Air Fryer Magic: Drying Figs To Perfection

Dried figs are a delicious snack and can be enjoyed on their own or used in recipes. They are also highly nutritious, offering plenty of dietary fibre and various vitamins and minerals. There are several ways to dry figs, including using an oven, the sun, a food dehydrator, an air fryer, or a microwave. Using an air fryer is a great way to dry figs quickly. To do this, preheat the air fryer to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit and place the prepared figs in a single layer in the basket. Cook for approximately ten minutes or until the desired texture is reached.

Air fryer roasted figs recipe

Ingredients:

• Fresh figs
• Granulated sugar (or a sugar substitute such as Stevia, agave, or brown sugar)
• Ground cinnamon (or ground nutmeg or cloves)
• Olive oil or melted butter (optional)
• Honey (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
• Wash the figs thoroughly and dry them with a paper towel or kitchen towel.
• Cut the figs in half lengthwise and remove the stems.
• (Optional) Lightly brush the cut sides of the figs with olive oil or melted butter to enhance the flavour and prevent them from drying out during cooking.
• Place the fig halves cut-side up in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each piece for even cooking.
• (Optional) Drizzle the fig halves with honey and sprinkle with ground cinnamon for extra flavour.
• Air fry the figs at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, or until they are caramelized and tender. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times may vary depending on their size and ripeness.
• Once the figs are roasted to your liking, remove them from the air fryer basket and let them cool slightly before serving.

Tips:

• Choose ripe, fresh figs that are slightly soft but still firm to the touch.
• Brush the figs with oil, butter, or honey before roasting to add flavour and prevent drying.
• Add seasonings such as salt, cinnamon, or nutmeg to enhance the flavour.
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
• Arrange the figs in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow for proper airflow and even cooking.
• Check for doneness by monitoring the figs as they roast, as cooking times may vary.
• Serve warm as a delicious appetizer, side dish, or dessert.
• For a savoury flavour profile, wrap the figs in thinly sliced bacon and serve as an appetizer.

How to prepare figs for drying

Preparing figs for drying involves several steps to ensure they are clean, ripe, and ready for the drying process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare figs for drying:

• Start by selecting ripe figs that have soft skin with cracks and flesh that is beginning to pull away from the stem. Avoid figs with bruises, mould, or other blemishes.
• Gently wipe each fig with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove any dirt or debris from the skin. You can also rinse them with cool water if needed.
• Remove any insects and then gently rinse the figs again. After rinsing, pat them dry with a clean towel.
• Cut off the stems and remove any remaining imperfections from the fruit.
• Decide whether to leave the figs whole or slice them in half lengthwise. Slicing them will help ensure that the centre of the figs dehydrate completely.
• If desired, you can add a tasty almond inside each fig by making a small cut without dividing the fig into two completely separate halves.

Once you have completed these steps, your figs are ready for the drying process. You can choose from various drying methods, including using an air fryer, oven, food dehydrator, microwave, or the traditional method of sun-drying.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature for drying figs in an air fryer is between 120°F and 140°F (50°C and 60°C). This temperature range gently draws out the moisture from the food without cooking it. However, some recipes suggest a temperature of 350°F (177°C) or 400°F (205°C) for a quicker drying time.

The timing will depend on the temperature and the number of figs you are drying. For a large batch of figs, it is recommended to dry them for around 8 hours at a low temperature. For a smaller batch at a higher temperature, the drying time is significantly reduced to approximately 10 minutes.

It is important to note that the timing will vary depending on the air fryer model and the type of fruit used. Therefore, it is essential to keep a careful eye on the figs, especially if you are using an air fryer for the first time.

Additionally, the thickness of the fig slices will impact the drying time. Thinner slices will dry faster than thicker ones. For example, apple slices that are 1/4 inch thick will take around 15 minutes to dehydrate in an air fryer.

When drying figs, it is best to arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even drying. This prevents overcrowding and allows for proper air circulation.

Once the desired texture is achieved, remove the figs from the air fryer and let them cool before storing them in an airtight container.

Air fryer vs other drying methods

Air fryers are a versatile alternative to other fruit-drying methods. They are straightforward to use and require minimal preparation. Air fryers use convection heating, which is ideal for removing moisture from fruits. This method is faster than traditional dehydrating techniques, making it an excellent option for small batches of dried fruit.

The oven is the quickest and most efficient way to dry figs. It produces consistent results and allows for easy monitoring of the drying process. However, air fryers offer a faster dehydration process than ovens. While oven dehydration can take 6-12 hours, air fryers typically complete the process in 3-8 hours, depending on the fruit type and thickness.

Air-drying is another method for drying figs, but it requires several days and a cool, dry environment with no humidity or moisture. This process can take up to five days, and the figs need to be turned every few hours to ensure even drying.

Using a food dehydrator is an ideal way to dry figs, as it provides controlled temperature settings. However, it requires the additional purchase of a dehydrator, taking up valuable kitchen counter space. In contrast, an air fryer can be easily converted into a makeshift dehydrator, making it a more space-efficient option.

Drying figs in the sun is a classic, traditional method that can take up to three days, depending on the climate and sunlight availability. This technique requires placing the figs outside in direct sunlight for several hours, turning them occasionally to ensure even drying.

Overall, the air fryer offers a convenient, efficient, and speedy method for drying figs compared to other traditional techniques. It is a versatile appliance that can dehydrate various foods, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, and even meats.

Storing dried figs

Dried figs are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed as a snack or used in various recipes. But how do you store them to ensure they stay fresh and tasty?

Firstly, it's important to note that dried figs should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place. The ideal temperature for storing dried figs is below 15 °C. Pantry moths and other insects can be a problem, so it's best to store them in rigid airtight containers or bags made of plastic or glass. You can also add bay leaves and wild fennel, or anise seeds as insect repellents.

If you live in a humid environment, it's best to store dried figs in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent mould from developing. In the refrigerator, dried figs can last for about six to twelve months. If you choose to freeze them, make sure to use airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, and they will last indefinitely.

When storing dried figs at room temperature, their shelf life is around six to twelve months. However, if you notice any mould or unpleasant odours, discard the figs immediately.

Now you know how to store dried figs, you can enjoy them all year round!

Frequently asked questions