Dehydrating Frozen Fruits With An Air Fryer: A Quick Guide

Dehydrating fruit is a great way to preserve your favourite summer fruits and enjoy them all year round. It's also a great way to create unique, healthy snacks at home. You can dehydrate fruit in an oven or air fryer, but using an air fryer is quicker thanks to its controlled and circulating heat. However, not all air fryers can dehydrate, so check that yours has a dehydrate setting and can reach a low enough temperature.

What temperature should you dehydrate frozen fruit at?

Dehydrating frozen fruit in an air fryer is a simple and efficient method that uses hot air circulation to remove moisture from the fruit. The ideal temperature range for dehydrating fruit in an air fryer is between 125 °F and 150 °F.

Some air fryers have a "dehydrate" button that automatically sets the temperature to around 130 °F. If your air fryer doesn't have this setting, you can manually set the temperature to the desired level. It is recommended to use the lowest temperature setting, typically around 135 °F (57 °C). This low heat slowly removes moisture without cooking the fruit, preserving its nutritional value and flavor.

If your air fryer has a locked-in temperature range with a minimum above 130 °F, you can use the "Keep Warm" feature, which is usually set at 175 °F. This temperature can still effectively dehydrate fruits, especially those with high moisture content, such as strawberries and pineapple chunks.

The temperature setting may also depend on the type of fruit you are dehydrating. For example, apples are typically dehydrated at around 145 °F, while bananas are dehydrated at a lower temperature of 130 °F.

It's important to note that the dehydration time will vary depending on the fruit type, the thickness of the slices, and the specific model of your air fryer. Therefore, it's recommended to check your fruit regularly to prevent over-drying or burning.

How long does it take to dehydrate frozen fruit in an air fryer?

Yes, you can dehydrate frozen fruit in an air fryer. The ideal temperature for dehydrating fruit is 55°C/130°F. However, if your air fryer doesn't go that low, you can also dehydrate at 175°F or 180°F.

The time it takes to dehydrate frozen fruit in an air fryer depends on the type of fruit and the quantity. For example, it takes about 10 hours to dehydrate blueberries, whereas strawberries take about 5 hours. In general, dehydrating fruit in an air fryer takes anywhere from 1 to 6 hours.

• Wash and dry the fruit.
• Preheat the air fryer to 175°F or 180°F. If your air fryer doesn't go below 200°F, preheat it to that temperature.
• Remove the basket from the air fryer and line it with parchment paper.
• Place the fruit in a single layer in the basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket. You may need to work in batches.
• Air fry the fruit for the recommended time, shaking the basket occasionally.
• Once the fruit is fully dehydrated, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool before storing it in an airtight container.

You can also add a sprinkle of stevia to your fruit before placing it in the air fryer for added sweetness. Additionally, spraying the fruit with extra virgin olive oil before adding stevia will help the stevia stick to the fruit and prevent it from hardening during the dehydration process.

Dehydrating fruit in an air fryer is a simple and quick way to preserve your favourite fruits and extend their shelf life.

What are the benefits of dehydrating fruit in an air fryer?

Dehydrating fruit in an air fryer has several benefits. Firstly, it is a simple process that helps extend the shelf life of fruits. The air fryer's controlled and circulating heat makes it quicker than dehydrating fruit in an oven. You can dehydrate fruits such as strawberries, bananas, apples, oranges, and lemons in an air fryer. The dehydration process usually takes around 4-6 hours, depending on the fruit.

Another advantage of using an air fryer is that it saves counter space by eliminating the need for a separate dehydrator appliance. Air fryers are versatile and can be used for air frying, baking, roasting, broiling, and reheating food, in addition to dehydrating.

Dehydrating fruit in an air fryer is also cost-effective, as it is less expensive than buying dehydrated fruit from stores. It allows you to make healthy snacks at home, such as homemade banana chips, apple chips, and dried strawberries, without the need for added oil or butter.

Furthermore, dehydrated fruits can be used in various ways, such as sprinkling on cereal or granola, adding to muffin batter, stirring into trail mix, or using in baking and cooking recipes.

What are the best fruits to dehydrate in an air fryer?

Dehydrating fruits in an air fryer is a simple process and helps extend the shelf life of your favourite fruits. While it's easier to dehydrate larger quantities in an oven, the air fryer works a little quicker thanks to its controlled and circulating heat.

• Strawberries: Hull and slice the strawberries into 1/4-inch-thick slices. You can also sprinkle them with stevia for added sweetness. Air fry at 175 degrees F for about 4 hours.
• Tomatoes: Slice multicoloured grape tomatoes in half and lay them cut-side up in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 175 degrees F for about 4 hours.
• Bananas: Peel and slice bananas diagonally about 1/8 inch thick. Brush both sides with fresh lemon juice before air frying. Air fry at 175 degrees F for about 3 hours.
• Apples: Slice apples crosswise into 1/8-inch-thick rounds. Soak the apples in lemon juice mixed with water for 15 minutes before air drying. Air fry at 175 degrees F for about 3 hours.
• Oranges: Finely slice oranges into thin discs, less than half an inch thick. You can also use a mix of regular oranges and blood oranges for colour variation. Air fry at 175 degrees F for about 45 minutes, flipping the slices over after 30 minutes.
• Grapes: You can dehydrate grapes in an air fryer by leaving them whole. Air fry at 175 degrees F for about 4 hours.

How do you prepare fruit for dehydration in an air fryer?

Preparing fruit for dehydration in an air fryer is a simple process. First, select the fruit of your choice. You can dehydrate most types of fruits in an air fryer, including strawberries, bananas, apples, oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes, and tomatoes.

Next, wash and dry the fruit thoroughly. Then, use a clean chopping board and a sharp knife to slice the fruit into uniform pieces. The thickness of the slices will depend on the fruit you are using and your desired level of dehydration. For example, when dehydrating oranges, aim for slices that are less than half an inch thick to ensure they dehydrate properly without crumbling.

If you are using fruits that brown quickly, such as apples or bananas, soak the sliced fruit in a mixture of lemon juice and water for about 15 minutes to prevent browning. Drain and dry the fruit well before placing it in the air fryer.

Finally, arrange the fruit slices in a single layer inside the basket of your air fryer, ensuring they do not overlap. If your air fryer has a dehydrate setting, use that. Set the temperature to 175 degrees Fahrenheit, or lower if your air fryer can reach temperatures as low as 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit. Dehydrating fruit in an air fryer usually takes around 4 hours, but the time may vary depending on the type of fruit and the moisture content.

For best results, flip the fruit slices over halfway through the dehydration process and check them regularly to prevent burning. The fruit is done when it is hard to the touch and has no remaining moisture.

You can also line your air fryer basket with parchment paper before adding the fruit to make cleanup easier and prevent sticking.

Frequently asked questions