Heading to the beach? You need a snack that is light, delicious, and easy to pack. These Baked Cinnamon Apple Chips are perfect for your next beach day, offering a naturally sweet crunch without any fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Apples: Firm varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp work best.
- Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is essential for flavor.
- Sweetener (Optional): A tiny pinch of granulated sugar or maple sugar.
Ingredients:
- 2 large apples (Fuji or Honeycrisp recommended)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours
- Total time: 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Tools: Mandoline slicer (recommended), baking sheets, parchment paper.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Apples
Wash your apples thoroughly. You don’t need to peel them; the skin adds a nice texture and nutrients. Core the apples to remove the seeds.
2. Slice Them Thinly
Using a mandoline slicer, slice the apples into very thin rounds, about 1/16 to 1/8 inch thick. Uniform thickness is key for even baking. If you don’t have a mandoline, use a very sharp knife and slice as thinly as you can.
3. Season Your Slices
In a large bowl, gently toss the apple slices with cinnamon and the optional sugar. Make sure each slice is lightly coated. You can also lay them on the baking sheet and sprinkle the seasoning.
4. Arrange on Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Arrange the seasoned apple slices in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. This allows them to dry out properly.
5. Bake Until Crisp
Bake for 1 hour, then flip each apple chip. Continue baking for another 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chips are completely dry and crisp. The time will vary based on your oven and apple thickness.
6. Cool and Enjoy
Turn off the oven and let the chips cool completely on the baking sheets inside the oven with the door slightly ajar. This helps them become extra crispy. Once cool, they are ready to be a perfect healthy beach snack.
Variation Ideas:
- Pumpkin Spice: Add a pinch of pumpkin pie spice blend instead of just cinnamon.
- Ginger Zing: Mix in a tiny dash of ground ginger with the cinnamon.
- Vanilla Hint: Add a small amount of vanilla extract to the apple slices before baking for a subtle sweetness.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Baked Cinnamon Apple Chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Ensure they are completely cool before storing to prevent sogginess. They are best enjoyed within a few days for optimal crispness, making them an ideal healthy beach snack.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can you make these without a mandoline?
A: Yes, you can use a very sharp knife, but aim for the thinnest, most even slices possible for the best results.
Q: How do you know when the apple chips are done baking?
A: They should feel completely dry to the touch and crisp, not flexible. They will crisp up more as they cool.
Q: Can you use different types of apples for healthy beach snacks?
A: Yes, but firm, sweet varieties like Fuji, Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith (for a tarter chip) work best. Softer apples may not crisp up as well.
Q: Why are my apple chips not getting crispy?
A: They likely need more baking time, or your slices might be too thick. Ensure they are in a single layer and baked at a low temperature to dry them out.
Q: Are these suitable for a healthy beach snack for kids?
A: Absolutely! They are a natural, sugar-controlled, and portable healthy beach snack that kids often love.
Q: Can you make these in an air fryer?
A: Yes, you can. Air fry at a lower temperature (around 250-275°F or 120-135°C) for a shorter time, checking frequently and flipping, until crisp.
