Dice apples (leaving the skin on) into very small ½ inch pieces and spread them on a baking sheet covered in parchment paper or a baking mat.
Bake the apples for 3-4 hours, mixing them around halfway through to allow even drying. They are ready when there is little moisture left (use the taste test and see if they have gotten to the texture of dried apple rings). It is fine if some small pieces are more like apple chips.
Apple Pie Granola
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
In a bowl, combine oats, cinnamon,vanilla, and salt. Add in the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and the egg white (if using) and mix thoroughly.
Add in the chopped walnuts and 2 cups of the dried apple bits. If you are using dried apple rings, dice them and measure out 2 cups before adding to the mixture.
Bake the granola on a parchment or silpat lined baking sheet for 20 minutes. Remove the granola from the oven and let it cool to room temperature before sealing it in an airtight container.
Recipe by Uproot Kitchen at https://uprootkitchen.com/2014/12/17/apple-pie-granola/