Air Fryer Dried Fruit: A Quick, Easy Guide

Dried fruit is a tasty, healthy snack that can be expensive to buy in stores. Dehydrating fruit at home may sound complex, but it's easy to do in an air fryer. Air fryers circulate warm air around food, removing excess moisture. This process usually takes about four hours, but can take up to six hours, depending on the fruit. Fruits with high moisture content, like apples, will take longer. To get started, simply place your fruit of choice in your air fryer basket and turn the setting to dehydrate.

Choosing the right fruit

Type of Fruit

Select fruits that are suitable for drying. Common choices include apples, bananas, strawberries, mangoes, kiwis, oranges, lemons, apricots, peaches, and grapes. These fruits tend to have the right moisture content and texture for drying.

Ripeness

Opt for fruits that are fully ripe but not overripe. Ripe fruits will have a higher sugar content, which can help with the drying process and enhance the flavour of your dried fruit. Avoid fruits that are too soft or mushy, as they may not hold their shape during dehydration.

Thickness of Slices

The thickness of your fruit slices will impact the drying time and the final texture of your dried fruit. For most fruits, a thickness of 1/4-inch (about 6mm) is recommended. Thinner slices will dehydrate faster and result in a crispier texture, while thicker slices will take longer and provide a chewier texture.

Pre-Treatment

You can optionally pre-treat your fruit slices before air frying to enhance their flavour and colour. Soaking the fruit in lemon juice or a mixture of citric acid and water can help preserve colour and extend shelf life. Alternatively, you can toss fruit slices in sugar before air frying for a sweeter treat.

Air Fryer Settings

Not all fruits dry at the same temperature. Most fruits will dehydrate well at temperatures between 125°F to 175°F (52°C to 80°C). However, refer to specific recipes for the ideal temperature and timing for your chosen fruit. For example, apples and mangoes may require a higher temperature, while strawberries and oranges can be dried at a lower temperature.

Remember to always refer to your air fryer's instructions for optimal settings and safety guidelines. By choosing the right fruit and preparing it correctly, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious, healthy snacks with your air fryer!

Slicing the fruit

When slicing the fruit, it is important to use a sharp knife to ensure even slices. The recommended thickness for most fruits is between 5 to 6mm, or 1/4-inch. For smaller fruits such as berries and grapes, you can leave them whole. However, for larger fruits such as oranges, apples, and mangoes, thin slices or strips are recommended.

In addition to the thickness of the slices, it is also important to ensure that the fruit is dried properly. This means removing any excess moisture from the surface of the fruit. You can do this by patting the fruit dry with a clean cloth before placing them in the air fryer.

Another factor to consider when slicing the fruit is the type of fruit being used. Different types of fruit have different water contents, sugar levels, and physical compositions, which will affect the drying time and final texture. For example, apples have a higher water content and will take longer to dry, while strawberries may dry faster and result in a crispier texture.

It is also important to note that some fruits, such as oranges, can be dried with the rind still on. This can add colour and texture to the final product, but it is important to ensure that the slices are not too thin, as they may crumble once dried.

Overall, slicing the fruit is a crucial step in the process of making dried fruit in an air fryer. By considering the thickness of the slices, the type of fruit, and ensuring proper drying, you can create delicious and healthy dried fruits with your desired texture.

Setting the air fryer

Firstly, if your air fryer has a "dehydrate" setting, use this. This setting will circulate warm air around the fruit, slowly drawing out the moisture and creating delicious dried treats. If your air fryer does not have this setting, do not worry. You can still dehydrate fruit by setting the machine to the lowest temperature possible, ideally 125°F to 145°F (80°C or lower). This will emulate the dehydrating effect, slowly removing the moisture from the fruit.

The temperature and time settings will depend on the fruit you are drying. For example, apple slices should be dried at 135°F for 6-10 hours, while strawberries will take 6-8 hours at the same temperature. Thicker slices will also take longer to dehydrate, so bear this in mind when preparing your fruit.

It is also important to ensure good air circulation within the air fryer. Place the fruit slices in the basket, ensuring they do not overlap and that there is space between the bottom of the basket and the bottom of the air fryer. You can also line the air fryer with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Drying the fruit

Next, prepare your fruit by thinly slicing it. The slices should be less than half an inch thick to speed up the drying process and ensure they don't crumble. You can leave berries and grapes whole. If you're using apples, you can soak them in a mixture of lemon juice and water for 15 minutes before drying to enhance their flavour and improve preservation.

Then, place the fruit in the air fryer basket. Make sure the slices aren't overlapping and that there's space between the basket and the bottom of the air fryer to ensure good air circulation. If your air fryer has a dehydrate setting, use this; if not, set the temperature to the lowest possible setting, ideally 80°C or lower.

Depending on the fruit and your air fryer settings, the drying process can take anywhere from one to six hours. Check the fruit regularly to ensure it doesn't burn, and flip the slices over halfway through. You'll know they're done when the centres are hard to the touch.

Finally, remove the dried fruit from the air fryer and leave it to cool for at least six hours, or up to 24 hours for the best results. Then, store the fruit in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Storing the dried fruit

Once your fruit is dried, it's important to let it cool down for at least six hours, but preferably 24 hours, if possible. This will ensure the drying process is complete and will help lock in those delicious flavours.

After this, you can store your dried fruit in an airtight container. It's best to store the containers in a cool, dry, and dark place. Exposure to moisture should be avoided to preserve the dried fruit for as long as possible. If there is still any moisture, the fruit may only keep for up to one week. However, if dried properly, it can be stored for up to six months.

If you're taking your dried fruit on the go, you can pack it in reusable storage bags for a quick and easy snack while hiking or backpacking.

Frequently asked questions