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

Dehydrating food in an air fryer is a great way to make healthy snacks with a long shelf life. The process involves removing excess moisture from food, which inhibits the growth of bacteria and mould, and can be achieved by setting your air fryer to a low temperature—usually between 120 and 175 degrees Fahrenheit—for several hours. The time it takes to dehydrate food in an air fryer depends on the water content of the food and can range from one to six hours.

How to dehydrate fruit in an air fryer

Dehydrating fruit in an air fryer is a simple process, and it's less expensive than buying dehydrated fruit from the store. Many air fryers have a built-in dehydrate setting, but if yours doesn't, you can still dehydrate fruit by setting the air fryer to the lowest temperature possible (80 degrees Celsius or lower).

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to dehydrate fruit in an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

Cut your chosen fruit into thin slices or strips. The recommended thickness is less than half an inch, or 5 to 6mm. Smaller fruits like berries and grapes can be left whole. If you're dehydrating oranges or other citrus fruits with the rind, make sure the slices are not too thin to prevent crumbling.

Step 2: Dry the Fruit Surface

Pat the surface of the fruit dry with a clean cloth. You can also soak the fruit in lemon juice, sugar water, or a mixture of citric acid and water to enhance preservation and add flavour. If you do this, wait until the surface is completely dry before placing the fruit in the air fryer.

Step 3: Place the Fruit in the Air Fryer

Place the fruit in the basket of your air fryer, ensuring the pieces don't overlap and that there's good air circulation. Don't stack the fruit too high, as this will increase the drying time. You can line the air fryer with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 4: Set the Air Fryer Temperature

Set your air fryer to the lowest temperature setting, ideally 175 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. If your air fryer has a dehydrate setting, use that.

Step 5: Dehydrate the Fruit

Turn on the air fryer and let it do its magic! The dehydration process can take anywhere from one to six hours, depending on the fruit. Check the fruit every hour and give the basket a shake to turn the fruit and prevent sticking.

Step 6: Cool the Fruit

Once the fruit is dehydrated, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool down. It's recommended to let the fruit cool for at least six hours, but up to 24 hours for the best results. This step helps to continue the drying process and lock in flavours.

Step 7: Store the Dehydrated Fruit

After cooling, store the dehydrated fruit in an airtight container and keep it in a cool, dark place.

And that's it! You now have delicious dehydrated fruit that can be enjoyed as a snack or used in various recipes.

How to dehydrate vegetables in an air fryer

Dehydrating vegetables in an air fryer is a simple process that can be used to create delicious and wholesome snacks, or to extend the shelf life of your veggies. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Before placing the vegetables in the air fryer, wash and dry them thoroughly. For vegetables like zucchini, squash, and carrots, slice them into thin, uniform rounds, about 1/4-inch thick. For leafy greens like kale, remove the stems and tear the leaves into small pieces. You can also slice tomatoes in half or use peas, corn, and mushrooms for dehydration.

Step 2: Set Up the Air Fryer

Most air fryers have a "dehydrate" setting. Set your air fryer to this mode, and adjust the temperature to 175 degrees Fahrenheit. If your air fryer doesn't have a dedicated dehydrate setting, set it to the lowest temperature setting available, ideally around 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 3: Arrange the Vegetables

Place the sliced vegetables in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Leave some space between the bottom of the basket and the bottom of the air fryer to allow for good air circulation.

Step 4: Start Dehydrating

Place the basket into the air fryer and let it work its magic. The dehydration process can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours, depending on the type of vegetable. For example, carrots will take about 3 hours, while kale will take just 1 hour. Check the vegetables periodically to ensure even dehydration and prevent burning.

Step 5: Cool and Store

Once the vegetables are dehydrated, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool completely. This step is crucial, as it allows any remaining moisture to evaporate. After cooling, store the dehydrated vegetables in airtight containers and keep them in a cool, dry, and dark place.

Dehydrated vegetables can be enjoyed as crunchy snacks or added to soups and stews. They can also be rehydrated by adding them to boiling water or stock.

How to dehydrate meat in an air fryer

Dehydrating meat in an air fryer is a great way to make homemade jerky. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Preparation

First, select a lean cut of meat, such as eye of round steak, top round steak, or bottom round steak. You can also use minute steak (Rouladen-style beef) as it is already sliced. Place the meat in the freezer for about 30 minutes to make it easier to cut into thin, uniform slices. Aim for a thickness of around 1/8" to 1/4" (3-6 mm). If you prefer chewier jerky, cut the slices thicker, and for more tender jerky, cut them thinner.

Next, prepare a marinade. You can use a store-bought marinade or make your own. A simple marinade can be made by combining Worcestershire sauce, honey or brown sugar, soy sauce, and onion powder. Other flavour options include teriyaki, smoked, or spicy. Place the meat slices in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight for maximum flavour.

Dehydrating

After marinating, remove the meat from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Place the meat slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. If you have a small air fryer, you may need to use a rack to fit all the slices in one batch. Set the air fryer to the "dehydrate" setting, or use the lowest temperature setting (around 175°F/80°C) if your air fryer doesn't have a dedicated dehydrate function.

Dehydrate the meat for around 2-3 hours. Check the jerky after 2 hours, and continue dehydrating in 15-20 minute intervals until it is done. The jerky is ready when all the moisture has evaporated, but before it starts to char. It is important to monitor the jerky closely towards the end of the cooking time to prevent overcooking.

Storage

Once the jerky is dehydrated, allow it to cool, then store it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week, or up to 1-2 months if curing salt is used.

Tips

• If you prefer softer, melt-in-the-mouth jerky, choose a tender cut of beef. For chewier jerky, select a tougher cut.
• For extra flavour, sprinkle the meat with dry seasonings like black pepper, red pepper flakes, or garlic salt before dehydrating.
• To speed up the slicing process, ask your local butcher to cut the meat for you.
• Always clean your air fryer after use to keep it in good condition.

Air fryer temperature settings for dehydrating

Air fryers are a great way to dehydrate food without the need to buy a separate dehydrator. Most air fryers have a built-in dehydration setting, but if yours doesn't, you can still dehydrate food by setting the temperature to between 120°F and 160°F (48°C and 71°C).

The ideal temperature for dehydrating food in an air fryer depends on the type of food. Fruits and vegetables will typically dehydrate at 175°F (79°C), with meat needing a higher temperature of around 165°F (74°C).

It's important not to turn up the temperature to speed up the dehydration process, as this will just cook the food. Dehydrating food is a slow process that can take anywhere from one to eight hours, depending on the food.

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

Dehydrating in an air fryer is a great way to make healthy snacks like banana chips, raisins, beef jerky, and more. The dehydration process can take anywhere from one to six hours, depending on the type of food and the moisture content. For example, dehydrating kale might take around an hour, while apples could take much longer.

Most air fryers have a "dehydrate" button or setting, which you can use to start the dehydration process. If your air fryer doesn't have this setting, you can still dehydrate food by setting the temperature to the lowest possible level, typically between 120-140°F (48-60°C). It's important to note that turning up the temperature will not speed up the dehydration process and may end up cooking the food instead.

To dehydrate food in an air fryer, start by cutting your fruits, vegetables, or meats into thin slices or small chunks. Then, place them in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each piece to allow for proper airflow. Set the temperature and time according to your air fryer's instructions, and let the dehydration process begin. Remember, the process can take several hours, so be patient and check on your food periodically.

Using an air fryer for dehydration is a convenient way to create healthy snacks and can be a great alternative to investing in a separate dehydrator appliance.

Frequently asked questions