Dehydrating Figs: Air Fryer Settings And Timing

Dehydrating figs is a great way to preserve them for long-term storage and enjoy them all year round. It is a simple process that can be done in an air fryer, oven, or dehydrator. If you're looking to dehydrate figs in an air fryer, it's important to note that not all air fryers have a dehydration function, so be sure to check if yours does before getting started. The ideal temperature for dehydrating figs is around 100°F, so you'll need an air fryer that can reach this temperature. The dehydration process can take up to 12 hours, but the time will vary depending on the size and moisture content of the figs, as well as the temperature and settings of your air fryer.

How to prepare figs for dehydration

Preparing figs for dehydration is a simple process. First, select ripe figs that are slightly soft and have no breaks or blemishes on the skin. Avoid any figs with bruising, mould, or other imperfections.

Next, wash the figs gently in cold water, taking care not to bruise them as they are very delicate. You can use a vegetable scrubber to scrub off any coatings or chemicals. After washing, dry the figs with a paper towel or clean cloth.

Now, you can remove the stems and cut the figs into your desired size. You can slice them into 3-5mm slices, cut them into quarters, or even halves. You can also leave them whole, but keep in mind that the dehydration time will be longer as it takes more time to remove moisture from whole figs.

Finally, arrange the figs on the dehydrator trays, ensuring they are not touching and have space between them for proper air circulation. Place them skin-side down and follow the dehydration instructions for your chosen method, such as using an air fryer, oven, or dehydrator.

The best air fryer settings for dehydrating figs

Dehydrating figs is a great way to preserve them for later use. It is a slow process that requires a very low temperature, usually around 100°F. The ideal temperature range for dehydrating fruits is below 130°F.

Air fryers have a temperature range of around 170°F to 400°F, so not all air fryers are suitable for dehydrating figs. If you want to use an air fryer for this purpose, it is best to choose one with a dehydration function and a temperature range that can go below 130°F. The GoWise USA Mojave 17 Quart Air Fryer with Dehydrator is a good option for this.

When preparing figs for dehydration, start by selecting ripe figs. Rinse them gently to remove any insects, then pat them dry with a clean towel. You can choose to leave the figs whole or slice them; however, keep in mind that whole figs will take longer to dehydrate.

If you choose to slice the figs, cut them into quarters or thin slices. Place the figs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, with the cut side facing up. Set the air fryer temperature to 125°F and let them dehydrate for 8-12 hours, depending on the size of the figs. Check the figs every 30 minutes after the first 6 hours to see if they are done to your liking.

Once the figs are fully dehydrated, let them cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight glass jar. Properly stored dried figs will last for several months.

For the best results, it is recommended to use a food dehydrator instead of an air fryer. Food dehydrators are designed specifically for this purpose and will provide more consistent results. The Excalibur Dehydrator and the Cuisinart Dehydrator are good options for dehydrating figs.

How long to dehydrate figs in an air fryer

Dehydrating figs is a great way to preserve them, and an air fryer can be used for this purpose if it has a dehydration function. Not all air fryers are suitable, as the temperature range of an ordinary air fryer is around 170°F to 400°F, whereas the temperature required for dehydrating figs is around 100°F.

If your air fryer does have a dehydration function, the first step is to wash your figs thoroughly and remove any stems or other unnecessary parts. You can choose to cut the figs into pieces or keep them whole. It is important not to overcrowd the air fryer trays and to ensure there is good airflow around each fig. Set the temperature to 125°F and dehydrate whole figs for 12 hours or quartered figs for 8 hours. Check the figs every 30 minutes after the first 6 hours of dehydration to ensure they do not overdry.

Once you are satisfied with the level of dehydration, remove the figs from the air fryer and leave them to cool at room temperature. Then, store them in an airtight glass jar. If stored correctly, dried figs can last for several months, or even up to a year or two if they are quartered or halved.

How to store dehydrated figs

Once your figs are fully dehydrated, allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. It is best to store dehydrated figs in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a pantry or refrigerator.

If you have a large quantity of dehydrated figs, the best option is to store them in a large cotton bag mixed with bay leaves and wild fennel. This will help repel insects. Place the cotton bag in a cool, dry pantry, ensuring the temperature does not rise above 15 °C. If the temperature rises above this level, move the figs to the refrigerator. They can last for six months or more in the refrigerator if properly isolated from humidity.

For smaller quantities of dehydrated figs, an airtight container or glass jar placed in the refrigerator or freezer is a safe option. They can last for up to 12 months in the refrigerator and indefinitely in the freezer.

Dried figs should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry place to maintain their quality. They should be kept away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity.

What to do with dehydrated figs

Dehydrated figs are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on what to do with your dehydrated figs:

Snacking

Dehydrated figs make for an excellent snack on their own. Their natural sugars are concentrated during the dehydration process, resulting in a sweet and nutritious treat. They are packed with potassium, calcium, fiber, magnesium, copper, and vitamins B6, K, A, and C.

Baking

You can also use dehydrated figs in your baking creations. Chop them up and add them to cookie dough or quick bread batter, or mix them into your morning oatmeal for a sweet and chewy addition. They can also be used as a natural sweetener in baked goods.

Salad Topping

Add some sweetness and texture to your salads by tossing in some dehydrated figs. Their chewy texture and concentrated flavor will complement a variety of salad ingredients.

Trail Mix

Create your own healthy trail mix by mixing dehydrated figs with nuts, seeds, and other dried fruits. This can be a great snack for hiking or other outdoor activities.

Puree

If you want to get creative, you can puree dehydrated figs to make a fruit leather. You can also sweeten them to taste if they are too tart for your liking. Adding sugar can also help extend the shelf life of the fruit leather.

Storage

Once you've dehydrated your figs, make sure to store them properly to extend their shelf life. Allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry, and dark place. They should last for about 1-2 years. For extended storage, consider placing them in the refrigerator or freezer.

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