Dehydrating Apples In An Air Fryer: A Quick Guide

Dehydrated apples are a tasty, healthy snack that can be made in an air fryer in a matter of minutes. The process involves thinly slicing apples, sprinkling them with cinnamon, and then cooking them at a low temperature in the air fryer until they are dried out and crispy. This method is much faster than using a dehydrating machine or an oven, and the apples can be eaten as they are or used in other recipes such as granola, oatmeal or trail mix.

Choosing the right apples

Sweetness

Sweet apples are generally the best choice for dehydration as they will taste sweeter even without adding any sugar. Varieties such as Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, Red Delicious, or Golden Delicious are excellent options. If you prefer a less sweet option, go for Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or similar apples. These varieties will give your dehydrated apples a tart or sour flavour.

Ability to Hold Shape and Colour

Some apples hold their shape and colour better during the dehydration process. Gala, Golden Delicious, and Macintosh apples are known to stand up well to dehydration, retaining their colour and shape.

Texture

The texture of the apples is also important. You want apples that have a good balance of firmness and juiciness. This will ensure that your dehydrated apples have a nice, crisp texture without being too tough or chewy.

Size

Consider the size of the apples, especially if you're aiming for uniform slices. Larger apples, such as Fuji or Honeycrisp, can be easier to work with and will give you more surface area to cut thin slices.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, choosing the right apples also comes down to your personal preference. If you have a favourite variety of apple that you enjoy eating fresh, chances are you'll also like it in dehydrated form. So, don't be afraid to experiment with different types of apples to find the ones that suit your taste and texture preferences.

Remember, the beauty of making dehydrated apples in an air fryer is that you can easily customise the recipe to your liking. So, feel free to mix and match different apple varieties, add spices like cinnamon, or even sprinkle on a little sugar to enhance the flavour of your dehydrated apples.

Preparing the apples

Firstly, select the right apples for dehydration. Sweet apple varieties such as Gala, Golden Delicious, Fuji, or Honeycrisp are ideal, as they dehydrate well and taste sweeter even without added sugar. However, if you prefer a tarter flavour, you can choose Granny Smith or Pink Lady apples.

Once you've chosen your apples, wash them thoroughly and dry them with a kitchen towel. You can then proceed to core the apples if you wish, using an apple corer or melon baller, or simply cut around the core when slicing.

The next step is slicing the apples. It is important to slice the apples thinly and uniformly, ideally using a mandoline slicer to achieve slices of approximately ⅛ inch (3mm) thickness. If you don't have a mandoline, you can carefully use a sharp knife, but it may be more challenging to get even slices.

After slicing, some people choose to soak the apple slices in a solution to prevent browning. This can be lemon juice, lemon water, salt water, or citric acid. However, this step is optional and may alter the taste and texture of the apples, making them moister and therefore requiring a longer dehydration time.

If you do decide to soak the apples, the next step is to pat them dry with a paper towel. Whether you soaked them or not, the slices should now be placed in a large bowl and sprinkled with ground cinnamon. Toss the apples gently to ensure they are evenly coated.

Now your apples are ready for the air fryer! Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap too much. You may need to work in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.

Air fryer settings

To dehydrate apples in an air fryer, you should preheat your air fryer to a low temperature. The exact temperature and duration will depend on the type of air fryer you have, the number of apples, and the desired crispiness.

If your air fryer has a dehydrator setting, set the temperature to 135°F (57°C). If it does not have a dehydrator setting, set it to its lowest temperature, which is typically around 300°F (148-150°C).

For a standard air fryer without a dehydrator setting, the cooking time is usually around 15 minutes, tossing the apple slices every 5 minutes. For a crispier texture, you may need to cook for a longer duration, up to 25 minutes.

It is important to note that air fryers cook at higher temperatures than dehydrators, so the dehydration process will be faster. Additionally, the apples will not be completely dehydrated and will retain some moisture, affecting the storage time.

To check if the apples are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool. They should crisp up further as they cool. You can also cut a dehydrated apple slice in half and squeeze it to ensure there is no moisture.

If you are making apple chips, slice the apples thinner, around 1/10 of an inch, and cook for a longer duration until they become crunchy.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for dehydrated apples in an air fryer will depend on the model of your air fryer, the thickness of your apple slices, and your desired crispiness. However, there is a general consensus that the air fryer should be set to a low temperature—between 135°F and 330°F (57°C and 165°C).

If your air fryer does not have a dehydrator setting, you should set it to its lowest temperature, which is typically around 300°F (148°C). At this temperature, the apples should be cooked for about 15 minutes, tossing the slices every 5 minutes.

For crispier apple chips, you can increase the temperature to 320°F or 330°F (160°C or 165°C) and cook for a longer period, typically between 10 and 20 minutes, tossing halfway.

It's important to keep a close eye on the apples during the cooking process, as they can go from perfectly dehydrated to burnt within a minute. You'll know they're done when they're hardened with a little flexibility, as they will crisp up further as they cool.

Additionally, to ensure even dehydration, it's recommended to flip the apple slices every 5-7 minutes and rotate the trays if your air fryer has them.

Storing dehydrated apples

Cooling and Conditioning:

Firstly, allow the apples to cool completely before transferring them to a storage container. Then, loosely pack the apples into a transparent, airtight container. Leave the container on the counter for about a week, checking it daily for any signs of moisture or condensation. If you notice any condensation, return the apples to the dehydrator unless there are signs of mould—in that case, discard the entire batch. Shaking the container occasionally will help prevent the apple slices from sticking together.

Long-Term Storage:

After the conditioning process, transfer the apples to an airtight container, such as a mason jar, for long-term storage. Vacuum sealing the container will help extend the shelf life and quality of the apples. It is recommended to use moisture-absorbing desiccant packets, especially if you plan to open the container frequently or live in a humid area. Label the container with the date and any other relevant details. Finally, store the container in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a pantry cabinet.

Short-Term Storage:

If you plan to consume the dehydrated apples within a week or two, you can opt for short-term storage. Simply store the apples in a sealed container or zip-top bag at room temperature in your pantry or on the counter.

Frequently asked questions