Dehydrating Figs With An Air Fryer: A Quick Guide

Dehydrating figs is a great way to preserve the fruit and create a delicious snack. Dried figs can be enjoyed on their own or used in recipes, such as baked goods, desserts, and appetizers. There are several methods to dehydrate figs, including using an oven, the sun, a food dehydrator, an air fryer, or a microwave. Using an air fryer is a quick and convenient method to dehydrate figs, and it can be done in just a few simple steps. First, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, prepare your figs by gently wiping them with a clean cloth or rinsing them with cool water. Remove any stems and cut the figs into your desired size. Place the figs in the air fryer in a single layer and cook for approximately ten minutes, or until the desired texture is achieved. Once they are cooled, store the dehydrated figs in an airtight container.

How to prepare figs for dehydration

Preparing figs for dehydration is a simple process. First, you need to wash the figs thoroughly and carefully, as they are delicate fruits that can easily bruise. Next, remove the stems and cut the figs into quarters, halves, or leave them whole, depending on your preference. If you want to speed up the dehydration process, you can blanch the figs by placing them in boiling water for 30 seconds and then transferring them to an ice bath.

After cutting and blanching (if desired), pat the figs dry with a paper towel or clean cloth. Place the figs on the dehydrator trays in a single layer, leaving some space between each fruit for proper air circulation. You can place them cut-side up or skin-side down, depending on your preferred drying method.

If you are using a food dehydrator, set it to the "fruit" setting or adjust the temperature to around 135°F (57°C). The dehydration time will depend on the moisture content of the figs, the humidity in your environment, and the size of the fig pieces. For quartered figs, dehydration will take a minimum of 6 hours, while halved figs will take about 8 hours, and whole figs can take anywhere from 8 to 12 hours.

During the dehydration process, you can check on the figs periodically, especially after the 6-hour mark, to gauge how much additional time is needed. You can also taste-test one of the figs to determine if they have reached your desired level of dryness. Once the figs are done, remove them from the dehydrator and let them cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container for storage.

Air fryer settings for dehydrating figs

Air-frying is a great way to dehydrate figs when you don't have a food dehydrator. However, it's important to note that not all air fryers can dehydrate. To dehydrate figs, you need a temperature setting below 130°F, and the ability to cook for a long time in one setting.

• Wash the figs thoroughly and gently to avoid damaging them.
• Prepare the figs by removing the stems and any other unnecessary parts. You can cut the figs into quarters or slices, or leave them whole if you prefer.
• Place the figs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, cut-side up. Make sure they are not overcrowded and are not arranged in multiple layers.
• Set the air fryer temperature to between 125°F and 135°F. The dehydration time will depend on the size of the figs and the moisture content, but it can take anywhere from 6 to 12 hours for whole figs and 8 to 10 hours for quartered or sliced figs.
• Check the figs every 30 minutes after the first 6 hours of dehydration to see if they are done to your liking.
• Once the figs are dehydrated, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool at room temperature.
• Store the dehydrated figs in an airtight glass jar or container. Properly stored dried figs will last for several months.

It's important to note that the dehydration process is slow and requires patience. Additionally, the drying time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, so adjust the time and temperature as needed.

Other methods for drying figs

Drying figs is a great way to preserve their sweet taste and store them for months. Here are some alternative methods to drying figs without an air fryer:

Sun-Drying

This method requires fully ripe figs, which can be identified by their fall from the tree. Rinse the figs with cool water to remove any dirt and debris, then pat them dry with a cloth or paper towel. Cut the figs in half from stem to tip, as this will help them dry more quickly. Place a layer of cheesecloth on a wire or wooden rack and lay the figs on it, cut-side up. Cover the figs with another layer of cheesecloth to protect them from insects. Place the rack in full sunlight during the day for 2-3 days, turning the figs over each morning so they dry evenly. The figs are ready when the outside feels leathery and no juice can be seen when squeezed.

Oven-Drying

Preheat your oven to 140°F (60°C) or its lowest setting. Rinse the figs and carefully trim away the stems and any damaged parts, then pat them dry. Cut the figs in half or into quarters if they are large. Place the figs on an oven-safe rack with ventilation holes, cut-side up. Prop the oven door open slightly and leave the figs for up to 36 hours, turning them occasionally to ensure even drying. The figs are done when the outsides are leathery and no juice remains.

Dehydrator

Turn the dehydrator to the fruit setting or 135°F (57°C). Rinse and quarter the figs, removing the stems. Place the figs skin-side down on the dehydrator trays, leaving space between the pieces for air circulation. Dehydrate for 6-8 hours, then remove the trays and allow the figs to cool before storing.

Microwave

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, then rotate the plate and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the figs are dry and pliable. Allow the figs to cool before handling.

How to store dehydrated figs

Dehydrated figs should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place. An ideal location is a drafty corner of your pantry, ensuring the temperature remains below 15 °C. If the pantry temperature rises above this level, move the figs to the refrigerator.

The best option for storing dehydrated figs is to mix them with bay leaves and wild fennel and store them in a large, clean cotton bag. If you only have a small amount of figs, an airtight container placed in the fridge or freezer is a safe option.

To store dehydrated figs in a cotton bag:

• Place the cotton bag in two plastic bags and seal them tightly.
• Put the bag in the bottom shelf of your refrigerator, which is cool but not too cold.
• Dehydrated figs can last for six months or more in the refrigerator if properly isolated from humidity.

To store dehydrated figs in an airtight container:

• Place the dehydrated figs in an airtight container or well-sealed freezer bag.
• Put the container in the refrigerator or freezer.
• Dehydrated figs can last for 6-12 months in the refrigerator and indefinitely in the freezer.

If you have a large amount of dehydrated figs, you can also hang them on a string as a wreath or garland in a cool and drafty area such as a corridor or garage. Ensure that the temperature and humidity are low enough to prevent the figs from spoiling.

Recipe ideas with dehydrated figs

Dehydrated figs are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes, from savoury to sweet. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Savoury Recipes

• Cheese platter: Serve dehydrated figs with some goat cheese, sliced prosciutto, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, and a freshly baked baguette. The combination of sweet and salty flavours is amazing!
• Salads: Add some dehydrated figs to a fresh summer salad with a zingy vinaigrette. The sweetness of the figs will complement the other ingredients and add a nice texture.
• Appetizer: Cut fresh figs and wrap them in thinly sliced bacon. The slight sweetness of the fig and the saltiness of the bacon is a delicious combination for anyone who enjoys sweet and savoury together.

Sweet Recipes

• Trail mix: Use halved or quartered dehydrated figs in a trail mix with your favourite nuts and seeds. This makes for a great on-the-go snack that is both delicious and nutritious.
• Baking: Dehydrated figs can be added to quick breads, cakes, or cookies. They will provide a nice sweetness and a chewy texture to your baked goods.
• Jam: Make your own fig jam by cooking down dehydrated figs with a little water and sweetener (if desired). Spread it on toast, pair it with cheese on a charcuterie board, or drizzle it on your morning yoghurt.
• Dessert topping: Dehydrated figs can be chopped up and used as a topping for ice cream or other desserts. They will add a nice sweetness and a chewy texture.

These are just a few ideas to get you started, but the possibilities are endless! Dehydrated figs are a great way to enjoy this delicious fruit all year round and can be easily incorporated into your favourite recipes.

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