We’ll cover three easy methods to dehydrate apples using a food dehydrator, oven, and air fryer. It’s a great way to preserve fresh apples for long-term storage while creating a delicious and healthy snack.
Whether you have an abundance of homegrown apples from your fruit trees or just want to make homemade apple chips, drying apples is simple and requires minimal ingredients.
Why Dehydrate Apples?
- Extends shelf life and prevents waste
- Concentrates the apple’s sharper flavor
- Ideal for healthy snacks, baking, and trail mixes
- A great way to enjoy apples year-round
Best Apples for Dehydrating
While you can dehydrate any apple variety, some hold up better than others. Here are a few top choices:
- Granny Smith. Known for their tart flavor and firm texture
- Pink Lady. They have a sweet-tart balance with a slight crispness
- Fuji. Naturally sweet and chewy when dried
- Honeycrisp. They are sweet and crisp. Great for dehydrated apple chips.
Use Wire Trays if you have them
Using raised wire racks in the oven allows air to circulate around each apple slice, promoting even drying and reducing overall drying time.
If you don’t have wire racks, you can place the slices directly on a parchment-lined baking sheet instead. Just keep in mind that without the extra airflow, you’ll need to flip the slices every hour to ensure they dry evenly, and the process may take a bit longer.
Adding Flavor: Should You Season Apples Before Dehydrating?
While dehydrated apples are naturally sweet and delicious on their own, adding a touch of seasoning can enhance their flavor. A light sprinkle of cinnamon, pumpkin spice, or even a dash of cinnamon-sugar can create a warm, spiced treat perfect for snacking.
To season, toss your sliced apples in your chosen spice before arranging them on dehydrator trays, a baking sheet, or an air fryer rack. For better adherence, you can lightly mist the slices with lemon juice or apple cider before sprinkling on the spices.
Whether you prefer classic homemade apple chips or a spiced version, both are a great way to enjoy this healthy snack.
How to Dehydrate Apples at Home 3 Easy Methods
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Ingredients
- 4-6 Medium Apples
- 4 Cups Water
- ½ Cup Lemon Juice bottled is fine
Instructions
Prepping Apples for Dehydration
- Wash and core the apples. This removes dirt and pesticides.4-6 Medium Apples
- Slice apples into thin slices. Aim for about 1/8-inch thick for even drying.
- Prevent browning. Soak sliced apples in a mixture of lemon juice and water for 5-10 minutes.4 Cups Water, ½ Cup Lemon Juice
- Arrange in a single layer. Whether using dehydrator trays, a baking sheet, or wire racks, ensure apple slices don’t overlap.
Method 1: Dehydrating Apples with a Food Dehydrator
- A food dehydrator is the most effective method for dehydrating apples. Here’s how:
- Arrange sliced apples on dehydrator trays in a single layer.
- Set the dehydrator to 135°F (57°C).
- Let them dry for 6-8 hours, checking for signs of moisture.
- Once dry, place them on a cooling rack before storing.
Method 2: Dehydrating Apples in the Oven
- If you don’t have a food dehydrator, an oven is a great way to make dried apple slices.
- Preheat oven to 175°F (80°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange apple slices in a single layer on wire racks.
- Prop open the oven door slightly to allow moisture to escape.
- Bake for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway through.
Method 3: Dehydrating Apples in an Air Fryer
- Using an air fryer is a quick easy method for making homemade apple chips.
- Set the air fryer to 135°F (57°C) or the lowest temperature.
- Arrange apple slices in a single layer.
- Dehydrate for 2-3 hours, checking for doneness.
- Cool on a cooling rack before storing.
Notes
Nutrition
How to Tell When Apples Are Fully Dehydrated
Knowing when your dehydrated apples are done is key to achieving the perfect texture, whether you want chewy dried apple slices or crisp homemade apple chips. Here’s how to check for doneness:
Texture Test
Properly dried apples should feel leathery and slightly pliable. If you tear a slice in half, there should be no visible moisture inside. If they still feel sticky or damp, they need more time.
Cool and Check for Moisture
Let the sliced apples cool for a few minutes. If they feel soft or you notice condensation when placed in an airtight container, they need further drying.
Crispness for Apple Chips
If making dehydrated apple chips, they should snap when bent. If they’re still flexible, extend the drying time.
The Bend Test
For chewier dried apples, bend a slice; it should be pliable but not sticky or wet. If you see any signs of moisture, keep drying them for another 30 minutes to an hour and recheck.
If using an oven, food dehydrator, or air fryer, keep in mind that drying times vary depending on thickness, humidity, and temperature. Thin slices will dry faster, typically in 2-3 hours, while thicker slices may take longer.
Storing Dehydrated Apples
To keep dehydrated apples fresh, store them in an airtight container to prevent moisture exposure.
Store in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Check for signs of moisture before eating.
Should You Store Dehydrated Apples in the Refrigerator?
While dried apples can last for several months in a cool, dry place when stored in an airtight container, refrigerating them can extend their shelf life even further. Keeping dehydrated apples in the refrigerator helps prevent mold growth and can keep them fresh for up to a year.
For air fryer apple chips, which tend to retain a bit more moisture, they are best enjoyed within a couple of weeks when stored at room temperature. However, placing them in the refrigerator can extend their lifespan to around two months.
No matter where you store them, always check for signs of moisture or mold before eating. As long as they remain dry and mold-free, they’re still good to enjoy.
Ways to Use Dehydrated Apples
- Eat as a healthy snack
- Rehydrate for baking in muffins, pies, or oatmeal
- Blend into powder for smoothies or seasoning
- Add to homemade granola or trail mix
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Slicing apples too thick. Results in uneven drying
- Not drying apples completely. Leads to mold growth
- Overlapping slices. Prevents proper air circulation
Do dehydrated apples need added sugar?
Not at all. Dehydrated apples are naturally sweet, making them a perfect healthy snack without any extra sugar. Enjoy nature’s candy just as it is.
Why don’t homemade apple chips stay crunchy as long as store-bought ones?
Unlike commercially made apple chips, homemade apple chips and dried apples don’t contain preservatives or additives to maintain texture.
That means your dehydrated apple chips may not stay as crispy, and your dried apple rings may be slightly chewier. But that’s actually a good thing. You’re getting pure, natural fruit without unnecessary chemicals.
Do I need to peel apples before dehydrating them?
Peeling is entirely up to you. Leaving the skins on saves time and keeps extra fiber and nutrients in your apple slices. However, the skins can become a bit tougher once dried, so if you prefer a softer texture, peeling might be the way to go.
Should I soak apples before dehydrating them?
Some recipes recommend soaking sliced apples in a mixture of water and lemon juice (or citric acid) to prevent browning. While this step helps maintain a lighter color, it’s not necessary. We often skip it, and our homemade apple chips still turn out delicious.
Now that you know how to dehydrate apples using a food dehydrator, oven, or air fryer, you can enjoy dried apple slices any time.
A great snack for the whole family.