Dehydrating Strawberries In An Air Fryer: How Long?

Dehydrating strawberries is a great way to preserve the taste of summer and enjoy them all year round. It's also a simple process that only requires an air fryer and fresh strawberries. The ideal temperature for dehydrating fruit is 55°C/130°F, and the process takes around 5 hours. However, this can vary depending on the air fryer model and the thickness of the strawberry slices.

How to prepare strawberries for dehydration

Preparing strawberries for dehydration is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, you will need fresh strawberries. Look for bright red strawberries with healthy green leaves and a shiny exterior. Avoid strawberries with a lot of white on them, as these parts won't be as sweet, and also avoid overly mushy or overripe berries.

Next, use a clean chopping board and a sharp knife to remove the stems and slice the strawberries. The thickness of the slices will depend on your preference, but they should be between ⅛"-¼" thick. Try to make the slices as uniform as possible, as this will ensure even drying.

If your strawberries are very juicy, you may want to gently pat them with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This step is optional but can help speed up the drying time.

Finally, place the sliced strawberries onto your air fryer oven shelf. You can sprinkle them with stevia at this point if desired, for added sweetness.

Your strawberries are now prepared and ready for the air fryer!

Air fryer settings for dehydrating strawberries

Dehydrating strawberries in an air fryer is a great way to preserve the taste of summer and enjoy this fruit all year long. The process is simple and only requires fresh strawberries, an air fryer, and parchment paper. Here are the steps to follow for perfect dehydrated strawberries:

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Wash and thoroughly dry the strawberries. Remove any leaves and stems using a strawberry huller or a sharp knife. Cut the strawberries into even slices, about 1/4 to 1/8 inch thick. The key is to ensure uniform thickness so that the slices dry evenly.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to its lowest possible temperature setting. The ideal temperature for dehydrating fruit is around 55°C/130°F. If your air fryer doesn't go this low, it may not be suitable for dehydrating. Preheat the air fryer to this temperature.

Step 3: Arrange Strawberries in the Air Fryer

Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper, specifically the kind with perforations that allow for better air circulation. If you only have regular parchment paper, you can use that as well. Place the strawberry slices in a single layer on the lined basket, ensuring they don't overlap.

Step 4: Dehydrate the Strawberries

Place the basket in the preheated air fryer and dehydrate the strawberries for the recommended time, typically around 1.5 to 2 hours. It's important to flip the strawberries every 20 to 30 minutes to ensure even dehydration. The strawberries are done when they are dry and leathery, with no visible moisture.

Step 5: Cool and Store

Once the strawberries are fully dehydrated, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool completely. Store the dehydrated strawberries in an airtight container or mason jar. They can be kept in a cool, dry, and dark place for up to a year if stored properly.

Tips for Success:

• Work in batches if you have a large quantity of strawberries to ensure even dehydration.
• Check on your strawberries regularly during the dehydration process to prevent over-drying or burning.
• The ideal temperature for dehydrating fruit is low, around 55°C/130°F. If your air fryer doesn't go this low, it may not be suitable for this purpose.
• Parchment paper with perforations is recommended to improve air circulation, but regular parchment paper can also be used.
• Dehydrated strawberries make a great addition to granola, yogurt, trail mix, and even baked goods!

Dehydrating strawberries in an air fryer is a simple and rewarding process. By following these steps, you'll be able to enjoy the sweet taste of summer all year round!

Dehydrating strawberries in an oven

Here's a step-by-step guide:

Preparation:

Start by washing your strawberries and patting them dry. Remove the green leaves and stems, and slice the strawberries evenly. A thickness of about 1/4 to 1/8 inch is ideal. Try to keep the slices uniform in size so they dry at a similar rate.

Baking Setup:

Line a large baking sheet or tray with parchment paper (white or unbleached parchment is best, but brown paper can also be used). If you have a wire cooling rack, place it on the baking sheet first, then line it with parchment. This helps increase air circulation around the strawberries, drying them faster and more evenly.

Dehydrating in the Oven:

Preheat your oven to its lowest setting, typically around 175°F (80°C). Arrange the strawberry slices in a single layer on the lined baking sheet or wire rack. If your strawberries are very juicy, gently pat them with a paper towel to remove excess moisture before placing them in the oven.

Bake the strawberry slices for 2-3 hours, flipping them every 30 minutes to ensure even drying. The exact baking time will depend on your oven's temperature and the juiciness/thickness of your slices, so keep an eye on them.

Checking for Doneness:

When testing for doneness, let the strawberry slices cool for about ten minutes. They should have a leathery and flexible texture when fully dehydrated, and there should be no visible moisture on the surface or when cut in half. It's better to over-dehydrate than under-dehydrate to prevent spoilage.

Storage:

Once dehydrated, let the strawberry slices cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry, and dark place. They can last for several months when properly dried and stored.

Uses:

Dehydrated strawberries are a versatile treat. Enjoy them as a snack on their own, or add them to trail mix, granola, breakfast cereals, yogurt, smoothies, and more. They also make a beautiful and tasty decoration for cakes, cupcakes, and drinks.

Dehydrating strawberries in a microwave

Preparation

Wash and dry the strawberries to remove any dirt. Use a knife to remove the stems and leaves. Slice the strawberries into thin, uniform pieces, about 1/8-1/4 inch thick. Thinner pieces may stick to the microwave plate, while thicker pieces will be squishier and gummier.

Microwave Set-up

Wash and dry the rotating plate of the microwave. Place a sheet of parchment paper on the plate. If you have a microwave-safe silicone mat, you can use that instead.

Dehydrating

Place the strawberry slices on the plate, ensuring they have some space around them. Set the microwave to the defrost setting and put on a timer for 30 minutes. Check the strawberries after 30 minutes and flip them. Depending on the juiciness of the strawberries, they may need a few extra minutes.

Cooling and Storage

Transfer the strawberries to a cooling rack. If they are not as crisp as you would like, you can put them in the oven at a low temperature (200-275°F) to dehydrate further. Once they have cooled, store the strawberries in an airtight container. They will last up to five days if there is still some moisture in them, or up to six months if they are completely dried out.

Storing dehydrated strawberries

Containers and Packaging

Use airtight containers such as glass jars or plastic containers to store dehydrated strawberries. Freezer bags are also suitable, but ensure they are thicker freezer bags rather than simple sandwich bags. Vacuum-sealed bags are ideal as they maximise shelf life by removing air, thus keeping moisture and mould away from the dried strawberries. If using freezer bags, ensure you remove as much air from the bag as possible before sealing.

Conditioning

Before storing dehydrated strawberries, it is important to condition them. Place the strawberries loosely in jars and shake once a day for seven to ten days. If you notice condensation in the jar during this period, return the strawberries to the air fryer or dehydrator for further drying.

Storage Location and Temperature

Store dehydrated strawberries in a cool, dry, and dark location. The ideal temperature is 60°F (15°C) or lower. Exposure to light will degrade the strawberries, reducing their shelf life.

Storage Time

Dried fruits can typically be stored for up to a year. However, the storage time for dehydrated strawberries can vary depending on the storage conditions. For example, at 60°F (15°C), dehydrated strawberries can last for up to a year, while at 80°F, they may only last for six months.

Storage in the Fridge or Freezer

If you want to store dehydrated strawberries for an extended period, consider storing them in the fridge or freezer. This will help to maximise their shelf life.

Monitoring for Spoilage

Regularly check your stored dehydrated strawberries for any signs of spoilage, such as moisture condensation, colour loss, or mould formation. If there is any mould present, or if the strawberries have an unusual smell, discard them. Other signs of spoilage include off-colour, lack of flavour, or hardness.

Storing in Batches

To maintain freshness and minimise the risk of contamination, store dehydrated strawberries in small batches. Storing individual servings ensures that you don't repeatedly open and close the container, introducing air that can lead to moulding and spoilage.

Labelling

Label each container with the contents and the date of packaging. This helps you keep track of the age of your dehydrated strawberries and ensures you consume older batches first.

Final Tips

• Do not package dehydrated strawberries for storage until they are completely cool to the touch.
• Store dried foods in small containers to minimise exposure to air and light.
• Store the oldest dehydrated strawberries at the front or on top of the storage area so that you use them first.

Frequently asked questions