Fruit Dehydrating: Air Fryer Magic

Air fryers are extremely versatile kitchen gadgets. Frying is just one of the many things you can do with them. You can also bake cakes, cookies, and brownies, or roast meat. One surprising way to use an air fryer is as a dehydrator to dry fruit.

Drying fruit, or dehydrating, is a great way to preserve your fruit for healthy snacks and prevent food waste. It's also a healthier way to enjoy your favourite snacks without added sugar or preservatives.

Air fryers with a dehydrate setting will automatically set the temperature to around 130°F. If your air fryer doesn't have this setting, you can still dehydrate fruit by setting the heat to the lowest setting and turning up the fan speed for better hot air circulation.

The best temperature for dehydrating fruit is between 125°F and 150°F. You don't want to use high heat settings, as this will cook the fruit rather than drying it out.

To dehydrate fruit in an air fryer, slice the fruit thinly and evenly, and place it in a single layer inside the basket. Set the temperature to 175°F and air fry for 3-8 hours, depending on the fruit.

What temperature to dehydrate fruit in an air fryer

Dehydrating fruit in an air fryer is a great way to make healthy snacks without added sugar or preservatives. The best temperature to dehydrate fruit in an air fryer is between 125°F and 145°F.

Most air fryers have a "dehydrate" button or setting. If your air fryer does not have a "dehydrate" setting, you can still dehydrate fruit by setting the heat to the lowest temperature and turning up the fan speed for better circulation of hot air. The dehydration setting helps keep the temperature and humidity levels steady, allowing the moisture from the fruit to be slowly drawn out.

The ideal temperature for dehydrating fruit will depend on the type of fruit and the desired texture. Thinner slices will dehydrate faster and give a crispier texture, while thicker slices will take longer and provide a chewier texture. For example, apple slices should be dehydrated at 135°F for 6-10 hours, while strawberries should be dehydrated at 135°F for 6-8 hours.

It's important to note that not all air fryers can dehydrate food. If your air fryer cannot reach a temperature below 135°F, you will likely end up cooking the fruit instead of dehydrating it. Therefore, it is crucial to check your air fryer's capabilities before attempting to dehydrate fruit.

How long to dehydrate fruit in an air fryer

The time it takes to dehydrate fruit in an air fryer depends on the type of fruit, the thickness of the slices, and the cooking temperature. Generally, drying times for dehydration purposes fall between four and twelve hours.

For example, dehydrating strawberries in an air fryer at 135°F will take three to six hours, while banana chips will take six to twelve hours at the same temperature. Dehydrating apples at 175°F will take about four hours.

It's important to note that the dehydration temperature should be lower than the standard cooking temperature to effectively remove moisture from the fruit. The best temperature for dehydrating fruit is between 125°F and 135°F.

To dehydrate fruit in an air fryer, first, cut the fruit into thin slices, ideally no more than half an inch thick. Then, place the fruit slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Set the air fryer to the dehydration setting or the lowest temperature possible, ideally around 135°F.

For fruits that are prone to oxidation, such as apples and bananas, soak the slices in a mixture of lemon juice and water before placing them in the air fryer. This will help prevent browning.

During the dehydration process, flip the fruit slices every 4 minutes and check them regularly to prevent burning. The fruit is done when the centers are hard to the touch.

Using an air fryer to dehydrate fruit is a great way to make healthy snacks and preserve fruit for longer. It is also less expensive than buying dehydrated fruit from the store.

Best fruits to dehydrate in an air fryer

Dehydrating fruit in an air fryer is a great way to make healthy snacks without added sugar or preservatives. It's also a lot cheaper than buying dried fruit from the store.

The best fruits to dehydrate are those with less moisture content. Fruits with higher moisture content can also be dehydrated but will take longer and may remain slightly sticky.

Some fruits that work well include:

• Strawberries
• Apples
• Pears
• Peaches
• Apricots
• Bananas
• Kiwis
• Oranges
• Pineapple
• Blueberries
• Tomatoes
• Kale

How to dehydrate fruit in an air fryer

First, check that your air fryer has a dehydrate setting. If not, you can still dehydrate fruit, but you'll need to set the heat to the lowest setting and turn up the fan speed for better hot air circulation.

Cut your fruit into thin slices (around 1/4 inch thick) and, if desired, toss in lemon juice to preserve colour and add flavour. Place the fruit slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap.

Dehydrate at around 135°F for 3-12 hours, depending on the fruit. Check the fruit regularly to ensure it's not burning and remove from the air fryer when dry to the touch.

Storing dehydrated fruit

Store dehydrated fruit in an airtight container in a cool, dry, and dark place. Properly dried and stored fruit can last up to a year, if not more!

How to prevent oxidation of sliced fruit

Yes, you can dry fruit in an air fryer! It's a great way to make healthy snacks without added sugar or preservatives.

Now, onto preventing the oxidation of sliced fruit. Here are some detailed, direct, and instructive tips to keep your fruit looking fresh:

Use an Air Fryer with a Dehydrator Setting:

If you're using an air fryer to dry your fruit, ensure it has a dehydrator setting. This setting maintains a low temperature with warm airflow from the fan, which is ideal for removing moisture without cooking the fruit. The dehydration setting should be around 125°F to 135°F. At higher temperatures, your fruit may cook, resulting in a tough texture and some loss of nutrients.

Prevent Oxidation:

Oxidation is a natural process where oxygen causes sliced fruit to turn brown. To prevent this, you can use an acidic substance like lemon juice. Simply dip the sliced fruit in a solution of water and lemon juice (a ratio of 1:3 works well) or spray the slices with lemon juice. This helps to stop the enzymes that cause browning from working.

Use Non-Stick Spray:

To prevent your fruit from sticking to the air fryer basket or racks, use a non-stick spray. This will make it easier to remove the dried fruit without damaging it.

Slice Uniformly:

For even drying, slice your fruit into uniform pieces. This ensures that all the pieces dehydrate at a similar rate, reducing the risk of over-drying or under-drying.

Storage:

Once your fruit is dehydrated, store it in airtight containers. Mason jars are an excellent option as they are airtight and help prevent oxidation during storage. Properly dried and stored fruit can last for up to six months.

Timing:

The dehydration time will depend on the type of fruit, the thickness of the slices, and the temperature. Generally, drying times range from four to twelve hours. Check your fruit periodically to ensure even drying and adjust the settings if needed.

By following these steps, you can effectively prevent the oxidation of sliced fruit and enjoy delicious, healthy snacks!

How to store dehydrated fruit

Dehydrated fruit should be stored in airtight containers, such as glass jars or plastic freezer bags, in a cool, dry, dark place.

Firstly, it's important to ensure that the fruit is completely cool before storing it. The air surrounding warm fruit will contain more moisture, which could lead to condensation in the storage container and reduce the shelf life of the fruit.

Once the fruit is cool, it should be loosely packed into jars and left to stand for 7-10 days. This process is called conditioning and it equalises the moisture content of the fruit. Jars should be shaken daily and checked for condensation. If condensation develops, the fruit should be returned to the dehydrator for further drying.

After conditioning, the fruit can be packaged and stored in airtight containers. Glass containers are excellent for storage because any moisture that collects on the inside can be easily seen.

It's best to store dried fruit in small batches to maintain freshness and minimise the risk of contamination. Individual servings will also ensure that you aren't constantly opening and closing the container, which can lead to moulding and spoilage.

Dried fruit should be stored in a cool, dry, dark location. A temperature of 60°F or 15°C (or less) is best. Exposure to light will degrade dried fruit, so if you store jars on your counter or shelves, expect to use the fruit sooner.

Dried fruit can be stored for up to a year, but it's important to check on it regularly to ensure that it is still dry.

Frequently asked questions