How to Make Dried Apple Slices

Looking for a wholesome, homemade snack you can make ahead and keep on hand for busy days? These dried apple slices are one of my favorite ways to preserve the season’s harvest. They’re naturally sweet, full of fiber, and perfect for tucking into lunchboxes, road trip bags, or your pantry snack basket.

If you’ve never used a dehydrator before, this is the perfect beginner-friendly recipe. Just slice, dry, and store—no fancy steps or special ingredients. It’s a simple way to make something your whole family will enjoy!

Dried apples are especially handy during fall, but we love making them year-round to keep a taste of the harvest close at hand. Pair them with walnuts and cheddar, add to oatmeal or trail mix, or enjoy straight from the jar.

Helpful Tools

Here’s what I use when making dried apple slices at home:

• Dehydrator – Any basic model works. I use a round one with adjustable temperature.
• Apple Peeler – Speeds up the prep if you’re working with a large batch.
• Sharp Paring Knife or Apple Slicer – For thin, even slices.
• Cutting Board – Choose one with a groove to catch juice.
• Mason Jars or Airtight Containers – For storing the dried slices.

How to Make Dried Apples Slices

Ingredients

• Apples (Gala, Fuji, Granny Smith, or your favorite type)
• Ground Cinnamon (optional)

Directions

1. Peel, core, and slice apples into thin slices or rounds, about 1/8 inch thick.
2. Optional: Sprinkle with ground cinnamon for a warm, cozy flavor.
3. Arrange slices on dehydrator trays in a single layer with space between each piece.
4. Set the dehydrator to 135°F and dry for 8–10 hours until slices are dried.
5. Cool completely, then store in airtight jars in a cool, dark place.

A Sweet Way to Preserve Fall

There’s something deeply satisfying about preserving food from scratch, and these dried apple slices are one of the easiest ways to get started. They capture the simple goodness of the season and turn it into a snack you’ll be reaching for again and again. Whether you’re building a healthier pantry or prepping for the busy back-to-school season, this is a recipe you’ll come back to every fall.

Dried Apple Slices

These dried apple slices are a naturally sweet, chewy snack made with just apples and optional cinnamon. Perfect for storing in the pantry, lunchboxes, or pairing with cheese and nuts.

Print Recipe SaveSaved! Pin Recipe

Prep Time:8 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Total Time:8 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course: Snack

Keyword: dehydrated apple slices, dried apple slices, from-scratch, no sugar added snack

Equipment

• Dehydrator
• Peeler
• Knife
• Mason Jar for storing

Ingredients

• Apples Gala, Fuji, Granny Smith, or any favorite type
• Ground Cinnamon optional

Instructions

• Peel, core, and slice apples into thin slices or rounds, about 1/8 inch thick.
• Optional: Sprinkle with ground cinnamon for a warm, cozy flavor.
• Arrange slices on dehydrator trays in a single layer with space between each piece.
• Set the dehydrator to 135°F and dry for 8–10 hours until slices are dried.
• Cool completely, then store in airtight jars in a cool, dark place.

Notes

Storage & Serving Ideas

• Keep your dried apples in mason jars or airtight containers in the pantry for up to 6 months.
• If they feel soft or sticky later, pop them back into the dehydrator for a quick refresh.
• Try pairing dried apple slices with walnuts and sharp cheese for a balanced snack.
• Toss a handful into oatmeal, trail mix, or homemade granola for added sweetness and texture.

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