Making Dried Fruit In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can make dried fruit in an air fryer. It's a simple, efficient method that uses hot air circulation to remove moisture from fruits, resulting in delicious dried snacks. Air fryers are versatile appliances that can dehydrate fruits with minimal preparation. This method is faster than traditional dehydrating techniques and is an excellent option for small batches of dried fruit.

Air-drying vs. oven-drying: pros and cons

Air-drying and oven-drying are two methods of dehydrating fruit, and each has its pros and cons.

Air-drying is a good option for small quantities of herbs and some leaf vegetables, but it is not successful for most other foods. It is a slow process and can take 3-4 days to dry food, and even then, the food may mould before it dries. Air-drying is best done in a well-ventilated attic, room, or screened-in porch. The benefit of air-drying is that it is free, and you can hang herbs and peppers in bunches, which is a decorative way of storing them.

Oven-drying is a more reliable method of drying fruit and vegetables, but it still takes a long time. Oven dehydration can take 6-12 hours, and you need to be careful that the temperature does not get too high, or the food will cook instead of drying out. Oven-drying is good for larger quantities of food.

Using an air fryer is a quicker method than oven-drying, and it is also cheaper than buying dried fruit from the store. Air fryers are versatile and can be used to dehydrate most types of fruits and vegetables, as well as meats and herbs. The process is straightforward and requires minimal preparation. However, the quantity of food that can be dehydrated in an air fryer is smaller than with an oven.

A dedicated dehydrator is another option. Dehydrators offer better temperature control than ovens, and the temperature is lower, so you don't lose colour, flavour, and smell. Dehydrators also have better airflow, so the drying is more even, and the moisture can escape more efficiently. Dehydrators are also portable, so you can put them in a shed or attic while they are being used, which is a good idea if you are drying super-hot peppers, as the particles in the air can sting the eyes. Dehydrators are reasonably priced, with a decent one costing around $40-50.

What fruits work best for dehydrating?

Dehydrating fruits in an air fryer is a simple and efficient method that uses hot air circulation to remove moisture from the fruits, resulting in delicious dried snacks. The convection heating of air fryers is ideal for removing moisture from fruits.

Most fruits can be dehydrated in an air fryer, but some fruits work exceptionally well. Apples, bananas, strawberries, peaches, and pineapples are popular choices due to their high water content and natural sweetness. Here are some tips for dehydrating these fruits:

• Apples: Slice thinly to make crisp chips.
• Bananas: Cut into rounds for sweet chips.
• Strawberries: Halve or slice for chewy treats.
• Pineapples: Cut into thin rings for tropical chips.
• Berries: Small berries like blueberries can be left whole.
• Mangoes: Slice thinly for an exotic dried fruit.
• Grapes: Turn whole grapes into natural raisins.

When dehydrating fruits, it is crucial to cut the fruit uniformly for even dehydration. Slice fruits into thin, consistent pieces, typically 1/4 inch thick. This ensures that all pieces dry at the same rate and prevents some from over-drying while others remain moist.

How to prepare fruit for air-drying

Preparing fruit for air-drying in an air fryer is a simple and efficient process. It requires minimal preparation and uses hot air circulation to remove moisture from the fruit, resulting in delicious dried snacks. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare fruit for air-drying:

Step 1: Select the Right Fruit

Most fruits can be dehydrated in an air fryer, but some popular choices are apples, bananas, strawberries, peaches, and pineapples due to their high water content and natural sweetness.

Step 2: Cut the Fruit Uniformly

It is important to cut the fruit into thin, consistent pieces, typically about 1/4 inch thick. This ensures even dehydration and prevents some pieces from over-drying or remaining moist. Remove any seeds, pits, and tough skins before slicing. Use a sharp knife or a mandoline for uniform slices.

Step 3: Prepare the Air Fryer

If your air fryer has a dehydrate setting, follow the instructions in the manual to set the temperature and time. If it doesn't have a dehydrate setting, set the temperature to the lowest setting available, ideally around 135°F (57°C). You may also need to leave the air fryer door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape.

Step 4: Place the Fruit in the Air Fryer

Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Place the fruit slices in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap and that there is good air circulation.

Step 5: Dehydrate the Fruit

Depending on the fruit type and thickness, the dehydration process can take 3-8 hours in an air fryer. Check the fruit regularly to prevent burning. The fruit is done when it is leathery and pliable, with no visible moisture, and a darker, more concentrated color than fresh fruit.

Step 6: Add Flavor Enhancers (Optional)

You can enhance the flavor of your dehydrated fruit by adding cinnamon, sugar, honey, or lemon juice before air-frying. These additives can increase sweetness, preserve color, or add a spicy kick to your fruit.

Step 7: Store the Dehydrated Fruit

Once the fruit is fully dehydrated and cooled, store it in airtight containers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Properly dehydrated and stored fruit can last up to 6-12 months.

Air-frying times and temperatures

Most air fryers have a "dehydrate" setting, which you can use to dry fruit. If your air fryer does not have this setting, you should use the lowest temperature setting available, ideally around 125-145 °F (52-63 °C) or 135 °F (57 °C) if your air fryer does not go lower than this.

The length of time you should leave fruit in the air fryer depends on the fruit type and its thickness. Air-drying fruit usually takes between 3 and 8 hours, compared to 6-12 hours in an oven. For example, strawberries will take around 4 hours to air dry, while oranges will take 10-14 hours.

It is important to cut your fruit into thin, uniform slices, around 1/4 inch thick, to ensure even drying. You should also check the fruit regularly to prevent it from burning. The fruit is done when it is leathery and pliable, with no visible moisture, and the jammy centres are hard to the touch.

Storing air-fried fruit

Containers and Storage Locations:

Air-fried fruit should be stored in airtight containers, such as glass jars with tight-fitting lids, vacuum-sealed bags, or plastic containers with airtight seals. These containers help to protect the fruit from exposure to moisture and humidity, which can cause spoilage. Store your containers in a cool, dry place, like a pantry or cupboard, away from direct sunlight.

Refrigeration and Freezing:

For extended shelf life, you can store your air-fried fruit in the refrigerator or freezer. Air-fried fruit can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, depending on the type of fruit. For longer-term storage, the freezer will keep your fruit fresh for 6-12 months.

Storage Duration:

Properly dehydrated and stored air-fried fruit can last for several months at room temperature, typically 6-12 months. However, if there is any remaining moisture in the fruit, it may only last for about a week.

Storing with Other Produce:

When storing air-fried fruit with other produce, be mindful of ethylene gas, which is naturally released by certain fruits like apples and bananas. Ethylene gas can hasten the ripening and decay of ethylene-sensitive produce like leafy greens, cabbage, and broccoli. Keep ethylene-sensitive fruits and vegetables separate from gas-emitting ones to prolong their freshness.

Reheating:

To reheat your air-fried fruit, use the air fryer by preheating it to 350°F (180°C) and heating the fruit for 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, you can use a microwave by heating the fruit on high power for 30-60 seconds.

Final Thoughts:

Always allow your air-fried fruit to cool completely before storing it. Check your fruit periodically for any signs of mold or unusual odors, and remember that proper dehydration and storage can make your creations last for months!

Frequently asked questions