Dehydrating Peaches: Air Fryer Magic

Dehydrating fruit in an air fryer is an easy and cost-effective way to preserve fruit for later use. Most air fryers have a dehydrate setting, but if yours doesn't, you can still dehydrate fruit by setting the air fryer to a low temperature.

How to prepare peaches for dehydration

Preparing peaches for dehydration is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, select the peaches you want to dehydrate. Ripe, fragrant peaches are ideal, but you can also use slightly firmer ones. It is best to avoid overripe peaches as they may become spongy and not dehydrate as well. If your peaches are unripe, you can place them in a box with a ripe banana to help them ripen evenly. Freestone peaches are easier to remove from the pit, but clingstone peaches are sweeter and juicier, so either type works.

Before you begin, clean your work area and the peaches. Then, if you wish to remove the peach skins, there are several methods you can use. One method is to blanch the peaches by placing them in boiling water for about 30 seconds to one minute, then transferring them to an ice bath. The skins should then slip off easily. Alternatively, you can freeze the peaches for a couple of hours before peeling, which will make them firmer and easier to handle.

Once your peaches are peeled, cut them in half and remove the pits. You can do this by twisting the halves gently in opposite directions, or by using a knife to carefully pry or slice the pit out. Then, cut the peaches into slices of uniform thickness, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. It is important that the slices are of similar thickness so that they dry evenly.

If you are concerned about the peaches turning brown, you can treat them with an anti-browning solution. One method is to soak the slices in a mixture of water and vinegar or lemon juice. Alternatively, you can brush the peach slices with lemon juice, which acts as a barrier to prevent browning.

Finally, arrange the peach slices on the trays of your air fryer or dehydrator, ensuring they do not touch. You are now ready to begin the dehydration process!

The benefits of dehydrating fruit

Dehydrating fruit is a great way to preserve your food while also concentrating its natural flavours. The process reduces juicy fruits into a more compact, lightweight form that is still packed with nutrition.

Nutrition and flavour

Dehydrating fruit intensifies its natural flavours and concentrates its nutritional content. The dehydration process removes water from the fruit, making the resulting flavours stronger. The calories, fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are all condensed, providing maximum nutrition for minimum weight.

Convenience and versatility

Dehydrated fruits are lightweight and easy to store, making them perfect for backpacking, camping, or snacking on the go. They can be eaten as a tasty, healthy snack or used in a variety of recipes, such as fruit cocktails, trail mixes, smoothies, and fruit leathers.

Longevity

Dehydrating fruit is an effective preservation method, allowing you to extend the shelf life of your produce. Properly dehydrated and stored fruit can last for several weeks, months, or even a year, depending on the storage method.

Cost-effectiveness

Dehydrating fruit at home allows you to take advantage of in-season produce and avoid the often high prices of store-bought dried fruit. While you will need some special equipment, such as a dehydrator or an air fryer, this upfront cost can be offset by the savings from preparing your own dried fruit.

Customisation

When dehydrating fruit at home, you have control over the entire process, from choosing the fruit to adding your own creative touches. You can experiment with different fruits, seasonings, and sweeteners to create unique flavour combinations that suit your taste preferences.

Overall, dehydrating fruit is a great way to preserve and intensify the flavours of your favourite fruits while also boosting their nutritional content. The process results in a convenient, versatile, and tasty snack that can be enjoyed for extended periods.

How to dehydrate fruit without a dehydrator

Dehydrating fruit is a great way to preserve it and can be done in an air fryer or an oven. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to dehydrate fruit without a dehydrator:

Step 1: Choose Your Fruit

Select the fruit you want to dehydrate. You can use almost any type of fruit, but firmer fruits with less water content, such as apples, bananas, peaches, nectarines, and strawberries, tend to work best.

Step 2: Prepare the Fruit

Wash and dry the fruit thoroughly. If you are using larger fruit, such as apples or peaches, you will also need to peel, core, and slice them into thin wedges or slices. Soaking the fruit in a mixture of lemon juice and water can help prevent discolouration. For smaller fruits like strawberries, hull and slice them into uniform pieces.

Step 3: Set Up Your Air Fryer or Oven

If using an air fryer, ensure it has a dehydrator setting or can be set to a low temperature (around 55°C or 130°F). If using an oven, preheat it to 200°F.

Step 4: Place the Fruit in the Air Fryer or Oven

Arrange the fruit slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper if using an oven. Make sure the fruit slices do not overlap and leave space for air circulation.

Step 5: Dehydrate the Fruit

If using an air fryer with a dehydrator setting, follow the manufacturer's instructions. If using an oven or an air fryer without a dehydrator setting, set the temperature to 175°F. Dehydrate the fruit for 3-6 hours, depending on the type of fruit and the desired level of dehydration. Check the fruit regularly to ensure it does not burn.

Step 6: Store the Dehydrated Fruit

Once the fruit is dehydrated to your liking, remove it from the air fryer or oven and allow it to cool completely. Store the dehydrated fruit in airtight containers or zip lock bags. Dehydrated fruit can last for several months if stored properly in a cool, dark place.

How to prevent peaches from turning brown

Yes, you can dehydrate peaches in an air fryer. Here are some tips on how to prevent peaches from turning brown during the process:

Firstly, it is important to understand why peaches turn brown. This process is called enzymatic browning and is caused by enzymes in the fruit that are released when it is cut or starts to break down. These enzymes react with the air, causing the fruit to rapidly change colour.

Now that we know the science behind it, here are some ways to prevent browning:

Brush with Lemon Juice

The lemon juice acts as a barrier, preventing the peaches from turning brown and unappetising during the dehydration process. Lightly brush the peaches with lemon juice after they have been sliced and placed on the air fryer shelf.

Use Commercial Anti-Darkening Preparations

You can use commercial products designed to prevent fruit from turning brown, such as Fruit-Fresh®. Simply follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results.

Mix with Acidic Fruits or Juices

Coating the peaches with acidic juices such as orange, pineapple, or lemon juice can help prevent browning. Alternatively, you can mix the peach slices with other acidic fruits like oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, or pineapple. Make sure to prepare the acidic fruits first and then mix in the peach slices as you cut them.

Honey Water

Diluting honey in water is another effective way to prevent browning. Mix two tablespoons of honey with one cup of water and then combine it with your cut peaches.

Timing and Storage

It is best to cut the peaches as close to the dehydration process as possible. Additionally, make sure to refrigerate any peeled or cut peaches and avoid leaving them at room temperature for more than two hours in total.

How to know when dehydrated peaches are ready

Knowing when your dehydrated peaches are ready depends on the level of dehydration you want to achieve. If you are looking to completely dehydrate your peaches, then you should leave them in the air fryer until they are no longer tacky to the touch. They won't be crunchy, but they should not feel sticky.

If you are looking for a less dehydrated peach, you can take them out of the air fryer when the juices have become condensed and the peach is less juicy but still moist. The peach should be cooked through, withered, and slightly browned on top. You should see a smoky char on the surface of the peach, but be careful not to let it burn. The peach will be tender and the fibres will be softer.

The time it takes for your peaches to dehydrate will depend on the ripeness and thickness of your slices. If you are using canned peaches, you will need to double the cooking time. For fresh or frozen peach slices, it should take between 3.5 and 6 hours. However, you should start checking your peaches after 3 hours to ensure they do not overcook or burn.

Frequently asked questions