This easy dried apples recipe made right in the oven is perfect as a healthy snack, a garnish, or for use in other delicious recipes.
Dried apples are a great way to incorporate fruit into meals and snacks in different ways. Don't have a food dehydrator? No problem.
This recipe teaches you how to do it right in the oven.
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Why you'll love this recipe
- Great snack
- Simple ingredients
- Allergy-friendly and no added sugar
Ingredients and substitutions
Here are a few quick notes about the ingredients in this recipe. You can see a complete ingredient list and instructions in the recipe card below.
Fresh apples - You can use any type of apple you wish. When it comes to drying apples, it's best to use varieties that are firm, have a slightly tart flavor, and are less prone to turning mushy when exposed to heat.
Varieties like Gala and Fuji apples, Honeycrisp, and Golden Delicious are all good options.
Lemon juice - This is optional, but using lemon juice and water, the apple rings are soaked prior to dehydrating. This keep them from browning.
Optional flavorings
You can opt for plain apple pieces or use additional spices for more flavor. Some delicious ways to flavor them are by using:
- Ground cinnamon
- Pumpkin pie spice
- Apple pie spice
- Citrus zest
Step-by-step instructions
Before you start: Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 1: In a large bowl, combine water and lemon juice. Add apple slices and allow to soak for 15-20 minutes.
Remove apples from lemon water and place on a couple paper towels. Press another paper towel over the top to remove excess liquid.
Step 2: Place apple slices on prepared baking sheets in a single layer. They can be close but not touching. Bake for one hour.
Remove, turn over slices, and bake for one more hour. If you would like crispier apple slices, bake for up to 30 minutes to an hour additional. I baked mine for two and a half hours total.
Allow dried apple slices to cool on a drying rack. They will crisp up a bit more once cool!
Tips
- Doing a pre-soak, a bit of lemon juice in water, will reduce browning.
- If using spices, remember that a little goes a long way.
- Thin slices of fruit will dry quicker while thick ones will take longer.
Equipment
The good news about this recipe is that you can use the kitchen tools you have on hand. The most basic things you will need include:
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large bowl (if soaking apple slices)
- Wire rack
If you have an apple corer and a mandolin slicer, both make things even easier with more consistent cuts.
If you prefer your dehydrated apple chips to not have peels, an apple peeler (vegetable peeler) is helpful.
Storage
Store the dried fruit in an airtight container at room temperature in a cool dark place for up to one week.
Dehydrated apples that are crispier and no longer have moisture in them can be stored longer.
A mason jar makes a great storage container.
Serving suggestions
This recipe makes for an easy snack but there are a variety of ways to enjoy them:
- On a smoothie bowl
- In trail mix
- With oatmeal and granola
- As a cocktail garnish
- On salads
- Topping yogurt or parfaits
FAQs
Pre-soaking the raw sliced apples in a mixture of four cups of water and the juice of one lemon for 15-20 minutes.
Yes! To use the oven-dried apples for decorations and crafts, you will want to make sure there is no moisture left in the fruit.
The drying process for this may be longer than 2-3 hours and closer to 4-6 hours. The slices should feel dry and leathery.
Tart apples like Granny Smith are lower in natural sugar than sweeter varieties but are flavorful apples that hold their shape well once dehydrated.
More apple recipes
📖 Recipe
Dried Apples
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 apples, sliced about ⅛t to ¼ of an inch
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine water and lemon juice. Add apple slices and allow to soak for 15-20 mins. An optional step, but this will reduce browning.
- Remove apples from lemon water and place on a paper towel. Press another paper towel over the top to remove excess liquid. Place slices on baking sheets and sprinkle on spices like cinnamon, if desired. Bake for one hour.
- Remove, turn over slices, and bake for one more hour. If you would like crispier apple slices, bake for up to 30 minutes to an hour additional.
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