How to Make Dehydrated Apple Chips
- 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.