10 Surprising Things to Dehydrate in an Air Fryer

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Discover these 10 surprising things to dehydrate in an air fryer and never miss out on delicious, healthy snacks again! 

If you think your air fryer is just for frying, think again! This versatile kitchen appliance can also work wonders as a food dehydrator. Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, you’ll be amazed at the food items you can dehydrate. From your favorite fruits and veggies to herbs and beyond, a world of tasty and delicious snacks is waiting to be discovered. 

In this post, I’ll share 10 surprising things to dehydrate in air fryer that you probably never thought possible. Prepare to expand your air frying horizons and enjoy deliciously dehydrated food.

When I used to weigh 125 pounds more, the only dehydrated thing I ate was beef jerky. Now that I eat a vegan diet and have lost 125 pounds, I never touch the stuff, but I absolutely love fruit jerky, a.k.a. dry fruit.

I love using the air fryer for a great snack, and here are some of my personal favorites: air fryer samosa, how to roast red peppers in an air fryer, air fried broccoli, and air fried zucchini.

Can you dehydrate fruit in an air fryer?

Yes, you can dehydrate fruit and more in an air fryer! Many air fryers come with a dehydration setting or can be set to a low temperature, typically around 135°F to 150°F. This means you can quickly dehydrate fruits, vegetables, herbs, and more without needing a traditional dehydrator taking up space in your kitchen.

Just slice your food evenly, arrange it in a single layer, and let your air fryer work its magic. Enjoy delicious dry food and save valuable counter space at the same time!

Click on the link below the picture to see the things to dehydrate in air fryer.

How to dehydrate in airfryer?

Dehydrating in an air fryer is an easy way and convenient way to dry your favorite foods. Here are the simple steps to get you started:

1. Prepare the Food: Wash and evenly slice fresh fruits, vegetables, or herbs. Thin slices and small pieces dehydrate more quickly and evenly.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to its lowest temperature setting, typically around 135°F (57°C) to 150°F (65°C). If your air fryer has a dehydrator function, use that and preheat for 5 minutes.
3. Arrange the Food: Place the sliced food in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the dehydrator racks. For best results, make sure the pieces are not overlapping and have enough space to allow for proper warm air circulation.
4. Dehydrate: Insert the basket or racks into the air fryer and begin the air drying. The exact time will vary depending on the thickness, water content, and type of food, but it could take anywhere from 15 minutes to 6 hours. Check periodically and it’s a good idea to flip the pieces occasionally for even drying.
5. Check for Doneness: The food should be dry, leathery, and slightly pliable. If it’s not fully dehydrated, continue drying and checking every 30 minutes.
6. Cool and Store: Once fully dehydrated, let the food cool completely before storing it in an airtight container or resealable bag. Store in a cool, dark, dry place for maximum shelf life.

Dehydrating food in an air fryer is a great way for you to experiment with different types of produce. The types of food, moisture, and thickness of the food will affect the drying time, so it’s important to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Fruits: Apples, bananas, apricots, and berries are popular choices. Apple slices and banana slices typically take about 1-2 hours to dehydrate, while smaller whole fruits like berries might take a bit longer.

Vegetables: Vegetables like tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers work well. Sliced thin, they usually dehydrate within 1-2 hours. Leafy greens like kale can dehydrate even faster, in about 45 – 60 minutes.

Herbs: Fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, and mint take less time and can be dehydrated in about 15-30 minutes. Their thin leaves and lack of moisture mean they dry out much quicker than fruits or vegetables.

Always check periodically to ensure your food reaches the right level of dryness. Different air fryer models and variations in slice thickness can affect the length of time needed, so it’s good to keep an eye on the process, have a bit of patience, and make adjustments as necessary.

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Air Fryer Method vs. Oven Method

Air Fryer Dehydrating

• Speed: Air fryer works faster dehydrating foods due to their efficient hot air circulation.
• Space: Air fryers are compact and are great for a small kitchen. They also heat up quickly, reducing overall energy usage.
• Ease of Use: Many air fryers have a dehydration function, making it straightforward. They also tend to have better airflow, which can result in more evenly dried food.
• Batch Size: Air fryers typically have smaller baskets or racks, which means you can only dehydrate a limited amount of food at a time.

Oven Dehydrating

• Capacity: A conventional oven can handle larger batches due to their bigger size, allowing you to dehydrate more food at once.
• Versatility: While not all ovens have a specific dehydration setting, they can be set to lower temperatures (usually around 140°F to 170°F) to achieve similar results.
• Time: The dehydration process usually takes longer in an oven because they don’t circulate air as efficiently as air fryers. You may need to rotate trays periodically to ensure even drying.
• Energy Usage: Ovens take longer to preheat and maintain temperature control, leading to higher energy consumption and energy bills, especially for long dehydration processes.

Choosing between the two depends on your needs: use an air fryer for quick, small batches and convenience, or an oven for larger quantities and when you don’t mind a longer drying time. I think the air fryer is a great option, especially in summertime, so I don’t heat up my kitchen by turning on the oven.

More Air Fryer Recipes

Things to dehydrate in air fryer

Get ready to broaden your air frying skills and savor some deliciously dehydrated treats.

Best fruit to dehydrate in air fryer

Dehydrated fruit is a delicious and healthy snack. Here are the best fruits to dehydrate in air fryer.

Can you put vegetables in an air fryer?

Yes, you can definitely put vegetables in an air fryer. It’s a fantastic way to cook them quickly while preserving their texture and flavor.

Check out these vegetable air fryer recipes.

You’ll love this Air Fried Crispy Zucchini Fries recipe.

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​Disclaimer: Please note that I am not a medical professional. The information provided on this blog is based on my personal experiences and research as a vegan recipe enthusiast. While I strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before making any significant changes to your diet, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns. The recipes and tips shared on this blog are meant for general informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always prioritize your health and well-being by seeking personalized guidance from a qualified healthcare provider.