Air Fryer Prunes: A Quick, Easy, And Healthy Treat

how to make prunes in an air fryer

Making prunes in an air fryer is a great way to preserve plums for a longer period. The process involves drying out the fruit to prevent bacteria and mould growth, which slows down decomposition. Air fryers can be used for this purpose, but it is important to ensure that the temperature can be set low enough – below 123°F or 45°C – so that the fruit dehydrates rather than cooks. It is also beneficial to have a steam rack or shelf to allow air to circulate and a good air venting system to release moisture effectively. When preparing plums for drying, they should be washed, sliced in half, and pitted. The drying process itself can take between 4 and 40 hours, depending on the air fryer model and settings used.

Characteristics Values
Temperature 125-150°F
Timing 4-40 hours
Ventilation Good air venting system
Accessories Steam rack or shelf
Space Thinly spread out food
Capacity 5 quarts or more

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Wash and slice plums in half, then remove the pit

To make prunes in an air fryer, you'll first need to wash and prepare your plums. Start by giving them a good rinse under cool running water. You can also soak the plums in water for a few minutes to loosen any dirt or residue. Then, use a clean cutting board and a sharp knife to slice the plums in half. You'll want to cut them all the way around the pit, following the natural crease of the fruit.

Once you've halved the plums, it's time to remove the pits. Gently twist each half in opposite directions to separate them, and the pit should come away easily. If your plums are particularly juicy, you might want to wear an apron or use a splatter guard to protect your clothes from any stray splashes. After pitting, you should be left with two neat plum halves, ready for the next step in your air fryer prune recipe.

It's important to remove the pits from all the plums before placing them in the air fryer. Pits can affect the drying process, and they can also be a choking hazard if accidentally left in the fruit. If you have a particularly stubborn plum that won't give up its pit, try slicing a small cross in the top of the fruit, then use the tip of your knife to pry the pit out. Alternatively, you can slice around the pit, quartering the plum instead of halving it.

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Place the halves cut-side down on the air fryer tray

Now that you've washed, sliced, and pitted your plums, it's time to place them on the air fryer tray. Place the plum halves cut-side down on the air fryer tray. This will give you a flatter product that's easier to store. It's fine if they are packed closely together, but make sure they don't overlap. This is to ensure that the hot air can circulate and cook the fruit from all angles.

If you want to avoid sticking, you can place the plum halves cut-side up. However, this will reduce the number of plums you can fit on the tray.

If you're using an oven instead of an air fryer, place the plum halves pit-side up on a baking pan or oven tray.

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Set the air fryer to a low temperature, ideally below 123°F

To make prunes in an air fryer, it is important to set the temperature to a low setting. Air fryers that have a dehydration setting will deliver the same results as a dehydrator.

Air fryers work similarly to food dehydrators by evenly distributing air. However, air fryers work at a higher temperature to allow food to brown and get crispy quickly. Dehydrators, on the other hand, aim to avoid a colour change and work at a much milder temperature, typically between 40 and 42 degrees Celsius. This distinction is crucial because it allows the food to dry without being cooked.

Therefore, when making prunes in an air fryer, it is essential to set the temperature to below 123°F (50.5°C) to ensure the plums are dehydrated rather than cooked. At this temperature, the moisture will be effectively removed from the fruit, preserving its nutritional benefits and preventing bacteria and mould growth.

Additionally, it is important to note that the size of the fruit also matters. Smaller plums may be dried whole, while larger plums should be sliced into thinner pieces to ensure even dehydration. By following these temperature and size guidelines, you can achieve the desired chewy-tart texture of prunes without the off-putting wet, squishy texture of store-bought prunes.

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Allow the plums to dehydrate for 4-6 hours

Allowing the plums to dehydrate for 4-6 hours is a crucial step in the process of making prunes in an air fryer. This step ensures that the plums are sufficiently dried, preventing any spoilage or bacterial growth. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations for this step:

  • Depending on the size of your plums, start checking on them after 4 to 6 hours of dehydration. Larger plums may take longer to dehydrate, so it's important to monitor them periodically.
  • During the dehydration process, it is essential to maintain a low temperature to avoid cooking the plums. Set your air fryer to its lowest possible temperature, ideally below 123°F (45°C). This will ensure that the plums are dehydrated rather than cooked.
  • To ensure even dehydration, you may need to rotate or turn the trays in your air fryer as needed. This is especially important if your air fryer does not have a built-in fan for circulating the air.
  • While checking the plums, assess their texture. They should feel dry to the touch, with no visible moisture. However, they should still be pliable and not completely hard or crunchy.
  • If your plums feel moist, continue the dehydration process and check them again after a couple of hours. You may need to adjust the temperature or increase the dehydration time to ensure complete dehydration.
  • If you are unsure whether your plums are fully dehydrated, consider doing a test by placing a sample in a jar or baggie and leaving it on the counter for a day. If there is any condensation, it indicates that the plums were not dried completely, and you should continue the dehydration process.
  • Once the plums are fully dehydrated, you can proceed to the next step of storing them in airtight containers or enjoying them as a healthy snack!

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Store the dried plums in airtight containers

Once your plums are fully dried, it's time to store them in airtight containers. You can use glass jars or freezer baggies, and it's a good idea to use the straw trick to remove as much air as possible from the baggies.

There are a couple of options for where to store your dried plums. One option is to keep them in a cool, dry area at room temperature. If you prefer a drier texture, this is a good option as it helps prevent mould from forming. Alternatively, you can store your dried plums in the freezer, which is useful if you didn't dry them for as long and want to be sure they last.

If you're unsure about the dryness of your plums, you can do a simple test by packaging a sample and leaving it on the counter for a day or so. If there is any condensation, your plums need further drying. You can then choose to dry them more or freeze them for longer storage.

Dried plums can last up to a year or more, but they probably won't because they're so delicious! It's hard to stop at just one or two.

Frequently asked questions

The ideal temperature to dehydrate prunes in an air fryer is between 125 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit.

It can take anywhere from 4 to 40 hours to dehydrate prunes in an air fryer, depending on the size and moisture content of the fruit.

Italian/European "prune" plums are best for making prunes in an air fryer as they are naturally drier and more tart than traditional round plums.

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