Air-Fryer Fruit Leather: A Quick, Easy, And Healthy Treat

Fruit leather is a tasty, healthy snack that is easy to make at home. Requiring minimal ingredients and no added sugar, fruit leather is a great way to use up fresh or frozen fruit. With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious treat that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults. So, if you're looking for a fun and nutritious snack to make in your air fryer, fruit leather is definitely worth trying!

Pureeing the fruit

Firstly, gather your chosen fruit. You can use almost any fruit you like, fresh or frozen, but popular options include strawberries, mango, blueberries, blackberries, peaches, apples, and kiwis. You will need around 1-2 cups of fruit for this recipe, which is usually about 2-3 cups of fresh fruit or 500g. If you are using frozen fruit, make sure to defrost it fully and drain off any excess liquid before pureeing.

Next, add your fruit to a blender or food processor. You can also add a small amount of lemon juice at this stage to brighten the flavour and help the fruit retain its colour. Lime juice can be used as a substitute, and orange juice can be used for extra sweetness, although it is not as effective for colour retention. If you want to add extra flavour, you can include spices such as cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, almond extract, or vanilla.

Now it's time to blend! Puree the fruit and other ingredients until you have a very smooth mixture. If your fruit has seeds, like strawberries or blackberries, you can choose to strain them through a fine-mesh sieve to create a smoother texture. If the fruit gets stuck in the blender, use a spatula to dislodge it, and try pulsing the blender to help get things moving.

Once you have a smooth puree, you are ready to spread it onto your lined baking sheet or air fryer tray and continue with the rest of the recipe.

Choosing the right baking equipment

Baking Sheets:

Select a baking sheet that is the perfect size for your air fryer. Look for one that is easy to clean and has a non-stick surface to prevent your fruit leather from sticking. The standard size for a baking sheet is 18x13 inches, but you can also find smaller or larger ones to fit your specific air fryer model.

Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats:

It is crucial to line your baking sheet with either parchment paper or a silicone mat. Parchment paper should be used with a slight overhang for easy removal of the fruit leather later. Avoid using foil as it will stick to your fruit leather. Silicone mats are reusable and fruit leather releases easily from them. If you want to avoid the hassle of lining your pan, you can also invest in a dehydrator with a fruit leather tray.

Blenders or Food Processors:

To make fruit leather, you will need to puree your fruit until it is very smooth. A high-powered blender or food processor will make quick work of this task. Look for one with a high speed setting and a capacity that fits your batch size.

Spatulas:

A spatula will come in handy when spreading your fruit puree onto the lined baking sheet. It helps to create an even layer and push the mixture to the edges, ensuring a consistent thickness.

Pizza Cutters or Sharp Knives:

Once your fruit leather is ready, you will need to cut it into strips. A pizza cutter or a sharp knife will make this task easier. A pizza cutter will create smooth, even strips, while a sharp knife will give you more control over the size and shape of your fruit leather pieces.

By selecting the right baking equipment, you'll be well on your way to making delicious and healthy fruit leather in your air fryer!

Dehydrating the fruit

Pureeing the Fruit:

Start by pureeing your chosen fruit in a blender or food processor. You can use a variety of fruits, such as strawberries, mangoes, blueberries, or peaches. If you're using fruits with seeds, like strawberries or blackberries, you can strain the seeds using a fine-mesh sieve to achieve a smoother texture. Additionally, you can add lemon juice to brighten the flavor and preserve the fruit's color.

Preparing the Air Fryer:

Spray the lower drawer sides of Zone 1 and Zone 2 with cooking spray or oil. This step ensures that the baking parchment adheres to the sides. Insert crisper plates into both drawers, then line each drawer with a piece of baking parchment, making sure it goes slightly up the sides. Press the parchment paper into place.

Pouring the Puree:

Pour the fruit puree onto the lined drawers, dividing it equally. Tilt the drawers to ensure the puree is evenly distributed. You can also use a spatula to push the fruit mixture to the edges and gently tap the sides to remove any air bubbles and create a level surface.

Select Zone 1 on your air fryer and turn the dial to the dehydrate function. Set the temperature to 60°C (or 140-150°F) and the time to 8 hours. If your air fryer doesn't have a dehydrate function, set it to the lowest temperature possible, which is usually around 170°F. Start the cooking process, and your air fryer will do the rest!

Checking for Doneness:

After the set time has passed, check if the fruit leather is fully cooked. It should be firm to the touch and no longer sticky. If it still feels sticky, set it for additional time in 1-2 hour increments until it's done.

Cooling and Storing:

Once the fruit leather is cooked, allow it to cool completely in the unit before removing it. Then, slice it into strips and roll them up in parchment paper. You can store the fruit leather in an airtight container at room temperature for about a month or in the freezer for up to a year.

Cutting the fruit leather

Once your fruit leather is ready, it's time for the fun part: cutting and rolling it up! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cut your fruit leather into perfect strips:

Let it cool: Before you start cutting, make sure your fruit leather has cooled down completely. This will help it firm up and become less sticky, making it easier to handle. Place the fruit leather in the fridge or a cool, dry place to speed up the cooling process.

Peel it off: If you used parchment paper, gently peel the fruit leather off the baking sheet, leaving the parchment paper attached. This will make it easier to cut and prevent it from sticking to your work surface.

Cut into strips: Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the fruit leather into strips. For uniform strips, cut them lengthwise first, and then crosswise. You can cut them into your desired size, but typically, strips of about 4-6 inches in length and 1 inch in width work well.

Roll them up: If you want to make fruit roll-ups, carefully roll the strips of fruit leather. You can roll them up with the parchment paper facing outwards to prevent sticking, or you can roll them without the paper. The strips will stick together, but it will be easier to peel them apart when you want to eat them.

Store in an airtight container: Once you've cut and rolled your fruit leather, store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for about a month, or you can freeze it for longer-term storage. If you're packing it for a lunch box, wrap individual servings in plastic wrap to keep them fresh and prevent them from sticking together.

And that's it! You now have delicious, homemade fruit leather or fruit roll-ups that you can enjoy as a healthy snack. They're perfect for both kids and adults, and you can experiment with different fruits and flavours to find your favourite combinations.

Storing the fruit leather

One option is to wrap the fruit leather tightly in plastic wrap or place it in freezer bags. This will allow it to last for up to a year. Alternatively, you can store the fruit leather in the fridge in an airtight container for up to one month. This is a good option if you want to keep the fruit leather fresh for a little longer without freezing it.

Another option for long-term storage is to place the fruit leather in an airtight container and store it in the freezer. This will allow it to last for up to 6-8 months. However, the colour may fade over time. If you plan to eat the fruit leather within a day, it is also fine to simply keep it in a sealed container and take it with you on the go.

Frequently asked questions