Air Fryer Magic: Drying Apricots To Perfection

Dried apricots are a delicious snack, but they can be expensive to buy. Luckily, you can make your own at home using an air fryer. It's a simple process that just requires a can of apricots, an air fryer, and a bit of patience. You can also use fresh apricots, but either way, it's a great way to save money and enjoy a tasty, healthy treat.

How to prepare apricots for air-drying

Preparing apricots for air-drying is a simple process, but it requires some time and attention to detail. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare apricots for air-drying:

Step 1: Wash and Cut the Apricots

Begin by washing your apricots thoroughly. You want to make sure they are clean and free of any dirt or residue. After washing, cut the apricots in half and remove the pits. For the best results, it is recommended to cut the apricots into thin slices, as this will help them dry more evenly and efficiently.

Step 2: Soak the Apricots

Once your apricots are prepared, create a solution of water and lemon juice in a large bowl. The lemon juice will help prevent the apricots from turning brown during the drying process. Place the apricot halves or slices in this solution and let them soak for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Pat Dry and Flatten

After soaking, remove the apricots from the solution and lay them out on a clean surface. Use paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to pat them dry, absorbing any excess moisture. Then, gently press down on the apricot halves or slices to flatten them. This step helps ensure that the apricots dry evenly and thoroughly.

Step 4: Arrange on Air Fryer Trays

Now, it's time to arrange your apricots on the air fryer trays. Place them in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping. This arrangement ensures that air can circulate around each piece of fruit, drying them evenly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to dry the apricots in batches.

Step 5: Set the Air Fryer Temperature

Set your air fryer to the dehydrate setting, typically around 135°F (57°C). If your air fryer doesn't have a dedicated dehydrate setting, select the lowest temperature available. This low temperature is crucial, as it will slowly draw out the moisture from the apricots without cooking them.

Step 6: Dehydrate the Apricots

Place the trays of apricots in the air fryer and let them dehydrate. The time required will vary depending on the thickness of your slices, the moisture content of the apricots, and your air fryer model. Check the apricots periodically to ensure they don't burn. For even drying, consider flipping the apricot slices halfway through the process.

Step 7: Cool and Store

Once the apricots are dehydrated to your desired level of dryness, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool completely. Then, store them in an airtight container or bag. Properly dried and stored apricots can last for several months if kept in a cool, dark place.

By following these steps, you'll be able to enjoy delicious, healthy, and homemade dried apricots as a snack or ingredient in your favorite recipes!

Air fryer settings for drying apricots

Air-frying apricots is a great way to make a delicious snack without spending all day in the kitchen. You can use fresh, frozen, or canned apricots, but it is recommended to cut them into thin slices and remove the pits before drying. Here are the steps to follow:

Prepare the Apricots: Wash the apricots thoroughly and cut them into thin slices. You can also halve them, but this will increase the cooking time. Removing the pits is also recommended. You can spray the apricots with a bit of oil, such as olive oil, to enhance the flavor and prevent sticking, but it is not necessary.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to the dehydrate setting, which is typically around 135°F (57°C). If your air fryer doesn't have a dehydrate setting, set it to the lowest temperature available, which is usually around 120°F-135°F (57°C).

Arrange the Apricots: Place the apricot slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. This allows for even drying.

Dehydrate: Cook the apricots for about 45-90 minutes, depending on the thickness of the slices and your air fryer model. Check them periodically to prevent burning, and consider flipping the slices halfway through the cooking process. The apricots are ready when they are dry and leathery but still slightly pliable.

Cool and Store: Once the apricots are dried, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can last for several months if stored in a cool, dark place.

Additional Tips:

• The drying time may vary depending on the thickness of the slices and the water content of the apricots. Thinner slices will dehydrate faster and result in a crispier texture, while thicker slices will take longer and provide a chewier texture.
• To prevent sticking, you can line the air fryer rack with parchment paper. This also makes cleanup easier.
• Add flavor enhancers, such as a sprinkle of cinnamon or lemon juice, before air-frying.
• Store the dried apricots in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. They can last for 6 to 12 months at room temperature or up to 2 years if refrigerated.

By following these steps and settings, you can enjoy delicious and healthy dried apricots right out of your air fryer!

Other foods that can be dehydrated in an air fryer

Yes, you can dry apricots in an air fryer! If you're looking to dry other foods, an air fryer can be a great alternative to a dehydrator.

Fruits

Fruits such as apples, bananas, strawberries, mangoes, peaches, oranges, lemons, and grapefruit can be dehydrated in an air fryer. Thinner slices will dehydrate faster and give a crispier texture, while thicker slices will result in a chewier texture. For the best results, cut the fruit into uniform slices.

Vegetables

Zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, kale, carrots, peas, corn, and mushrooms are some vegetables that can be dehydrated. Dehydrated vegetables can be enjoyed as snacks or used in soups and stews.

Meats

Meats such as beef, chicken, or turkey can be dehydrated to make jerky, a high-protein snack. It is important to ensure that meats are handled safely, cooked thoroughly, and dehydrated at a temperature of at least 165°F to prevent any foodborne illnesses.

Herbs

Herbs like basil and oregano can also be dehydrated in an air fryer.

How to prevent dried apricots from sticking to the air fryer

Dried apricots are a delicious snack, but they can sometimes stick to the air fryer during the dehydration process. Here are some tips to prevent this from happening:

Use Parchment Paper

Lining your air fryer rack with parchment paper is a great way to prevent sticking. Not only does it make cleanup easier, but it also ensures that the dried fruit doesn't stick to the air fryer basket as it caramelizes. The paper creates a non-stick surface, allowing you to easily remove the apricots once they're done.

Avoid Overcrowding

It's important to give the apricots enough space in the air fryer. Make sure they are not overlapping and that there is good air circulation. Overcrowding the air fryer can cause uneven drying and increase the chances of sticking. Leave some space between each apricot to allow hot air to circulate properly.

Pat the Apricots Dry

Before placing the apricots in the air fryer, use a paper towel to pat them dry. Removing as much moisture as possible before the dehydration process will help prevent sticking. The paper towel helps absorb any excess moisture on the surface of the apricots.

Maintain Proper Temperature

Using the correct temperature setting is crucial. Set your air fryer to the dehydrate setting, typically around 120°F to 135°F (57°C). If your air fryer doesn't have a dehydrate function, use the lowest temperature setting available, which is usually around 125°F to 145°F (52°C to 63°C). This ensures that the apricots dry out without cooking, reducing the chances of sticking.

Flip the Apricots

During the dehydration process, it's a good idea to flip the apricot slices periodically. This ensures even drying and prevents sticking. Flip the apricots over after 30 minutes, and then continue dehydrating for another 15-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

By following these simple tips, you can easily prevent dried apricots from sticking to your air fryer. Enjoy your delicious and healthy snack without the hassle of cleanup!

How to store dried apricots

Once you've dried your apricots in the air fryer, you'll want to store them in an airtight container or sealable bag. If you've followed the recipe above, your apricots will still be a little moist in the centre, so it's best to store them in the fridge to ensure they last longer. If they start to get soft, it means moisture is getting into the bag, so consider freezing them instead.

Dried apricots can last for several months if stored in a cool, dark place. If you store them in the fridge, they can last up to two years. For the longest shelf life, dried apricots can be frozen and will last up to 18 months or longer.

Frequently asked questions