Strawberry Air Fryer: Drying Fruit, A Healthy Treat

Air fryer dehydrated strawberries are a delicious and healthy snack that can be made with just one ingredient – fresh strawberries. They are a great way to enjoy the benefits of fruit, as the dehydration process concentrates the nutrients and natural sugars in the strawberries, resulting in a burst of flavour and a satisfying crispy texture. This technique also gives strawberries a longer shelf life, so you can enjoy them anytime without worrying about them going bad.

To make air fryer dehydrated strawberries, simply wash and slice the strawberries, arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer basket, and cook at a low temperature for several hours until they are dry. The exact temperature and time will depend on your air fryer, but it typically takes around 5-6 hours at 135°F (57°C) to achieve the desired crispy and chewy texture.

So, if you're looking for a nutritious and economical snack, give air fryer dehydrated strawberries a try! They are a fantastic way to satisfy your sweet tooth while also getting a boost of vitamins and antioxidants.

How to prepare strawberries for dehydration

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

Firstly, select fresh, bright red strawberries with healthy green leaves and a shiny exterior. Avoid strawberries with large white areas, as these tend to be less sweet, and steer clear of overly mushy or overripe berries.

Next, wash and thoroughly dry the strawberries. Remove any stems and leaves, and cut away any bruised or damaged parts. You can use a clean chopping board and a sharp knife to slice the strawberries into uniform pieces. The recommended thickness is between 1/4 and 1/8 of an inch.

At this point, you can choose to sprinkle the strawberries with stevia for added sweetness during dehydration. However, this step is entirely optional.

Arrange the sliced strawberries in a single layer on the air fryer basket or tray. They can touch but should not overlap. If you are using parchment paper, cut it to fit the base of your air fryer basket before placing the strawberries on top.

Now your strawberries are ready for dehydration! You can refer to the air fryer's specific instructions for dehydration settings and timings.

Remember to flip the strawberries halfway through the dehydration process for even results.

Air fryer settings for drying strawberries

Drying strawberries in an air fryer is a great way to make a healthy snack with just one ingredient. The process is simple: wash and slice the strawberries, preheat the air fryer, add the strawberries, and then cook and store them.

Preparation

Wash and dry the strawberries. Remove the stems and any bruised spots. Slice the strawberries into even slices, around 1/4 to 1/8 of an inch thick.

Air Fryer Settings

Preheat your air fryer to 180 degrees Fahrenheit (or 200 degrees if your air fryer doesn't go down to 180). If your air fryer has a dehydration setting, use that; otherwise, a "warm" or "bake" setting should work.

Cooking

Place the strawberry slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If your air fryer has multiple shelves, you can do multiple batches at once. Depending on your air fryer's power and temperature, the strawberries should be done in 1-2 hours. Flip the strawberries halfway through.

Storage

Once the strawberries are fully dried, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool. Place them in an airtight container and store them in a cool, dry place. They should last for up to six months. Avoid storing them in the fridge, as this can affect their crispiness.

How long to dehydrate strawberries

Dehydrating strawberries in an air fryer is a great way to preserve the taste of summer and enjoy this fruit all year long. The dehydration process removes moisture from the strawberries, resulting in a concentrated burst of flavour and nutrients. The ideal temperature for dehydrating fruit is 55°C/130°F, but if your air fryer doesn't go that low, you can still dehydrate strawberries at a higher temperature for a shorter period of time.

The time it takes to dehydrate strawberries in an air fryer will depend on the temperature setting and the thickness of your strawberry slices. If your air fryer can reach a temperature of 55°C/130°F, the recommended cook time for dehydrated strawberries is 5 hours. However, if your air fryer only goes down to 180°F or 200°F, you can still dehydrate strawberries, it will just take a shorter amount of time. At these higher temperatures, the recommended cook time is between 45 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the power of your air fryer.

It's important to note that the thickness of your strawberry slices will also impact the dehydration time. Thicker slices will take longer to dry, so aim for slices between ⅛" and ¼" thick. Additionally, the moisture content of your strawberries will play a role in the dehydration time. If your strawberries are very juicy, you may need to pat them with a paper towel before placing them in the air fryer to speed up the drying process.

To dehydrate strawberries in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to the desired temperature. Then, line the air fryer basket with parchment paper and place your strawberry slices in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. If your air fryer is set to a lower temperature (55°C/130°F), cook the strawberries for about 5 hours, or until they are dry and chewy. If your air fryer is set to a higher temperature (180°F-200°F), cook the strawberries for 45 minutes to 2 hours, or until they are dry and chewy. Be sure to flip the strawberry slices halfway through the dehydration process to ensure even cooking.

How to store dehydrated strawberries

Once you've dehydrated your strawberries, you'll want to make sure you store them properly so they don't go bad. Here are some tips on how to store dehydrated strawberries:

Firstly, it's important to let the strawberries cool completely before storing them. The air around warm strawberries will contain more moisture, which can lead to condensation in your storage container and reduce the shelf life of the fruit.

You can store dehydrated strawberries in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just make sure they are completely dry and cooled before placing them in a plastic bag with as much air removed as possible. Seal the bag and store it in the freezer.

If you're storing dehydrated strawberries at room temperature, it's best to use airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags. Conditioning the strawberries before storage is also important. This involves placing them loosely in jars and shaking the jars once a day for 7 to 10 days. If you see condensation in the jars during this period, the strawberries need to be dehydrated further.

Properly stored dehydrated strawberries can last for up to a year. However, if stored in a warm house in a zip lock bag, they may only last up to three months. To maximize shelf life, store the strawberries in a cool, dry, and dark location. Exposure to light will degrade the quality of the fruit.

Other fruits that can be dehydrated

Dehydrating strawberries in an air fryer is a great way to preserve the fruit and enjoy it as a snack or in recipes. But strawberries aren't the only fruit that can be dehydrated.

• Apples: Dehydrated apples are a classic choice and couldn't be easier to make. Simply peel and core the apples, then slice them into thin pieces. Soaking the apple slices in a solution of lemon juice or ascorbic acid and water can help to minimise oxidation and discolouration. Dehydrate at 135°F for 7-15 hours, or in the oven at 200°F for 6-8 hours.
• Apricots: Wash, cut in half, remove the pits, and slice each half into four pieces lengthwise. Spread the apricot pieces on a mesh dehydrator sheet and dehydrate at 135°F for around 11 hours, until flat and pliable.
• Bananas: Choose bananas with some brown speckles for maximum sweetness. Peel and slice into ⅛- to ¼-inch thick pieces. If desired, dip the slices in lemon juice before drying to prevent discolouration. Dehydrate at 135°F for 8-12 hours.
• Blueberries: Wash and remove the stems. Cutting the blueberries in half or into quarters will reduce dehydration time. Place on a dehydrator tray and dehydrate at 135°F for around 14-16 hours.
• Cherries: Wash and quarter the cherries for even drying. Spread the cherry quarters on a mesh sheet in a single layer and dehydrate at 135°F for 14-16 hours.
• Grapes: Seedless grapes can be sliced crosswise and dehydrated. Soaking the grapes in boiling water for 30 seconds before plunging them into cold water can help to speed up the dehydration process. Dehydrate at 135°F for 18-20 hours or longer.
• Kiwis: Cut kiwis into thin slices and arrange in a single layer on a non-stick mesh dehydrator sheet. Dehydrate at 135°F for 10 hours or more, until no moisture remains.
• Lemons and Limes: These need to be dehydrated at a lower temperature than other fruits to prevent discolouration. Slice into thin pieces and place on a non-stick sheet in the dehydrator. After about an hour, transfer the slices to a mesh tray and continue drying at 115°F for 12-14 hours.
• Mangoes: Peel the mango and cut the flesh away from the core. Slice into ⅛- to ¼-inch thick pieces. Dehydrate at 135°F for 8-12 hours, until pliable.
• Oranges: Slice oranges as thinly as possible and place on non-stick sheets in the dehydrator. Thinner slices will dry faster. Dehydrate at 135°F for 14 hours or until fully dried.
• Peaches: Look for peaches with good colour and a little give when squeezed. Remove the skins if desired, then cut into halves or quarters and remove the pits. Slice into ⅛-inch thick pieces. Dehydrate at 135°F for 8-12 hours, until pliable.
• Pears: Wait until pears are ripe but not too soft before drying. Peel if desired, then cut in half lengthwise and remove the core. Slice the pears into ⅛-inch thick pieces. Dehydrate at 135°F for 8-12 hours, until pliable.
• Pineapples: Remove the fibrous skin and core of the pineapple, then slice into thin pieces. Smaller pieces will dry faster. Dehydrate at 135°F for 12-18 hours, or longer for canned pineapple.
• Cantaloupe: Cut into thin slices or strips after removing the seeds. Dehydrate at 135°F for 8-10 hours, until no moisture remains.
• Watermelon: Place watermelon strips directly on mesh dehydrator sheets and dehydrate at 135°F for 11-12 hours.

Tips for Dehydrating Fruit

• Choose mature, firm fruits for the highest sugar and nutritional content. Avoid bruised or overripe fruit.
• Rinse fruit before cutting to remove dirt and pesticides.
• Dehydrating fruit with the skin on can retain more nutrition, especially beneficial flavonoids.
• Cut fruit into slices or pieces that are consistently sized, usually about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick. Thicker pieces may require longer dehydration times.
• Some fruits, such as apples, bananas, and pears, may brown slightly after cutting due to oxidation. This can be minimised by soaking the fruit in lemon juice or a solution of ascorbic acid and water for about 10 minutes.
• The recommended temperature for dehydrating most fruit is 135°F, but lemons and limes should be dehydrated at a lower temperature of 115°F to prevent discolouration.
• Dehydration times will vary depending on the type of fruit, ripeness, juiciness, thickness of slices, and humidity.
• Dehydrated fruit is done when it is totally dry to the touch and can range from leathery to crisp and brittle.
• Properly dried and stored fruit can last for several months. Store in airtight containers in a cool, dark place.

Frequently asked questions