Air Fryer Hack: Drying Chillies Quickly And Easily

Chilli peppers are a versatile ingredient, adding depth and heat to a variety of dishes. However, fresh chillies can spoil quickly, so it's useful to know how to preserve them. One way to do this is by drying them in an air fryer. This method is quick, easy, and convenient, and it produces delicious, dried chillies that can be stored for months.

Choosing the right chilli peppers

• Pepper Variety: Different varieties of chilli peppers have distinct characteristics. Habaneros, jalapenos, Thai bird's eye chilli peppers, cayenne peppers, and bell peppers are some of the popular options for drying. Consider the desired level of spice, flavour, and colour for your intended use.
• Freshness and Quality: Opt for fresh and firm chilli peppers, free from any bruises or blemishes. Ensure they are in good condition, as this will impact the drying process and the final product's quality.
• Heat Tolerance: If you're working with extremely hot chilli peppers, it's advisable to wear gloves to protect your skin from irritation. Handle them with care and avoid touching your eyes or face after handling these peppers.
• Slicing Consistency: To ensure even drying, slice the chilli peppers into even pieces. You can cut them into rings or strips, but aim for uniform thickness to prevent burning or over-drying certain parts of the pepper.
• Seed Preference: Depending on your desired heat level, you can choose to remove or keep the seeds and membranes. Removing them will reduce the heat, while keeping them intact will result in a spicier final product.
• Preparation: Before drying, wash the chilli peppers under running water to remove any dirt or debris. You can also remove the stems, but this is optional as some people tie the peppers by their stems for hanging or air-drying methods.

Remember, the choice of chilli pepper will depend on your personal preferences for heat, flavour, and intended use. Always exercise caution when handling chilli peppers, especially those with higher spice levels.

Preparing the peppers for dehydration

Step 1: Selecting the Peppers

Choose peppers that are fresh and firm, with bright colours and no bruises or blemishes. You can use a variety of peppers such as bell peppers, jalapenos, habaneros, or cayenne peppers, depending on your preference for mild or spicy.

Step 2: Washing and Drying the Peppers

Thoroughly wash the peppers under running water to remove any dirt or debris. You can use a vegetable wash to ensure they are clean, but make sure to rinse off any residue. Dry the peppers with a paper towel or let them air dry.

Step 3: Removing Stems, Seeds, and Membranes

Using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, remove the stems from the peppers. You can also choose to remove the seeds and membranes if you want to reduce the heat level of the final product. However, if you prefer a spicier result, you can leave the seeds and membranes intact.

Step 4: Slicing the Peppers

Slice the peppers into even pieces, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. You can cut them into rings or strips, depending on your preference. Thinner slices will help speed up the dehydration process and ensure more even drying.

Step 5: Seasoning the Peppers (Optional)

At this point, you can choose to season the peppers with salt, pepper, or other spices of your choice. You can also marinate them in a mixture of vinegar and oil for added flavour. Allow the peppers to sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the seasonings.

Step 6: Arranging the Peppers on the Air Fryer Tray

Place the pepper slices in a single layer on the air fryer tray, making sure they do not overlap. Spacing them evenly will ensure proper air circulation and prevent overcrowding, which can lead to uneven dehydration.

Once you have completed these steps, your peppers will be ready for dehydration in the air fryer!

Air fryer settings

Yes, you can dry chillies in an air fryer, but there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to the settings.

Firstly, it is recommended to set your air fryer to the lowest temperature setting available. This is because the high heat can cause the chillies to burn or cook too quickly. A low temperature allows for a longer drying time, resulting in perfectly dried chillies without any burnt edges. The ideal temperature for dehydrating peppers is around 130°F (54.4°C), but if your air fryer doesn't go that low, just select the lowest setting possible.

Secondly, it is important to preheat your air fryer before adding the chillies. Plug it in, press the "power" button, and set the temperature to the lowest setting. Once the air fryer beeps, indicating it is preheated, you can add the chillies. If your air fryer does not have a preheat function, simply set it to the lowest temperature and let it run for 1-2 minutes before adding the chillies.

The timer should be set for 1-2 hours, depending on how dry you want the chillies to be. If you want them to be very dry, set the timer for 2 hours. For slightly dry chillies, set the timer for 1 hour. If your air fryer does not have a timer, you can manually set it to the lowest setting and let it run for 1-2 minutes before adding the chillies. Remember to avoid setting the timer too long, as this may cause the chillies to overcook and burn.

It is also important to check on the chillies periodically to see if they have reached the desired level of dryness. After 30-40 minutes, open the air fryer and inspect the chillies. If they are not dry, continue cooking them in the air fryer. Try not to open the air fryer too often, as this will cause heat to escape and may lead to overcooking.

Finally, once the chillies are dry, turn off the air fryer and remove them from the basket. Use a fork to remove them if necessary, as they may be hot. Place the dried chillies on a wire rack or plate to cool before transferring them to an airtight container for storage.

Dehydrating the peppers

Dehydrating peppers in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to preserve their flavour and nutritional value. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Selecting the Peppers

Choose peppers that are fresh and firm, with no bruises or blemishes. Bell peppers, jalapenos, and serranos are all great options, as they have high water content and are flavourful. Pick peppers that are at the peak of ripeness for the best flavour and texture when dehydrated.

Cleaning and Preparing the Peppers

Begin by washing the peppers under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, using a sharp knife, remove the stems, seeds, and membranes. You can choose to keep the seeds in for added texture and flavour, but removing them will result in more evenly dehydrated peppers. Slice the peppers into thin, even pieces, about 1/4 inch thick, to ensure quick and even dehydration.

Air Fryer Settings

Set the air fryer to the lowest temperature setting, usually between 120°F and 150°F. If your air fryer has a dehydration setting, use that.

Placing the Peppers in the Air Fryer

Arrange the pepper slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Leave some space between each slice to allow for proper air circulation.

Place the air fryer basket into the air fryer and dehydrate the peppers for 6 to 10 hours, depending on your desired level of dryness. Check on the peppers periodically to ensure they are not burning. The peppers are ready when they become crispy and dry.

Storing the Dehydrated Peppers

Once the peppers are dehydrated, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool to room temperature. Then, store the dehydrated peppers in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Proper storage will keep your peppers fresh for several months.

Storing the dehydrated chillies

Storing dehydrated chillies is an important step in the preservation process. Here are some detailed tips to ensure your chillies remain in optimal condition:

Use Airtight Containers

Storing dried chillies in airtight containers is crucial to retain their flavour and texture. Airtight containers prevent the chillies from losing the compounds responsible for their flavour. If stored in a porous container, the chillies will lose their heat and become less flavourful over time. Additionally, airtight containers help maintain the desired texture, keeping the chillies leathery rather than hard and brittle. This ensures that the chillies can be properly rehydrated when needed.

Keep Chillies Away from Light

While using airtight containers is essential, it's also important to store them away from light. Brightly coloured chillies will fade and lose their vibrant hues if exposed to too much light. Therefore, store your airtight containers in a dark place, such as a cupboard or pantry, or use opaque containers to block light exposure.

Store in Cool Temperatures

Heat is another factor that can cause flavour loss in dried chillies. Keep your chillies away from direct heat sources, such as the stove, and avoid storing them above the oven or in areas with high temperatures. Instead, opt for cool, dry storage locations.

Rehydrate and Refrigerate

If you plan on using whole dried chillies in recipes that require rehydration, such as enchilada sauce or hot sauce, you can speed up the process by rehydrating them ahead of time. Simply soak the chillies until they are soft, then store them in the refrigerator until you need them.

Vacuum Packing and Freezing

For long-term storage, consider vacuum packing your dried chillies after they have been conditioned (dried thoroughly). Vacuum packing helps extend the shelf life of the chillies, allowing you to store them for years. Additionally, freezing your dried chillies can further preserve their freshness and protect them from pests and fungi.

Grinding into Powder

If you use dried chillies frequently in your cooking, you can grind them into a fine powder using a spice grinder, coffee grinder, or food processor. Store the chilli powder in airtight containers, and it will last for several months, adding a spicy kick to your dishes whenever needed.

Frequently asked questions