2-Ingredient Crispy Apple Chips – Kid-Approved Magic

Let me tell you about my secret weapon for snack attacks – crispy apple chips! As a mom constantly battling between “I’m hungry!” cries and wanting to feed my kids something wholesome, these little gems became my lifesaver. Remember that magical moment when my picky toddler actually begged for seconds? That was these apple chips – sweet, crunchy, and packed with natural goodness.

What I love most is how ridiculously simple they are. Just apples, a squeeze of lemon, and some patience while they bake into crispy perfection. No fancy ingredients, no guilt – just the pure apple flavor intensified into this addictively crunchy snack. Perfect for lunchboxes, road trips, or when you need that 3pm pick-me-up without the sugar crash.

The best part? Watching my kids happily munch away while I sneak handfuls myself. These crispy apple chips truly earn their title as a healthy munch for little snackers (and their snack-stealing parents!).

Why You’ll Love These Crispy Apple Chips

Let me count the ways these became our family’s snack staple:

• Healthier than store-bought – No weird additives, just pure apple goodness with a hint of cinnamon
• Shockingly easy – If you can slice an apple, you can make these (my 7-year-old helps!)
• Kid-approved crunch – Even picky eaters go wild for that satisfying crispy texture
• Pantry-friendly ingredients – Just apples, lemon juice, and optional spices you probably already have

The first time I made these, I couldn’t believe something so simple could be so addictive. Now we always have a batch stashed away!

Ingredients for Crispy Apple Chips

Here’s all you need for this magical snack:

• 2 large apples (I prefer Honeycrisp or Fuji – see notes below)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh squeezed or bottled both work)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional but SO worth it)

That’s it! Could it be any simpler?

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Apple varieties: Sweeter apples like Gala or Pink Lady make delicious chips, but tart Granny Smiths give an awesome contrast if you sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar.

Lemon juice secret: This little splash keeps your apple slices looking fresh and prevents that unappetizing brown color – don’t skip it!

Spice swaps: Not a cinnamon fan? Try pumpkin pie spice or a tiny pinch of nutmeg instead. My kids love when I add a sprinkle of vanilla powder too!

How to Make Crispy Apple Chips

Okay, let’s get to the fun part! Making these crispy apple chips is so simple, but a few key steps make all the difference between “meh” and “wow” results. Here’s exactly how I do it:

1. Preheat that oven! Set to 200°F (95°C) – low and slow is the secret. A hot oven will burn them before they crisp up.
2. Slice smart: Wash your apples (no need to peel!) and slice them about 1/8-inch thick. My mandoline makes this a breeze, but a sharp knife works too – just take your time.
3. Lemon bath: Toss slices with lemon juice in a bowl. This tiny step keeps them looking pretty and fresh.
4. Single layer magic: Arrange slices on parchment-lined baking sheets – no overlapping! They need personal space to crisp up properly.
5. Cinnamon kiss: If using, sprinkle lightly with cinnamon. I use my fingers to dust it evenly – kids love helping with this part!
6. Bake with patience: 1.5 to 2 hours total, flipping halfway. They’ll go from soft to perfectly crispy as they cool.
7. Cool completely: I know it’s hard to wait, but they crisp up more as they cool!

Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Chips

Here are my hard-earned tricks for chip perfection:

• Use a ruler! Consistent thickness means even baking – no burnt edges.
• Flip those slices halfway through baking for uniform crispness.
• They’re done when lightly golden and no longer bendable – they’ll crisp more while cooling.
• If some slices finish early, just remove them and keep baking the rest.

Serving Suggestions for Crispy Apple Chips

Oh, the possibilities! These crispy apple chips are snack-time chameleons. My kids love them plain, but here’s how we mix it up:

• Yogurt parfait booster: Crumble them over Greek yogurt with honey – instant crunch!
• Nut butter dippers: Almond or peanut butter makes the perfect protein-packed pairing
• Lunchbox star: They travel beautifully in snack bags (just watch – you’ll be the coolest lunch-packer in school)
• Ice cream topper: Trust me, cinnamon apple chips on vanilla ice cream? Game changer.

Honestly, half the batch never makes it to fancy serving – they disappear straight from the baking sheet at our house!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Here’s how to keep those apple chips crispy for days (if they last that long!):

• Airtight is everything: Store in a glass jar or container with a tight lid – plastic bags let moisture sneak in.
• Cool completely first: Any warmth trapped means sad, soggy chips.
• No fridge needed: Just keep at room temperature in your pantry.
• Revive if needed: If they lose crispness, just pop back in a 200°F oven for 5-10 minutes.

They’ll stay perfect for about a week – but let’s be real, they never last that long in our snack-happy house!

Nutritional Information for Crispy Apple Chips

Let’s talk nutrition – the best part about these crispy apple chips is you can snack guilt-free! Here’s the scoop per half-cup serving (but remember, exact numbers vary slightly by apple variety and size):

• Calories: About 50
• Sugar: 10g (all natural from the apples!)
• Fiber: 2g – hello, happy tummy!
• Fat: 0g – now that’s what I call a win

No cholesterol, no sodium – just pure, wholesome apple goodness. Compare that to a bag of potato chips and you’ll see why these are my go-to snack!

FAQs About Crispy Apple Chips

I get so many questions about these addictive little chips! Here are the ones that pop up most often in my kitchen (and my DMs):

Why aren’t my apple chips getting crispy?

Oh honey, I’ve been there! Usually it’s one of three things: your slices are too thick, your oven temp is too high (they need that low-and-slow magic), or you didn’t give them enough personal space on the baking sheet. My golden rule? If they still bend instead of snap after cooling, they needed more time.

Can I use an air fryer instead of an oven?

Absolutely! Air fryer apple chips are fantastic. Just do 300°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway. Keep a close eye – they go from perfect to burnt fast in an air fryer!

How do I keep apple chips from browning?

That quick lemon juice bath is your best friend! The acid stops oxidation in its tracks, keeping your chips looking fresh and pretty.

Can I make these ahead for school lunches?

You bet! They stay crispy for a week in an airtight container. I usually make a double batch on Sundays – they never last till Friday in our house though!

Do I have to peel the apples?

Nope! The peel adds fiber and helps them crisp up beautifully. Plus, it’s one less step – and we busy parents need all the shortcuts we can get!

Final Thoughts

Go make these crispy apple chips today – I promise your kitchen will smell amazing and your snack drawer will thank you! Tag me when you do; I love seeing your crispy creations. You can find more delicious recipes on Pinterest!

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