This post may contain affiliate links. Read Simple Veganizer disclosure policy.
These crispy apple chips are a delicious and healthy snack made with apples, optional cinnamon, and a touch of date sugar. They’re perfect for a guilt-free, oil-free treat that’s easy to make using either the oven or an air fryer!
Crunchy, sweet, and full of flavor—these crispy apple chips are the perfect way to enjoy apples in a new, fun way! Whether you want a light afternoon snack or a healthy treat for your family, these apple chips are a delightful choice.
With just two simple ingredients—apples and some optional cinnamon—you can create a wholesome, naturally sweet treat that satisfies your cravings without any added oil, sugar, or artificial flavors.
Not only are apples a delicious snack, but they also bring a wealth of health benefits. Rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C, apples support your immune system, promote gut health, and may even help regulate blood sugar levels. Plus, these apple chips are free from allergens like gluten, nuts, dairy, and eggs, making them suitable for almost anyone to enjoy.
This simple recipe is perfect for anyone following a whole-food, plant-based (WFPB) diet or anyone simply looking to make healthier choices. Let’s get started!
WHAT ALLERGENS IS FREE FROM?
- Dairy-free
- Egg-free
- Gluten-free
- Nut-free
This recipe suits those following a vegan, oil-free, refined-sugar-free, and whole-food plant-based diet.
WHY APPLES ARE GOOD FOR YOU?
Apples are a powerhouse of nutrition, providing a range of health benefits.
They are rich in dietary fiber, which helps support healthy digestion and keeps you feeling full longer, making them a great choice for weight management.
Apples are also packed with vitamin C, an antioxidant that boosts your immune system, and polyphenols, beneficial plant compounds that may protect against chronic diseases.
Eating apples has also been linked to improved heart health, as they can help lower cholesterol levels and regulate blood pressure.
Plus, their natural sweetness makes them a perfect choice for healthy, guilt-free snacks like these apple chips!
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS AND IS GOOD FOR YOU?
Making your apple chips at home means you can control every ingredient—goodbye to unnecessary sugars and oils! This recipe showcases apples’ natural sweetness, and with a hint of cinnamon, these chips have a cozy, irresistible flavor.
The key to getting perfectly crispy apple chips is slicing the apples thinly and evenly—using a mandoline slicer greatly helps with this! Cooking them low and slow (either in the oven or air fryer) ensures they become perfectly crunchy without burning.
HOW TO PREPARE THESE CHIPS
(Please read the printable recipe card below for detailed ingredients, measurements, steps, and notes).
These apple chips are easy to prepare. You thinly slice apples, season them with cinnamon and date sugar, and then bake or air fry them until crisp.
The ingredients are simple, and the preparation is straightforward, making this a perfect recipe for any skill level.
Let’s dive into the kitchen tools, ingredients, and easy steps for making this delicious smoothie.
USEFUL KITCHEN EQUIPMENT
Here’s a list of essential kitchen tools needed to prepare the recipe:
- Mandoline or Sharp Knife: For thinly slicing the apples. Thin slices ensure the chips become crispy.
- Air Fryer or Oven: Both methods work well for cooking the apple chips, with the air fryer being a quicker option.
- Baking Sheet (for oven method): Lined with parchment paper or silicon mats to prevent sticking.
- Wire Rack: For cooling the chips and allowing them to crisp up.
Now, let’s review the list of ingredients and potential substitutions in some cases.
INGREDIENTS NOTES
Here is a list of everything you will need to prepare these delicious chips:
- Apples: Any variety works, but Honeycrisp or Fuji apples are perfect for their natural sweetness and crunch. The apples are the star here, providing natural sugars and a satisfying texture.
- Ground Cinnamon (optional): Adds a warm, cozy flavor that complements the sweetness of the apples.
- Date Sugar (optional): Adds a hint of sweetness without the need for refined sugar.
DIRECTIONS WITH PICTURES
To prepare this recipe, follow these steps:
Prep the Apples: Wash and core the apples. Slice them very thinly (about 1/8 inch thick) using a mandolin or sharp knife. The thinner the slices, the crispier the chips will be.
Optional Seasoning: For extra flavor, sprinkle the apple slices with cinnamon and date sugar.
Choose Your Method:
- Air Fryer: Arrange the apple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 300°F (150°C) and cook the apples for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 200°F (95°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay the apple slices in a single layer on the baking sheet, ensuring they don’t overlap. Bake the apple slices for 1.5 to 2 hours, flipping them halfway through. Check for crispness and bake longer if needed.
Cool: Once done, let the apple chips cool on a wire rack. This cooling step helps them crisp up even more.
Serve or Store: Enjoy immediately, or store the cooled apple chips in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
WHAT WILL YOU LOVE ABOUT THIS RECIPE?
Well, you will find that it is:
- Naturally Sweet: A hint of cinnamon enhances the apples’ natural sweetness, making these chips a perfect treat without added sugar.
- Allergen-Friendly: It contains no gluten, nuts, dairy, or eggs, making it a great choice for almost anyone.
- Easy and Fun to Make: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort and is perfect for family activities or a quick, healthy snack.
Let’s prepare these delicious apple chips!
OTHER DELICIOUS SNACKS TO TRY!
PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD
CRISPY APPLE CHIPS RECIPE (AIR FRYER & OVEN METHODS)
Equipment
- 1 Mandolin
- 1 Air-Fryer (or oven depending the method selected)
Ingredients
- 2 apples (medium, any variety you prefer, such as Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- 2 tso ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 Tbsp date sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Apples: Wash and core (optional) the apples. Slice them very thinly (about 1/8 inch thick) using a mandolin or sharp knife. The thinner the slices, the crispier the chips will be.
- Optional Seasoning: If desired, sprinkle the apple slices with cinnamon and date sugar for extra flavor.
- Choose Your Method: For Air Fryer, arrange the apple slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. For Oven, preheat the oven to 200°F (95°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the apple slices on the baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap.
- Cook the Apple Chips. Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 300°F (150°C) and cook the apples for 15–20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Oven: Bake the apple slices for 1.5 to 2 hours, flipping them halfway through. Check for crispness, and bake a little longer if needed.
- Cool: Once done, let the apple chips cool on a wire rack to crisp up.
- Serve or Store: Enjoy immediately, or store the cooled apple chips in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store the apple chips in a cool, dry place to maintain their crispiness. If they lose their crunch, reheat them in the oven at 200°F (95°C) for a few minutes to crisp them back up.
- Slice Thickness: To ensure even cooking and crispness, make sure all apple slices are evenly cut. A mandolin can help achieve uniform slices.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with other spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist.
- Total time is for the Air-Fryer option. For the Oven: 1.5-2 hours
WAYS TO ENJOY THIS RECIPE
- On-the-Go Snack: Pack a handful for a quick, healthy snack on busy days.
- Topping for Oatmeal or Smoothie Bowls: Crumble some apple chips over your morning oatmeal or smoothie bowl for added crunch and flavor.
- Lunchbox Favorite: Kids love these apple chips as a sweet, crunchy addition to their lunchbox.
- Pair with Nut Butter: For an added protein boost, dip the apple chips in almond or peanut butter—delicious and satisfying!
