Air Fryer Dried Apples: A Quick, Easy Treat

Yes, you can make dried apples in an air fryer! It's a quick and easy way to make a healthy snack and a great alternative to using an oven or dehydrator. The process is simple: thinly slice apples, add flavourings like cinnamon or sugar (optional), and then cook in the air fryer for around 15-20 minutes. You can also make apple chips by slicing the apples even thinner and cooking them for longer.

How to prepare apples for dehydration

Preparing apples for dehydration is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best results. Here's a detailed guide on how to prepare apples for dehydration:

Wash and Dry the Apples:

Start by giving the apples a good wash to remove any dirt or residue. You can use a soft brush to gently clean the surface of the apples. Once they are clean, dry them thoroughly with a kitchen towel or a piece of absorbent paper.

Core and Slice the Apples:

Remove the seeds and core of the apples using an apple corer or a paring knife. You can also peel the apples if you prefer, although it is not necessary. Slice the apples into thin, uniform pieces, ideally no thicker than 1/4" to 1/2" thick. The thinner the slices, the crispier they will become after dehydration. You can use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to achieve even slices.

Soak in an Acidic Pretreatment Bath (Optional):

To prevent the apples from browning and to maintain their colour, you can optionally soak them in an acidic pretreatment bath. Prepare the bath by mixing either 1 teaspoon of citric acid, 1/4 cup of lemon juice, or 1 tablespoon of vinegar with 1 quart (4 cups) of water. Stir well. Add the apple slices to the bath and let them soak for about 10 minutes. If you used citric acid, rinse the slices after soaking. Otherwise, you can proceed to the next step.

Season the Apples (Optional):

If you want to add some extra flavour to your dehydrated apples, you can season them with spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice. You can also add a touch of sugar if the apples are tart. Sprinkle the spices and/or sugar over the apple slices and toss gently to coat them evenly.

Arrange on Dehydrator Trays:

Place the apple slices on the trays of your dehydrator, making sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Leave some space between the slices to allow for proper air circulation during the dehydration process.

Dehydrate at the Recommended Temperature:

Follow the instructions for your specific dehydrator model to set the appropriate temperature and timing. Typically, dehydration temperatures range from 135°F to 300°F, and the process can take anywhere from 6 to 12 hours or more, depending on the thickness of the slices and the settings of your dehydrator.

Remember to refer to the specific instructions for your air fryer or dehydrator, as temperatures and timings may vary slightly between models.

The best apples for dehydrating

When choosing apples for dehydrating, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the apples should be fresh and firm, as this helps them hold their shape during the dehydration process. Secondly, the sweetness of the apples is important, as sweeter apples will dehydrate better and taste as if you've added sugar. Finally, you should also consider the tartness and firmness of the apples, as this will affect the flavour and texture of the final product.

• Gala apples are sweet and hold their colour and shape well during dehydration. They are one of the best options for dehydrated apple chips as they have a concentrated sweet flavour.
• Fuji apples are the sweetest variety, making them ideal for dehydrated apple chips.
• Golden Delicious apples are another sweet variety that is good for dehydrating. They hold their shape and colour well during the process.
• Honeycrisp apples are a good option if you want a sweet treat.
• Granny Smith apples are a good choice if you prefer less sweetness in your dried apples. They hold their shape and flavour during dehydration and have a good balance of sweet and tart flavours.
• Pink Lady apples have a good texture and retain their colour during dehydration, with a balance of sweet and tart flavours.
• Red Delicious apples are one of the sweetest varieties and are great for dehydrating.
• Macintosh apples are a tart variety that holds their shape and colour well during dehydration.
• Braeburn apples have a tart flavour and are often dried and used in baked goods.

When preparing apples for dehydrating, it is recommended to slice them thinly and uniformly, preferably using a mandoline slicer. You can choose to remove the core and peel, but it is not necessary. Soaking the apple slices in an acidic solution (such as lemon juice or vinegar) can help to prevent browning, but it may alter the taste and texture of the final product.

How to dehydrate apples in an air fryer

Dehydrating apples in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make apple chips. It's a great method to preserve the apple flavor and extend the life of your apples. Plus, it doesn't require any additional equipment like a formal dehydrator.

Ingredients:

• Apples (any type, but sweeter varieties are recommended)
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Cinnamon (optional)
• Sugar (optional)

Instructions:

• Wash the apples and dry them with a kitchen towel.
• Core and slice the apples into thin slices, preferably using a mandoline slicer. The ideal thickness is around ⅛ inch.
• (Optional) Prepare an acid bath by mixing lemon juice or vinegar with water. Soak the apple slices in the bath for a few minutes to prevent browning. Then, pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
• (Optional) Sprinkle cinnamon, sugar, or other desired spices on the apple slices.
• Place the apple slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Set the air fryer temperature to 300°F and let them air fry for 15-25 minutes. For crispier apples, increase the temperature to 325°F for the last 4-8 minutes.
• Remove the apple chips from the air fryer and let them cool. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.

Storage:

Store the dehydrated apples in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or in the fridge for a longer shelf life.

How to store dehydrated apples

Dehydrated apples can be stored for up to six months if dehydrated properly. To store dehydrated apples, follow these steps:

Firstly, allow the apples to cool to room temperature. It is important that the apples are completely cool before storing, to prevent condensation. Then, place the dehydrated apple slices into an airtight container, such as a glass jar or plastic container. You can also use a mason jar, sealing it tightly.

If you are storing the apples in a jar, it is recommended to loosely pack the apples and seal the jar. Leave the jar for a week, shaking it daily to break up the fruit. This process is called conditioning and it helps to redistribute any moisture left in the fruit after dehydrating. If any condensation appears on the inside of the jar, return the apples to the dehydrator to remove more moisture.

If you are storing dehydrated apples in a hot and humid environment, consider refrigerating them in an airtight container. You can also freeze dehydrated apples for up to a year.

What to do with dehydrated apples

Dehydrated apples are a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. Here are some ideas for what to do with dehydrated apples:

Snack

Dehydrated apples can be enjoyed as a snack on their own. Their sweet flavour and crunchy texture make them a satisfying and nutritious option.

Toppings

Dehydrated apples can be chopped up and used as a topping for oatmeal, cereal, yoghurt, pancakes, or even cheese plates. They add a burst of flavour and texture to your favourite breakfast or snack.

Mix-ins

Dehydrated apples can be mixed into homemade granola, trail mix, or muesli. They provide a chewy texture and natural sweetness to your mix.

Salads

Add dehydrated apples to your salad for a sweet and crunchy element. They pair well with greens, nuts, and other fruits or vegetables.

Baking

Dehydrated apples can be used in baking recipes such as muffins, cookies, cakes, and pies. They add a concentrated apple flavour and a chewy texture to your baked goods. Try them in apple crisps, apple pies, or oatmeal raisin cookies.

Smoothies

Blend dehydrated apples into your favourite smoothie recipe for a boost of flavour and nutrition. They will add natural sweetness and thickness to your drink.

Savoury dishes

Dehydrated apples can be used in savoury dishes as well. Try adding them to stuffing, pancakes, waffles, or muffins. They can also be roasted with vegetables like Brussels sprouts or squash.

Frequently asked questions