Dehydrating Mushrooms: Air Fryer Magic

Dehydrating mushrooms is a great way to preserve their flavour and extend their shelf life. It is possible to dehydrate mushrooms in an air fryer, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to ensure that the air fryer can reach a low enough temperature. Mushrooms should be dehydrated at around 120-135°F, and higher temperatures may cook the mushrooms instead of dehydrating them. It is also important to keep a close eye on the mushrooms during the dehydration process, as the higher temperatures of the air fryer may cause them to dehydrate more quickly than expected.

Air fryer temperature settings for dehydrating mushrooms

Dehydrating mushrooms is a great way to preserve their flavour and extend their shelf life. It is possible to dehydrate mushrooms in an air fryer, but it is important to ensure that the temperature is set correctly to avoid cooking the mushrooms.

The ideal temperature for dehydrating mushrooms in an air fryer is around 135°F. If your air fryer doesn't have a dehydrate setting, set it to the lowest temperature possible, likely somewhere between 105°F and 130°F. Keep a close eye on the mushrooms if your air fryer's lowest temperature is higher than 135°F, as they may dry out more quickly.

The drying time can vary depending on the type and thickness of the mushrooms, but it generally takes around 2-4 hours in an air fryer. It is important to check the mushrooms periodically and adjust the time as needed. The goal is to remove all moisture, so the mushrooms should be crispy and snap easily when they are done.

When dehydrating mushrooms in an air fryer, it is best to arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This ensures even drying. If space is limited, stackable air fryer racks can be used to increase drying capacity.

After the mushrooms are done dehydrating, let them cool before storing them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Dehydrated mushrooms can last for several months to a year if kept dry and away from direct sunlight.

How to prepare mushrooms for dehydration

Preparing mushrooms for dehydration is a simple process, but it requires attention to detail to ensure the best results. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare mushrooms for dehydration:

Cleaning the Mushrooms:

Start by cleaning your mushrooms thoroughly. Contrary to popular belief, raw mushrooms can be rinsed quickly without absorbing too much water. Use cool running water and gently rub off any dirt or debris with your fingertips. For stubborn dirt, a soft-bristled brush can work wonders. Alternatively, wipe them with a damp towel without washing them under running water.

Slicing the Mushrooms:

After cleaning, decide whether to slice or snap off the stems. If you plan to use the dried mushrooms in slices, slice them about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Thicker slices will take longer to dry, so keep that in mind. If you prefer chunks or "chunks" of mushrooms, coarsely dice them by slicing in one direction, turning, and slicing again. Keep the size of your diced pieces uniform to ensure even drying.

Arranging the Mushrooms:

Arrange the cleaned and sliced mushrooms on dehydrator trays or a parchment-lined baking sheet/air fryer basket if using an oven or air fryer. Ensure none of the pieces overlap or touch each other. This allows for better airflow, faster drying, and more even results. Blot the mushrooms with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture before placing them in the dehydrator/oven/air fryer.

Temperature and Timing:

Set your dehydrator to the "vegetable" setting or around 110°F to 135°F. The drying time will depend on the thickness of your slices, but it typically takes 4 to 8 hours for the mushrooms to become crispy/brittle. For ovens and air fryers, set the temperature to around 130°F, and dry the mushrooms for 2 to 4 hours, checking for doneness after the first 2 hours. Adjust the timing based on the thickness of your slices and the humidity levels.

Checking for Doneness:

Mushrooms are done when they have a hard, crisp texture after being cooled for about 10 minutes. The slices should break when folded, and there should be no signs of moisture when twisted or torn. Once dried, allow the mushrooms to cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before moving on to the conditioning and storing process.

By following these steps, you will have successfully prepared your mushrooms for dehydration, whether using a dehydrator, oven, or air fryer.

How long does mushroom dehydration take?

The time it takes to dehydrate mushrooms depends on several factors, including the type of mushroom, the thickness of the slices, the humidity of the environment, and the equipment used.

When dehydrating mushrooms, it is important to ensure that they are thoroughly dried to prevent spoilage during storage. Dried mushrooms should be completely brittle and snap into pieces when bent. This can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours, or even up to 14 hours for whole mushrooms.

Dehydrating Mushrooms with an Air Fryer:

Set your air fryer to its lowest setting, typically around 105°F to 135°F. The drying time can vary between 6 to 8 hours, depending on the mushroom type and thickness. It is recommended to check periodically and flip the slices halfway through. Continue until the mushrooms are cracker dry and snap easily.

Dehydrating Mushrooms with a Dehydrator:

Set the dehydrator to the "vegetable" setting or around 130°F to 135°F. The dehydration process will take about 6 to 8 hours, depending on the size and uniformity of the mushroom pieces, as well as the humidity. Check the mushrooms after 6 hours and add more time as needed.

Dehydrating Mushrooms in an Oven:

Preheat your oven to a low temperature, approximately 150°F to 170°F. Place the mushroom slices on a baking sheet and dry for 6 to 8 hours, checking and flipping the slices periodically to ensure even drying. Oven-drying may take longer and require more attention compared to using a dehydrator.

Dehydrating Mushrooms Naturally:

Arrange the mushroom slices on a tray lined with paper or a kitchen towel. Place the tray in a shaded area during the summer or indoors during the winter. Natural air-drying will take longer than using equipment, and the mushrooms may not last as long in storage.

Storing dehydrated mushrooms

Choosing the Right Containers

Select suitable airtight containers for storing your dehydrated mushrooms. Glass canning jars with screw-on lids or resealable plastic bags designed for freezer use are ideal options. Ensure the containers are of the highest quality to directly impact the mushrooms' preservation.

Repackaging the Mushrooms

Transfer the dried mushrooms from their original package into your chosen container. If using resealable plastic bags, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. If the mushrooms come in a vacuum-sealed bag and you don't plan on using them immediately, there is no need to repackage them right away. However, once the seal is broken, transfer the remaining mushrooms to an airtight container.

Labelling and Dating

Label your container with the date to keep track of how long the mushrooms have been stored. Dried mushrooms can last for up to 12 months when properly stored in the refrigerator or freezer.

Storing at Room Temperature

If you opt to store the mushrooms at room temperature, choose a cool, dark cabinet, preferably in a dry area with minimal humidity. Place the dried mushrooms at the back of the cabinet to minimise their exposure to light.

Using Oxygen-Absorbing Packets

Consider using oxygen-absorbing packets, especially if you live in a humid climate. These packets contain iron powder that absorbs oxygen, creating an environment that prolongs the shelf life of dried mushrooms.

Storing in the Fridge or Freezer

When storing in the fridge or freezer, choose a spacious area where the mushrooms won't be crushed by other items. Avoid placing heavy items on top of bags of dried mushrooms in the freezer to prevent crushing. Dried mushrooms stored in the freezer can last for at least a year, while those stored outside at room temperature have a shorter shelf life of about six to eight months.

Using dehydrated mushrooms in cooking

Dehydrated mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used to enhance the flavour of many dishes. They are also a great alternative to fresh mushrooms, as they have a longer shelf life and can be stored in airtight containers in a dry, dark place for up to twelve months.

• Soaking and Reconstitution: Before using dehydrated mushrooms, they need to be reconstituted by soaking them in water. This process brings back their flavour and texture, making them similar to sautéed fresh mushrooms. The soaking time varies depending on the thickness of the mushrooms, but it usually takes around 20-30 minutes for thinly sliced mushrooms. You can use room temperature, warm, or hot water for soaking. Room temperature water allows the mushrooms to retain more flavour, while hot water expedites the softening process. The water used for soaking, known as the "soaking liquid," is also valuable as it absorbs the earthy umami flavour of the mushrooms. This liquid can be used in soups, stews, sauces, or added back to the mushrooms during cooking.
• Removing Grit: Dehydrated mushrooms are often gritty, and it is essential to remove this grit before using them in your dishes. After soaking the mushrooms, strain the soaking liquid through a coffee filter, paper towel, or cheesecloth to separate it from the grit that has settled at the bottom of the bowl. Rinsing the reconstituted mushrooms under running water can also help eliminate any remaining grit.
• Chopping and Cooking: After soaking and straining, it is recommended to roughly chop the mushrooms, especially if you are using larger varieties. Smaller pieces ensure that you don't end up with a large slimy chunk in your mouth. You can then cook the mushrooms by sautéing them in butter or olive oil. The soaking liquid can be added to the mushrooms during cooking to create an intense mushroom broth.
• Enhancing Dishes: Dehydrated mushrooms are known for their concentrated flavour and can be used to enhance the taste of various dishes. They are commonly used in soups, stews, sauces, risottos, and pasta dishes. You can also add them to scrambled eggs, compound butter, or use them to make a flexible stock that can be frozen and used later. Their meaty, savoury notes make them an excellent addition to vegan dishes as well.
• Combining with Fresh Mushrooms: Some people prefer to use a combination of fresh and dehydrated mushrooms in their recipes. Dehydrated mushrooms have a stronger, earthier flavour and a wetter texture compared to fresh mushrooms. By using both types, you can benefit from the texture of fresh mushrooms while boosting the flavour with the dehydrated variety.

By following these tips, you can incorporate dehydrated mushrooms into your cooking and take advantage of their long shelf life, intense flavour, and versatility in a wide range of dishes.

Frequently asked questions