Description
Crispy and naturally sweet Cinnamon Nutmeg Apple Chips are a deliciously healthy snack made by thinly slicing apples and baking them low and slow with warming spices. Perfect for a crunchy treat without added preservatives or artificial ingredients, these chips bring out the apples’ natural sweetness complemented by cinnamon and nutmeg, making them an ideal snack or garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples
- 3 large apples, such as Fuji or Honeycrisp
Spices
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 to 2 teaspoons granulated sugar or coconut sugar, for extra sweetness (optional)
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Apple Slicing: Wash and core the apples thoroughly. Using a mandoline slicer or a very sharp knife, slice the apples into thin rings approximately 1/8 inch thick for even baking and crispiness.
- Arranging Apple Slices: Lay the apple slices flat on the prepared baking sheets in a single layer. Make sure none of the slices overlap, so they bake evenly and become crispy.
- Mixing Spices: In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon and nutmeg. If you prefer your chips sweeter, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar or coconut sugar to the mixture and stir well.
- Seasoning: Evenly sprinkle the spice mixture over all the apple slices, making sure each slice is coated with the aromatic blend.
- Baking Phase One: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. This initial baking sets the chips and begins drying them out.
- Baking Phase Two: After the first hour, carefully flip each apple slice over to promote even drying and crisping on both sides. Return the sheets to the oven and bake for an additional 45 to 60 minutes or until the apples are crisp, lightly golden, and have a chip-like texture.
- Cooling and Storage: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the apple chips to cool completely on the trays. The chips will firm up further as they cool. Once cooled, store the chips in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain their crispiness.
Notes
- For best results, choose firm apples with a balance of sweet and tart flavors like Fuji or Honeycrisp.
- Adjust sugar amount based on your sweetness preference or omit sugar for a natural taste.
- Thin, uniform slices ensure even baking and optimal crispiness.
- Using parchment paper prevents sticking and helps with easy cleanup.
- Store chips in an airtight container to avoid moisture and keep them crisp.
- You can experiment with other spices like a pinch of cloves or allspice for varied flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple chips, cinnamon nutmeg apple chips, healthy snack, baked apple chips, gluten free snack, fruit chips, homemade apple chips
