The perfect foil for a strong blue cheese or a mild washed-rind, these chips are great as is, or drizzled with a little extra cinnamon sugar or your favorite nut butter. They're the quintessential apple snacking experience in a crunchy, portable package that's perfect for packed lunches, after-school snacks, or a quick nibble with your afternoon coffee.
Before there were candy bars or potato chips, humans had to find other ways to satisfy their sweet and salty cravings. Apple chips, made by thinly slicing apples and drying them in the sun or over a fire, were a popular snack in the Middle Ages. They were also a way to preserve apples and prevent them from going to waste. Over time, apple chips evolved from a simple snack to a more sophisticated delicacy. In the 17th century, French pastry chefs began making apple chips by thinly slicing apples and coating them in a batter made with flour, sugar, and spices. These apple chips were then baked in an oven until they were golden brown and crispy. Today, apple chips are still a popular snack food, and they can be found in grocery stores and health food stores all over the world. Our version of apple chips is inspired by the classic French recipe, but we've made a few tweaks to make them healthier and easier to make.
Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 60 | Serves: 2
Ingredients
2 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cinnamon powder
1/2 cup granulated sugar substitute (such as erythritol or stevia)
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preheat oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit (95 degrees Celsius).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Wash and core the apples, then thinly slice them using a mandoline or sharp knife.
In a large bowl, combine the apple slices with the lemon juice, cinnamon, sugar substitute, and salt.
Toss to coat the apple slices evenly.
Spread the apple slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 1 hour, or until the edges of the apple slices are crispy and browned.
Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving.
Why It Works
**Thinly slicing the apples** ensures that they will cook evenly and become crispy.
**Coating the apples in lemon juice** prevents them from turning brown.
**Baking the apples at a low temperature** allows them to dry out slowly and evenly, resulting in crispy chips.
**Adding cinnamon and sugar** gives the chips a sweet and spicy flavor.