Dehydrating Apples With An Air Fryer: A Quick Guide

Dehydrating apples in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make healthy snacks. The process involves thinly slicing apples and cooking them at a low temperature in the air fryer until most of the water has been removed, resulting in crisp and sweet apple chips. The drying time will depend on the thickness of the apple slices and the desired level of crispness, but it can be as quick as 20 minutes or take up to 12 hours.

How to prepare apples for dehydration

Preparing apples for dehydration is a simple process, but there are a few steps to follow to ensure the best results. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to prepare apples for dehydration:

Step 1: Wash the Apples

Start by washing the apples thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or pesticides. Even if you plan on peeling the apples, washing them is important to prevent any dirt from transferring to the inside of the apple when cutting.

Step 2: Prepare an Acid Bath (Optional)

As soon as apples are cut and exposed to air, they begin to oxidize and soften. To prevent this, you can prepare an acidic pre-treatment bath. Mix either 1 teaspoon of citric acid, 1/4 cup of lemon juice, or 1 tablespoon of vinegar per quart (4 cups) of water. Stir the mixture in a large bowl. This step is optional but helps prevent browning and keeps the apples firmer.

Step 3: Slice the Apples

Use a sharp knife or a mandolin slicer to slice the apples. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3mm or 0.32 cm). The slices should be as consistent as possible to ensure even dehydration. You can peel and core the apples if desired, but it is not necessary.

Step 4: Soak the Apple Slices in the Acid Bath (Optional)

If you prepared an acid bath, add the apple slices to the mixture and let them soak for about 10 minutes. This step will help prevent browning and keep the apples firmer during dehydration. After soaking, drain the slices and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.

Step 5: Season the Apple Slices (Optional)

If desired, you can season the apple slices with spices such as cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, cloves, cardamom, ginger, or nutmeg. You can also add a sprinkle of sugar for extra sweetness. This step is optional but can enhance the flavor of your dehydrated apples.

Step 6: Arrange the Apple Slices

Lay the apple slices out on a parchment paper-lined air fryer basket or tray. Make sure the slices are in a single layer and do not overlap. This arrangement ensures proper air circulation and even dehydration.

Your apples are now prepared for dehydration! You can follow the specific instructions for your air fryer model to set the temperature and timing for dehydration. Enjoy your delicious and healthy dehydrated apple snacks!

How to dehydrate apples in an air fryer

Ingredients and Equipment

You will need the following ingredients and equipment to dehydrate apples in an air fryer:

• Apples (any type will do, but tart apples like Granny Smith, Macintosh, Cortland, or Jonagolds are best for crispy apple chips, while Gala, Golden Delicious, or Honeycrisp are better for softer toppings or rehydration recipes)
• Lemon juice (optional, but helps to prevent browning)
• Cinnamon or other spices (optional)
• Air fryer
• Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Airtight container for storage

Instructions

• Wash your apples thoroughly under running water to remove any pesticides or dirt. You can peel the apples if you prefer, but it's not necessary.
• Core and slice the apples into thin, uniform slices. The ideal thickness is about ⅛ inch (or 0.32 cm).
• (Optional) Prepare an acid bath by mixing either 1 teaspoon of citric acid, ¼ cup of lemon juice, or 1 tablespoon of vinegar per quart (4 cups) of water. Soak the apple slices in the acid bath for 3-5 minutes to prevent browning, then pat them dry with a paper towel.
• (Optional) Sprinkle your apple slices with cinnamon or other spices of your choice.
• Place the apple slices in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined air fryer basket or tray, making sure they don't overlap. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Set your air fryer to a low temperature, ideally around 135°F (57°C). If your air fryer doesn't have a temperature setting, preheat it to its lowest setting (this may be around 300°F or 148°C).
• Dehydrate the apples for 7-12 hours, or until they are crispy but still slightly chewy. Thicker slices will take longer to dehydrate. Check on the apples periodically to ensure they don't burn.
• Once the apples are dehydrated to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool completely on a clean kitchen towel or cooling rack.
• Store your dehydrated apples in an airtight container in a dark location, such as a pantry or cupboard. They will last up to six months at room temperature or up to a year in the freezer.

Tips

• If your air fryer doesn't have a dehydrate function, you can still dehydrate apples by setting it to a low temperature and checking on them periodically.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Allow enough space for air to circulate around the apple slices.
• For extra crispy apples, increase the heat to 325°F for the last 4-8 minutes of cooking.
• Dehydrated apples are a versatile ingredient that can be used in breakfast dishes, savory recipes, and sweet treats. Try adding them to granola, oatmeal, yogurt, smoothies, roasted pork loin, or caramel apple pie.

How to store dehydrated apples

Dehydrated apples can be stored in sealed plastic bags, like Ziploc bags, for shorter periods. For longer-term storage, use glass jars with airtight lids. Vacuum sealing can also extend the life of dehydrated apples.

Store dehydrated apples in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard, to ensure they keep their crunchy texture and flavour for months.

To ensure dehydrated apples are stored correctly, it is important to remove any moisture. This can be done by using a vacuum sealer or including moisture-absorbing desiccant packets in the container.

With proper storage, dehydrated apples can last for up to a year, if not more.

How to incorporate dehydrated apples into meals

Dehydrated apples are a versatile snack and a great way to preserve the flavour of apples. Here are some ideas for how to incorporate them into meals:

Breakfast

• Topping for oatmeal, cereal or yoghurt parfaits
• Add to granola, muesli or trail mix
• Bake into homemade muffins
• Make a compote for pancakes by chopping and simmering with a little water, cinnamon and sugar
• Add to porridge

Lunch

• Use to make a fun salad topping
• Add to a cheese plate
• Use in a sandwich with peanut butter or yoghurt

Drinks

• As an edible garnish for apple cider or apple cocktails
• Blend into a smoothie
• Add to mulled wine

Baking

Rehydrate and add to scones, muffins or other baked goods

Other

• Make a potpourri
• Use in energy bars

FAQs about dehydrating apples in an air fryer

Yes, absolutely! Dehydrating apples in an air fryer is a great way to make homemade apple chips that are healthier and cheaper than store-bought ones. The air fryer's convection-like heating system speeds up the dehydration process, so you can have delicious apple chips in as little as 20 minutes!

The best apples for dehydrating are those that are tart, such as Granny Smith, Macintosh, Cortland, or Jonagolds. These varieties retain their shape and have a crisp texture even after drying. However, if you prefer sweeter apples, go for Gala, Golden Delicious, or Honeycrisp. These will result in softer apple chips, but their higher sugar content will make them extra tasty.

No, you don't need to peel the apples unless you want to. However, make sure to wash the apples thoroughly to remove any dirt or pesticides, even if you plan on peeling them.

Aim for a thickness of about ⅛ inch (or 0.32 cm). The key to successful dehydration is to ensure that the apple slices are as thin and uniform as possible so that they dry evenly. A mandolin slicer is the best tool for this job, but a sharp knife will also do.

Soaking the apples is not necessary, but many people choose to do so to prevent browning. If you want to prevent browning, create an acidic pre-treatment bath with lemon juice, vinegar, or citric acid, and soak the apple slices for about 10 minutes.

Aim for a temperature of around 135°F (57°C). This temperature will ensure that the apples dry out without cooking. Depending on the thickness of your slices, the dehydration process can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 12 hours.

Your apple chips are done when they are dry to the touch and have no signs of moisture. They should also snap (not bend) when broken, and have a crunchy texture when eaten.

Let your apple chips cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. Dehydrated apples can last up to six months if stored in a dark, cool place. You can also freeze them for up to a year.

Frequently asked questions