Dehydrating Apples Using 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 heating apples at a low temperature for a long time to remove moisture, resulting in a sweet, crunchy chip. The time it takes to dehydrate apples in an air fryer varies depending on the thickness of the slices, but it can be as quick as 20 minutes or as long as 12 hours.

Selecting apples for dehydration

Taste and Variety

When selecting apples for dehydration, it is important to consider the variety and taste of the apples. Choose apples that you enjoy eating fresh, as the dehydration process will intensify their flavour. If you prefer a tarter apple, go for varieties like Granny Smith, McIntosh, Cortland, or Jonagold. These apples have a lower sugar content and will result in a sharper flavour. If you have a sweet tooth, opt for apples like Gala, Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Fuji apples. The sweetness of these apples will be further enhanced through dehydration.

Purpose

Think about what you plan to use your dehydrated apples for. If you want crisp dehydrated apple chips for snacking, choose tart apples that hold their shape well during the dehydration process. On the other hand, if you intend to use the dehydrated apples as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or baking, sweeter apples that shrink a bit but have a concentrated flavour might be a better choice.

Susceptibility to Oxidation

Some apples are more prone to browning than others due to oxidation. Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, and Red Delicious apples tend to brown more easily, so pre-treating them with an anti-browning solution or spice like cinnamon can help maintain their colour. Granny Smith apples, on the other hand, are less susceptible to browning and may not require as much precautionary treatment.

Availability and Seasonality

Consider the availability and seasonality of apples when selecting them for dehydration. Apple season typically runs from late July to mid-November, so stock up on your favourite varieties during this time. If you have access to local varieties, feel free to experiment and discover new flavours that work well for dehydration.

Organic and Pesticide-Free

Whenever possible, opt for organic apples or those that are less likely to contain pesticide residues. Apples are part of the "dirty dozen" fruits and vegetables that tend to have higher pesticide residues, so choosing organic can reduce your exposure to these chemicals.

Ripeness

Select apples that are ripe but still firm for dehydration. Avoid apples that are overly ripe or soft, as they may not hold their shape well during the process.

Size and Thickness

While not a deciding factor, the size and thickness of the apples can impact the dehydration process. Larger apples will yield more slices, and thinner slices will generally dehydrate faster and result in crispier chips.

Remember, the most important factor when selecting apples for dehydration is to choose apples that you enjoy eating. The dehydration process will intensify their flavour, so pick apples that align with your taste preferences and intended use. Happy dehydrating!

Preparing apples for dehydration

• Wash the apples: Start by thoroughly washing the apples 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 when cutting.
• Slice the apples: Use a sharp knife or a mandolin slicer to slice the apples. The ideal thickness for dehydrated apple chips is about ⅛ inch (0.32 cm), but you can adjust according to your preference. Just remember that thinner slices will dehydrate faster and result in crispier chips.
• Prepare an acid bath (optional): To prevent browning, you can prepare an acidic pre-treatment 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 this solution for about 10 minutes, then rinse if you used citric acid. This step is optional but helps maintain the colour of the apples.
• Pat the apples dry: After slicing and soaking (if you chose to do so), pat the apple slices dry with a clean kitchen towel.
• Season the apples (optional): If you want to add some extra flavour to your apple chips, you can sprinkle them with ground cinnamon, rosemary, thyme, or other spices of your choice.
• Arrange the apples in the air fryer: Place the apple slices in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to dehydrate the apples in batches.

Once you've completed these steps, you're ready to start the dehydration process in your air fryer!

Enhancing flavour with seasonings

When you dehydrate apples in an air fryer, the natural sweetness of the apples intensifies. However, you can take things up a notch by exploring seasoning options that can further elevate your homemade apple chips.

Sweet and Savory Seasoning Options

A sprinkle of ground cinnamon is all it takes to transform plain dehydrated apples into a dessert-like treat. Cinnamon sugar gives an indulgent caramelized finish, and pumpkin pie spice offers a hint of autumn.

If you prefer savoury over sweet, try dusting your apple slices with rosemary or thyme before putting them in the air fryer for an unexpected twist on this classic snack. A pinch of chilli powder can also provide some heat.

Beyond these ideas, feel free to get creative. You can utilise the ingredients you have on hand or experiment with different combinations until you discover a blend that appeals to your palate.

Dehydration process in an air fryer

The dehydration process in an air fryer is a simple and quick way to make apple chips. It involves using hot air to remove most of the water from thinly sliced apples, resulting in a crispy and sweet snack. The process is faster than traditional dehydration methods and can be done in less than 20 minutes, although thicker slices may take up to 12 hours to fully dry out.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Selecting and Preparing Apples

Choose apples that are fresh and ripe. Tart apples like Granny Smith, or sweeter varieties such as Gala, can be used depending on the desired taste and texture. Wash the apples thoroughly to remove any dirt or pesticides, and dry them with a kitchen towel. You can peel and core the apples if desired, but it is not necessary.

Step 2: Slicing Apples

Use a mandolin slicer or a sharp knife to slice the apples into thin, even slices, preferably about ⅛ inch (0.32 cm) thick. Consistent sizing ensures that the apple slices dehydrate at the same rate.

Step 3: Seasoning (Optional)

Before placing the apples in the air fryer, you can enhance their flavor by sprinkling them with ground cinnamon, rosemary, thyme, or other seasonings of your choice.

Step 4: Arranging Apple Slices in the Air Fryer

Line the air fryer basket or tray with parchment paper. Place the apple slices in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. This arrangement allows for even dehydration.

Step 5: Dehydrating in the Air Fryer

Set the air fryer temperature to around 135°F (57°C) for dehydration. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the slices, but it typically ranges from 4 to 12 hours. Check the apples periodically to ensure they do not over-dry or burn. Modern air fryers with built-in venting systems will allow moisture to escape, so there is no need to keep the door open during the process.

Step 6: Cooling and Storing

Once the apples are dehydrated to your desired texture, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool completely on a kitchen towel or cooling rack. Store the dehydrated apple chips in an airtight container in a dark and cool place, such as a pantry or cupboard. Properly stored dehydrated apples can last up to six months, and even longer if frozen.

Storing your dehydrated apples

Firstly, it is important to note that dehydrated apples should be stored in an airtight container. Glass jars are a popular choice for this, but other types of containers can be used as long as they are airtight.

If you are planning to eat your dehydrated apples within a week or two, you can store them in a sealed container or zip-top bag at room temperature or in the fridge.

However, if you have dehydrated apples in larger quantities and want to store them for longer, there are several steps you can take to ensure they remain in good condition:

• Allow the apples to cool completely before transferring them to a container for storage.
• Loosely pack the apples in a transparent, airtight container.
• Check the apples daily for the first week, looking for any signs of moisture or condensation.
• If condensation appears, return the apples to the dehydrator (unless there are signs of mould, in which case the batch should be discarded).
• Shake the container occasionally to prevent the apple slices from sticking together.
• After a week, if there are no signs of moisture or mould, the apples can be packaged for long-term storage.
• Vacuum sealing will help to extend the shelf life and quality of the apples.
• Use a moisture-absorbing desiccant packet if you live in an area with high humidity or plan to open the container frequently.
• Label the container with the date and any other important details.
• Store the container in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as inside a pantry cabinet.

When dehydrated and stored correctly, apples can last for up to six months in small batches or up to a year if vacuum-sealed.

Frequently asked questions