Air Fryer Strawberry Chips: A Quick, Easy Treat

Air fryers are a great way to make strawberry chips. The chips can be used in various ways, including as a nutritious snack, a breakfast topping, or even as an ingredient in baking recipes. The process is simple: wash and slice strawberries, arrange them in an air fryer basket, and cook at a low temperature for an hour, flipping them over halfway through. The end result is a delicious, healthy snack that can be stored for up to a year.

Choosing the right strawberries

Select Ripe Strawberries:

Opt for ripe ,bright red strawberries when they are in season, typically during late spring and early summer. Ripe strawberries will give you the best sweet flavour for your chips.

Wash and Dry:

Before preparing the strawberries, make sure to wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue. Then, gently pat them dry with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.

Remove Stems:

Use a sharp knife or a strawberry huller to remove the stems from the strawberries. This will make it easier to slice the strawberries uniformly.

Slice Uniformly:

Cut the strawberries into thin, even slices, aiming for a thickness of about 1/8 of an inch. This uniformity ensures that all the pieces dry at a similar rate, preventing smaller pieces from overcooking or burning.

Avoid Frozen Strawberries:

While you can use frozen strawberries, they tend to release more moisture during the cooking process, which can affect the dehydration results. Fresh strawberries are your best bet for consistent outcomes.

By choosing the right strawberries and preparing them properly, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious strawberry chips with the perfect texture and flavour.

Preparing the strawberries

Firstly, select fresh strawberries that are bright red in colour. Strawberries that are in season during late spring and early summer tend to be the ripest and tastiest. However, they are available year-round in many regions.

Once you have chosen your strawberries, it is time to wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt. After washing, use a sharp knife or a strawberry huller to remove the stems. It is optional to remove the stems, but it might be easier to slice the strawberries without them.

The next step is to slice the strawberries. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 of an inch for each slice. Try to cut the slices as uniformly as possible, as this will ensure even dehydration during the cooking process.

Once the strawberries are sliced, use a paper towel to pat them dry and remove any excess moisture. This step is important to prevent sogginess and ensure that the strawberries dehydrate properly.

Now your strawberries are ready to be placed in the air fryer! Arrange the slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure they are close but not touching. This may need to be done in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.

In summary, preparing strawberries for air frying involves selecting ripe, red strawberries, washing and slicing them uniformly, and ensuring they are dry before placing them in the air fryer basket. By following these steps, you'll be on your way to making delicious strawberry chips!

Air fryer settings

To make strawberry chips in an air fryer, you will need to preheat your air fryer to its lowest temperature setting, which is typically around 170–200°F. The preheating process should take about 5 minutes.

While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your strawberries by washing them thoroughly and removing the stems with a sharp knife or a strawberry huller. Slice the strawberries into thin, uniform pieces, with a thickness of about 1/8 of an inch. For best results, ensure that the slices are of similar thickness to ensure even cooking.

After slicing, pat the strawberries dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Then, arrange the strawberry slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid having the slices touch each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the strawberries in batches.

Once the air fryer has preheated, place the basket inside and let the strawberries cook for about an hour at the preheated temperature of 170–200°F. Remember to flip the slices over after 30 minutes and then check on them every 10–15 minutes to ensure they do not burn. If you notice that some slices are done, remove them to prevent burning, and continue dehydrating the rest.

The strawberries are done when they achieve a leathery texture and are no longer moist or soft. They should be slightly crispy. Allow the dehydrated strawberries to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for making strawberry chips in an air fryer will depend on the model of your air fryer and the texture you want to achieve.

Air fryers vary in temperature settings, so it is important to check on your strawberries as they cook. Some air fryers have a dehydrator setting, which is perfect for drying fruit. If your air fryer does not have a dehydrator setting, select the lowest temperature setting, which is usually around 170-200°F (77-93°C).

If you want your strawberry chips to have a chewy texture, bake them for around two hours. If you prefer a crispier chip, leave them in the air fryer for a little longer, checking regularly to ensure they do not burn. The total cooking time will be around three hours.

Arrange the strawberry slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring they are close but not touching. Cook the slices at the selected temperature for 30 minutes, then use tongs to flip them over. Return the strawberries to the air fryer and cook for another 30 minutes to an hour.

If your air fryer has a dehydrator setting, cook the strawberry slices for two hours, then use tongs to flip them over and cook for another one to two hours. Check the berries for doneness, and cook for longer if needed to achieve your desired texture.

Storage

Storing your strawberry chips

Strawberry chips are best stored in an airtight container. If you've cooked them in the oven, they can be stored for up to five days. If you've used an air fryer, they can be stored for up to a year in a cool, dark place at about 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The shelf life at room temperature is about six months.

If you're using an oven-dried method, make sure the strawberry slices are completely cool before transferring them to an airtight container. They will keep for up to five days.

If you're using an air fryer, you can store your strawberry chips in a mason jar or another airtight container for up to a year. The ideal storage temperature is around 60 degrees Fahrenheit in a cool, dark place. If you store your strawberry chips at room temperature, they will last for about six months.

You can also store your strawberry chips in the fridge to extend their shelf life. Completely dried strawberries can be stored for up to six months, while those with some moisture may only last for five days.

Frequently asked questions