diff --git a/.changeset/lucky-lemons-return.md b/.changeset/lucky-lemons-return.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000000..49125d31d43d4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.changeset/lucky-lemons-return.md
@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+---
+'@backstage/create-app': patch
+---
+
+Fix missing api-docs plugin registration in app template
diff --git a/packages/create-app/templates/default-app/packages/app/src/plugins.ts b/packages/create-app/templates/default-app/packages/app/src/plugins.ts
index c787ac216693f..b719594a0be2b 100644
--- a/packages/create-app/templates/default-app/packages/app/src/plugins.ts
+++ b/packages/create-app/templates/default-app/packages/app/src/plugins.ts
@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+export { plugin as ApiDocs } from '@backstage/plugin-api-docs';
 export { plugin as CatalogPlugin } from '@backstage/plugin-catalog';
 export { plugin as RegisterComponent } from '@backstage/plugin-register-component';
 export { plugin as ScaffolderPlugin } from '@backstage/plugin-scaffolder';