7 Ways to Use Leftover Apple Peels

Kelli Foster
Kelli FosterSenior Contributing Food Editor
Kelli is a Senior Contributing Food Editor for Kitchn. She's a graduate of the French Culinary Institute and author of the cookbooks, Plant-Based Buddha Bowls, The Probiotic Kitchen, Buddha Bowls, and Everyday Freekeh Meals. She lives in New Jersey.
Follow
updated May 1, 2019
pinterest
comments
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Post Image
Did You Know You Can Turn Apple Peels into a Delicious Snack? (Image credit: Christine Gallary)

It’s that time of year, when apple-filled desserts reign supreme. From pies and cakes to crisps and muffins, no matter what you’re cooking up, one thing is certain — it’s only a matter of time before you’re staring down a bowl full of apple peels. Instead of tossing them, here are seven ways to give those peels a new life in the kitchen.

1. Roast chips.

Tossed with a touch of melted butter and cinnamon-sugar, apple peels can be roasted into the light and crispy snack your fall afternoon needs.

Get a recipe: Did You Know You Can Turn Apple Peels into a Delicious Snack?

Got Apple Peels? Make Tea! (Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

2. Make tea.

Steeped in boiling water, along with a cinnamon stick and honey, apple peels make a soothing tea. Bonus: Use the peels of red apples and you’ll brew up a lovely pink-hued beverage.

Read more: Got Apple Peels? Make Tea!

3. Whip up a smoothie.

Apples peels bring a big boost of fiber, along with extra sweetness, to smoothies. Keep them stored in a resealable bag in the freezer in between blending up a drink.

Try it here: Super-Power Morning Smoothie

Kale Bistro Salad (Image credit: Christine Han)

4. Garnish salads.

For a garnish that’s as pretty as it is delicious, julienne apple peels into thin strips for a sweet seasonal salad topper.

Add it here: Kale Bistro Salad

What’s the Difference Between Filtered and Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar? (Image credit: Faith Durand)

5. Make apple cider vinegar.

Here’s a reason to save the apple cores along with the peels. Mixed with sugar and submerged in water, it’s easy to turn apple scraps into a batch of DIY apple cider vinegar.

Read more: Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar (Using Peels and Cores) from Don’t Waste the Crumbs

6. Clean stains from aluminum cookware.

Combined with water, then brought to a boil and simmered for about 30 minutes, the acid in the apple peels helps to remove stains from aluminum cookware.

7. Fold into pancakes and muffins.

Chop up peels and add them to you next batch of pancakes, waffles, or muffins. The peels add a subtle apple flavor and will boost the fiber content of any of these dishes. Pair them with cinnamon to keep everything tasting like apple pie.

What’s your favorite way to use up apple peels?

Filed in:
autumn
Tips & Techniques
Ingredient