Dehydrating Apples In An Air Fryer: How Long Does It Take?

Dehydrating apples in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make healthy apple snacks. The process involves thinly slicing apples, sprinkling them with cinnamon or other spices, and cooking them at a low temperature in the air fryer until they are dry and crispy. The time it takes to dehydrate apples in an air fryer can vary depending on the thickness of the slices and the specific air fryer being used, but it generally takes between 15 to 25 minutes.

Choosing the right apples

Firmness and Tartness

It is important to choose apples that are fresh and firm. Firm apples, such as Granny Smith, hold their shape throughout the dehydration process. If you want crisp apple chips, opt for tart varieties like Granny Smith, Macintosh, Cortland, or Jonagolds. These apples have a lower sugar content, resulting in a sharper flavor and a better ability to maintain their structure.

Sugar Content

The sugar content of the apples will influence the sweetness and flavor concentration of the dehydrated apples. If you prefer a sweeter taste, select apples such as Gala, Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Red Delicious. These varieties have a higher sugar content, which will become more concentrated during dehydration. Gala apples, in particular, can make your dried apples taste like they have added sugar.

Juiciness

It is generally recommended to avoid using very juicy apples for dehydration as they will take much longer to dry out.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, the choice of apples depends on your personal preference. If you want to avoid adding extra sugar, opt for naturally sweet varieties like Honey Crisp, Gala, Pink Lady, Fuji, or Golden Delicious. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharper flavor, Granny Smith, Jonagold, or McIntosh apples are excellent choices. Braeburn apples also offer a tart flavor that pairs well with baked goods. Pink Lady apples strike a good balance between sweet and tart, and they retain their color better than other varieties.

Preparing the apples

Selecting and Washing Apples

Start by choosing the right apples for dehydration. Sweet apple varieties such as Gala, Honey Crisp, Fuji, Golden Delicious, or Red Delicious are excellent choices. These apples will taste sweet even without adding extra sugar. If you prefer a sharper flavor, go for Granny Smith, Jonagold, or McIntosh apples.

Once you've selected your apples, give them a thorough wash to remove any dirt or residue on the skin. If your apples have a waxy coating, rub them with vinegar to remove it before moving on to the next step.

Slicing the Apples

Using a sharp knife or a mandolin slicer, cut the apples into thin, even slices. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8-inch (3mm) for the best results. You can remove the core if you prefer, but it's not necessary. If you do decide to core the apples, you can do so before slicing or cut the apple rounds and then remove the core using a small cookie cutter or a knife.

Preventing Browning (Optional)

To prevent the apples from browning during the dehydration process, you can prepare an acid bath. Mix either 1 teaspoon of citric acid, 1/4 cup of lemon juice, or 1 tablespoon of vinegar with 4 cups of water. Soak the apple slices in this solution for about 10 minutes, then drain and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. This step is optional but will help maintain the color of your apple slices.

Seasoning (Optional)

Before placing the apples in the air fryer, you can add seasonings to enhance their flavor. Cinnamon is a classic pairing and can be sprinkled liberally over the apple slices. A pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice will also add a wonderful aroma and taste. If you have a sweet tooth, you can also toss the apple slices with a little sugar.

Arranging the Apples in the Air Fryer

Place the apple slices in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap too much. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches. If you have an 8-quart air fryer, you can dehydrate slices from about two apples at a time. You can also place a pot pan stand or a similar item on the apples to prevent them from flying around in the air fryer basket during the dehydration process.

Now that your apples are prepared, you're ready to start the dehydration process in your air fryer!

Air fryer settings

Firstly, it is important to work in batches. Preparing and dehydrating two apples at a time is a good strategy to prevent browning.

When preparing your apples, use a mandoline slicer to cut them into thin, even slices. The ideal thickness is 1/8 of an inch. You can slice the apples with or without the core, but removing it will make it easier to cut uniform slices.

If you want to add cinnamon or other spices to your apples, sprinkle them on the slices before placing them in the air fryer. You can also soak the apple slices in lemon water for 3-5 minutes to prevent browning. However, this step is not necessary and may alter the taste and texture of your apples.

When placing the apples in the air fryer, do not overcrowd the basket. Leave some space for air to circulate. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may be able to dehydrate slices from about two apples at a time.

Set the temperature of your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Let the apples dehydrate for 20-25 minutes, flipping and rotating the slices every 6-7 minutes to ensure even dehydration. The apples are done when they appear shrunk and wrinkled, and feel dry and rubbery.

If you want to make apple chips, slice the apples even thinner, about 1/10 of an inch thick. Sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar and place them in the air fryer without overlapping. Dehydrate at 300°F (150°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through.

Storing Dehydrated Apples

Allow your dehydrated apples to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and store in a cool, dark place. They will last for several months. If you live in a hot and humid climate, consider refrigerating or freezing them.

Cooking time

The cooking time for dehydrated apples in an air fryer depends on the apple variety, the thickness of the slices, and the desired crispiness.

For apple chips, thinly slice the apples to a thickness of about 1/8 or ⅛ of an inch. For a regular dehydrator, the apple slices can be slightly thicker, around ½ an inch.

The cooking time varies from 8 minutes to 25 minutes at temperatures between 300°F and 350°F. It's important to flip the apple slices every few minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.

The apples are done when they are dry to the touch and have a rubbery texture. For crispier apples, increase the heat to 325°F for an additional 4 to 8 minutes.

After removing the apples from the air fryer, let them cool completely. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.

Dehydrated apples can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or in the refrigerator for up to six months.

Storing dehydrated apples

Firstly, it's important to let the apples cool completely before storing them. Then, transfer them to an airtight container, preferably glass, and store them in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard.

For short-term storage, you can use sealed plastic bags, but these are not ideal for long-term storage as they will be opened and closed frequently.

If you've made a large batch, it's recommended to store them in several containers to avoid exposing the entire batch to oxygen each time you want to eat some.

You can also freeze dehydrated apples for longer storage. Place them in an airtight Ziplock bag and then put that into a freezer-safe container. They will keep for up to a year this way.

To further extend the shelf life and quality of the apples, you can vacuum seal them.

It's also a good idea to label the container with the date and any other important details.

During the first week of storage, check the apples daily for signs of moisture or condensation. If condensation appears, return the apples to the dehydrator (unless there are signs of mould—in this case, throw out the batch).

To help prevent the apple slices from sticking together, shake the container every day for the first week.

Properly dried apples should keep for about six months when sealed in airtight containers and stored in a cool, dry place.

Frequently asked questions