Dehydrated Apple Chips Recipe | Easy Fall Snack

Dehydrating Apple Chips

Enjoy the fall apple harvest all year long by making your own dehydrated apple chips. These chewy, lightly sweet apple slices are perfect for snacking, baking, packing in lunches, or adding to fall recipes. If you love preserving food for later, dehydrated apples are one of the easiest ways to store your apple haul.

Apple chips can be enjoyed as a snack or you can bake with them using your favorite apple recipes. For a savory mix, you can also dehydrate onions, bananas, cranberries and more.

Best Apples for Dehydrated Apple Chips

You can use almost any apple variety, but the best results come from firm, crisp apples that hold their shape:

• Fuji
• Gala
• Jonagold
• Honeycrisp
• Pink Lady

These apples dry evenly and keep a pleasant chew. Use your favorite eating apples for the best flavor.

The rings can easily be made into pies, muffins, cake, breakfast dishes or ate straight out of the bag for a snack. Love dehydrating things, try drying cherries too.

How to Prepare Apples for Dehydrating

To prevent browning, fill a large bowl with water and add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Peel and core your apples using an apple peeler/corer, then place the apples into the lemon water.

Slice the apples into rings. If the apple is still spiraled together, cut through one side to separate the slices.

Why Use Lemon Juice

Lemon juice slows oxidation, keeping your apple slices light in color. You can also use citric acid if preferred.

How Many Apple Slices Fit on a Dehydrator Tray

Overlap the apple slices by about ½ inch. They shrink as they dry, so this lets you fit more on each tray without affecting airflow.

How Long Does It Take to Dehydrate Apples

Dry apples at 135°F for 8–12 hours. The exact time depends on:

• Apple variety
• Slice thickness
• Humidity
• Dehydrator model

The apples should be dry, firm, and slightly bendy—not crispy. If they still feel moist, continue dehydrating to avoid mold during storage.

Can You Dehydrate Apples in the Oven

Yes, but ovens can run hotter than dehydrators. Set your oven to 135–145°F if possible and monitor closely so the apples dry rather than cook.

How Many Apples Fit in a Dehydrator

A 9‑tray Excalibur dehydrator holds about 4 pounds of sliced apples at once. Overlapping slices slightly helps maximize space.

How to Store Dehydrated Apple Chips

Store fully dried apple chips in:

• Airtight bags for short‑term use
• Vacuum‑sealed bags for long‑term storage

Keep them in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness.

Flavor Variations

Try adding:

• Cinnamon
• Cinnamon + sugar
• Nutmeg
• Allspice

These warm spices make your apple chips perfect for fall snacking. Sprinkle the spices on the apples before dehydrating to keep the spices from coming off.

Ways to Use Dehydrated Apple Chips

Dried apple slices are great in:

• Granola
• Oatmeal
• Trail mix
• Energy bars
• Stuffing
• Potpourri

Rehydrate them for pies, muffins, cakes, and tarts.

Shelf Life of Dehydrated Apples

Properly dried apples can last up to 1 year when stored at 60°F, and up to 60 months at 80°F. Always store fruit in a cool, dark location.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Browning: Use lemon juice or citric acid to prevent oxidation.

Mold: Ensure apples are fully dried before storage. Increase drying time if needed.

Uneven drying: Slice apples evenly and avoid overcrowding trays.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can you dehydrate apples without peeling?

Yes, you can dehydrate apples with the peel on. Just wash them thoroughly. Peeling is optional and depends on your texture preference.

How do you tell when apple chips are done?

Apple chips are done when they are dry, firm, and slightly bendy but not crispy or moist.

Are dehydrated apple chips healthy?

Yes, they are a healthy snack option, especially when made without added sugars or preservatives.