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, adding flavourings like cinnamon, and cooking them at a low temperature in the air fryer until they are dry and crispy. The length of time it takes to dehydrate apples in an air fryer oven varies depending on the model of the air fryer and the thickness of the apple slices. However, on average, it takes around 15-25 minutes to dehydrate apples in an air fryer.

How to prepare apples for dehydration

Preparing apples for dehydration is a simple process, but there are a few steps to follow to ensure the best results. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare apples for dehydration:

Step 1: Select the Right Apples

Choose apples that are crisp and naturally sweet or tart, depending on your preference. Avoid mealy and soft varieties like Red Delicious or Gala if you want crisp apple chips. Good options for dehydrating include Granny Smith, Macintosh, Cortland, Jonagold, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, and Envy apples.

Step 2: Clean and Slice the Apples

Wash the apples thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue. You can use a soft brush to gently scrub the surface. Then, use a sharp knife or a mandolin slicer to cut the apples horizontally into slices no thicker than 1/2-inch, or even thinner if possible. The ideal thickness for apple chips is around 1/4" to 1/8" thick. You can core the apples if you prefer, but it is not necessary.

Step 3: Prepare an Acid Bath (Optional)

As soon as the apples are cut, they will start to oxidize and soften. To prevent this, you can prepare an acidic pre-treatment bath by mixing either 1 teaspoon of citric acid, 1/4 cup of lemon juice, or 1 tablespoon of vinegar per quart (4 cups) of water. Stir the mixture in a large bowl.

Step 4: Soak the Apple Slices (Optional)

Add the apple slices to the acid bath and let them soak for about 10 minutes. This step is optional but helps prevent browning. If you skip this step, go ahead and pat the apple slices dry with a clean kitchen towel.

Step 5: Season the Apples (Optional)

If you want to add some extra flavor to your dehydrated apples, you can season them with spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, or allspice. Sprinkle the spices over the apple slices and toss to coat evenly.

Step 6: Assemble the Apples for Dehydrating

Arrange the apple slices in a single layer on a dehydrator tray, baking sheet, or air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap. Leave a little space between each slice to encourage airflow and prevent sticking. The only exception is if you are using an air fryer, where you can stack the slices as they will be moved around by the convection technology.

The best apples for dehydrating

When it comes to choosing the best apples for dehydrating, there are a few factors to consider, such as sugar content, firmness, and tartness.

If you're looking for a sweet treat, go for apples like Gala, Golden Delicious, Honey Crisp, or Fuji, which is the sweetest variety. These apples will make your dried apples taste like you've added sugar, even if you haven't!

On the other hand, if you prefer a sharper, less sweet flavor, opt for Granny Smith, Jonagold, Braeburn, or McIntosh apples. Granny Smith apples, in particular, hold their shape and flavor well throughout the dehydration process.

When it comes to texture, firmer apples are better for dehydrating as they hold their shape during the drying process. Avoid particularly juicy apples, as they will take much longer to dry out.

For a good balance of sweet and tart flavors, choose Pink Lady apples, which also have a good texture and retain their color better than other varieties.

So, the next time you're looking to dehydrate apples, keep these factors in mind and select the apples that best suit your taste preferences and desired outcome.

How to dehydrate apples in an air fryer

Dehydrating apples in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make healthy apple snacks. It is also a great way to preserve the flavour of apples and extend their shelf life. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to dehydrate apples using an air fryer.

Ingredients and Equipment

• Fresh apples (any type)
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Cinnamon or other spices (optional)
• Air fryer
• Mandoline slicer or sharp knife
• Air fryer trays or basket
• Airtight container for storage

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by washing your apples thoroughly to remove any dirt. You can peel the apples if you prefer, but it is not necessary. Core the apples and remove any seeds. Slice the apples into thin, even slices, ideally about ⅛-inch thick. A mandoline slicer will give you the most consistent results, but a sharp knife will also work. Soaking the apple slices in lemon juice is optional but will help prevent browning.

Step 2: Season the Apples (Optional)

If desired, sprinkle the apple slices with cinnamon or other spices such as nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, or sugar. Toss the slices to coat them evenly with the seasoning.

Step 3: Arrange the Apples in the Air Fryer

Place the apple slices in a single layer on the air fryer trays or in the basket. Avoid overlapping the slices to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches.

Step 4: Dehydrate the Apples

Preheat your air fryer to between 300-350°F. The ideal temperature may depend on your specific air fryer model, so refer to the manufacturer's instructions if necessary. Dehydrate the apples for 15-25 minutes, tossing or flipping the slices every 5-7 minutes to ensure even cooking. The apples are done when they are dry to the touch and have a rubbery texture.

Step 5: Cool and Store the Apples

Remove the dehydrated apples from the air fryer and let them cool completely to room temperature. Place the cooled apples in an airtight container and store them in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry. Properly dehydrated apples can be stored for up to 6-12 months.

Tips and Variations

• Choose sweeter apple varieties, such as Gala, Honeycrisp, or Red Delicious, for the best results.
• If you want a tart flavour, Granny Smith apples work well.
• For extra crispy apple chips, slice the apples thinner, about 1/10-inch thick, and dehydrate for a longer time.
• To prevent browning, use Cosmic Crisp apples, which take a long time to brown.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can also dehydrate apples in an oven or a dehydrator, although it will take longer.

How to store dehydrated apples

Once your apples are dehydrated, it's important to store them correctly to ensure they keep their crunchy texture and flavor for months, and to reduce the chance of mold or spoilage.

For shorter-term storage, you can place dehydrated apples in sealed plastic bags, like Ziploc bags. However, because these bags will be opened and closed often, they are not ideal for long-term storage.

For longer-term storage, use glass jars with airtight lids. Vacuum sealing can extend the life of dehydrated apples. Store your dried apples in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard, for the longest shelf life. With proper storage, dehydrated apples should last at least a year.

If you plan to use dehydrated apples within a year, a desiccant may be useful but is not essential. You can also use silica gel packets to absorb moisture.

What to do with dehydrated apples

Dehydrated apples are a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. They can be a great snack on their own, or as part of a trail mix or granola. They can also be used as a topping for oatmeal, cereal, or yoghurt parfaits. If you're feeling particularly indulgent, you can even use them as a garnish for apple cider or apple cocktails.

Dehydrated apples are also perfect for baking. You can add them to muffins, cookies, cakes, and even pies. They can also be used to make apple crisps, crumbles, and crostatas. If you're feeling creative, you can even use them to make dehydrated apple chips, which are a healthy alternative to traditional potato chips or pretzels.

• Dried Apple Hand Pies
• Dehydrated Cinnamon Apple
• Maple Apple Oatmeal Cookies
• Backpacker's Apple Crisp
• Apple Cranberry Tart
• German Apple Cake
• Healthy Apple Nachos
• Classic Jewish Apple Cake
• Cinnamon Apple Crostata
• Rice Pilaf with Apples & Raisins
• Fruit & Cereal Snack Mix
• Grain-Free Apple Pie Granola
• Apple Oatmeal Cookies
• Moist Applesauce Fruitcake
• Russian Krendl Bread
• Apricot-Apple Cranberry Sauce
• Apple-Cinnamon Oatmeal Mix
• Apple-Cranberry Wild Rice

Frequently asked questions