Dehydrating With An Air Fryer: Safe Or Not?

Dehydrating food is a great way to extend its shelf life. While you can use an oven to dehydrate, an air fryer works quicker thanks to its controlled and circulating heat. Most air fryers have a dehydrate setting, but if yours doesn't, you can still dehydrate by setting the temperature as low as it will go (ideally between 120-140°F). This low temperature will gently bring the moisture out of the food without cooking it.

Dehydrating fruit in an air fryer

To dehydrate fruit in an air fryer, simply place your fruit of choice in the air fryer basket and turn the setting to "dehydrate". Most fruit will dehydrate at around 125°F to 175°F, and the process usually takes about 4 hours, depending on the fruit. For example, strawberries will take about 6-8 hours at 135°F, while apples will take 5-6 hours at 175°F. You can also dehydrate vegetables and meat in an air fryer!

Before air-frying, make sure to slice your fruit into pieces that are around 1/4-inch thick. Thinner slices will dehydrate faster and give you a crispier texture, while thicker slices will take longer and provide a chewier texture. You can also add flavour enhancers before air-frying, such as a few teaspoons of lemon juice to help preserve the colour of your fruit. Just remember to be light-handed, as the flavour will intensify during dehydration.

It's also important to use parchment paper to line the air fryer rack, as this will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Once your fruit is fully dehydrated, let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. Properly dried and stored fruit can last up to six months!

Dehydrating vegetables in an air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Wash and dry the vegetables you want to dehydrate. For most vegetables, you'll need to slice them into thin, even slices or rounds. Aim for a thickness of around 1/4 inch. Some examples of vegetables you can dehydrate include zucchini, squash, carrots, and tomatoes.

Step 2: Pre-Cook Certain Vegetables

Some vegetables, like carrots, benefit from a quick pre-cook before dehydrating. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the carrots for about 2 minutes until they are crisp-tender. Then, immediately drain and rinse them with very cold water. This step helps ensure even dehydration.

Step 3: Arrange Vegetables in the Air Fryer

Place the sliced vegetables in a single layer inside the basket of your air fryer. If you're dehydrating smaller vegetables like carrots, you can use skewers to hang them inside the air fryer to maximize space. Just ensure you don't block the air flow.

Step 4: Set the Temperature and Time

Turn on the dehydrator setting on your air fryer and set the temperature to 175 degrees Fahrenheit for most vegetables. The cook time will vary depending on the vegetable. For example, carrots will take about 3 hours, while zucchini will take about 4 hours.

Step 5: Dehydrate the Vegetables

Let the air fryer work its magic! The warm air will circulate around the vegetables, removing excess moisture. Dehydrating vegetables is a "low and slow" process, so be prepared to wait several hours.

Step 6: Store the Dehydrated Vegetables

Once the vegetables are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool. Then, store them in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Dehydrated vegetables can last for several months, making them a great way to preserve your favorite produce!

Using an air fryer for dehydration is a convenient option, as it saves you from investing in a separate dehydrator appliance. It's a versatile kitchen tool that allows you to air fry, bake, roast, and even dehydrate!

Dehydrating meat in an air fryer

Choose the Right Cut of Meat

Look for lean cuts of meat, such as beef, turkey, chicken, or venison. The less fat the meat contains, the better it will dehydrate. Trim off any excess fat.

Slice the Meat

Slice the meat into thin, uniform strips, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Thinner slices will dehydrate more quickly and evenly.

Marinate (Optional)

You can marinate the meat strips in your favourite seasonings or a mixture of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and spices for added flavour.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the lowest setting, typically around 120-160°F (70°C).

Arrange the Meat in the Air Fryer

Place the meat strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them to allow for proper airflow.

Set the Air Fryer Temperature

Set the air fryer to the dehydrate setting, if available, or the lowest temperature setting.

Dehydrate the Meat

Let the meat dehydrate for several hours. The time will depend on the thickness of the strips and the type of meat. Check periodically to ensure even drying. The meat is done when it is dry and leathery, with no moisture remaining.

Store the Dehydrated Meat

Once the meat is fully dehydrated, allow it to cool completely before storing. You can store dehydrated meat in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bags in a cool, dark place for several months.

Using an air fryer to dehydrate meat is a simple and convenient way to make jerky or create dehydrated meat snacks for camping or hiking trips.

Air fryer dehydration settings and temperatures

Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for dehydration. Most air fryers feature a dedicated "dehydrate" button, which circulates warm air around the food to remove excess moisture. This is a low and slow cooking method, so you'll need to be patient as it can take several hours.

To dehydrate in an air fryer, set the temperature to its lowest setting, usually around 120-140°F, or use the dehydration setting if your air fryer has one. Place your food items in a single layer on the rack or shelf to ensure proper air circulation. The exact temperature and time will depend on the food you're dehydrating and its size and thickness. For example, fruit and vegetables typically dehydrate at 175°F and can take 1-4 hours, while meat needs to reach a higher internal temperature of 165°F to be safe to eat.

It's important to note that not all air fryers are suitable for dehydration. When choosing an air fryer for this purpose, look for one with a low-temperature setting (below 123°F) and a good air venting system to allow moisture to escape.

Rehydrating dehydrated food

It's important to get the water temperature right. If you plan on cooking the food after rehydrating, warm water is fine. Aim for cooking temperatures over 140°F (60°C). However, if you are adding the rehydrated food to a cold dish like a salad, use cold water. Warm water breeds bacteria, which will be killed during cooking if the temperature is high enough, but not otherwise.

Let the food soak for 20 minutes to 1.5 hours. The food should become plumper and swell to around four times its dehydrated size. Don't worry if it still looks a little shrivelled—it won't look exactly the same as before dehydration.

If you're making soup, you can simply add dehydrated vegetables and meat directly to the stock. They will rehydrate as the soup cooks.

Frequently asked questions