Dehydrating Fruit With An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Dehydrating fruit is a great way to create healthy snacks for breakfast, lunch, or dessert. It can be done in an oven or a dehydrator, but using an air fryer is a simple and speedy method. Many air fryers have a built-in dehydrate function, but even if yours doesn't, you can still dehydrate fruit by setting the lowest possible temperature (80 degrees Celsius or lower). The process can take anywhere from one to twelve hours, depending on the fruit.

How to prepare fruit for dehydration

Preparing fruit for dehydration is a simple process. First, select the fruit of your choice. Common fruits for dehydration include oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes, strawberries, bananas, apples, and tomatoes.

Next, slice the fruit into thin pieces. The recommended thickness varies depending on the fruit, but generally, slices should be between 1/8-inch and 1/4-inch thick. For smaller fruits like berries and grapes, you can leave them whole. If you are using apples, soak the slices in a mixture of lemon juice and water for 15 minutes before dehydration to prevent discolouration.

After slicing, pat the fruit dry with a clean cloth. You can also soak the fruit in lemon juice or sugar water to enhance preservation and add flavour. Then, place the fruit in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring the pieces do not overlap. Set the air fryer to the lowest temperature setting, ideally around 175ºF (80ºC or lower if possible).

The dehydration process will take several hours, depending on the fruit. Check the fruit every hour and shake the basket to turn the fruit and prevent sticking. The fruit is ready when it is hard to the touch.

Let the dehydrated fruit cool for at least six hours, but preferably 24 hours, to allow it to continue drying. Then, store the fruit in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

The best air fryer settings for dehydrating fruit

Dehydrating fruit in an air fryer is a simple process, and most air fryers are capable of doing it. Many air fryers have a built-in dehydrate function, but even if yours doesn't, you can still dehydrate fruit by manually adjusting the settings.

Air fryer settings for dehydrating fruit

If your air fryer has a dehydrate function, simply place your fruit of choice in the basket and turn the setting to "dehydrate". The temperature will usually be set to 175ºF (80ºC), but you can adjust it lower if your air fryer allows. If your air fryer doesn't have a dehydrate function, set the temperature to the lowest setting possible, ideally 175ºF (80ºC) or lower.

Preparing the fruit for dehydration

Before placing the fruit in the air fryer, cut it into thin slices or strips, aiming for a thickness of less than half an inch (5-6mm). You can leave small fruits like berries and grapes whole. Pat the fruit dry with a clean cloth, and if desired, soak the fruit in lemon juice or sugar water to enhance preservation and add flavour.

Dehydrating the fruit

Place the fruit in the air fryer basket, ensuring the pieces don't overlap and that there is good air circulation. Depending on the fruit, the dehydration process can take anywhere from one to six hours. Check the fruit every hour and shake the basket to turn the fruit and prevent sticking. The fruit is done when the centres are hard to the touch and the rind has not started to turn brown.

After dehydration

Once the fruit is dehydrated, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool down for at least six hours, but preferably 24 hours. This step continues the drying process and helps lock in flavour. After cooling, store the fruit in a cool, dark place in an airtight container.

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

Dehydrating fruit in an air fryer is a simple process, but the time it takes depends on the fruit you are dehydrating and the air fryer you are using.

If your air fryer has a dehydrate function, you can follow the instructions in the machine's manual. The temperature will usually be set to around 135ºF. If your air fryer does not have a dehydrate function, you can still dehydrate fruit by setting the machine to the lowest temperature possible (ideally 120-140°F or 175ºF) and leaving the fruit to dehydrate for several hours.

The time it takes to dehydrate fruit in an air fryer varies from one hour to six hours, depending on the fruit. For example, kale takes around one hour, whereas apples can take up to six hours. The moisture content of the fruit will also impact the time it takes to dehydrate.

When dehydrating fruit in an air fryer, it is important to cut the fruit into thin slices (around 1/4-inch thick) to ensure even drying. It is also recommended to use parchment paper to line the air fryer basket, as this will prevent the fruit from sticking and make cleanup easier.

What fruits can you dehydrate in an air fryer?

Yes, you can dehydrate fruit in an air fryer! It's an easy, speedy, and inexpensive way to dehydrate fruit at home.

You can dehydrate most types of fruits in an air fryer. Here are some examples:

• Oranges
• Blood oranges
• Grapefruits
• Lemons
• Limes
• Strawberries
• Tomatoes
• Bananas
• Apples
• Grapes
• Berries

How to dehydrate fruit in an air fryer:

• Cut the fruit into thin slices or strips. The recommended thickness varies from less than half an inch to about 6mm.
• Pat the fruit dry with a clean cloth.
• Place the fruit in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap and that there is good air circulation.
• Set the air fryer to the lowest temperature setting, ideally around 120-175°F (50-80°C).
• Check and shake the basket every hour to ensure even drying and prevent sticking.
• The dehydration time will vary depending on the fruit, but it can range from 1 to 6 hours.
• Once the fruit is dry, let it cool down for at least 6 hours, preferably 24 hours, to continue the drying process.
• Store the dehydrated fruit in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

How to clean up after dehydrating fruit in an air fryer

Dehydrating fruit in an air fryer is a simple process, but it can be messy. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean up after dehydrating fruit in your air fryer:

Step 1: Unplug the air fryer and let it cool

Safety first! Before you start cleaning, turn off and unplug your air fryer. Allow it to cool completely. This is important for safety reasons and also makes it easier to handle.

Step 2: Remove the basket, tray and pan

Take out the removable parts, such as the basket, tray, and pan, and set them aside. These parts can usually be washed just like any other dish using soap and warm water. If you don't want to wash them by hand, check your air fryer's manual to see if these parts are dishwasher-safe.

Step 3: Clean the removable parts

Fill your sink with warm, soapy water and wash the removable parts. You can also use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to remove any stubborn fruit residue or grease. If your air fryer didn't come with a dehydrating mode, it's worth noting that the non-stick coating may wear off more quickly with regular dishwasher cleanings. So, it's recommended to hand wash these parts more frequently and only use the dishwasher for really greasy messes.

Step 4: Wipe down the main unit

Use a damp cloth to wipe down the interior and exterior of the main unit, being careful not to get it too wet. Get rid of any food splatters or grease residue, especially around the control panel. If there is food stuck on the heating coil, use a soft dish brush to gently remove it.

Step 5: Check and clean the heating coil

After each use, check the heating coil of your air fryer, usually located at the top of the unit. If there is any oil or residue, let the machine cool down, then use a damp cloth or soft brush to wipe it clean, just like you would with the heating element on an electric stove.

Step 6: Dry and reassemble

Make sure all the parts are completely dry before reassembling your air fryer. You can towel-dry or air-dry the parts.

Step 7: Deep clean if necessary

If you notice a buildup of grease, burnt fruit residue, or lingering odors, it's time for a deep clean. You can do this by following the same steps as above, but with hot water and mild dish soap. Also, make sure to pay extra attention to the heating element and use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently clean it.

Some additional tips for cleaning your air fryer after dehydrating fruit:

• Use parchment paper or air fryer liners to catch any fruit drippings and make cleanup easier.
• Wipe down your air fryer regularly, especially if you've been cooking something greasy.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket to prevent food from touching the heating element or creating excess splatter.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive sponges as these can damage the non-stick coating.
• Always dry all components thoroughly before reassembling to prevent moisture from affecting the performance of your air fryer.

Frequently asked questions