Secret Ingredient Apple Chips (Dehydrated Apples)
If you’ve spent the last two months soaking in the beauty that is apple season, then you probably have way too many apples than you know what to do with. Or is that just me? Well, whether you’ve got an overload of apples or you’re trying to save on the crazy markup for dehydrated foods, this post is for you!
Why I Love This Easy Apple Chips Recipe
Do I need another reason other than yummy? Truly though, I love this recipe as an easy-to-make, whole-food snack that my children just adore. It helps us preserve the beautiful autumn season, and this recipe is so versatile. I’ve used these dehydrated apple chips in granola, oatmeal, on cereal, in yogurt—you name it!
This recipe is special because of the secret ingredient (that I’ll reveal below!). It truly gives you a foolproof, delicious apple chip every. single. time!
Ingredients for Dehydrated Apple Chips
Pineapple Juice (The Secret Ingredient!)
Yep, that’s the secret ingredient in this dehydrated apple chips recipe! I know many recipes call for lemon or citric acid to keep apples from browning, and while those do work, I find pineapple juice is much easier to work with. It adds a subtle flavor you can’t even taste, and unlike lemon juice, it works every time to prevent browning—even on dehydrated apples over five months old!
Apples
You can’t really have apple chips without apples! Any apples from your local grocery store will work. We’ve taste-tested many varieties, and each family member has a different favorite.
Granny Smith works really well for a tart flavor—my oldest loves these. Honeycrisp is very sweet—my youngest is a fan. Gala is my favorite because it’s so multi-purpose!
We always get our apples in September and October from orchards in North Carolina. I get bushels with the intention of making these apple chips every year. We love experimenting with different varieties, and I encourage you to do the same!
Spices and Flavorings
The sky’s the limit here for what you can add to your apple chips. We’ve done powdered peanut butter, caramel sauce, and chocolate, which is delicious as well! For this recipe, we’re going with a flavor combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. I talk more about variations below, so make sure to check that out if you want to try other flavors.
Tools and Equipment to Make Dehydrated Apple Chips
Dehydrator
Some recipes say that you can use the oven to dehydrate apples. I’m not going to lie and say that you can. Okay, that was a bit harsh, but my point is that the dehydrator you own doesn’t have to be expensive. Using the oven leaves room for a lot of error (i.e., burnt apple chips). I don’t want you wasting money or time, so just get a simple dehydrator and have a blast. I’ve used this very inexpensive dehydrator for over 10 years, and it has served me well.
Apple Slicer
This tool is completely optional, but I love using it as often as I can! We have a Johnny Appleseed peeler, and my children literally wait in line to use it. That means I have lots of help when I’m doing big batches of these apple chips!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Apple Chips
One of the things you’ll find on Real and Rustic is flexibility. I believe that flexibility is the difference between creating good whole-food, home-cooked meals and feeling tied to a recipe. I live by the saying, “If you teach a man to fish, he will fish for a lifetime.” Well, there’s no fish in this recipe (that sounds terrible, by the way), but I think you get the idea. Feel free to alter this recipe, the quantities, and the flavorings to fit your family’s preferences. Okay, let’s get started!
Step One: Prepare the Seasonings
Combine the cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract in a gallon-sized Ziploc bag or a large mixing bowl.
Step Two: Prepare the Pineapple Juice
Add one can of pineapple juice and three cups of water to a bowl. You’ll submerge the apple slices in this mixture after cutting them, so it’s best to have it prepared before you start slicing.
Step Three: Slice the Apples and Submerge in Pineapple Juice
Slice the apples and add them to the pineapple juice, making sure every slice is fully submerged. Some people prefer to peel the apples; we leave them on and enjoy the flavor, nutrients, and color that the peels add. If this is your first time, try both ways and see what you prefer.
Step Four: Layer Apples on Dehydrator Trays
I like to work tray by tray to make sure the apples aren’t exposed to air for too long. My dehydrator fits about five apples per tray. Make sure the apples are close but not overlapping.
Step Five: Begin the Dehydrating Process
Turn your dehydrator to 135°F and begin dehydrating! It typically takes between 7 and 9 hours for my apples to reach the crispness I like. I often start them in the evening to check on them in the morning, or in the morning to check by late afternoon. Look for apples that are bendable but dry with no moisture inside. Don’t let them go so far that they crack when bent.
Step Six: Enjoy!
Now comes the fun part! If you have any leftovers to store, you can keep them in an airtight container for up to three months (I’ve gone up to five months before with no issues).
Tips and Tricks for Dehydrating Apple Chips
As I mentioned earlier, it’s essential to have everything ready before you start slicing the apples. That way, you can submerge them in the pineapple juice right away and then put them in the dehydrator to prevent browning.
Variations and Customizations
Customizing the flavor is almost as fun as actually eating these apple chips! Here are a few different flavor combinations for you to try.
Spiced Chai Apple Chips
- Cinnamon: 1 tsp per 5 apples
- Nutmeg: 1/2 tsp per 5 apples
- Cloves: 1/4 tsp per 5 apples
- Cardamom: 1/4 tsp per 5 apples
Vanilla Honey Apple Chips
- Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp per 5 apples
- Honey: 2 tbsp per 5 apples, warmed for easy spreading
Caramel Apple Chips
- Caramel Sauce: 2 tbsp per 5 apples, warmed for easy spreading
- Sea Salt (optional): A light sprinkle for a sweet-salty balance
Peanut Butter Powder Apple Chips
- Peanut Butter Powder: 2 tbsp per 5 apples
- Cinnamon (optional): 1/2 tsp per 5 apples for extra warmth
Cocoa Powder Apple Chips
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: 1 tbsp per 5 apples
- Cinnamon (optional): 1/2 tsp for a hint of spice
- Sugar or Maple Sugar (optional): 1-2 tsp if you prefer a sweeter taste
Secret Ingredient Dehydrated Apple Chips
These easy homemade apple chips are a delicious way to preserve the taste of apple season! With a secret ingredient to keep them fresh and simple spices for added warmth, they make the perfect healthy snack or topping for any fall treat.
Ingredients
- 40 medium apples (choose your favorite variety)
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple juice
- 3 cups water
- 3 tbsp cinnamon (optional for flavor)
- 1 tbsp nutmeg (optional for flavor)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (optional for flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare Pineapple Solution: In a large mixing bowl, combine pineapple juice and water. This will prevent browning.
- Mix Seasonings: In a separate bowl, mix cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract (if using).
- Slice Apples: Core and slice apples evenly, about 1/8 inch thick. For consistent thickness, use a mandoline slicer if available.
- Soak in Pineapple Solution: Submerge apple slices in the pineapple solution for about 5 minutes.
- Coat with Seasoning: Remove apple slices from the solution and shake off excess liquid. Sprinkle with seasoning mix or place slices and seasoning mix in a large Ziploc bag and shake to coat evenly.
- Layer on Dehydrator Trays: Place apple slices on each tray, ensuring they don’t overlap. Fill all 8 trays.
- Dehydrate: Set dehydrator to 135°F and dry for 7-9 hours, checking periodically for desired crispness. The chips should be bendable but without moisture.
- Cool and Store: Once fully dehydrated, let cool before storing in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Notes
For best results, ensure apple slices are evenly cut to promote consistent drying. Check the chips periodically after 6 hours for desired crispness, as drying times can vary based on slice thickness and apple variety. Store cooled apple chips in an airtight container for up to 3 months to maintain freshness. Enjoy experimenting with different spices and flavors!
Dehydrated Apple Chip Recipe That Is Easy And Delicious
Dehydrated apple chips are a delicious way to savor the flavors of fall and make use of any extra apples you have on hand. With just a hint of pineapple juice to prevent browning and your favorite flavorings, you can create a healthy, versatile snack that the whole family will love. Plus, the recipe is incredibly flexible, so feel free to experiment and make it your own.
If you try out this recipe or one of the variations, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below to let me know your favorite flavor combo or any tips you discovered along the way. Don’t forget to follow my blog for more real and rustic recipes, and connect with me on social media for seasonal inspiration and new recipe ideas.