Air Fryer Magic: Drying Figs To Perfection

Figs are a delicious and delicate fruit with a short season, but if you want to enjoy their sweet flavour all year round, drying them is a great option. There are several ways to dry figs, including using an air fryer. This method is a quick and easy way to preserve figs and enjoy them as a snack or in recipes such as cheese boards, cakes, and jams. So, can you dry figs in an air fryer? The answer is yes!

How to prepare figs for drying

Preparing figs for drying involves several steps, and the process can vary depending on the chosen drying method. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare figs for drying:

Selecting the Figs:

Start by choosing ripe figs that have soft skin with cracks and flesh that is beginning to pull away from the stem. Avoid figs with any bruising, mould, or blemishes. The most common type of fig is the Black Mission fig, which is small, dark purple, sweet, and has a soft texture. However, you can also find brown figs, which are larger and less sweet, or white figs, which are the largest variety with a very sweet and milky texture.

Cleaning and Slicing:

Once you've selected your figs, remove any insects and gently rinse them. You can choose to leave the figs whole or slice them. Slicing the figs will help ensure that the juice in the centre dehydrates completely, but whole figs will also work. If you are slicing the figs, use a serrated knife to get the cleanest cut without crushing them.

Pre-Treatment (Optional):

Before drying, you may want to pre-treat the figs by dipping them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar or drizzling them with honey. This step is optional but can add extra flavour to your dried figs.

Arranging for Drying:

The way you arrange the figs for drying will depend on the chosen drying method. If you are air-drying, thread the figs onto wooden skewers or place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. For a food dehydrator, place the whole or halved figs on the dehydrator racks. If using an oven or air fryer, arrange the figs on a baking sheet, ensuring they don't touch each other.

Now that you know how to prepare figs for drying, you can choose your preferred drying method, such as air-drying, using a food dehydrator, oven, or air fryer. Each method will have specific temperature settings and timing guidelines, so be sure to refer to a reliable source for detailed instructions on the chosen drying technique.

Air fryer settings for drying figs

Air fryers are a great way to dry figs. The process is similar to using a dehydrator, but there are some differences.

Firstly, the amount of available space in an air fryer is larger than that of a dehydrator. This means you might be able to dry more figs at once, as the warm air will consistently blow over them. Additionally, air fryers are very common kitchen appliances, whereas dehydrators are considered specialty appliances.

When drying figs in an air fryer, the process is essentially the same as with a dehydrator. However, there may be some timing differences, so be prepared for some variability. Make sure the air fryer has a vent to allow moisture to escape, and keep a careful eye on the figs, especially during the first few batches.

To dry figs in an air fryer, start by washing the figs and either leaving them whole or slicing them. Then, place the figs in the air fryer basket in a single layer with the cut side facing up. Cook at 380°F for about eight minutes, or until the figs are dry and wrinkled. The drying time can vary depending on the model of your air fryer, so adjust as needed.

Other methods to dry figs

There are several methods to dry figs without an air fryer. Here are some alternative approaches:

Sun-Drying

Sun-drying is a traditional method of preserving figs. This technique involves rinsing fully ripe figs and cutting them in half. The figs are then placed on a wire or wooden rack covered with cheesecloth, with the cut side facing up. Alternatively, whole figs can be threaded onto wooden skewers and hung in the sun. The figs are then covered with cheesecloth to protect them from insects and placed in direct sunlight for 2-3 days, being turned over each morning to ensure even drying. This method is best suited for hot and dry climates.

Oven-Drying

Oven-drying is a convenient way to dry figs indoors. Preheat your oven to a low temperature, ideally 140° F (60° C). Rinse the figs, trim away the stems, and pat them dry. Cut the figs in half or quarters, depending on their size. Place the figs on an oven-safe rack with ventilation holes, cut-side up. Prop the oven door open slightly and dry the figs for up to 36 hours, turning them occasionally. This method may take longer but helps prevent the figs from cooking instead of drying.

Dehydrator

Using a food dehydrator is a simple and effective way to dry figs. Set the dehydrator to the fruit setting or 135° F (57° C). Rinse the figs, remove the stems, and cut them into quarters. Place the fig pieces skin-side down on the dehydrator trays, leaving some space between them for air circulation. Dehydrate for 6-8 hours, or until they are dry to the touch but still pliable. This method ensures even drying and can be completed in a relatively short time.

Microwave

Microwaving is a quick way to dry figs if you're short on time. Cut the figs into quarters or slices and place them on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels. Microwave on high for two minutes, rotate the plate, and then microwave for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the figs are dry and pliable. This method is not as traditional as the others but can be a handy alternative if you need dried figs in a hurry.

No matter which method you choose, always start with ripe figs that are free from bruising or mold. Dried figs are a nutritious and delicious snack, packed with potassium, calcium, fiber, and various vitamins. They can be stored in airtight containers in a cool, dark place for up to six months or in the refrigerator for extended freshness.

How to store dried figs

Dried figs are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep for six to twelve months. However, if you live in a humid climate, they may develop mould, even when stored in airtight containers. In this case, you can try storing them in the fridge, which will help to ward off nasty moulds and keep your dried figs for longer.

If you have a lot of dried figs, it is recommended to store them in smaller batches. This way, if mould does develop, it won't spoil the entire batch.

You could also try freezing dried figs. Freezing them in a single layer on a baking tray and then transferring them to a freezer bag will help to prevent them from freezing together in a clump.

Other storage methods include vacuum sealing, storing in sugar water, or canning in jars with silicate packets.

What to serve with roasted figs

Roasted figs are a delicious treat, and there are many ways to serve them. Here are some ideas to elevate your roasted figs and create a delightful culinary experience:

Savoury Delights

Roasted figs have a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with savoury ingredients. Here are some savoury options to serve with your roasted figs:

• Cheese platter: Create a cheese platter with a variety of cheeses such as goat cheese, blue cheese, or soft cheese like crème fraîche. Add some sliced prosciutto, balsamic vinegar, and a freshly baked baguette. This combination of sweet and salty flavours is sure to impress.
• Meat dishes: Serve roasted figs as a side dish with roast pork, chicken, or roasted root vegetables. The natural juices of the figs will complement the savoury notes of the meat and vegetables.
• Salads: Add roasted figs to a bed of arugula, spinach, or mixed greens. Include other ingredients like walnuts, balsamic vinaigrette, and Parmesan cheese for a refreshing and flavourful salad.
• Appetizers: Wrap figs in thinly sliced bacon and secure them with a toothpick. These sweet and savoury bites will be a crowd favourite. Alternatively, stuff figs with goat cheese, drizzle with honey, and broil for a few minutes.

Sweet Treats

If you have a sweet tooth, there are endless ways to indulge with roasted figs:

• Dessert platter: Serve roasted figs with a drizzle of honey and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm figs and cold ice cream will create a delightful contrast.
• French toast: Prepare French toast with a twist by adding roasted figs on top. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Yogurt: Roasted figs pair well with yogurt, especially Greek yogurt. Top your yogurt with roasted figs, a drizzle of honey, and some granola for a delicious and healthy breakfast or dessert.
• Tarts and pastries: Bake tarts or puff pastries with roasted figs as the star ingredient. Add some honey, cinnamon, and nuts for extra flavour and texture.
• Poached figs: For a sophisticated dessert, poach figs in a syrup made with red wine or liqueur. Serve them with a scoop of lavender honey or fig leaf ice cream for an elegant and indulgent treat.

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