Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love homemade coconut chips because they require very little preparation and only a handful of ingredients. The oven does most of the work, transforming coconut flakes into a crisp and toasted snack in just a few minutes.
I also like how easy they are to customize. I can keep them completely unsweetened, add maple syrup or honey for sweetness, or use savory spices when I want something different.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsweetened coconut flakes
- Melted coconut oil
- Maple syrup or honey, optional
- Sea salt
- Ground cinnamon, optional
- Vanilla extract, optional
Directions
- I preheat my oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- I place the coconut flakes in a mixing bowl, taking care not to break them into smaller pieces.
- I drizzle the coconut with melted coconut oil. When I want sweet coconut chips, I also add maple syrup or honey.
- I add a small pinch of sea salt. If I want additional flavor, I mix in cinnamon or a little vanilla extract.
- I gently toss everything until the coconut flakes are lightly and evenly coated.
- I spread the coconut flakes over the prepared baking sheet in a single, even layer. I avoid overcrowding or piling them on top of each other because this can prevent even browning.
- I bake the coconut chips for approximately 8–12 minutes, stirring or flipping them halfway through.
- I watch them very carefully during the final few minutes because coconut can go from lightly golden to burned quickly.
- I remove the baking sheet when the coconut chips are golden around the edges. I let them cool completely on the pan, where they become crispier as they cool.
- Once completely cool, I serve the coconut chips immediately or transfer them to an airtight container for storage.
Servings and Timing
I get approximately 4 servings from a standard batch of homemade coconut chips.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Baking time: 8–12 minutes
Cooling time: 10 minutes
Total time: approximately 25 minutes
Servings: approximately 4
Variations
For cinnamon coconut chips, I toss the coconut with a little ground cinnamon before baking. I can combine cinnamon with maple syrup when I want a sweeter version.
For chocolate coconut chips, I let the toasted chips cool completely and then drizzle them lightly with melted chocolate. I let the chocolate set before storing or serving them.
When I want a savory version, I skip the sweetener and season the coconut with sea salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, or a small amount of chili powder.
For spicy coconut chips, I add cayenne pepper or chili powder with a touch of maple syrup. I like the combination of sweetness, heat, and toasted coconut.
I can also make lime coconut chips by adding finely grated lime zest after baking. This gives me a bright citrus flavor without adding excess moisture.
Storage/Reheating
I let my coconut chips cool completely before storing them because any trapped warmth can create condensation and soften their crispy texture.
Once cool, I transfer them to an airtight container and keep them at room temperature in a cool, dry place. For the best crunch and flavor, I try to enjoy them within about 1–2 weeks.
If my coconut chips lose some of their crispness, I spread them on a baking sheet and warm them briefly in a low oven. I then let them cool completely again before eating or storing them.
I generally do not refrigerate homemade coconut chips because refrigerator moisture can affect their crisp texture.
FAQs
Why are my coconut chips not crispy?
I make sure the coconut flakes are arranged in a thin, even layer and avoid adding too much liquid sweetener or oil. I also remember that the chips become noticeably crispier after they have cooled completely.
What type of coconut should I use for coconut chips?
I prefer large, unsweetened coconut flakes rather than finely shredded coconut. The larger pieces give me the classic chip-like shape and create a better crunchy texture after baking.
How do I keep coconut chips from burning?
I bake them at a moderate temperature and watch them closely, especially toward the end. Coconut browns quickly, so I stir the flakes during baking and remove them as soon as they become golden.
Can I make coconut chips without added sugar?
Yes. I can completely leave out the maple syrup or honey. Toasted coconut already has a naturally rich flavor and subtle sweetness, so I often enjoy the chips with just coconut oil and a small pinch of salt.
What can I do with coconut chips?
I eat them as a snack or use them as a crunchy topping for yogurt, oatmeal, smoothie bowls, chia pudding, ice cream, and fruit salads. I can also add unsweetened or savory coconut chips to salads, trail mixes, and other snack combinations.
Conclusion
Homemade coconut chips give me a simple, crunchy snack with plenty of toasted coconut flavor. With just coconut flakes and a few optional seasonings, I can prepare a batch in less than 30 minutes and customize it to be sweet, salty, spicy, or warmly spiced.
PrintCoconut Chips
Homemade coconut chips are a crisp, golden snack made by baking large coconut flakes with coconut oil and a touch of sea salt. Enjoy them plain or customize them with maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, or savory spices.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–12 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey, optional
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the coconut flakes in a mixing bowl, handling them gently to avoid breaking the flakes into smaller pieces.
- Drizzle the coconut flakes with melted coconut oil. Add maple syrup or honey if making sweet coconut chips.
- Add the sea salt and, if desired, the cinnamon and vanilla extract.
- Gently toss until the coconut flakes are lightly and evenly coated.
- Spread the coconut flakes in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet without overcrowding them.
- Bake for 8–12 minutes, gently stirring or flipping the coconut halfway through for even browning.
- Watch closely during the final few minutes because coconut can burn quickly.
- Remove from the oven when the chips are lightly golden around the edges. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet so they become crisp.
- Serve immediately or transfer the completely cooled coconut chips to an airtight container.
Notes
- Large unsweetened coconut flakes work best for creating crisp, chip-like pieces.
- The coconut chips become crispier as they cool, so allow them to cool completely before judging their texture.
- For an unsweetened version, omit the maple syrup or honey.
- For cinnamon coconut chips, add ground cinnamon and optional maple syrup before baking.
- For savory chips, omit the sweetener and season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, or other savory spices.
- For spicy-sweet chips, combine a pinch of cayenne or chili powder with maple syrup.
- For lime coconut chips, add finely grated lime zest after baking and cooling.
- Store completely cooled coconut chips in an airtight container at room temperature in a cool, dry place for 1–2 weeks.
- If the chips lose their crispness, warm them briefly in a low oven and let them cool completely again before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg