Air Fryer Dehydrator: Is It Possible?

Air fryers have become a staple in many kitchens, promising healthier, oil-free cooking with the crispiness of deep-frying. But can you use an air fryer as a dehydrator? The short answer is yes! While it may not be the most common method for dehydration, air fryers can indeed be used to dehydrate certain foods. In this process, the air fryer circulates hot air around the food to remove moisture, extending the shelf life of the food and limiting spoilage.

How to dehydrate food using an air fryer

Dehydrating food in an air fryer is a great way to preserve food for longer, and it's also a cost-effective method as you don't need to buy a separate dehydrator. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to dehydrate food using an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Food

Before placing the food in the air fryer, it's important to cut it into thin, even slices or pieces. The recommended thickness varies, but generally, slices should be no thicker than half an inch to ensure even dehydration. If you're dehydrating fruits or vegetables, you can also choose to cook them before placing them in the air fryer.

Step 2: Arrange the Food in the Air Fryer Basket

Place the food items in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring that they don't overlap and that there is space for proper air circulation. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven dehydration.

Step 3: Set the Temperature and Time

If your air fryer has a dedicated dehydrate button, simply press it, and the appliance will automatically set the optimal time and temperature for dehydration. If your air fryer doesn't have this feature, set it to the lowest temperature possible, which is usually around 120°F to 180°F. The ideal temperature range for dehydrating food is between 120°F and 140°F, as this ensures the food dries without overcooking or browning.

Step 4: Monitor the Dehydration Process

Depending on the type of food and the thickness of the slices, the dehydration process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. Check on the food periodically to ensure even drying and to prevent over-drying. Some foods may require you to flip them over halfway through the process, such as when dehydrating fruit slices.

Step 5: Cool and Store the Dehydrated Food

Once the food has reached the desired level of dehydration, remove it from the air fryer and allow it to cool completely. Then, store the dehydrated food in airtight containers or bags. Label the containers with the contents and the date of dehydration to keep track of how long the food has been stored.

It's important to note that not all air fryers are suitable for dehydrating food, as it depends on how low the temperature can go. Some models offer dehydration capabilities, while others may require manual adjustments to emulate the same effect. Additionally, the dehydration process in an air fryer may take longer compared to using a dedicated dehydrator.

Pros and cons of using an air fryer vs. a dehydrator

Air fryers and dehydrators are both kitchen appliances that use hot air circulation to cook or preserve food. While air fryers are primarily used for oil-free frying, baking, roasting, or grilling, dehydrators are specifically designed for dehydration and food preservation. Here are the pros and cons of using an air fryer as a dehydrator:

Pros

• Versatility: Air fryers are multifunctional appliances that can bake, roast, grill, and fry, in addition to dehydrating. This makes them a great option for those with limited kitchen space or those who don't dehydrate food frequently.
• Ease of Use: Air fryers are simple to operate, with easy-to-set temperature and time controls. Dehydrating in an air fryer is relatively hands-off and requires minimal supervision.
• Convenience: If you already own an air fryer, you can experiment with food dehydration without needing to purchase a separate appliance.
• Quick Setup: Air fryers can dehydrate food more quickly than traditional dehydrators due to their higher temperatures and faster airflow.

Cons

• Limited Temperature Control: Many air fryers lack the precise low-temperature settings needed for proper dehydration, which can result in uneven drying or partially cooked food. The ideal dehydration temperature range is between 95°F and 160°F (35-70°C), while most air fryers have a minimum temperature of 170°F or 180°F (75-80°C).
• Smaller Capacity: Air fryers typically have a smaller cooking space compared to dehydrators, limiting the amount of food that can be dehydrated at once.
• Over-drying Risk: Due to their high airspeed and temperatures, food in an air fryer may become overly dry or crispy, especially if not closely monitored.
• Batch Size: Air fryers are better suited for small batches of dehydrated food. For larger quantities, a dedicated dehydrator with multiple trays may be more efficient.
• Air Circulation: While strong air circulation in air fryers helps remove moisture quickly, it can also cause the outer layer of food to dry too fast, resulting in uneven dehydration, especially for thicker or more water-dense foods.

What foods can you dehydrate in an air fryer?

Yes, you can use an air fryer as a dehydrator. Air fryers circulate hot air around food, helping to remove moisture.

So, what foods can you dehydrate in an air fryer?

Firstly, it is important to note that you should avoid dehydrating overly fatty or oily foods, such as avocados, as they can deteriorate quickly.

Now, let's look at some foods that are suitable for dehydration in an air fryer:

Fruits

Dehydrating fruits in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. Fruits such as apples, bananas, oranges, and berries can be dried. For best results, slice the fruit thinly, and lay the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. The ideal temperature for dehydrating fruit is around 175°F, and the process can take between 3 to 6 hours.

Vegetables

Similarly, vegetables such as carrots, tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, and squash can be dehydrated in an air fryer. Again, slice them thinly, and arrange them in a single layer. The dehydration time for vegetables is usually around 3 to 8 hours, depending on the type of vegetable.

Herbs

Air fryers are particularly great for drying herbs. Remove the stems and tear the herb leaves into small pieces before placing them in the air fryer. Set the temperature to 175°F, and dry for about an hour.

Meats

Meats like beef, poultry, and fish can be dehydrated in an air fryer to make jerky. Ensure that the meat is lean and not too fatty to prevent it from going rancid.

Other Foods

In addition to the above, you can also dehydrate grains, legumes, and spices in your air fryer.

Dehydrating foods in an air fryer is a great way to preserve seasonal produce, reduce food waste, and create nutritious snacks.

How long does it take to dehydrate food in an air fryer?

Dehydrating food in an air fryer is a great way to preserve food for longer and save money. The time it takes to dehydrate food in an air fryer depends on the type of food and the air fryer model.

Most air fryers have a ""dehydrate" button or setting, but if yours doesn't, you can still dehydrate food by setting the temperature to the lowest possible setting, ideally below 150°F (65.5°C). The dehydration process can take several hours, and the time varies depending on the type of food. For example, dehydrating meat takes longer than dehydrating vegetables or fruits with lower water content, such as kale.

When dehydrating fruits like apples and oranges, it is recommended to turn them every 30 minutes for even dehydration. The total dehydration time for fruits is typically around 4 hours, but it can take up to 6 hours, depending on the fruit.

For vegetables, the dehydration time ranges from 1 hour for kale to 3 hours for carrots.

Meats like beef need to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (73.8°C) to be safe for consumption, so the dehydration process for meat will take longer.

It's important to note that the dehydration time may vary depending on the specific air fryer model and the moisture content of the food. Therefore, it's recommended to regularly check on the food and adjust the time accordingly.

Air fryer dehydration tips

Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for more than just cooking your favourite fried foods. Dehydrating food in an air fryer is a great way to preserve food, and it's a convenient alternative to using a dedicated food dehydrator. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your air fryer when it comes to dehydration.

Choose the Right Air Fryer

Not all air fryers are created equal when it comes to dehydration. Some models offer a dedicated dehydrate setting, making the process as simple as pressing a button. If your air fryer doesn't have this setting, don't worry; you can still dehydrate food by manually adjusting the temperature and time settings. Look for an air fryer that can reach temperatures as low as possible, ideally below 150°F (65.5°C).

Prepare Your Food

The key to successful dehydration is to ensure your food is cut into thin, even slices or pieces. The recommended thickness varies depending on the type of food, but generally, it should be no more than 1/4 inch (about 0.6 cm) thick. For fruits and vegetables, this helps speed up the dehydration process while preventing crumbling or disintegration. If you're dehydrating meat, it's important to avoid fatty or oily foods, as these can deteriorate quickly.

Arrange the Food in the Air Fryer Basket

When placing your food in the air fryer basket, make sure the pieces are not overlapping or touching. This ensures proper air circulation and promotes even dehydration. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to dehydrate your food in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Set the Temperature and Time

The ideal temperature for dehydrating food in an air fryer is between 120°F and 180°F (50°C and 80°C). At this temperature range, the food will dry out without cooking or browning. The time required for dehydration will depend on the type of food, the thickness of the slices, and the humidity in your environment. It can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, so be prepared to check on your food periodically and adjust the settings as needed.

Tips for Specific Foods

When dehydrating fresh herbs, remember to weigh them down. You can tie the herbs together with kitchen twine or use a heavy, metal object, such as a stainless steel butter knife. For fruits like apples and oranges, you may need to turn them over periodically for even dehydration.

Frequently asked questions