Fruit Leather Air Fryer: A Quick, Easy Treat?

Fruit leather is a tasty, chewy snack made by drying pureed fruit into a soft, malleable sheet. It can be made with almost any fruit, and is a great way to use up extra fruit that might be going bad. Fruit leather is easy to make at home in an air fryer or oven, and is a healthier alternative to store-bought fruit snacks, which often contain added sugars, preservatives, and artificial colours.

Pureeing the fruit

Once you have chosen your fruit, simply add all the ingredients except the lemon juice to a high-powered blender and puree until very smooth. If your fruit of choice has seeds, like strawberries or blackberries, you can choose to strain the seeds through a fine-mesh sieve before transferring the puree to a baking sheet. However, this step can be skipped if you prefer a seedier texture.

After pureeing the fruit, add the lemon juice to the blender and blend again until it is well incorporated. The lemon juice helps to brighten the flavour and preserve the colour of the fruit. Lime juice can also be used if preferred. If you want to add extra sweetness to your fruit leather, you can also add a few tablespoons of honey or another sweetener like maple syrup or agave.

For a thinner fruit roll-up, you can add a little water to the blender while pureeing the fruit. This will create a more spreadable consistency and result in a thinner fruit leather. However, keep in mind that a thinner fruit leather may take longer to dehydrate.

Once you have achieved the desired consistency, your fruit puree is now ready to be spread onto a baking sheet and dehydrated in the oven or air fryer!

Choosing the right fruit

• Watery Fruits: Fruits like cantaloupe, watermelon, strawberries, and raspberries have a higher water content, which means they will take longer to dehydrate. You can combine them with thicker fruits or use applesauce, bananas, ground chia, or flax seeds to thicken the puree.
• Pulpy Fruits: Oranges, grapefruit, mangos, and passion fruit will add a bumpier texture to your fruit leather but can still be used if you don't mind the slightly uneven consistency.
• Browning Fruits: Fruits like apples, bananas, and pears tend to oxidize and turn brown quickly. To prevent this, add acidic fruit juice like lemon, lime, orange, or pineapple juice to your mixture.
• Sweetness: Taste your fruit puree before adding any sweeteners. Some fruits may be sweet enough on their own, while others may benefit from a touch of honey, maple syrup, or another sweetener.
• Colour: If you want your fruit leather to have a bright, vibrant colour, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice. This will also add a nice tangy flavour to your fruit leather.
• Combinations: Don't be afraid to experiment with different fruit combinations! Try strawberries and peaches, blueberries and raspberries, coconut and mango, cinnamon apple, or peach and raspberry. You can also add spices like cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg to enhance the flavour.
• Ripeness: Choose fruit that is ripe or slightly overripe for the best flavour and sweetness. Make sure to remove any blemished or damaged parts of the fruit before pureeing.

Adding extra ingredients

Fruit leather is a great way to preserve fruit and can be made with almost any type of fruit. You can also add extra ingredients to enhance the flavor and texture of your fruit leather. Here are some ideas for adding extra ingredients to your fruit leather when making it in an air fryer:

• Spices: Cinnamon, ground cloves, nutmeg, or a dash of chili powder can be added to the fruit puree for a spicy-sweet flavor.
• Sweeteners: Honey, maple syrup, or agave can be added for extra sweetness. If you're making fruit leather for kids, you might want to add a sweetener to compensate for their preference for sweeter store-bought snacks.
• Vegetables: Pureed cooked vegetables like carrots, beets, pumpkin, or sweet potatoes can be added for extra nutrients.
• Thickeners: Applesauce, bananas, ground chia, or flax seeds can be added to thicken the fruit puree, especially if you're using watery fruits like cantaloupe, watermelon, strawberries, or raspberries.
• Acidic Fruit Juice: Lemon, lime, orange, or pineapple juice can be added to prevent discoloration in light-colored fruits like apples, bananas, and pears.
• Seeds and Peel: If you're using fruits with edible seeds or peel, you can include them in the puree for extra texture and fiber.
• Extracts: Almond or vanilla extract can be added to the fruit puree for extra flavor.

Dehydrating the fruit

Pureeing the Fruit:

Start by pureeing your chosen fruit in a blender or food processor until you achieve a smooth consistency. If you're using fruits with seeds, like strawberries or blackberries, you can strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove them. You can also add spices like cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg, or extracts like almond or vanilla, to enhance the flavour. Additionally, a small amount of sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup, can be included if desired.

Preparing the Baking Sheet:

Line a baking sheet with either parchment paper or a silicone mat. Avoid using foil, wax paper, or plastic wrap, as they are not suitable for the oven and may stick to the fruit puree. Spread the fruit puree onto the lined baking sheet, aiming for a thickness of about 1/4" to 3/8" for fruit leather. Use a spatula to push the mixture to the edges and gently tap the sides to remove any air bubbles, ensuring an even layer.

Dehydrating in the Air Fryer:

Place the filled trays into your air fryer and set it to the dehydrate function at a temperature of around 120°F to 170°F (49°C to 77°C). Let the fruit leather dehydrate for an extended period, approximately 12 to 15 hours, or until it is no longer tacky. Remember to rotate the trays periodically to ensure even cooking. The fruit leather is done when it feels dry and smooth to the touch and easily peels away from the parchment paper or mat.

Tips for Successful Dehydration:

• Shake the baking sheet gently before placing it in the air fryer to ensure an even distribution of the puree and prevent a lumpy texture.
• Watch for doneness: Over-dried fruit leather will become brittle and crack easily, so it's important to check on it regularly, especially after the first 3 hours.
• If using berries or fruits with edible seeds, you can choose to strain the seeds for a smoother texture, but this step can be skipped if you prefer a seedier texture.
• If your fruit puree seems too thin or watery, you can boil it on the stovetop for 5-10 minutes before spreading it on the baking sheet to reduce the dehydration time in the air fryer.

By following these steps and allowing sufficient dehydration time, you'll end up with delicious, chewy fruit leather that's perfect for snacking!

Storing the fruit leather

Storing fruit leather is an important step in the process of making fruit leather. If the fruit leather is not stored properly, it may become sticky or develop mould during storage. Here are some tips to ensure your fruit leather stays fresh and delicious:

• Allow the fruit leather to cool completely before storing.
• Roll the fruit leather: Cut strips of parchment paper and place the fruit leather on top. Then, roll them up. This method prevents the fruit leather from sticking to itself when stored.
• Store in an airtight container: Place the rolls of fruit leather in an airtight container, such as a plastic bag, glass container, or paper bag. Ensure the container is dry and has a tight-fitting lid.
• Optimal storage conditions: Store the fruit leather in a cool, dry, and dark place. The ideal storage temperature is between one to two months at room temperature, several months in the refrigerator, or up to one year in the freezer.
• Include moisture-absorbent packets: If you live in a humid climate, consider adding moisture-absorbent packets to the container to help keep the fruit leather dry.
• Storage duration: Properly stored fruit leather can last for months. However, it is best to consume it within one to two months when stored at room temperature. For longer storage, opt for refrigeration or freezing.
• Nuts and seeds: If your fruit leather includes nuts or seeds, the shelf life will be shorter. Store the fruit leather for up to three weeks at room temperature or freeze it for longer periods.

By following these storage tips, you can ensure your homemade fruit leather stays fresh, tasty, and safe to consume!

Frequently asked questions