Air Fryer Magic: Drying Cranberries To Perfection

Dried cranberries are a great snack and can be used in a variety of recipes. They are usually made with a dehydrator, but can you make them in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air fryers can be used as dehydrators, and they have a special setting with low heat that will allow your cranberries to dry conveniently.

Drying cranberries in an air fryer vs. an oven

Drying cranberries is a great way to preserve them for up to eight months. You can use an air fryer, an oven, or a dehydrator to do this.

Air Fryer

Most air fryers can be used as dehydrators. They have a special setting with low heat that allows cranberries to dry conveniently. First, check that your air fryer has this setting or that it can go as low as 135°F (55°C). Place the cranberries in the air fryer basket, trying to spread them out as much as possible. Then, press the dehydrate button and let it run for about 6 hours on 135°F.

Oven

To dehydrate cranberries in the oven, turn it on for 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Spread the cranberries on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet and place them in the oven. Turn off the oven and leave the berries inside overnight. Check them for texture and leave them in for additional time if needed.

Dehydrator

When using a dehydrator, spread the cranberries across the racks and heat them at 115°F (46°C) for about 15 hours. Then, turn off the machine and leave the berries inside overnight.

Tips

• Cranberries should be bright red or yellow-tinged, firm, and wrinkle-free.
• Sugar draws water out of the fruit, enhancing dehydration while adding sweetness.
• Dried cranberries can be used in granola, oatmeal, trail mix, smoothies, baked goods, or as a replacement for raisins.
• For sugar-free cranberries, use a sweetener like allulose or monk fruit.

The best temperature to dry cranberries

Drying cranberries in an air fryer is a great way to make your own Craisins. Most air fryers can be used as dehydrators, with a special setting and low heat that will dry your cranberries in a convenient way.

The Best Temperature

Tips for Drying Cranberries

• Before drying, rinse your cranberries to remove any residue.
• To speed up the drying process, you can boil your cranberries for 5 to 7 minutes before placing them in the air fryer.
• When placing the cranberries in the air fryer basket, spread them out as much as possible to allow for even drying.
• If you want to make sugar-free dried cranberries, you can replace the sugar with an equal amount of allulose or monk fruit sweetener.
• To store your dried cranberries, place them in an airtight container. If they are well dried, you can keep them on the counter for a few weeks. If they are still a bit moist, store them in the refrigerator.

Other Methods for Drying Cranberries

If you don't have an air fryer, you can also dry cranberries in the oven. Set your oven to 225°F and bake the cranberries for 3 to 4 hours until they are shrivelled and mostly dry. Then, turn off the oven and leave the cranberries inside with the door propped open for several hours or overnight until they are completely cool and dry.

How to prepare cranberries for drying

Preparing cranberries for drying is a simple process, but it does require some time and patience. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Tools

You will need fresh cranberries, a sweetener of your choice (such as maple syrup, sugar, or honey), and a neutral-tasting oil like avocado, coconut, or olive oil. You will also need a mixing bowl, baking sheets or dehydrator trays, and parchment paper.

Step 2: Rinse and Dry the Cranberries

Start by rinsing your cranberries thoroughly and setting them aside in a large bowl to dry. This will remove any dirt or residue on the cranberries.

Step 3: Optional – Pop the Cranberries

If you are using an air fryer or oven, it is recommended to pop the skins of the cranberries before drying. To do this, bring 2 quarts of water to a rolling boil and pour it over the cranberries. You should hear a popping sound as the skins split open. Let the cranberries sit for 4 to 5 minutes or until the popping stops, then drain them.

Step 4: Slice the Cranberries

Using a sharp knife or kitchen shears, slice the cranberries in half. This step is important because whole cranberries have a tough exterior that won't break down easily during the drying process. Cutting them in half will help them dry out more quickly and evenly.

Step 5: Remove the Seeds (Optional)

This step is not necessary, but if you want to remove the seeds from the cranberries, hold the halved berry with your fingers, with the pulp facing away from you. Give your wrist a good shake into the sink, and the seeds should fall out. If they don't, you can try bouncing the berry on a cutting board or using the tip of a knife to scrape out the seeds.

Step 6: Toss with Sweetener and Oil

Place the sliced cranberries in a medium-sized bowl and pour your chosen sweetener over them. Toss until the cranberries are completely coated. Then, add a small amount of oil and toss again. The oil will help prevent the cranberries from becoming too tough and crispy during the drying process.

Step 7: Spread on Baking Sheets or Dehydrator Trays

Line your baking sheets or dehydrator trays with parchment paper. Spread the cranberries on the trays in a single layer, leaving some space for airflow. If you are using an oven or air fryer, you may need to do this in batches.

Now your cranberries are ready for the drying process! Follow the instructions for your chosen drying method (air fryer, oven, or dehydrator) regarding temperature and timing. Enjoy your homemade dried cranberries as a snack or in your favourite recipes.

How to store dried cranberries

Dried cranberries can be stored in a few different ways depending on your preference. Firstly, it is important to note that dried cranberries should be kept in a cool, dry, and dark place. They should be placed in a tightly sealed, airtight container or a heavy-duty plastic bag.

At room temperature, dried cranberries will last for about 6 to 12 months. However, in hot and humid environments, it is recommended to store them in the refrigerator, where they will also maintain quality for about 6 to 12 months.

If you choose to freeze dried cranberries, place them in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. In the freezer, they will maintain their best quality for about 12 to 18 months but can be kept safely beyond that time.

What to do if your air fryer doesn't have a dehydrator setting

If your air fryer doesn't have a dehydrator setting, you can still dehydrate foods by adjusting the temperature and time settings manually. Here's what you need to do:

• Prepare your food: Wash and cut your chosen food items into thin slices or small chunks. For fruits and vegetables, ensure they are less than half an inch thick. For meats, cut thin slices, being careful not to make them too small.
• Season your food: Apply seasonings straight to the fruits, vegetables, or meats. For example, apple chips go well with cinnamon, and carrot chips can be seasoned with sea salt.
• Place the food in the air fryer basket: Ensure proper spacing between the slices to allow for good air circulation. Use a stainless steel rack or stackable racks to increase capacity if needed.
• Set the temperature and time: Set the temperature to a low setting, usually around 120-140°F (some sources suggest 175°F). Dehydrating will take several hours, so be prepared to wait. Check your food periodically to ensure it is drying properly.

By following these steps, you can dehydrate a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, and meats, even without a dedicated dehydrator setting on your air fryer.

Frequently asked questions