cooled, they are ready to be enjoyed! Be warned: these delicious, naturally sweet treats tend to disappear remarkably fast!

Expert Tips for Perfect Dehydrated Apple Slices

To ensure your dehydrated cinnamon apple chips turn out perfectly every time, here’s a review of some key tips, along with additional advice:

• Slice Evenly: As mentioned, consistency in slice thickness is vital. Use a sharp knife or mandoline to achieve uniform ⅛-inch to ¼-inch slices. This prevents some chips from being overcooked while others are still soft.
• No Need to Core or Peel: Save precious time and effort by skipping these steps. Simply wash the apples thoroughly, and then slice them. Retaining the apple skins also provides additional dietary fiber, boosting the nutritional value of your snack. The core, when sliced thinly, becomes part of the crisp chip and is perfectly edible.
• Customize Your Spice Blend: If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, a simple blend of ground cinnamon with a touch of nutmeg or allspice makes a wonderful substitute. While plain apple chips are good, a generous sprinkle of cinnamon truly elevates the flavor, making them irresistible. The aroma of these spiced apple chips baking in your oven is an added bonus!
• Cool Completely Before Storing: This tip is crucial for proper storage and to maintain crispness. If you package your dehydrated apple chips before they have fully cooled to room temperature, any residual warmth can create condensation inside the container, trapping moisture. This moisture can lead to sogginess and significantly shorten their shelf life by encouraging mold growth.
• Consider Vacuum Sealing for Long-Term Storage: For extended freshness, especially if you’re making a large batch, a vacuum sealer is an invaluable tool. It removes air from the storage container or bag, drastically slowing down spoilage. I frequently use my FoodSaver vacuum sealer for preserving various dried foods. Properly vacuum-sealed dehydrated apples can last for several months.
• Homemade Gifts: Dehydrated cinnamon apple slices make for a thoughtful, personal, and delicious homemade gift. Package them elegantly in a mason jar tied with a festive ribbon and a small tag. They are perfect for holidays, hostess gifts, or a simple token of appreciation for friends and family.
• Monitor Closely Towards the End: While it’s hard to burn apples at such a low temperature, keep an eye on them, particularly during the last hour or two of dehydration. Individual oven variations and slice thickness mean some might finish sooner than others. Remove chips as they become crispy to prevent over-drying.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Your Dried Apples

While my family’s absolute favorite way to enjoy these dehydrated cinnamon apples is straight out of the bag as a simple snack, their versatility extends far beyond that! These crispy, flavorful chips can be incorporated into a variety of recipes to add texture, sweetness, and a delightful apple-cinnamon essence.

Consider adding your cinnamon apple chips to breakfast dishes. They make an excellent topping for oatmeal, yogurt parfaits, or even cold cereals, providing a wonderful crunch and natural sweetness. You could also mix them into homemade granola, like our Apple Pie Chunky Granola Recipe, for an extra burst of apple flavor. For a creative twist on savory meals, these crispy apples can even replace one of the veggie servings in a dish such as the Butcher Block Recipe, offering an unexpected yet delightful contrast.

Beyond the kitchen, dehydrated cinnamon apple slices are an ideal portable snack for active lifestyles. They are perfect for taking on long hikes, bike rides, camping trips, or even just a busy day at work or school. Their lightweight nature, compact size, and lack of refrigeration requirement make them an excellent choice whenever you need a convenient, energy-boosting snack on the go. You’ll undoubtedly discover countless ways to integrate these delicious and versatile dried apples into your daily routine!

Dehydrated Cinnamon Apples (Dehydrated Cinnamon Apple Chips)

By Summer Yule

Learn how to make simple, delicious dried cinnamon apples in the oven with this easy recipe!

Average Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (based on 2 votes)

Love this recipe? Please leave a comment below!

Frequently Asked Questions About Dehydrated Apple Chips

How long do dehydrated apples last?

In my household, this recipe for dehydrated cinnamon apple chips tends to disappear almost as quickly as they cool! However, the actual shelf life of homemade dehydrated apples largely depends on how thoroughly the moisture has been removed during the drying process. If stored correctly in an airtight container or a vacuum-sealed bag, they should maintain their quality and crispness for at least a week, and often much longer.

While some commercially produced apple chips, fortified with preservatives, boast a shelf life of up to a year, your homemade, additive-free chips can theoretically last anywhere from 3 to 6 months or even more under ideal conditions. For extended storage, always ensure they are completely dry before packaging. It is crucial to inspect them regularly and discard any chips that develop mold, questionable odors, or any other signs of spoilage to ensure food safety.

Are dehydrated apples good for you?

Absolutely! These no-sugar-added dehydrated apples are considered a healthy and beneficial snack. They contribute towards your daily fruit intake and retain most of the essential nutrients found in fresh apples, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Because they are unsweetened, they avoid the pitfalls of added sugars found in many processed snacks, making them a truly wholesome choice for most dietary patterns.

How does dehydrating food change its nutritional value?

Dehydrating fruits, such as apples, primarily concentrates their natural sugars and fiber, making them a more energy-dense snack compared to their fresh counterparts. Most essential minerals remain largely intact, as does the fiber content. However, certain nutrients, particularly water-soluble vitamins like Vitamin C, are sensitive to heat, light, and prolonged exposure to air. Therefore, some amount of Vitamin C may be lost during the dehydration process. To ensure a comprehensive intake of all nutrients, it’s beneficial to enjoy fruits and vegetables in a variety of forms—fresh, canned, frozen, and dried—to maximize your nutritional benefits.

How do you keep apples from turning brown when dehydrated?

I personally find the natural golden-tan color that dried apples acquire quite appealing. However, if you prefer to maintain a lighter color, there are a few strategies you can employ. Firstly, choosing an apple variety that is naturally resistant to browning, such as Cortland apples, can make a significant difference. Another effective method is to briefly soak the cut apple slices in a saltwater solution before dehydrating. According to a Serious Eats article, a light saltwater brine can actually be even more effective than lemon juice in preventing oxidation and keeping apple slices from turning brown.

How to make dehydrated apples not crispy?

If your preference leans towards chewy, pliable dried apples rather than a crispy chip texture, you can achieve this by simply reducing the dehydration time. Aim for approximately 5 hours in a 170°F (76.7°C) oven. At this point, the apples should still be soft and flexible, similar to fruit leather, rather than brittle chips. Keep in mind that chewy dried apples retain more moisture, which means their storage life will be shorter compared to the fully crisp version. It’s best to consume them more quickly or store them in the refrigerator.

What’s the difference between dehydrated and freeze-dried food?

The primary difference between dehydrated and freeze-dried food lies in their processing methods and the resulting product characteristics. Dehydration involves exposing food to low, consistent heat over an extended period. This process gently draws out moisture, causing the food to shrink significantly in volume and change in texture. Freeze-drying, on the other hand, involves freezing the food and then placing it in a vacuum chamber. The vacuum causes the ice within the food to sublimate (turn directly from solid to gas), removing moisture while largely preserving the food’s original shape, texture, and often more of its nutrient content. Freeze-dried foods typically have a much lighter, crispier texture and tend to rehydrate more easily and completely than dehydrated foods.

Are apple chips keto?

No, unfortunately, apple chips are generally not considered a keto-friendly food. Apples, even when dehydrated without added sugar, are naturally high in carbohydrates. Dehydration concentrates these natural sugars. For instance, one serving of this dried cinnamon apples recipe provides approximately 20.9 net carbohydrates, along with 96 calories. This carbohydrate count is typically too high for individuals following a strict ketogenic diet, which aims to keep daily net carbohydrate intake very low to maintain ketosis.

More Delightful Apple Recipes to Try

If you find yourself with an abundance of apples after making a batch of these delicious chips, you’re in luck! Apples are incredibly versatile, and I have a collection of other fantastic recipes that will help you utilize them fully. Here are a few to inspire your next culinary adventure:

• Homemade Unsweetened Applesauce Recipe: A comforting classic, made effortlessly in your slow cooker without any added sugar.
• Kale Apple Slaw: A refreshing and healthy side dish, combining crisp kale with the sweetness of apples.
• Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats (Apple Spice Oatmeal): Start your day with a warm, hearty, and flavorful breakfast cooked overnight.
• Sugar-Free Apple Crisp: Indulge in a classic dessert, reimagined without added sugars, yet bursting with natural apple goodness.
• Canned Whole Chicken Recipe (with apples): Discover a unique and delicious way to incorporate apples into savory dishes, like a fresh and vibrant chicken salad.