Easy tutorial for making dried apples in the oven, dehydrator, and air fryer! They’re a fun, healthy snack that’s crispy, slightly sweet, and impossible to resist!
One of the best ways to save money on groceries is to stock up when there’s a sale. This is easy to do when it’s pantry items like beans or pasta or canned tomatoes. And it’s easy to do when it’s frozen items, like frozen green beans or frozen strawberries, or marked-down meat you can put in the freezer.
But how can you stock up on produce when it’s on sale? I can only make so many loaves of Chocolate Zucchini Bread, and there’s not enough room in my freezer for pounds and pounds of brown bananas for Banana Ice Cream.
That’s when I thought of one of my favorite snacks – dried apples!
Easy Dried Apples (Apple Chips)
Dried apple slices – also known as dehydrated apples or apple chips – are apples that have been sliced, and dehydrated in either a dehydrator or oven to remove all the moisture.
The result is dried apples – crispy, slightly sweet, and can be stored in your pantry… which means you can make as much as you want!
Those small bags of cinnamon apple chips and caramel apple chips were actually one of my favorite snacks as a kid. They were crunchy and practically tasted like candy!
Now that I know how to make them myself, I can take advantage of sales and markdowns and make a delicious, healthy snack for my kids for a fraction of the cost!
Ingredients for Dehydrating Apples
You only need one ingredient for dried apples: apples!
You can sprinkle with cinnamon if you’d like, and you can do a quick soak in lemon juice and water to prevent browning while they dehydrate, but both are optional.
I prefer to do the quick soak AND sprinkle with cinnamon because they turn out the best that way and taste amazing!
What are the best apples to make apple rings?
You want a variety of apples that are naturally crispy. From there, you can choose if you want the apple to be tart or sweet. In either case, you want to avoid apple varieties that are mealy and soft, like Red Delicious or Gala. Good apples to make apple chips are:
- Honeycrisp
- Jonathon or Jonagold
- Granny Smith
- Pink Lady
- Fuji apples
- Golden Delicious
Can I make other flavors when drying apples?
Yes! Cinnamon is my favorite because it reminds me of apple pie and makes the kitchen smell amazing, but here are a few other spices that go well with apples:
- Cinnamon + Ginger
- Pumpkin Pie Spice
- Chai Spices
- Cut the ground cinnamon in half and add brown sugar for “caramel apple” chips
How to Dehydrate Apples In the Oven
I’m sharing the steps to dry apples using the oven, since that is what most everyone has available. Keep reading if you want to know how to dehydrate apples in a dehydrator or an air fryer.
Step 1: Peel the apples with an apple peeler (if desired) and slice them into slices about ¼” thick. The thickness is critical because if the apples are too thin, they’ll dehydrate into nothing and be difficult to remove from the dehydrator trays. If they’re too thick, they’ll take a very long time to dehydrate.
I recommend using a ruler for the first slice or two, until you know they’re the right thickness, and then using that slice as the guide.
Step 2: (optional) Mix together lemon juice and water in a large bowl and let the apples soak for 8-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Strain the apples and wipe out the bowl. Place the apples back into the bowl and toss with the cinnamon.
Step 4: Preheat the oven to 200F. Line a baking sheet (or multiple large baking sheets) with parchment paper and place the apple slices in a single layer, without overcrowding them.
Step 5: Bake the slices for 1 hour to 1 ½ hours. At the halfway mark, check the apples to ensure they’re cooking evenly, and rotate the baking sheet if necessary. Also, flip the apples over at this point.
Step 6: Continue to bake the apples until they are crispy and all the moisture has evaporated. Store them in an airtight container in the pantry.
Dehydrate Apples in Dehydrator
Dehydrators have a reputation for being expensive – and some brands are – but I’ve had this very affordable dehydrator for 8+ years now and it’s still going strong!
You can often find gently used, or even new dehydrators, at yard sales or online marketplaces for very cheap. I highly recommend buying a dehydrator second-hand if you can, but always plug it in and make sure it works before you purchase!
Drying apples in a dehydrator is very similar to using an oven and will give you dried apples that can be stored infinitely in the pantry.
- Follow steps 1 through 3 as outlined in the OVEN method above.
- Place the apples on a single layer on the dehydrator trays. Set the temperature to low, or 145F, and let the apples dry for 6-8 hours. Depending on your dehydrator and climate, you may need more or less time and may need to rotate the trays.
- When the apples are crispy and all the moisture has evaporated, remove the apples and store them in an airtight container in the pantry.
Tip: If you’re new to using your dehydrator, start the process one morning when you plan to be home for the day. Set a kitchen timer and check the apples every hour to ensure they’re drying evenly. This will allow you to catch any hot patches in your machine, and also narrow down the time frame for drying apples in YOUR dehydrator.
Dehydrating Apples in Air Fryer
When using an air fryer, you’re technically making dried apple chips, and not actually dehydrating. Because of this, they have a shorter shelf life. Still, they’re a fun snack to make!
- Follow steps 1 through 3 as outlined in the OVEN method above. Preheat the air fryer to 300F.
- Place the apple slices in the fryer rack in a single layer, without overcrowding them.
- Air fry for 13-17 minutes, gently tossing the apples every 5 minutes.
- When the cooking time is over, remove the apples and let them cool. They’ll continue to crisp as they cool.
- Store in an airtight container or in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Tip: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you can do multiple batches.
Dried Apple vs. Freeze Dried Apples
It’s important to note that dried apples from a dehydrator are not the same as freeze-dried apples. Freeze-drying requires a special machine that’s pretty expensive. Here’s a great article on freeze-drying if you want to learn more about the process.
Storing Dried Apple Slices
Dried apple slices can be stored in an airtight container, like a re-purposed glass jar or glass storage container, or a reusable storage bag. If you want the dried apple slices to retain their shape, you’ll want to use a hard-surface storage container. Using plastic storage bags can lead to apple chips breaking.
Once in their container, store apple chips at room temperature.
How to Get Consistent Size Slices
As I mentioned before, the size of your apple slices matters because it affects the dry time and the end result. If the slices are too thin, they’ll dehydrate into nothing and create a huge sticky mess to clean up. If the apple slices are too thick, they’ll take a very, very long time to dehydrate.
Skilled home chefs can use a knife to create a consistent size apple slice, but the more novice may enjoy the convenience of a mandolin slicer. They’re easy to use, easy to clean, and give you the perfect size apple slice every time.
Plus with a mandoline, you can make apple rounds with the core, apple rings (without the core), or slices. If you want apple rings, you’ll need an apple corer as well.
FAQs About this Dried Apple Recipe
Are dried apples good for you?
Yes! I will say that some recipes I’ve seen use sugar and cinnamon to make sweet apple chips. But, I found that plain apples are plenty sweet on their own.
Plus since they are naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and generally diet friendly, you can snack on them all day long!
What are the benefits of dried apples?
The benefits of dried apples are the same as apples themselves; they contain the same nutritional profile. The only difference is that dried apples are shelf stable and won’t go bad anytime soon!
How long do dried apples last?
The shelf life of dehydrated fruit is surprisingly long – up to ten years! Store dried apples in an airtight container or storage bag. In the fall, I put mine in mason jars on the counter because they look pretty!
More Apple Recipes
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Easy tutorial for making dried apples in the oven, dehydrator, and air fryer! They’re a fun, healthy snack that’s crispy, slightly sweet, and impossible to resist!
- Prep Time: 10-20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-12 hours
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6 Servings 1x
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Dehydration
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4–5 small apples, or 3–4 large, washed
- 2 cups water
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp cinnamon
Instructions
APPLE PREP
- Combine water, lemon juice, and cinnamon in a large bowl; stir to mix.
- Cut each apple in half then slice each end of the apple (the stem and butt). Slice the remaining apple into approximately ⅜” thick slices, making the slices as evenly as possible. Use a mandolin if you have one. (Do not slice too thin or the apple will stick to the dehydrator.)
- Repeat for the remaining apples. Place cut apples into the lemon water, stirring so each apple is coated with the water. Let soak for 8-12 minutes, stirring occasionally (this step is optional).
OVEN METHOD
- Preheat the oven to 200F. Line a baking sheet (or multiple large baking sheets) with parchment paper and place the apple slices in a single layer, without overcrowding them.
- Bake the slices for 1 hour to 1 ½ hours. At the halfway mark, check the apples to ensure they’re cooking evenly, and rotate the baking sheet if necessary. Also, flip the apples over at this point.
- Continue to bake the apples until they are crispy and all the moisture has evaporated. Store them in an airtight container in the pantry.
DEHYDRATOR METHOD
- After soaking, place apples in a single layer on dehydrator trays.
- Set the temperature to 145F and allow it to run for 8-12 hours, testing at the 8-hour mark for doneness.
- Apples should be hard and crunchy without any moisture. Dehydrate apples longer if they are too chewy.
- Store in a sealed container.
AIR FRYER METHOD
-
- Place the apple slices in the fryer rack in a single layer, without overcrowding them.
-
- Air fry for 13-17 minutes, gently tossing the apples every 5 minutes.
-
- When the cooking time is over, remove the apples and let them cool. They’ll continue to crisp as they cool.
-
- Store in an airtight container or in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
Try these other flavors:
-
- Cinnamon + Ginger
-
- Chai Spices
-
- Cut the ground cinnamon in half and add brown sugar for “caramel apple” chips
Nutrition
- Calories: 81
Maggie
I tried this recipe but couldn’t use it. There was so much water, it kinda washed all the cinnamon and ginger off. Next time I’ll probably use 2/3 cups of water but keep everything else the same. Mixing it this way does make the seasoning more consistent throughout though, and i liked that instead of having big clumps. Thankyou!!
SJ - Team Crumbs
Hi Maggie,
Even though it looks like the cinnamon is washed out, soaking it infuses the flavor! 🙂
Gina
Hi, Thank you for the recipe. Could you please update it to say Fahrenheit. I followed your instructions at 200 degrees celsius. They certainly did turn out crisp LOL.
SJ - Team Crumbs
Oh no! I hope they weren’t ruined. Thanks for sharing! We’ve updated the recipe thanks to your feedback.
Tina loyd
Can you store dehydrated apples with a seal a meal?
Kyare - Team Crumbs
Tina, you should be able to.
Meredith Sander
Did you mean soak for 8-12 minutes – not hours?
Kyare - Team Crumbs
Yes we did, Meredith! Thank you for letting us know about that error. =)
Chrissy
Trying this in my dehydrator and can’t wait to see how they turn out!
Barbara clark
I’ve trie both the dehydrator and oven and after the amount of hours listed for both methods- they were still soft. What
Am I doing wrong? I’m so frustrated.
SJ - Team Crumbs
So sorry that they didn’t turn out right for you Barbara! We recommend adding more time. Each oven/dehydrator is different. In the oven, add in 30 min increments to check (so they don’t burn!).
Ashley C
My daughters and I are going to try this with the dehydrator my mom just gave us. Thanks for this!
Karen @ Team Crumbs
Ashley,
You’re welcome! Enjoy it!
lizzie
do the apples need to be refrigerated while soaking?
Tiffany
Nope!
Marina Moersch
I have honey crisp in my old dehydrator and it has been 14 hours so far they are not getting crispy. I use an old spiral slicer/correr so I have even thickness .why is it taking so long
Tiffany
Every fruit is different, Marina. To test for doneness, turn the dehydrator off and let it cool for about 5-10 min before trying a piece of fruit. If it’s not dry enough, keep on dehydrating!
Kayla Floyd
We dehydrate all the time cuz we have multiple apple trees. I’m getting some done for my kids before a long drive and want to try the caramel ones for a sweet change. Is the brown sugar equivalent to the cinnamon? Or do you use more?
Kyare - Team Crumbs
Kayla, yes use 1 tbsp. of brown sugar. you can add more if desired.
Tracy
Why the long soak? I don’t care if the apple turn brown. Is there another reason to soak? Seems like they would just take longer to dehydrate.
Karen
How much brown sugar do you use for the flavoring and do you rinse the lemon juice off after soaking them?
Darlene
This sounds yummy, but I’m allergic to lemon. Are you using it as a preservative (in which case I’ll use citric acic) or to prevent browning in which case I’ll use asorbic acid)?
Tiffany
It’s to prevent browning Darlene. 🙂
Bill
I’m going to try you’re sugar water, I’ve been buying a Carmel powder from Cabelas but it adds up. I run a 80 liter dehydrator.
deanna
It is so hard
Tiffany
Thanks for hosting Laura!
Lea H @ Nourishing Treasures
Thank you for your submission on Nourishing Treasures’ Make Your Own! Monday link-up.
Check back tomorrow when the new link-up is running to see if you were one of the top 3 featured posts! 🙂
Tiffany
Thanks for hosting Lea !
Jason Hodge
Just made this. Now what can I do with the left over cinnamon lemon mixture?
Karen @ Team Crumbs
Hi Jason!
Maybe you might use for flavor if you cook oatmeal in the morning, or perhaps to make a cup of lemon / cinnamon tea?
Sarah @ Nature's Nurture
Awesome! I love my dehydrator…so much that I’ve been inclined to name it, myself. LOL 😉 Thanks for the recipe, my apples are going in tonight!
Thanks for sharing at Tiny Tip Tuesday!
Tiffany
Thanks for hosting Sarah! Glad I’m not alone with the appliance love affair, lol. Hope your apples turned out delicious!
Barbara
Love this!! Wonderful for snacks.
Tiffany
Absolutely – a great option to have on hand!
Shelley
These sound yummy! I’m curious, how did you package these for trick or treaters?
Tiffany
I bought Halloween baggies at Dollar Tree and measured out one cup in each. 🙂
Donna Roy
As a mother and grandmother I would throw away homemade stuff when my kids were trick or treating unless I personally knew that person. To much craziness in this world.
Kyare - Team Crumbs
My mother and I do the same. However I feel like that thought process is based on how you were raised and where you trick or treat at. If you are in your neighborhood where you know your community it world be more acceptable to give and receive homemade treats. The same man every year in my grandma’s community would give out Jell-O shots in fun containers to the parents and a variety of different treats to the kids. Obvious to say he was the place to go on Halloween.
Mr. Crumbs
You must be the Halloween Grinch ! Withholding candy from kids desperate for a sugar high.
Sheila
Do you think this would work with a really soft apple? I just scored a huge bag of Cortlands from the orchard for $5 and would love to try this, but wondering if they would taste good. They are not a good eating apple, but taste great in applesauce! i might just have to give it a try, but it seems like a lot of work to not have it work– and time to wait and see! Thanks for the great idea!
Tiffany
My first instinct is to say no: if the apple isn’t good to eat, I wouldn’t recommend dehydrating. That said, I’d be inclined to ignore myself and try it anyway, lol. To test you can slice up one apple and skip the soaking – just go straight to the dehydrator. Check it in 8-12 hours and see if it tastes good. If so, it’ll work with the soak. If not, you’re making applesauce!