Dehydrating Strawberries With An Air Fryer: A Quick Guide

Dehydrated strawberries are a great way to enjoy your favourite fruit all year round. They are sweet and chewy, with an intensified flavour and can be used as a snack, dessert topping, or even as a cake decoration. In this guide, we will walk you through the simple process of making dehydrated strawberries using an air fryer.

Choosing and preparing strawberries

Choosing the right strawberries is essential for making dehydrated strawberries in an air fryer. Opt for fresh, ripe, in-season strawberries with bright red colouring, healthy green leaves, and a shiny exterior. Avoid strawberries with a lot of white on them, as these parts won't be as sweet, and steer clear of overly mushy or overripe berries.

Preparing the strawberries is simple. First, wash and dry the strawberries, then hull or remove the green leaves and stems. Next, use a clean chopping board and a sharp knife to slice the strawberries into even slices, about 1/4 to 1/8 inch thick. Try to keep the slices uniform in thickness to ensure even cooking. If your strawberries are very juicy, you can gently pat them with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Finally, place the sliced strawberries on the air fryer shelves or basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Sprinkle with stevia, if desired, for added sweetness.

Air fryer settings and prep

To make dehydrated strawberries in an air fryer, you will need to ensure your air fryer can reach a low enough temperature for dehydration. The ideal temperature for dehydrating fruit is 55°C/130°F, so your air fryer should be able to reach at least this low temperature. If your air fryer can't reach this temperature, it is not suitable for dehydrating fruit.

Once you have confirmed your air fryer can reach the correct temperature, you will need to prepare your strawberries. Wash and dry your strawberries, then hull the fruit with a strawberry huller. Slice the strawberries into thin, even slices, around 1/8-1/4 inch thick. If your strawberries are very juicy, gently pat them with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Now you are ready to begin the dehydration process. Preheat your air fryer to its lowest setting, ideally 55°C/130°F, but no higher than 180°F/80°C. If your air fryer's lowest setting is higher than 180°F, preheat to 200°F. Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper, preferably air fryer parchment paper with perforations to increase air circulation. If you don't have air fryer parchment paper, regular parchment paper can be used.

Arrange your strawberry slices in a single layer on the lined air fryer basket. They can touch but should not overlap. Place the basket in the preheated air fryer and dehydrate for 5 hours at 55°C/130°F, or for 1.5-2 hours at 180°F/80°C, flipping the slices every 20-30 minutes. If your air fryer is set to 200°F, dehydrate for around 1 hour, flipping halfway through. Check your strawberries regularly to ensure they do not burn.

Once the strawberries are fully dehydrated, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool before storing. Dehydrated strawberries should be stored in airtight containers and kept in a cool, dry, and dark place. They can last for up to a year if stored properly.

Air frying the strawberries

Air-frying the strawberries is a simple process, but it does require some preparation and the right equipment. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to air fry strawberries:

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Start by washing your strawberries and patting them dry. Remove any green leaves and stems, and cut off any bruised spots. You can then slice the strawberries into even slices, aiming for a thickness of about 1/8 to 1/4 inch. Try to ensure that your slices are uniform in thickness to promote even cooking.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to its lowest possible setting. The ideal temperature for dehydrating fruit is around 55°C/130°F, but this may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model. If your air fryer cannot reach this temperature, it may not be suitable for dehydrating fruit.

Step 3: Arrange Strawberries in the Air Fryer

Line the air fryer basket or tray with parchment paper. Then, arrange the strawberry slices in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. If your air fryer has multiple shelves, you can load them with strawberry slices.

Step 4: Air Fry the Strawberries

Place the basket or tray of strawberries into the preheated air fryer. The cooking time will depend on your air fryer's temperature and the thickness of your slices, but it typically takes around 1-2 hours at 180°F. For lower temperatures, such as 55°C/130°F, you may need up to 5 hours. Be sure to flip the strawberries every 20-30 minutes to ensure even dehydration.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

After the allotted time has passed, check your strawberries for doneness. They should be dry and leathery to the touch, with no visible moisture. If you're unsure, it's better to air fry for a little longer to ensure complete dehydration.

Step 6: Cool and Store

Once your strawberries are done, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool completely. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or a glass mason jar. Store your dehydrated strawberries in a cool, dry, and dark place. They should last for several months if stored properly.

Storing dehydrated strawberries

Firstly, you should allow your strawberries to cool completely before storing. If you package them while they are still warm, the air surrounding the fruit will hold more moisture content, which will be released when the fruit cools. This can lead to condensation in your storage container, reducing the shelf life of your strawberries.

Once your strawberries are cool, you can place them in a storage container. It is best to use an airtight container, such as a glass jar or freezer bag, to prevent spoilage from unclear moisture. If using a plastic bag, ensure it is a freezer bag, as these are thicker than simple sandwich bags. Vacuum-sealing will give you the best shelf life, as it removes air, keeping moisture and mould away from the fruit.

When placing your strawberries in the container, pack them loosely. This allows any remaining moisture to distribute evenly among the slices. If you are using a jar, shake it gently once a day for seven to ten days. If you see condensation in the jar during this time, return the fruit to the dehydrator for further drying.

Label your container with the contents and the date, and store in a cool, dry, and dark location. The ideal temperature is 60°F (15°C) or less. Exposure to light will degrade the fruit, and higher temperatures will reduce its shelf life.

Stored in these conditions, your dehydrated strawberries will last for up to a year. If you want them to keep for longer, consider storing them in the freezer.

Serving suggestions

Dehydrated strawberries are a versatile snack with a long shelf life. Here are some ways to serve them:

Snack

Dehydrated strawberries can be enjoyed as a snack on their own. Their natural sweetness makes them a great substitute for traditional sweets.

Toppings

Add dehydrated strawberries to your pancakes, waffles, French toast, ice cream, yogurt, oatmeal, smoothies, or cereal as a tasty topping. They can also be used as a cake decoration or garnish for drinks and cocktails.

Mix-ins

Dehydrated strawberries can be mixed into baked goods like brownies, cookies, or muffins, as well as trail mix and granola.

Dips

For an easy dessert, dip dehydrated strawberries in melted chocolate.

Blends

Blend dehydrated strawberries into smoothies for a fruit-packed drink.

Storage

To store dehydrated strawberries, place them in an airtight container or a vacuum-sealed bag and keep them in a cool, dry, and dark place. They can last for up to a year if stored properly.

Frequently asked questions