Homemade Cinnamon Apple Chips Recipe for Kids and Adults
| | 7 min read
A Snack That Brings the Family Together
Growing up, the kitchen was always the center of our family life. The smell of something delicious wafting from the oven or stove was a signal that it was time to gather, chat, and sneak a taste before dinner. But it wasn’t until I had kids of my own that I realized just how much I wanted to recreate those simple, joyful moments—with a healthy twist.
The search for snacks that both my little ones and my husband could agree on was, honestly, a challenge. We wanted something sweet but not loaded with sugar, crunchy but not fried, and—let’s be real—something I could pack in a lunchbox or grab on the go. That’s when I dusted off my Magic Mill dehydrator and decided to try apple chips. Not only did the kids devour them, but my husband started sneaking handfuls too!
Now, making cinnamon apple chips is our Saturday afternoon ritual. The kids love lining up the apple slices and sprinkling cinnamon, and I love knowing exactly what’s going into their snacks. It’s become one of those little family traditions—one that’s as perfect for after-school munchies as it is for road trips or adult lunch breaks. If you’ve never made your own apple chips, you’re in for a treat. Here’s how to do it, step by step, using your Magic Mill dehydrator!
Ingredients
- 4 large crisp apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala are great)
- 1-2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon juice (helps preserve color)
Instructions
- Wash and slice apples: Wash apples thoroughly. Using an apple corer or a sharp knife, core the apples. Slice them into ⅛-inch thick rounds or wedges—thinner slices get crispier!
- Optional: Soak in lemon water: To keep the apple slices from browning, soak them in a bowl of water mixed with 1 teaspoon lemon juice for about 5 minutes. Drain and pat dry with a clean towel.
- Arrange on dehydrator trays: Lay apple slices in a single layer on your Magic Mill dehydrator trays. Make sure slices are not overlapping to ensure even drying.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon: Lightly dust the apple slices with ground cinnamon. If you want to add a hint of sweetness, you can mix a teaspoon of coconut sugar with the cinnamon before sprinkling.
- Set dehydrator: Insert trays into your Magic Mill dehydrator. Set the temperature to 135°F (57°C). Dehydrate for 6 to 8 hours, or until apple chips are dry and crisp to your liking. Thicker slices may need up to 10 hours.
- Check and cool: Check chips after 6 hours; remove any that are crisp. Let chips cool completely—they’ll crisp up even more as they cool.
- Store: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks (though they rarely last that long!). For extra crunch, store with a food-safe silica gel packet.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Dehydrating Time: 6-8 hours
Servings: 4-6
Tips for Perfect Apple Chips
- Uniform slices: Use a mandoline for even thickness—this helps every chip dry at the same rate.
- Apple varieties: Choose sweet, crisp apples for the best flavor and crunch.
- Customize: Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist, or drizzle with a bit of honey before dehydrating for extra sweetness.
- For kids: Let little hands help arrange and sprinkle cinnamon. It's a great way to get them excited about healthy snacks!
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 80
- Carbs: 21g
- Sugar: 15g (all natural from apples)
- Fiber: 3g
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- No added sugar, gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free!
Conclusion: Healthy Snacking for All Ages
Whether you’re packing lunchboxes, prepping for a family road trip, or just want a guilt-free movie night snack, these cinnamon apple chips check all the boxes. They’re fun to make, easy to store, and guaranteed to disappear faster than you expect. The best part? They’re a snack you can truly feel good about sharing with your family—no matter their age.
If you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen snack game, I can’t recommend the Magic Mill dehydrator enough. It makes the process effortless and fun. Ready to get started? Check out Magic Mill dehydrators on Amazon here!
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