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

Dehydrating food in an air fryer is a simple process that can be used to create unique snacks at home. The air fryer's controlled and circulating heat makes it quicker than using an oven, and it also saves you from investing in another appliance. The dehydration time depends on the type of food being dehydrated, ranging from 1 hour to 6 hours. For example, dehydrating kale takes about 1 hour, while apples can take up to 6 hours. The ideal dehydration temperature for most fruits and vegetables is 175°F, while meat needs to be dehydrated at a higher temperature of 165°F.

Dehydrating fruit in an air fryer

To dehydrate fruit in an air fryer, first, hull and slice your chosen fruit into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Then, lay the slices in a single layer inside the basket of a 6-quart air fryer. Place the basket into the air fryer and turn on the dehydrator setting, setting the temperature to 175 degrees Fahrenheit. Air fry for approximately 4 hours, or until the fruit is completely dried out.

The time it takes to dehydrate fruit in an air fryer will depend on the type of fruit you are using. Fruits with higher water content, such as apples, will take longer to dehydrate than fruits with lower water content, such as kale. It's important to note that the dehydration process can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours, so it's a good idea to check on your fruit periodically to ensure it doesn't overcook.

Using an air fryer to dehydrate fruit is a convenient option as it is quicker than using a standard oven or a dehydrator, and you don't need to invest in an additional appliance. Additionally, air fryers circulate heat, ensuring even cooking without the need for rotating trays.

Dehydrating vegetables in an air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Wash the vegetables thoroughly and cut them into thin slices or small chunks. The key is to ensure they are consistent in size and shape to allow for even drying.

Step 2: Seasoning (Optional)

Before placing the vegetables in the air fryer, you can opt to season them. For example, carrot chips can be seasoned with sea salt, or apple chips with cinnamon.

Step 3: Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket

Place the vegetables in the air fryer basket, ensuring proper spacing. Leave a little room between each slice for optimal air circulation. You can use a stainless steel rack or stackable racks to increase capacity.

Step 4: Set the Temperature and Time

Set your air fryer to a low temperature, typically between 120-175°F (50-79°C). The dehydration process is slow, and the goal is to gently remove moisture without cooking the food.

For most vegetables, dehydration will take around 3-4 hours, but the exact time depends on the type of vegetable. For example, carrots take about 3 hours, while kale only takes 1 hour.

Step 5: Check and Adjust

Check the vegetables periodically during the dehydration process. You may need to adjust the time or temperature accordingly.

Tips:

• Parchment paper can be used to line the air fryer basket, making cleanup easier and preventing sticking.
• Avoid dehydrating overly fatty or oily foods, as they can deteriorate quickly.
• Store dehydrated vegetables in a cool, dry place. They can last for 6-12 months without spoiling and can be stored for up to 4 years in vacuum-sealed bags.

Dehydrating meat in an air fryer

Choosing the Right Cut of Meat

When dehydrating meat, opt for lean cuts such as beef, turkey, chicken, or venison. The less fat the meat contains, the better it will dehydrate. Ensure that you trim off any excess fat before placing the meat in the air fryer.

Preparing the Meat

Slice the meat into thin, uniform strips, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Thinner slices will dehydrate more quickly and evenly. You can also marinate the meat in your favourite seasonings or a mixture of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and spices for added flavour.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to its lowest setting, typically around 120-160°F (70°C). This will help ensure that the meat dehydrates evenly and thoroughly.

Arranging the Meat in the Air Fryer

Once the air fryer is preheated, arrange the meat strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between the strips to allow for proper airflow.

Setting the Air Fryer

Set the air fryer to its dehydrate setting, if available, or the lowest temperature setting. The ideal dehydrating temperature is between 120-140°F.

Dehydrating the Meat

Let the meat dehydrate for several hours, checking on it periodically to ensure even drying. The time required will depend on the thickness of the strips and the type of meat used. For beef, the dehydration process can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours at a low temperature.

To check if the meat is done, remove a piece and allow it to cool. The meat should be dry and leathery, with no moisture remaining. If it is still moist, return it to the air fryer and continue dehydrating.

Storing the Dehydrated Meat

Once the meat is fully dehydrated, allow it to cool completely before storing. You can store the dehydrated meat in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bags. Properly dehydrated meat can last for several months when stored in a cool, dark place.

Tips for Success

• Use a stainless steel rack or stackable racks to increase the capacity of your air fryer basket when dehydrating.
• Do not disturb the dehydrating process by frequently removing the basket. It is recommended to check the progress around the 4-hour mark and again at the 6-hour mark.
• For extra chewy meat, remove it from the air fryer earlier than the recommended time. For crunchier meat, dehydrate it for a longer period.

Dehydrating settings on an air fryer

Air fryers are incredibly versatile kitchen appliances that can be used for dehydration, air frying, baking, roasting, broiling, and reheating food. Most air fryers feature a "dehydrate" button or setting, which circulates warm air around the food to remove excess moisture. This is a low and slow cooking method, so it may take several hours for your food to dehydrate.

If your air fryer doesn't have a dedicated "dehydrate" setting, you can still dehydrate food by adjusting the temperature and time settings manually. Set the temperature to the lowest possible setting, typically around 120-175°F (or lower if your air fryer allows), and dehydrate for several hours, checking periodically to monitor progress.

When dehydrating food in an air fryer, it's important to cut the food into thin slices or strips to ensure even drying. The recommended thickness varies depending on the type of food, but generally ranges from 1/4 inch to 6mm. It's also crucial to ensure good air circulation by arranging the food in a single layer without overlapping pieces.

The dehydration time will depend on the type of food and the moisture content. Foods with higher moisture content, such as apples, will take longer to dehydrate. On average, the process can take anywhere from 1 hour to 6 hours in an air fryer.

Using an air fryer for dehydration offers several benefits. It is faster than using a traditional oven or dehydrator, taking up to 2 hours less time. Additionally, air fryers are more energy-efficient than ovens for dehydration. They also save you from investing in a separate dehydrator appliance, freeing up counter space in your kitchen.

You can dehydrate a variety of foods in an air fryer, including fruits, vegetables, meat, seeds, and nuts. However, it's best to avoid dehydrating overly fatty or oily foods, such as avocados, as they can deteriorate quickly.

Some air fryers have built-in dehydrate functions, making the process even easier. These air fryers will have specific instructions in their manuals for using the dehydrate function.

Dehydrating without a 'dehydrate' setting

Many air fryers have a "dehydrate" button, but it is still possible to dehydrate food without this setting. To dehydrate food in an air fryer without a dedicated setting, use the lowest temperature setting available—this should be around 80°C or 120–140°F.

The time it takes to dehydrate food will depend on the moisture content of the food. For example, kale, which does not hold much moisture, will dehydrate in around an hour, whereas apples, which are juicy, will take much longer. In general, the process can take anywhere from one to six hours.

To dehydrate fruit in an air fryer without a dedicated setting:

• Cut your fruit into thin strips, around 5–6mm thick. Leave small fruits like berries and grapes whole.
• Pat the fruit dry with a clean cloth.
• Place the fruit in the air fryer basket. Ensure the pieces aren't stacked on top of each other to avoid increasing drying time.
• Turn on the air fryer and check the fruit's progress every hour, shaking the basket to turn the fruit and prevent sticking.
• Once dehydrated, remove the fruit and let it cool for at least six hours, or up to 24 hours for the best results.

Frequently asked questions