Air Fryer Dehydrating: A Comprehensive Guide
Have you ever felt guilty as you toss wilted vegetables or overripe fruit into the bin?
Food waste is a massive global problem, with an estimated one-third of all food produced going to waste.
But what if I told you that the solution to drastically reducing household food waste is sitting right on your kitchen counter?
Your air fryer isn’t just for making crispy fries and juicy chicken wings. It’s also a secret weapon in the fight against food waste.
With a simple hack, you can transform your air fryer into a powerful dehydrator, preserving fruits, vegetables, and even meats that would otherwise end up in the bin.
This easy technique could cut your food waste by up to 50%, saving you money and helping the planet.
But before we dive into the how-to, let’s address some common objections you might have:
“Isn’t dehydrating food complicated and time-consuming?”
Not with this method! Your air fryer does all the hard work for you.
“Don’t I need special equipment?”
No! If you have an air fryer, you’re already set.
“Won’t dehydrated food taste bland?”
Far from it! Dehydration can intensify flavours, making your ingredients more delicious.
This site uses affiliate links. If you buy through the green links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. If you do buy, then thank you! It really does help run this free resource.
Food Waste and Its Impact
Before we talk about dehydration, it’s crucial to understand why reducing food waste is so important.
Every year, a staggering 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted globally. This isn’t just a waste of resources – it has serious environmental consequences.
When food ends up in landfills, it decomposes and releases methane, a greenhouse gas 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
Food waste is responsible for about 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. That’s almost as much as the entire aviation industry!
But it’s not just about the environment. Food waste also hits us where it hurts – in our wallets.
The average family of four throws away £1,300 worth of food each year.
Imagine what you could do with that extra cash!
The Solution: Air Fryer Dehydration Method
Your air fryer can be a game-changer in reducing food waste.
By dehydrating food in an air fryer, you can preserve foods that are on the verge of spoiling, extending their shelf life by months or even years.
But how does it work?
Air fryers use circulating hot air to cook food, essentially the same principle behind food dehydration.
By setting your air fryer to a low temperature and running it for an extended time, you can remove moisture from foods, preventing spoilage and preserving nutrients.
Comparing Air Frying and Dehydrating
While both methods use hot air circulation, they serve different purposes:
Dehydrating: Slowly removes moisture at low temperatures 35C-73C / 95F-165F to preserve food.
Air frying: Cooks food quickly at high temperatures 175C-200C / 350F-400F, creating a crispy exterior.
How to Dehydrate Food in an Air Fryer
Prepare the food: Wash and slice fruits or vegetables thinly and evenly.
Arrange in the basket: Place food in a single layer, ensuring pieces don’t overlap.
Set temperature: Use the lowest setting available, ideally between 48C/120F and 60C/140F.
Set time: Start with 2-4 hours, checking periodically.
Rotate and turn: For even drying, rotate the basket and turn the food halfway through.
Check for doneness: Food should be dry and leathery but still pliable and have no moisture when squeezed.
Use racks to make use of unused space and enable you to dehydrate more.
Most foods dehydrate well at around 57C / 135F.
Use the lowest setting available if your air fryer doesn’t go this low.
Let the dehydrated food cool completely before storing it in airtight containers.
Foods kept in air-tight containers will last up to a year.
Best Foods for Air Fryer Dehydration
The possibilities are endless!
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Fruits: Apples, bananas, strawberries, mangoes, pineapples
- Vegetables: Carrots, courgettes, tomatoes, peppers, mushrooms
- Herbs: Basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary
- Meats: Beef, turkey, salmon
Air Fryer Dehydration Recipes
Air Fryer Dehydrated Apple Chips
- Slice apples thinly (about 1/8 inch).
- Arrange in the air fryer basket.
- Dehydrate at 57C / 135F for 6-8 hours, turning halfway through.
Air Fryer Dehydrated Kale Chips
- Wash and dry kale leaves.
- Remove stems and tear them into bite-sized pieces.
- Toss with a small amount of oil and seasonings.
- Dehydrate at 51C / 125F for 2-3 hours, until crispy.
Air Fryer Beef Jerky
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean beef, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
In a large bowl, mix the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Add the beef slices and toss to coat evenly.
Preheat your air fryer to 77C / 170F for 5 minutes.
Arrange the marinated beef slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overlap.
Air fry for 2-3 hours, flipping the jerky halfway through, until it reaches your desired level of dryness and chewiness.
Allow the jerky to cool completely before serving or storing in an airtight container.
Dehydrating Temperature and Time Guidelines
| Food | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fruits | 51C – 57C 125F – 135F | 6-12 hours |
| Vegetables | 51C – 57C 125F – 135F | 4-8 hours |
| Herbs | 35C – 46C 95F – 115F | 2-4 hours |
| Meat (Jerky) | 62C – 73C 145F – 165F | 4-8 hours |
These are general guidelines; actual times may vary based on the specific air fryer model and food thickness.
Benefits of Air Fryer Dehydration
Convenience: Many people already own an air fryer, eliminating the need for an additional appliance.
Speed: Air fryers can dehydrate food faster than traditional methods.
Energy efficiency: The compact size of air fryers makes them more energy-efficient than ovens or dedicated dehydrators.
Versatility: Air fryers can be used for various cooking methods beyond dehydration.
Space-saving: Air fryers take up less counter space than most dehydrators.
Tips for Successful Air Fryer Dehydration
Store properly: Use airtight containers to maintain freshness.
Slice evenly: Uniform thickness ensures even drying.
Avoid overcrowding: Allow space between pieces for air circulation.
Use low temperatures: Higher temperatures can cook rather than dehydrate.
Check frequently: Monitor progress to prevent over-drying.
Air Fryer Accessories for Dehydration
Designed for versatility, these stackable racks are perfect for baking, cooking, and dehydrating food. Made from high-quality stainless steel, they ensure durability and even heat distribution.
Designed to fit 8.5-10.4L air fryers, this versatile rack allows you to layer your favourite foods, increasing capacity and ensuring even cooking.
This set of two non-stick mats is designed to make your cooking experience cleaner and more efficient. Crafted from high-quality silicone, these mats ensure that food slides off effortlessly, making cleanup a breeze.
Health Benefits of Air Fryer Dehydrated Snacks
Increased shelf life: Properly dehydrated foods can last for months.
Nutrient retention: Dehydration preserves many vitamins and minerals.
No added preservatives: Homemade dried snacks are free from artificial additives.
Portion control: Concentrated flavours can lead to more satisfying smaller portions.
Creative Ways to Use Dehydrated Foods
Dehydrated foods aren’t just for snacking (though they make great healthy snacks!).
Here are some creative ways to incorporate them into your cooking:
- Add dehydrated vegetables to soups and stews for an instant flavour
- Grind dehydrated herbs for homemade spice blends
- Use dehydrated fruits in baking or as toppings for porridge and yoghurt
- Rehydrate vegetables for use in stir-fries or pasta dishes
- Create your own trail mix with dehydrated fruits and nuts
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While air fryer dehydration is generally straightforward, you might encounter a few hiccups along the way.
Here’s how to handle them:
- Food is sticky or tacky: It needs more drying time.
- Mould appears during storage: The food wasn’t dried thoroughly enough. Always ensure foods are completely dry before storing.
- Uneven drying: Make sure to slice foods evenly and rotate the basket during drying.
- Food is too dry or brittle: You may have over-dried. Reduce drying time in future batches.
Air Fryer Dehydrating Q&A
Can you dehydrate with an air fryer?
Air fryers use convection heating, which involves circulating hot air around the food. This process allows moisture to escape without cooking the food, making it suitable for dehydration.
How to dehydrate in an air fryer in the UK?
To dehydrate food in an air fryer in the UK, follow these simple steps:
Prepare Your Food: Wash and slice fruits or vegetables into uniform pieces (about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick).
Arrange in Basket: Place the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap.
Set Temperature: If your air fryer has a dehydrator setting, use it. Otherwise, set the temperature between 50C – 70C / 120F – 160F.
Set Time: Dehydration typically takes 2 to 8 hours, depending on the food type:
Fruits: 4-6 hours
Vegetables: 3-5 hours
Jerky: 4-8 hours
Check Regularly: Monitor the food every hour to ensure it dries evenly and does not over-dry.
Cool and Store: Once done, let the food cool completely before storing it in airtight containers.
Is the Ninja air fryer good for dehydrating?
The Ninja air fryer is great for dehydrating food. It features a built-in dehydration function that allows you to set lower temperatures, typically around 40-60C / 105-140F, which is ideal for removing moisture without cooking the food.
How long does it take to dehydrate strawberries in an air fryer?
To dehydrate strawberries in an air fryer, it usually takes 3 to 8 hours, depending on the thickness of the slices and the temperature setting.
Temperature: Set your air fryer to 57C / 135F or 55C / 130F.
Time: Thinner slices (about 1/8 inch): 3 to 5 hours. Thicker slices (about 1/4 inch): 5 to 8 hours.
How long to dehydrate bananas in an air fryer?
Bananas take 2 to 6 hours, depending on the thickness of the slices and the temperature setting.
How do you dehydrate apples in a Ninja Air Fryer UK?
To dehydrate apples in a Ninja air fryer in the UK, follow these steps:
Ingredients
Fresh apples (2-4, depending on your air fryer capacity)
Optional: Cinnamon for seasoning
Instructions
Wash and dry the apples. Slice them into uniform pieces, about 1/8 inch thick.
Optional Soaking: To prevent browning, soak the slices in water with lemon juice for 10 minutes, then pat dry.
Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the apple slices in a single layer on the dehydrating racks or trays of the Ninja air fryer. Avoid overlapping to ensure even drying.
Set Temperature and Time: Set the air fryer to the dehydrator function at 57C / 135F or 65C / 150F. Dehydrate for about 6 to 8 hours, checking occasionally. The apples should be dry but still pliable.
Cool and Store: Once dehydrated, let the apple chips cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.
How long does it take to dehydrate meat in a Ninja air fryer?
To dehydrate meat in a Ninja air fryer, takes 4 to 8 hours, depending on the thickness of the meat and the preferred level of dryness.
How long does it take to dehydrate lemon slices in an air fryer?
To dehydrate lemon slices in an air fryer takes 2 to 8 hours, depending on the thickness of the slices and the temperature setting.
Make It a Habit!
Like any new habit, adding air fryer dehydration into your routine might take some time.
Here are some tips to help you stick to it:
Start small: Begin with one or two types of foods you frequently waste.
Plan ahead: Set aside time each week for dehydrating.
Get creative: Experiment with different foods and recipes to keep things interesting.
Involve the family: Make it a fun activity for kids to participate in.
Track your progress: Keep a log of how much food you’re saving from the trash.
A Small Change with Big Impact
Imagine opening your cupboards to find jars of colourful, flavourful dehydrated foods – foods that you’ve rescued from throwing in the bin.
Imagine the satisfaction of knowing that you’re saving money, reducing your carbon footprint, and contributing to a healthier planet, all while creating delicious ingredients for your meals.
So, are you ready to join the food waste revolution?
Your air fryer is waiting, and the planet will thank you.
11 Common Air Fryer Mistakes Newbies Make (And How to Fix Them!)
