Crisp, naturally sweet, and irresistibly snackable, these Dehydrator Apple Chips are a wholesome treat that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. Whether you’re looking to meal prep healthy snacks, reduce food waste, or explore the world of homemade dehydrated foods, this recipe delivers consistent results every time. With just a few simple ingredients—fresh apples, a touch of cinnamon if you like, and steady dehydrator heat—you’ll create beautifully crunchy chips perfect for lunches, hiking, or snacking straight from the jar.
This recipe is written in the classic Allrecipes style to give you confidence and clarity every step of the way, with helpful notes sprinkled throughout so your apple chips turn out perfectly crisp, flavorful, and golden.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 to 10 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Yield: About 4 cups of apple chips
Ingredients
- 3–5 medium apples (Fuji, Honeycrisp, Gala, or Pink Lady recommended)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, to prevent browning)
- 1 cup water (optional, to mix with lemon juice)
- 1–2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1–2 teaspoons sugar or maple sugar (optional, for sweeter chips)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the apples
Wash apples thoroughly. Core them if you'd like uniform rings, or leave the cores intact for a more rustic look. Slice apples into ⅛-inch thick slices. A mandoline slicer is highly recommended to ensure even thickness, which helps the chips dehydrate uniformly and crisp up properly.
Step 2: Optional—Soak to prevent browning
Combine lemon juice and water in a shallow bowl. Dip each apple slice into the mixture for 3–5 minutes. This step keeps the apples brighter and more visually appealing but will not affect taste significantly.
Step 3: Season the apple slices
Lay slices on a clean towel or paper towels and pat them dry. If you want flavored chips, lightly sprinkle both sides of the slices with cinnamon, cinnamon-sugar, or any seasoning you prefer. Avoid heavy coatings, as too much moisture or sugar can slow dehydration.
Step 4: Load the dehydrator
Arrange apple slices on dehydrator trays in a single layer, ensuring none overlap. Leave space between slices to allow proper air circulation, which is essential for crisp results.
Step 5: Dehydrate
Set dehydrator to 135°F to 140°F (57°C to 60°C). Dry the apples for 6–10 hours, depending on slice thickness, humidity, and your specific dehydrator model.
Tip: Rotate trays and flip slices halfway through to promote even drying.
Step 6: Check for doneness
Apple chips are finished when they feel completely dry, no longer tacky, and crisp after cooling for 5 minutes. If they’re still leathery or bendable, return them to the dehydrator for another 30–60 minutes.
Step 7: Store
Let chips cool completely before storing. Place in an airtight jar, zip-top bag, or vacuum-sealed pouch. Properly dried chips stay crisp for 1–2 weeks, or up to several months if vacuum-sealed and kept in a cool, dry place.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated values
Calories: 95
Total Fat: 0.3g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 1mg
Total Carbohydrates: 25g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Total Sugars: 19g
Protein: 0.5g
Pro Tip:
If you love the idea of making your own healthy snacks at home, investing in a quality food dehydrator can make all the difference in your results. Modern dehydrators offer improved airflow, precise temperature control, and larger tray capacity—perfect for consistently crisp, evenly dried apple chips. Whether you’re just getting started or thinking about upgrading to a newer model, the right dehydrator will help you create batch after batch of perfect chips, fruit leathers, jerky, and more. If you’d like to explore top-rated options, simply click the button below to browse Food Dehydrators on Amazon and find the one that fits your kitchen and needs.
Conclusion
Homemade Dehydrator Apple Chips are a satisfying and nutritious snack that’s perfect for anyone who loves fresh, clean ingredients and simple kitchen projects. With only a few apples and a bit of patience, you can create a crunchy, wholesome treat that stores beautifully and tastes far better than anything you’ll find at the store. Whether you pack them in lunches, enjoy them on hikes, or keep a jar on the counter for guilt-free snacking, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. Enjoy the crisp, sweet results of your hard work—and feel free to experiment with different apple varieties and seasonings to make each batch uniquely your own!
