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 a healthy snack. The process involves thinly slicing apples, cooking them at a low temperature, and removing most of the water content. The time it takes to dehydrate apples in an air fryer varies depending on the thickness of the slices, but it can be as quick as 20 minutes or as long as 12 hours.

How to prepare apples for dehydration

Preparing apples for dehydration involves several steps to ensure the best results. Here is a detailed guide:

Wash and Dry the Apples

Start by washing the apples thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or pesticides. Even if you plan to peel the apples, washing them is essential to prevent dirt from transferring to the inside when cutting. If your apples have a waxy coating, rub them with vinegar to remove it before slicing.

Prepare an Acid Bath (Optional)

As soon as apples are cut, they begin to oxidize and soften. To prevent this, you can prepare an acidic pre-treatment bath by mixing either 1 teaspoon of citric acid, ¼ cup of lemon juice, or 1 tablespoon of vinegar per quart (4 cups) of water. Stir the acidic ingredient into a large bowl of water. After slicing the apples, soak them in this bath for about 10 minutes. If you used citric acid, give the slices a quick rinse afterward. Otherwise, lay the slices flat and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.

Slice the Apples

Using a mandolin slicer or a sharp knife, slice the apples horizontally into pieces no thicker than ½ inch, and preferably thinner. The ideal thickness for even dehydration is about ⅛ inch (0.32 cm). Coring the apples is optional, but peeling and coring are not necessary, as the skin contains nutrients and adds colour to the chips.

Season the Apples (Optional)

If desired, add seasonings to the apple slices to enhance their flavour. A sprinkle of ground cinnamon is a classic choice, but you can also try other options like nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, or even a pinch of chili powder for some heat. Place the seasoned apple slices in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined tray or basket, ensuring they don't overlap.

Now your apples are ready for dehydration! Remember, when dehydrating apples in an air fryer, you can stack the slices, but it's important to still allow for air circulation. Depending on the thickness of your slices, the dehydration process can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 12 hours.

How to dehydrate apples in an air fryer

Dehydrating apples in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a healthy snack. It's also a great method to preserve the flavour of apples and extend their shelf life. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you dehydrate apples like a pro!

Ingredients and Equipment:

• Apples (sweet varieties like Gala, Golden Delicious, or Honeycrisp are recommended)
• Lemon juice (optional, for preventing browning)
• Air fryer
• Mandolin slicer or sharp knife
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Airtight containers for storage

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by washing the apples thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or pesticides. You can peel the apples if you prefer, but it's not necessary. Core the apples if desired, then slice them into thin, uniform rounds or slices, ideally about ⅛-inch thick. A mandolin slicer will give you the most consistent results, but a sharp knife will also do the trick. Thinner slices will result in crispier apple chips.

Step 2: Soak in Lemon Water (Optional)

If you want to prevent browning, you can soak the apple slices in lemon water for about 3-5 minutes. The acid in the lemon juice helps to slow down the oxidation process. After soaking, pat the apple slices dry with a paper towel or kitchen cloth.

Step 3: Season the Apples (Optional)

Before placing the apples in the air fryer, you can sprinkle them with ground cinnamon for extra flavour. You can also experiment with other seasonings like nutmeg, allspice, pumpkin pie spice, or a pinch of sugar.

Step 4: Arrange Apples in Air Fryer

Place the apple slices in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches. For some air fryers, you can stack the apple slices, but be sure to give the air enough room to circulate.

Step 5: Dehydrate the Apples

Set your air fryer to a low temperature, ideally around 135°F (57°C) to 150°F (65°C). The dehydration time will depend on the thickness of your apple slices and the model of your air fryer. For crispier apple chips, aim for a longer dehydration time. The process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 12 hours. Be sure to keep an eye on the apples and toss or flip them periodically to ensure even dehydration.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

Your dehydrated apples are ready when they are dry to the touch and have no signs of moisture. To test, tear or fold an apple slice; if it snaps cleanly and doesn't stick, it's done. If there's any moisture or stickiness, they need more time.

Step 7: Cool and Store

Once your apples are dehydrated to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool completely on a rack or kitchen towel. Then, transfer the dehydrated apples to airtight containers and store them in a cool, dark place. Properly dehydrated apples can last up to six months, and even longer if frozen.

Tips:

• For extra crispy apples, increase the air fryer temperature to 325°F (163°C) for the last 4-8 minutes of dehydration.
• To prevent your apples from browning, use apple varieties like Cosmic Crisp, or soak the slices in lemon water before dehydration.
• If your apples are waxed, rub them with vinegar to remove the wax before slicing and dehydrating.
• Keep the air fryer door slightly ajar during the dehydration process to allow moisture to escape.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy dehydrated apple chips!

How to store dehydrated apples

Dehydrating apples is a great way to preserve your harvest or make healthy snacks for your family. But what do you do with your dehydrated apples once they're ready? Here are some tips on how to store them properly to ensure they stay fresh and delicious.

Choosing the Right Container

Use an airtight container to extend the shelf life of your dehydrated apples. Make sure the container is clean and dry because any dampness could lead to the growth of mould. Glass jars or plastic bags are good options for storing dehydrated apples. If you're using plastic bags, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. You can also use a straw to suck out the excess air.

Packing for Freshness

When packing your dehydrated apples, lay them in a single layer with no overlapping pieces. This helps keep them crisp and prevents clumping. Using parchment paper between layers can also help maintain their quality. You can also fill your container halfway with apple pieces and gently press down on them with a spoon to compact them and remove air. Then, fill the container the rest of the way, continuing to pack the apples down as you go.

Finding the Ideal Storage Space

Store your dehydrated apples in a dark location like a pantry or cupboard away from direct sunlight. The ideal temperature for storage is around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, your apples should last for up to a year. If you want to extend their shelf life even further, you can store them in the freezer for up to two years.

When dehydrated and stored properly, apples can last about six months in small-batch airtight containers. If you freeze them, they can last for up to a year. However, keep in mind that these are estimates, and your apples may not last this long depending on various factors such as humidity and the accuracy of your air fryer's temperature settings.

How to incorporate dehydrated apples into meals

Dehydrated apples are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes, from breakfast to dessert. Here are some ideas on how to incorporate dehydrated apples into your meals:

Breakfast dishes

Sprinkle dehydrated apple pieces on your granola mix or oatmeal for added flavour and texture. You could also blend them with yoghurt and honey for a quick and nutritious smoothie.

Savoury dishes

Dehydrated apples can be used in savoury dishes like roasted pork loin. Their tangy-sweet taste brings out the best of both worlds.

Sweet treats

Dehydrated apples can be added to sweet treats such as caramel apple pie. They can also be used as edible garnishes for apple cider or apple cocktails.

Salads

Dehydrated apples can be used as a fun and tasty salad topping.

Baked goods

Dehydrated apple slices can be baked into homemade muffins or scones. Simply chop and rehydrate them before adding to your batter.

Compotes and sauces

Dehydrated apples are known to be a wonderful ingredient in winter compotes. You can also add them to fresh apples to make extra-rich applesauce.

Trail mix and snacks

Dehydrated apples make a great snack on their own, but they can also be added to trail mix or granola for some extra flavour and texture.

How to select apples for dehydration

Selecting the right apples for dehydration is crucial to achieving the desired outcome. Here are some factors to consider when choosing apples for dehydration:

Apple Varieties

The type of apple you choose can significantly impact the final product. Tart apples like Granny Smith, McIntosh, Cortland, or Jonagolds are excellent choices for dehydration as they deliver a punchy flavour and retain their shape and crisp texture even after drying. These varieties are ideal for making crispy air fryer apple chips. On the other hand, sweeter apples such as Gala, Golden Delicious, or Honeycrisp tend to become softer once dried and are better suited for toppings or rehydration recipes. Pink Lady and Envy apples offer a nice balance of tartness and sweetness, making them versatile for different applications.

Ripeness

Always choose fresh apples that are at their peak ripeness. Avoid unripe or overripe apples, as they may not have the optimal flavour and texture for dehydration.

Purpose

Consider what you plan to do with the dehydrated apples. If you want to snack on them straight out of the bag, choose apples that are lower in sugar and have a sharper flavour, such as the tart varieties mentioned above. If you intend to use them in granola mixes, oatmeal toppings, or rehydration recipes, sweeter apples may be a better option.

Season

Try to select apples that are in season, as they are more likely to be at their flavourful best. The peak season for apples in the United States is typically from late July through mid-November.

Organic

If possible, opt for organic apples to avoid pesticide residues. Apples are on the "dirty dozen" list, which means they are more likely to contain higher levels of pesticides compared to other fruits and vegetables.

Pretreatment

Consider whether you want to pre-treat your apples before dehydration to prevent browning. Soaking apple slices in a solution of ascorbic acid, lemon juice, or citric acid can help preserve their colour. However, this step is optional and can be skipped if you don't mind the browning.

In summary, when selecting apples for dehydration, consider the variety, ripeness, intended purpose, season, and whether you want to pre-treat them to prevent browning. Choosing the right apples will ensure you get the best results and a delicious final product.

Frequently asked questions