Add apple chips to muffins, cookies or yogurt.
Apple chips are a convenient snack that you can take with you on the go. Apple chips consist of round dehydrated apple slices. The dried apples lose their water content when dried properly, which gives them a longer shelf life. When the apples finish drying, they have a crunchy texture and sweet taste. While you can purchase apple chips at the store, making your own at home saves you money and allows you to customize them to suit your taste.
Instructions
1. Select ripe and healthy apples. Wash the apples under cool running water to remove dirt and debris. Remove any apples that have bruises or mold.
2. Prepare an ascorbic acid solution to prevent the slices apples from browning. Combine 2 1/2 tbsp. of ascorbic acid with 1 qt. of cold water in a bowl.
3. Peel the apples and remove the cores if you desire. The peels and cores can remain but the seeds need removed.
4. Place the clean apples onto a flat surface. Slice the apples with a sharp knife into thin round slices. Cut them into slices as thin as you can handle for best results. A 1/4 inch uniform thin slice will work fine for apple chips.The thicker the slices, the longer they will take to dehydrate.
5. Place the sliced apples immediately in the ascorbic acid solution. Allow them to soak for 10 minutes. Remove the apples from the solution with a slotted spoon and drain them in a colander.
6. Place the apple slices into an oven or food dehydrator set to 140 degrees F. Place them onto the dehydrator racks or onto a baking sheet in a single layer. Thin apple slices can take up to 6 hours to dry completely. Turn the apples over after they dry for 3 or 4 hours to help them dry properly.
7. Watch the apples carefully while they dry. Remove apple chips as they dry to prevent them from burning. The apples are dry when they are pliable and have a leather-like texture. Allow the apple slices to cool and then squeeze them in your hand. If no moisture exists in your hand, then you can store them safely.
8. Place the dried apple chips into a large plastic storage bag. Pack the bag loosely with the dried slices and only fill the bag 2/3 of the way full. Seal the bag and store it in a dry, dark and well-ventilated location for 10 days. Shake the bag every day and if you notice moisture inside the bag, return the apple chips to the oven or food dehydrator.
9. Pack the dried apple slices into small glass jars. Place the jars in a dark, cool and dry location such as the freezer or refrigerator. Store the dried apple chips for up to 12 months.
Tags: apple slices, apple chips, apple chips, ascorbic acid, dried apple, acid solution