Dehydrated apples are a simple homemade snack that you can enjoy anytime. They have a naturally sweet taste, a pleasant chewy or crispy texture, and are easy to pack for work, school, or travel. Making them at home is also a great way to use fresh apples before they go bad.
The good news is that you don’t need complicated ingredients or special preparation to get started. A food dehydrator is the easiest option, but you can also use an oven or an air fryer with a dehydrating function. Once you know the right temperature and how to check for doneness, making dried apples at home is straightforward.
1. How to Dehydrate Apples in a Dehydrator
Ingredients
- Fresh apples
- Lemon juice (optional)
- Water (optional)
Equipment
- Food dehydrator
- Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
- Cutting board
- Large bowl
- Paper towels
Instructions
Step 1: Wash and Prepare the Apples
Wash the apples thoroughly under cool running water to remove dirt and residue. Remove the stems and cores, including the seeds. You can peel the apples if you prefer, but leaving the skin on is perfectly fine and saves preparation time.
Step 2: Slice the Apples
Cut the apples into even slices about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. A mandoline slicer can help you get uniform slices, but a sharp knife works just as well. Try to keep all the pieces around the same thickness so they dry at a similar rate.
Step 3: Prevent Browning
Apple slices naturally turn brown when exposed to air. To help maintain their lighter color, mix lemon juice with water in a large bowl and soak the slices for about 5–10 minutes. This step is optional, but it helps reduce discoloration.
Drain the apples and gently pat them dry with paper towels before placing them in the dehydrator.
Step 4: Arrange the Apple Slices on the Trays
Arrange the apple slices in a single layer on the dehydrator trays. Leave a little space between each piece to allow air to circulate freely. Avoid overlapping the slices, as this can slow down drying and lead to uneven results.
Step 5: Set the Temperature and Dehydrate
Set your food dehydrator to 135°F (57°C), a common temperature for drying fruit. Let the apples dehydrate for approximately 6–12 hours.
The exact time depends on the thickness of the slices, the type of apple, the amount of moisture in the fruit, and your dehydrator model. Thicker slices generally need more time, while thinner slices dry faster. Check the apples toward the end of the drying period and continue dehydrating as needed.
Step 6: Check for Doneness
Remove a few apple slices and let them cool for several minutes before checking their texture. Warm apples may feel softer than they actually are, so cooling them first gives you a more accurate idea of the final result.
For chewy dried apples, the slices should feel flexible and leathery without releasing moisture when squeezed. For crispy apple chips, continue drying until the slices become brittle and break easily.
Once the apples reach your preferred texture, turn off the dehydrator and let them cool completely before storing.
2. How to Dehydrate Apples in the Oven
If you don’t have a food dehydrator, your oven can be a convenient alternative. The main difference is that ovens often operate at higher temperatures and may not circulate air as evenly, so you need to check the apples more frequently.
- Preheat the oven to its lowest available temperature, ideally around 170°F (75°C), if your oven allows it.
- Wash, core, and slice the apples into even pieces about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
- Arrange the slices in a single layer on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
- Place the trays in the oven and leave enough space around them for air circulation.
- Bake for approximately 2–4 hours or longer, depending on the oven temperature and slice thickness. Flip the slices occasionally to help them dry evenly.
- Check the texture toward the end of the drying time. Remove the apples when they reach your preferred consistency and allow them to cool completely.
Keep in mind that oven temperatures can vary, and some ovens may be too warm for effective fruit dehydration. If the apples begin browning or cooking too quickly, lower the temperature if possible.
3. How to Dehydrate Apples in an Air Fryer
An air fryer can also be used to dry apples, provided it has a suitable low-temperature setting or a dedicated Dehydrate function. Because air fryer models vary considerably, drying time and temperature may differ.
- Wash, core, and slice the apples into thin, even pieces.
- Arrange the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the dehydrating trays. Avoid overcrowding.
- Select the Dehydrate function and set the temperature to approximately 130–135°F (54–57°C), if supported by your appliance.
- Dehydrate for approximately 4–8 hours, checking the apples periodically.
- Remove the slices once they reach your preferred texture and let them cool before storing.
If your air fryer does not have a Dehydrate function or cannot maintain a sufficiently low temperature, it may not be suitable for making properly dried apples. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your particular model.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to dehydrate apples?
When using a food dehydrator at 135°F (57°C), apples typically take about 6–12 hours to dry. The exact time depends on slice thickness, moisture content, and the dehydrator model. Thinner slices usually dry faster than thicker ones.
What temperature is best for dehydrating apples?
A temperature of 135°F (57°C) is commonly used when dehydrating apples in a food dehydrator. It allows moisture to evaporate gradually without exposing the fruit to excessive heat.
Do you need to soak apples in lemon water before dehydrating?
No, soaking apples in lemon water is optional. It helps prevent the slices from turning brown during preparation, but it is not necessary for the dehydration process itself.
Should dehydrated apples be chewy or crispy?
Both textures are perfectly fine. Chewy apples are flexible and leathery, while crispy apple slices are brittle and break easily. The final texture depends mainly on how long you dehydrate them.
How do you know when dehydrated apples are done?
Let a few slices cool before checking them. Chewy apples should feel dry and leathery without visible moisture, while crispy apples should break easily. If the slices still feel wet or sticky inside, return them to the dehydrator for additional drying.
How long do dehydrated apples last?
When properly dried and stored in airtight containers in a cool, dry place, dehydrated apples can generally last several months. Always check for moisture, mold, or unusual odors before eating.
Conclusion
Dehydrating apples at home is a simple way to turn fresh fruit into a convenient snack that you can enjoy for months when properly stored. With a food dehydrator, oven, or suitable air fryer, you can easily make dried apples with the texture you prefer.
Once you get comfortable with the process, you can prepare a batch whenever you have extra apples on hand and keep them ready for snacking or adding to your favorite recipes.
