Easiest Dried Apple Chips

Fall lovers unite; we have the coziest treat for you!

No, it's not a pie or a crumble, but more of a perfect snack to take on the go: dried apple chips. 

Apple chips are known for their fabulous tartness and crunchiness, and drying concentrates their sweetness, and the slim shape allows them to crisp up instead of collapse. 

Drying fruit is the technique of removing natural moisture, and the trick is to do so at the right speed and temperature to maintain the flavor and texture. Too hot, and you'll scorch the outside before the center can dry, so let's settle on a range between 120 and 225°F. 

Prep:

• Apples. Any variety works well with this recipe.
• Cinnamon. This warm, comforting spice sprinkle adds just the right amount of flavor.
• If working with a large batch of apples, you'll want to rest them in a water bowl containing citric acid while you peel and slice them up. This will help with preserving them, so they don't go brown! 

Process:

• Position oven racks in the upper and lower third of the oven, then preheat your oven to 225 ℉.
• Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
• Wash and dry the apples—slice apples as thin as possible (about 1/8 inch).
• Place apples on the baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they're not touching each other, then sprinkle cinnamon evenly over apple slices (optional).
• Bake for approximately 1 hour, turn each slice over and continue to bake for at least another hour. The longer they stay, the crispier they get.
• Note: The baking time can vary based on each slice's thickness and the apples' moisture content. But don't fret! Once the apple chips have been baked, they will crisp up as they cool off.