Make Dried Strawberries With Your Air Fryer

Dried strawberries are a great snack and are easy to make. They can be made in an air fryer, oven, or even a microwave. The process is simple: wash and dry the strawberries, remove the stems, and slice the strawberries. Place the slices in the air fryer basket and cook at a low temperature for an extended period. The exact temperature and time will depend on your air fryer, but it usually takes around 1-2 hours at 180°F. You can also add spices or seasonings, such as cinnamon or cardamom, to give your strawberries a unique flavor.

Choosing and preparing strawberries

Choosing the right strawberries is the first step to making delicious dried strawberries. Opt for fresh 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 to remove any dirt. Then, use a knife to remove the stem ends and any bruised spots. Next, slice the strawberries into uniform slices, around 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. The uniformity of the slices is important, as it ensures even drying.

Once your strawberries are sliced, give them a gentle pat with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step is especially important if your strawberries are particularly juicy.

Air fryer settings and timings

The ideal temperature for dehydrating strawberries is 55°C/130°F. If your air fryer doesn't go this low, you won't be able to dehydrate fruit in it.

If your air fryer has a dehydrator setting, you can cook the strawberry slices for 2 hours on this setting. Use tongs to flip the berries, then return them to the air fryer and cook for another hour. Check the berries for doneness, and cook for another hour or so if needed.

If your air fryer doesn't have a dehydrator setting, select the lowest temperature setting (around 180°F). Cook the slices at this temperature for 30 minutes, then use tongs to flip them and return them to the air fryer for another 30 minutes to an hour.

Check the strawberries regularly to ensure they don't burn. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the strawberries and the power of your air fryer.

To achieve the best results when dehydrating strawberries, consider the following:

• Texture: Dehydrated strawberries should have a leathery and flexible texture. They won't be crispy like strawberry chips but will be pliable and chewy.
• Moisture: When the strawberries are fully dehydrated, there should be no visible moisture on the surface or when cut open. The centre should appear dry.
• Dehydration Level: It's better to over-dehydrate than under-dehydrate. Too much moisture can lead to mould or spoilage. If unsure, dehydrate for a little longer.

Some air fryers can only go down to 200°F. In this case, try cooking the strawberries for 45 minutes first, flipping them after 22 minutes.

Storing dried strawberries

Dried strawberries can be stored in a variety of ways, depending on how long you want them to last. Here is a comprehensive guide on storing dried strawberries:

Choosing the Right Container

It is important to store dried strawberries in airtight containers to prevent spoilage from moisture. Clear containers are ideal as they allow you to monitor the produce easily. Freezer bags, canning jars, and vacuum seal bags are excellent choices. Smaller, single-serving sizes are best to limit the exposure of unused portions.

Packing the Containers

When packing the dried strawberries, ensure they are snugly packed without breaking them up. Label each container with the contents and the date. It is also a good idea to store the most recently dried strawberries at the back, with older produce towards the front, so you use the older ones first.

Storage Location

Keep the dried strawberries in a cool, dark, and dry location, safe from pests. The ideal temperature is around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, where they can remain shelf-stable for up to a year. At 80 degrees, their lifespan is reduced to six months. Excessive light exposure will cause the fruit to fade and may affect the integrity of plastic containers. If using plastic bags, consider placing them in sturdy metal tins or other durable containers to block out light and protect from pests.

Long-Term Storage

If you want your dried strawberries to last for an extended period, consider storing them in the freezer. Monitor the produce regularly for any signs of spoilage, such as moisture condensation, colour loss, or mould formation.

Storing for Shorter Periods

Dried strawberries can be stored in the refrigerator for shorter periods. If using the fridge, place the dried strawberries in airtight containers and expect them to last for about 2-3 days.

Conditioning the Fruit

Before placing dried strawberries into long-term storage, it is recommended to condition them for a couple of weeks. Loosely pack the fruit pieces into canning jars or zipper seal bags and place them in a cool, dry area. Gently shake the containers daily to prevent the pieces from sticking together. During this time, the dry pieces will absorb excess moisture from the moist pieces. After about ten days, check for signs of moisture condensation. If any cloudiness appears, dry the fruit in the dehydrator again before proceeding to long-term storage.

Other ways to dehydrate strawberries

Dehydrating strawberries is a great way to preserve fruit and can be done in a few different ways. Here are some detailed instructions on how to dehydrate strawberries without an air fryer:

Using an Oven

If you're looking to dehydrate strawberries in an oven, follow these steps:

• Preheat your oven to its lowest temperature setting, ideally between 170-200°F (93-94°C).
• Wash and dry your strawberries, then remove any stems or leaves.
• Slice the strawberries into even slices, about 1/4 to 1/8 inch (0.6 to 0.3 cm) thick.
• Place the strawberry slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are in a single layer and not touching.
• Place the baking sheet in the oven and cook until the strawberries are fully dried. This usually takes around 2 hours, but may vary depending on your oven. Be sure to flip the slices occasionally to ensure even drying.
• Once the strawberries are dried, remove them from the oven and let them cool before storing.

Using a Dehydrator

If you have a dehydrator, follow these steps:

• Wash and dry your strawberries, then remove any stems or leaves.
• Slice the strawberries into even slices, about 1/4 to 3/8 inch (0.6 to 0.9 cm) thick.
• Place the strawberry slices on the dehydrator trays, ensuring they are not touching and leaving space between the pieces for air circulation.
• Set your dehydrator to 135°F (57°C) and dehydrate the strawberries for 6-12 hours, or until they are dry and leathery or crisp.
• Depending on your machine, you may need to rotate the trays occasionally to promote even drying.
• Once the strawberries are fully dehydrated, let them cool before transferring to airtight containers for storage.

Using the Sun

If you live in a sunny, low-humidity area, you can also dehydrate strawberries using sunlight:

• Wash and dry your strawberries, then remove any stems or leaves.
• Slice the strawberries into even slices, about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thick.
• Place the strawberry slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are in a single layer and not touching.
• Place the baking sheet in direct sunlight and let the strawberries dry for 6 hours.
• After 6 hours, turn each strawberry slice over and allow them to dry for another 6 hours or until they reach your desired texture.

Serving suggestions

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

Snacking

The most straightforward way to enjoy dried strawberries is as a snack on their own. Their natural sweetness and chewy texture make them a perfect option for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Toppings

Dried strawberries make an excellent topping for various desserts and treats. Sprinkle them on ice cream, yogurt, oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, or even baked goods like brownies and cookies. They add a burst of flavour and texture to your favourite treats.

Mix-ins

Chop up dried strawberries and mix them into your favourite baked goods like muffins, cookies, or brownies. They can also be added to granola, trail mix, or energy bites for a pop of sweetness and extra nutrition.

Smoothies

For a fruit-packed drink, blend dried strawberries into your smoothies. They will add a unique flavour and texture to your favourite smoothie recipes.

Dipping

Dip dried strawberries in chocolate for an easy yet impressive dessert. You can also experiment with different spices and seasonings, such as cinnamon or cardamom, to create unique flavour combinations.

Frequently asked questions