Dehydrating Apples Using An Air Fryer: A Quick Guide

Dehydrating apples in an air fryer is a great way to make healthy snacks that can be stored for a long time. 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. This method is much faster than using a dehydrating machine or an oven, and results in crisp and sweet apple chips.

Choosing the right apple variety for dehydration

• Fuji apples are known for their exceptional sweetness and subtle hint of spiciness, which intensifies during dehydration. They are the sweetest variety and ideal for making dehydrated apple chips.
• Gala apples are mildly tart, providing a pleasant flavour profile in both fresh and dehydrated states. The dehydration process enhances their sweetness, resulting in delicious dried apple slices.
• Golden Delicious apples are naturally sweet and dehydrate well, resulting in a mellow taste. The flavour concentrates during dehydration, making them a good choice for snacking.
• Honeycrisp apples have a sweet and honey-like flavour. They dehydrate into crispy and flavourful chips, making them a popular choice for those who want a sweet treat.
• Granny Smith apples are a good choice if you prefer less sweetness in your dried apples. They offer a crisp, tart flavour when dehydrated and hold their shape and flavour throughout the dehydration process. They are also less prone to browning than sweeter varieties.
• Pink Lady apples have a good balance of sweet and tart flavours. They also have a good texture and retain their colour better than other varieties.
• Red Delicious apples are a good choice if you want a less sweet option without the mealiness that can sometimes occur.

When choosing an apple variety for dehydration, consider the sugar content, firmness, and tartness of the apples, as well as their susceptibility to oxidation and browning.

Preparing apples for dehydration

Wash and Slice the Apples

Start by washing the apples thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or pesticides. You can use a soft brush to clean the surface of the apples gently. Then, use a sharp knife or a mandolin slicer to slice the apples. Aim for a thickness of about ⅛ inch (approximately 3mm), but you can go slightly thinner if possible. You can slice the apples horizontally to create circular pieces, or you can cut them into half-moon shapes. Peeling and coring the apples are optional, but make sure to remove any seeds or stems.

Create an Acid Bath (Optional)

As soon as the apples are cut, they will start to oxidize and soften. To prevent this, 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. Stir the mixture in a large bowl. Add the apple slices to the bath and let them soak for about 10 minutes. If you use citric acid, remember to rinse the slices afterward. Pat the apple slices dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.

Season the Apples (Optional)

If you want to add some extra flavor to your dehydrated apples, this is the time to season them. You can sprinkle ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, or even savory spices like rosemary or thyme. Get creative and experiment with different combinations of spices!

Arrange the Apples in the Air Fryer

Place the apple slices in the air fryer basket or tray. If you have a small metal rack, you can place it over the apples to keep them in place. Arrange the apples in a single layer, without overlapping, to ensure even dehydration. However, if you're using an air fryer, you can stack the slices, but don't overcrowd the basket. Leave enough space for the hot air to circulate.

Now that your apples are prepared, you can move on to the dehydration process in your air fryer. Adjust the temperature and timing according to your specific air fryer model and the desired crispness of your dehydrated apples. Enjoy your healthy and delicious snack!

Enhancing flavour with seasonings

While dehydrated apples make for a tasty snack on their own, seasonings can be added to enhance their flavour.

Cinnamon

A classic pairing with apples, cinnamon is a popular choice for seasoning dehydrated apples. You can sprinkle it on the apple slices before or after dehydrating them. The amount of cinnamon used can be adjusted based on your preference and batch size.

Nutmeg

A tiny pinch of nutmeg, alongside cinnamon, creates a "warm" flavour profile for your apple chips.

Pumpkin Pie Spice

Take pumpkin pie spice out of your latte and into your apple slices! This seasoning is perfect for a fall-inspired treat.

Sugar

If you have a sweet tooth, you can toss the apple slices with a bit of sugar before dehydrating them. This is especially recommended if you're using a tart apple variety.

Cloves

Cloves are a great option if you want to add a more intense, spicy flavour to your dehydrated apples.

Cardamom

Cardamom can add a unique, slightly sweet, and citrusy flavour to your apple chips.

Ginger

Ginger can give your dehydrated apples a warm and spicy kick.

Allspice

Allspice can add a warm, slightly peppery flavour to your apple chips.

When seasoning your apple chips, feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations of seasonings to find your favourite flavour profile!

Dehydrating apples in the air fryer

Ingredients and Equipment

To dehydrate apples in an air fryer, you will need the following:

• Fresh apples
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Cinnamon or other seasonings (optional)
• Air fryer
• Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Airtight container for storage

Selecting Apples

When selecting apples for dehydration, consider the type of apple and their ripeness. Tart apples such as Granny Smith, Macintosh, Cortland, or Jonagolds are great for making crispy apple chips, while sweeter apples like Gala, Golden Delicious, or Honeycrisp tend to become softer when dried. Pink Lady and Envy apples offer a good balance of tartness and sweetness. Be sure to choose apples that are at their peak ripeness for optimal results.

Preparing Apples

Before preparing your apples, wash them thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or pesticides. You can peel and core the apples if desired, but it is not necessary. If you do core the apples, simply pop out and discard any seeds in the center of the slices. To slice the apples, use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to cut them into thin, consistent slices, ideally about ⅛ inch (0.32 cm) thick.

Enhancing Flavor (Optional)

To enhance the flavor of your dehydrated apples, you can soak them in an acidic solution to prevent browning and add sweetness. Prepare a bowl of water with lemon juice, vinegar, or citric acid (1 teaspoon of citric acid, ¼ cup of lemon juice, or 1 tablespoon of vinegar per quart of water). Soak the apple slices in this solution for about 3-5 minutes, then remove and pat them dry with a paper towel. You can also sprinkle your apple slices with cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, or other seasonings of your choice before placing them in the air fryer.

Dehydrating Apples

Preheat your air fryer to a low temperature, ideally around 135°F (57°C) to 150°F (65°C). Place the apple slices in a single layer on the air fryer basket or tray, being careful not to overlap them. Depending on the thickness of your slices, the dehydration process can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 12 hours. For crispier apples, you may need to increase the temperature to 325°F (162°C) for the last 4-8 minutes. Check on your apples periodically and flip them every 5 minutes or so to ensure even dehydration.

Storing Dehydrated Apples

Allow your dehydrated apples to cool completely on a clean kitchen towel or cooling rack before storing. Place them in an airtight container and store them in a dark location, such as a pantry or cupboard. Properly stored dehydrated apples can last up to six months at room temperature or up to a year in the freezer.

Using Dehydrated Apples

Dehydrated apples are a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes. Sprinkle them on granola, oatmeal, or yogurt for a crunchy and flavorful addition. You can also blend them into smoothies, bake them into muffins, or use them as a garnish for cocktails or apple cider. They make a delicious and healthy snack on their own, and their long shelf life makes them a convenient option for satisfying your sweet tooth!

Storing dehydrated apples

Firstly, it's important to ensure the apples are thoroughly dehydrated. They should feel leathery and pliable. If any apples feel soft and fleshy, return them to the dehydrator and continue the drying process.

Once the apples are dehydrated, they need to be conditioned. Place the apples in a large jar and seal. Leave the jar for a week, shaking it daily to break up the fruit. If any condensation appears on the inside of the jar, return the apples to the dehydrator to remove more moisture.

After conditioning, store the apples in an airtight container, such as a mason jar, in a cool, dark, dry place, like a pantry cabinet. For longer shelf life, vacuum seal the container. You can also use a moisture-absorbing desiccant packet if you live in a high-humidity area or plan to open the container frequently.

Label the container with the date and any other important details, and enjoy your delicious dehydrated apples for months to come!

Frequently asked questions