Dehydrating Hot Peppers With An Air Fryer: A Quick Guide

Dehydrating hot peppers is a great way to preserve them for later use. There are several ways to do this, including using a conventional oven, dehydrator, or air fryer. When using an air fryer, it's important to set the temperature to the lowest setting, typically around 120°F, and place the peppers in a single layer with some space between them. The time it takes to dehydrate the peppers will depend on their size and the natural water levels within them, but it can take anywhere from 1 to 12 hours. Once they are fully dehydrated, they should be allowed to cool completely before being stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

How to prepare peppers for dehydration

Preparing peppers for dehydration is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to ensure the best results. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare peppers for dehydration:

Firstly, select fresh peppers that are free from any signs of rotting. Wash and dry the peppers thoroughly. It is recommended to wear gloves during this process, as the oils from the peppers can irritate the skin.

Next, remove the stems from the peppers. You can choose to leave the peppers whole, but this will significantly increase the dehydration time. For faster dehydration, slice thicker peppers into rings and thinner peppers in half. If you want to include the seeds in your dried peppers, simply skip this next step. Otherwise, you can remove the seeds and membranes from the peppers, especially if you want to reduce the heat.

Now, you are ready to place the peppers on the trays of your chosen drying equipment (dehydrator, air fryer, or oven). Ensure that the peppers are spread out evenly, with space between them to allow for proper heat distribution and airflow. If you are using a dehydrator, follow the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended temperature and time settings. For air fryers and ovens, a temperature setting between 125°F and 145°F is typically recommended, and the process can take anywhere from 5 hours to overnight.

During the dehydration process, periodically check the peppers to ensure they are drying properly. You will know they are fully dehydrated when they feel brittle and snap apart easily. Once they are dried to your desired level, remove them from the heat source and allow them to cool.

Finally, store your dehydrated peppers in airtight containers or bags. Glass jars or sealable bags work well for this purpose. Keep them in a dark, cool place, such as a pantry or cupboard, to maintain freshness and prolong their shelf life.

By following these steps, you will be able to effectively prepare and dehydrate peppers, preserving their flavor and spiciness for future use.

The best temperature to dehydrate peppers in an air fryer

Dehydrating peppers in an air fryer is a simple and efficient way to preserve your peppers for up to two years. The best temperature to dehydrate peppers in an air fryer is between 120°F and 140°F.

Air fryers can be set to a low temperature to dehydrate peppers, and this is a much faster method than using an oven. The lowest temperature setting on an air fryer is typically around 120°F, but this can vary depending on the model.

When dehydrating peppers, it is important to ensure the peppers are in a single layer, with space between them to allow for proper airflow and even dehydration. The time it takes to dehydrate peppers will depend on the size and type of pepper, as well as the natural water levels within the peppers and the humidity in your kitchen.

For bell peppers, wash and pat them dry, then remove the stems, seeds, and membranes. You can slice the peppers into thin strips or dice them into small pieces. For chili peppers, wash and dry them, then remove the stems. Smaller chilies like birdseye can be air-dried whole, while larger peppers like jalapenos should be sliced in half vertically or into circular slices.

Place the prepared peppers in the air fryer and dehydrate for 2-4 hours for bell peppers and 1-3 hours for chili peppers, checking regularly to ensure they are fully dry but still slightly pliable. Once dehydrated, allow the peppers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container for storage in a cool, dry place.

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

Dehydrating peppers in an air fryer is a convenient and efficient way to preserve them. The length of time it takes to dehydrate peppers in an air fryer depends on several factors, including the type of pepper, the size and thickness of the slices, and the model of the air fryer.

For bell peppers, it is recommended to wash and pat them dry, remove the stems, seeds, and membranes, and then slice them into thin strips or dice them into small pieces. For chili peppers, you can simply remove the stems and keep them whole or slice them in half vertically or into circular slices.

Once the peppers are prepared, preheat your air fryer to its lowest temperature setting, typically around 120-140°F (50-55°C). Place the peppers in a single layer on the air fryer rack or tray, leaving some space between them for proper airflow.

The dehydration time can vary from 1 to 6 hours, depending on the type of pepper and the size of the slices. Smaller peppers, such as birdseye chillies, may take around 1-3 hours, while larger peppers like bell peppers or jalapenos could take up to 2-6 hours. It's important to check on the peppers periodically and rotate the trays for even dehydration.

Once the peppers are dry and brittle to the touch, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container for storage.

How to store dehydrated peppers

Storing dehydrated peppers correctly is key to preserving their flavour and texture. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to store dehydrated peppers:

Containers

Use airtight containers to store your dehydrated peppers. Glass jars, vacuum-sealed bags, mason jars, and resealable plastic bags are all good options. Avoid plastic containers as they can absorb and transfer odours, potentially altering the delicate flavours of the peppers.

Light Exposure

Keep your dehydrated peppers away from light. Store them in opaque containers or in a dark place. Brightly coloured chillies will fade to a dull grey if exposed to too much light.

Temperature

Store your dehydrated peppers in a cool, dark place to maintain their flavour and colour. Aim for a temperature between 50-60°F (10-15°C). A pantry or cellar is ideal.

Moisture

To prevent moisture absorption, use silica gel packets in your storage containers, especially if you live in a humid climate. This will help to keep your peppers crisp and full of flavour.

Labelling

Don't forget to label your containers! Note the pepper variety, the date of storage, and the heat level. You could even get creative and colour-code your jars based on heat level.

Checking for Spoilage

Regularly check your stored peppers for signs of spoilage and discard them if any mould is present. Faded colours, off smells, or any hint of mould are indications that it's time to throw them out.

Long-Term Storage

When stored correctly, dehydrated peppers can last anywhere from 6 months to 4 years. Whole dried peppers will gradually lose their flavour and heat over time, so it's best to use them within a year. Ground dried peppers tend to have a longer shelf life of up to 4 years.

What to do with dehydrated peppers

Dehydrated peppers are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas for what to do with your dehydrated peppers:

Grind Them into a Powder or Flakes

Create your own spice blend by grinding the dehydrated peppers into a fine powder. This powder can then be used as a replacement for chilli powder, paprika, or cayenne powder. For chilli flakes, simply grind the peppers more coarsely to maintain some texture. Be sure to do this outdoors or in a well-ventilated room, especially if you're working with hot peppers! You can also leave the seeds in for added texture.

Seasoning for Soups, Stews, and Stocks

Add a kick of flavour to your soups, stews, and stocks by tossing in a few dehydrated peppers. They will rehydrate and release their flavour as they simmer in the liquid. Just be careful with hot peppers, as the fumes can be intense. Keep the lid on your pot to contain the spicy fumes.

Rehydrate and Use in Cooking

Dehydrated peppers can have an unwanted crunchy texture in cooked meals. To avoid this, simply rehydrate them by submerging in a bowl of hot water for about 10 minutes. Stir them occasionally, and they will take on a limp texture. Now, they are ready to be used in stir-fries, pasta sauces, or any dish that needs a boost of flavour and heat!

Make Chili Oil or Hot Sauce

Infuse your favourite oil with dehydrated peppers to make chili oil, perfect for cooking or as a condiment. You can also use dehydrated peppers to make your own hot sauce. Simply simmer the dried peppers along with the other ingredients, and they will reconstitute as they cook.

Fermentation

Add some spice to your next batch of fermented foods like hot sauce, salsa, or kimchi by tossing in a few dried peppers or pepper flakes. During fermentation, the dried peppers will become soft and hydrated, and they may even contribute some good bacteria to the mix!

Storage

Store your dried peppers in an airtight container and place them in a cool, dark location, such as a pantry or cupboard. You can also store them in the freezer. Properly stored dried peppers can last up to four years!

Frequently asked questions