Air Fryer Fruit Drying: What's Possible?

Air fryers can be used to dry a variety of fruits, including bananas, strawberries, mangoes, apples, oranges, and other citrus fruits. This method of dehydration is a healthy way to preserve fruit, as it doesn't require added oils or sugars, and the low-temperature process retains more vitamins and minerals compared to high-heat cooking methods.

Bananas

Drying bananas in an air fryer is a healthy method of preservation that retains most nutrients. It doesn't require added oils or sugars, and the low-temperature process retains more vitamins and minerals compared to high-heat cooking methods. The natural sugars in the bananas will become more concentrated, and the dietary fibre content will be maintained.

You can also dry other fruits in an air fryer, such as strawberries, mangoes, apples, oranges, blood oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes. Air fryers can also be used to dehydrate vegetables, herbs, and even meats.

Strawberries

You can dry strawberries in an air fryer. It's a great way to save money instead of buying them premade at the store. Plus, it's super easy.

To dry strawberries, set your air fryer to the lowest temperature available. If the lowest setting is above 135°F, use that and check the fruit more frequently. Leave the air fryer door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape if possible. Extend the cooking time to compensate for higher temperatures.

Make sure the strawberries are sliced to less than half an inch thick to make the dehydrating process quicker but also ensure they are not so thin that they crumble once dried. You can also cut them lengthwise for strips. Maintain a consistent thickness for even drying.

The low heat will slowly remove moisture without cooking the fruit. This low-temperature process retains more vitamins and minerals compared to high-heat cooking methods. It also doesn't require added oils or sugars.

Mangoes

Drying mangoes in an air fryer

Slice the mangoes into rounds or strips, maintaining a consistent thickness for even drying. Aim for slices to be less than half an inch thick to make the dehydrating process quicker, but not so thin that they crumble once dried.

Shake the basket or rotate trays periodically for even drying. Leave the air fryer door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape if possible.

Drying mangoes in an air fryer is a healthy method that preserves most nutrients. It doesn't require added oils or sugars, and the low-temperature process retains more vitamins and minerals compared to high-heat cooking methods.

Apples

You can dry apples in an air fryer. It's super easy and a great way to spare yourself any unnecessary food waste. Plus, making dried apples from scratch will save you tons of money instead of buying them premade at the store.

To dry apples in an air fryer, set your air fryer to the lowest temperature available. If the lowest setting is above 135°F, use that and check the fruit more frequently. Extend the cooking time to compensate for higher temperatures. Aim for your slices to be less than half an inch thick to make the dehydrating process quicker but also ensure they are not so thin that they crumble once dried.

Leave the air fryer door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape if possible. Shake the basket or rotate trays periodically for even drying. This low heat slowly removes moisture without cooking the fruit.

Drying apples in an air fryer is a healthy method that preserves most nutrients. It doesn't require added oils or sugars, and the low-temperature process retains more vitamins and minerals compared to high-heat cooking methods.

Oranges

You can dry a variety of fruits in an air fryer, including strawberries, mangoes, apples, bananas, and oranges.

To dry oranges in an air fryer, set the temperature to the lowest setting available, typically around 135°F (57°C). This low heat slowly removes moisture without cooking the fruit. If the lowest setting is above 135°F, use that and check the fruit more frequently. Extend the cooking time to compensate for higher temperatures. Shake the basket or rotate trays periodically for even drying. Leave the air fryer door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape if possible.

Drying oranges in an air fryer is a healthy method that preserves most nutrients. It doesn't require added oils or sugars, and the low-temperature process retains more vitamins and minerals compared to high-heat cooking methods. Natural sugars become more concentrated, and dietary fibre content is maintained.

Dried oranges can be used for a variety of purposes, such as adding them to festive crafts or Christmas wreaths, or simply enjoying them as a nutritious snack.

Frequently asked questions