Dehydrating Tomatoes: Air Fryer Hacks And Tricks

Dehydrating tomatoes is a great way to preserve their flavour and extend their shelf life. Using an air fryer is an efficient option that yields tasty results. Air fryers cook by circulating hot air around food, which is a convenient and energy-efficient way to dehydrate tomatoes. Preparing tomatoes in an air fryer is also a quick process, taking half the time of an oven. The result is a delicious, concentrated tomato flavour with a chewy texture.

How to prepare tomatoes for dehydration

Preparing tomatoes for dehydration is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best results. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare tomatoes for dehydration in an air fryer:

Selecting and Cleaning the Tomatoes

Start by choosing ripe, firm tomatoes for dehydration. Ripe tomatoes will have a more concentrated flavour, and firm tomatoes will hold up better during the dehydration process. Wash the tomatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or residue.

Slicing the Tomatoes

After washing, dry the tomatoes and begin slicing them into uniform pieces. Aim for a thickness of approximately 1/4 inch (around 0.6 cm). This even thickness will ensure that all the tomato slices dehydrate at a similar rate. You can remove the seeds if you prefer, as this can also help with even dehydration.

Seasoning the Tomatoes (Optional)

Before placing the tomatoes in the air fryer, you can optionally season them with various ingredients to add extra flavour. Common seasonings include salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs. Simply sprinkle or toss the tomatoes with your desired seasonings.

Arranging the Tomatoes in the Air Fryer

Place the tomato slices in a single layer on the grill pan or air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. This arrangement allows hot air to circulate around each slice, promoting even dehydration. If needed, you can line the air fryer bucket with baking paper to facilitate easier cleanup.

Setting the Temperature and Time

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Different recipes suggest different temperatures, ranging from 115°C to 190°C. The dehydration time will depend on the temperature and the thickness of your tomato slices, typically ranging from 30 minutes to 3 hours.

By following these steps, you will have perfectly prepared tomatoes ready for dehydration in your air fryer. Remember to refer to specific recipes for detailed instructions on temperature, time, and seasoning suggestions.

Air fryer temperature and time settings

The ideal temperature and time settings for dehydrating food in an air fryer depend on the type of food being dehydrated. Most air fryers have a built-in dehydrator setting.

For dehydrating fruits and vegetables, a temperature setting of 175 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended. The dehydration time varies depending on the type of fruit or vegetable. For example, carrots may take about 3 hours, while kale may only need an hour.

Meat dehydration requires a higher temperature setting than fruits or vegetables. The internal temperature of the meat should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is safe to ingest.

When dehydrating food in an air fryer, it is important to maintain proper spacing between the items to allow for adequate air circulation. It is also recommended to use baking paper or parchment paper to line the air fryer basket for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.

For those without a dehydrator setting on their air fryer, dehydration can still be achieved by setting the temperature between 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit and periodically checking the progress over several hours.

Storing dehydrated tomatoes

For shorter-term storage, you can keep dehydrated tomatoes at room temperature, and they should last for several months. For longer-term storage, it is recommended to keep them in the refrigerator or freezer, where they can last for up to a year.

One popular method of storing dehydrated tomatoes is to cover them in olive oil and seal them in a jar. This method allows the tomatoes to be stored at room temperature for a long period of time. However, it is important to note that if you choose not to store them in olive oil, you will need to soak the tomatoes in water before use.

Additionally, if you are storing dehydrated tomatoes in the freezer, it is recommended to first let them freeze on a baking sheet for about 2 hours before transferring them to a bag or container suitable for freezing.

Uses for dehydrated tomatoes

Dehydrated tomatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for how to use them:

Salads and Sandwiches

Rehydrate the tomatoes by marinating them in a bit of salad dressing, then add them to your salad or sandwich. You can also puree dehydrated tomatoes into your salad dressing to make a tomato vinaigrette. Alternatively, add small pieces of dehydrated tomatoes to a fresh green salad for a boost of flavour and texture.

Snacks and Appetizers

Dehydrated tomatoes can be enjoyed as a snack on their own or served with cheese, meats, and crackers on a charcuterie board. You can also drizzle olive oil and sprinkle salt on thinly sliced tomatoes, dehydrate them until crispy, and serve them as chips with pesto, aioli, or your dip of choice.

Sauces and Condiments

Dehydrated tomatoes can be pureed into a powder and stored in a jar. This powder can be used as a seasoning or mixed with water to form a paste, similar to tomato paste. It's perfect for adding a boost of tomato flavour to any sauce or dish. You can also make a sundried tomato "pesto" by blending dried tomatoes with water, nuts, herbs, and Parmesan cheese. This can be used as a sauce for pasta, pizza, vegetables, or eggs.

Cooking and Baking

Dehydrated tomatoes can be added to scrambled eggs, deviled egg filling, or used as a garnish for fish, chicken, or vegetable dishes. They can also be minced or crumbled and added to biscuits, cornbread, savory muffins, waffles, or stuffed peppers/cabbage. Dehydrated tomatoes are also great for adding extra flavour to sautéed veggies, soups, dips, pasta salad, and scrambled eggs. Additionally, they can be broken into small pieces and added to savory breads, biscuits, or other baked goods.

Storage

Dehydrated tomatoes can be stored in an airtight container or jar and will last for years without refrigeration. Consider adding some olive oil to the tomatoes before sealing to extend their freshness.

Types of tomatoes suitable for dehydration

Dehydrating tomatoes is a great way to preserve them for future use. It is important to note that the dehydration process is slow and requires a very low temperature over a long period. This ensures that the enzymes and other food values are not destroyed.

When it comes to the types of tomatoes suitable for dehydration, smaller varieties tend to work best. Here are some specific types that are commonly used:

• Cherry tomatoes
• Grape tomatoes
• Plum tomatoes

These smaller tomatoes can be cut in half and dehydrated effectively. For round varieties, such as cherry or grape tomatoes, cutting them into four pieces is recommended. The smaller size of these tomatoes reduces the cooking time compared to larger tomatoes.

In addition to the type of tomato, it is also important to use an air fryer with a dehydrator function. This feature allows for the low temperatures and extended cooking times necessary for proper dehydration.

Frequently asked questions