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Dehydrating apple slices is one of the best ways to preserve the delicious flavor of fresh apples. Dried apples are a great healthy snack that will last for months. But how long does it take to dehydrate apple slices?
The time it takes will depend on the method you choose and how thick you slice your apples. You can dehydrate apples in the oven, a food dehydrator or even an air fryer!
I’ll also cover the best apples to use, how to prepare them and more! You’ll learn why making your own dried apples is so worth it and how you can enjoy them for months to come!
Of course, start by bringing out your food dehydrator and apples. Plan to dehydrate enough to keep on hand and use in your favorite recipes.
Keep in mind your yield will vary based on the kind of apple you use, as each variety has its own water content percentage. In general, expect to get about two cups of dried apples for every five pounds of fresh apples you use.
The only other items you’ll need are:
A peeling knife
Acidulated water (water mixed with vinegar or lemon juice)
Jars or containers for storage
Time Required for Step 1
Plan to allocate around 15 minutes to slice the apples.
Aim to create thin slices, as these will dehydrate quicker. Ideally, you should have 1/3-inch thick slices. Any slice thicker than 1/2 an inch may not dehydrate all the way.
2. Dip the Apples
Next, you can dip the apples in your acidulated water to prevent them from turning brown. There is no exact measurement for this step, as the amount of water you use will depend on your number of apple slices.
Fill a pot with enough water to cover the apples fully once they’re submerged.
To make your solution, mix 1/4 of a cup of lemon juice or vinegar per one quart of water. Toss the slices in and let them soak for just a few minutes.
This step is optimal and will not affect the taste or quality of your dehydrated apples. It is simply an anti-browning technique that can keep your apples looking brighter.
Time Required for Step 2
You don’t want your apples to become mushy. Only leave them in the solution for a maximum of two to three minutes.
In fact, you can even mix up your solution, arrange your apple slices in a single layer on a plate, and lightly mist them with it instead to save time.
3. Dry the Apples
Dehydrating apples works best when the fruit is completely dry. If you opted to do the acidulated water dip, drain your apples afterward and place them in a colander to get as dry as possible.
Time Required for Step 3
Leave the apples in the colander for around five minutes. To speed this process up, place the apples between two clean kitchen towels and lightly press to eliminate excess liquid.
4. Dehydrate the Apples
Now, it’s time for the fun part!
Place the apple slices in a single layer on your food dehydrator trays. Check to make sure there is a little space around each slice and that none are touching or overlapping each other. You need that room for the air to circulate properly within the dehydrator to ensure an even result.
Set your dehydrator temperature to 130 degrees Fahrenheit. If you want to a little sweetener at this time, make dried cinnamon apples by sprinkling the slices with three tablespoons of cinnamon before putting the trays into the dehydrator.
Time Required for Step 4
The average amount of time required to dehydrate apples is around 12 hours. This will yield a batch of crispy and flavorful slices ready for snacking. If you prefer yours more on the chewier side, check your slices after eight hours or so.
Tear one apple slice in half to make sure it’s your preferred texture. Totally dried apples should look like a dense sponge inside.
Time Required for Step 5
Your apples should dry, or “condition” for about 10 minutes to ensure they’re completely cooled off. From there, they should sit for another two to three hours at room temperature before you store them.
When they’re ready, store them in airtight glass jars or containers. They’ll last six months to a year if you keep them in a cool, dark and dry spot!
How Long to Dehydrate Apples? Let’s Review
Steps 1 through 5 can be broken into the following timelines:
Step 1: Slicing apples: 15 minutes
Step 2: Dipping the apples: 2 minutes
Step 3: Drying the apples: 5 minutes
Step 4: Dehydrating the apples: 12 hours
Step 5: Cooling and Conditioning the Apples: 3 hours
Total time required: 15 hours and 22 minutes
From this, we can determine that it takes around 15.5 hours to complete this process from start to finish. It’s often easiest to perform Steps 1-3 in the evening, allow the dehydrator to work overnight, and finish up the next day. This way, you can wake up to the delicious smell of warm apples!
Find Out How Long Do Dehydrated Apples Last and Enjoy Them for Even Longer
If you are anything like me, you love dehydrated apples as a perfect snack but don’t want to buy a new bag every week.
How long do dehydrated apples last so you can still enjoy them without rushing out to the store and grabbing more?
Believe it or not, dehydrated apples can stay fresh for up to a year when kept in an air-tight container and stored in a cool, dry place! Not only is this incredibly convenient – meaning you don’t have to restock often -but your favorite snack will remain deliciously flavorful. What could be better?
Should I peel apples before drying them?
If you’re looking to lose weight, then leaving the peels on your dried apples is a delicious and nutritious solution! It adds that extra layer of flavor and significantly increases its fiber content.
So go ahead and savor those delightful treats with their original texture – no need for the tedious task of peeling them off beforehand!
Achieving Crispy Apple Chips
Thinly slice your apples! The thinner you slice them, the crisper they’ll be. Try to make your slices as even as possible so that they dry out evenly.
Keep an eye on your apple chips. They can go from perfect to too crispy quickly. If you notice they’re drying out too fast, you can always move them to a lower temperature or cover them with a towel to help retain some moisture.
Checking for Doneness
They should be completely dry. If they feel wet or sticky, they’re not done yet.
If you prefer crunchy apple chips, you can dehydrate them until they snap when bent.
Always remove a few from the dehydrator and let them cool completely before tasting. This is the best way to tell if they’re crunchy and dry.
Storing Dehydrated Apples
I store mine in a sealed container or zip-top bag on the counter or in the pantry.
A trick I learned is to store them in a dark cabinet. Direct light can affect the quality of your dehydrated apples over time, so stash them in a dark corner and enjoy!
If you want a fresh-tasting treat, you can rehydrate them. Soak them in hot apple juice or water and they’ll plump back up a bit.
Dehydrated apples are so versatile! Add them to baked goods, oatmeal, yogurt or ice cream. They’re a great addition to anything and add such a unique flavor and texture.
Always make sure your counters, equipment and hands are clean and sanitized before dehydrating. This is one of the most important steps to ensure your dried apple slices are safe to eat.
If your dehydrated apples are too brittle and broken, they’re probably over-dried. This is a common problem and I’ve done it many times! Just keep an eye on them and you can try reducing the temperature and time.
If your dehydrated apples aren’t crispy, they’re probably under-dried. You can also try slicing them thinner and drying them longer. Experiment with the time and temperature until you get them just right!
Both time and temperature make a big difference. I like to experiment with each batch to see what works best. Don’t be afraid to adjust your dehydrator settings until you get it just right!
Now that you know how long to dehydrate apples, you’re ready to take this process to the next level! From beef jerky to sweet potato chips, there’s no limit to the creative, mouth-watering treats you can create.
Unsure where to start? Looking to buy the best dehydrator on the market but finding it hard to narrow the options down?
That’s where we come in.
We’re experts in this industry and we’ve done the research for you. From device reviews to recipes, if you can dehydrate it, we’ve covered it and we’d love to share our findings with you.
Looking for something totally unexpected to get started? Check out our guide to creating yogurt in your dehydrator! Then, check back for more innovative ways to use your new favorite machine.
FAQ
How Long Do Apples Take in the Dehydrator?
When you’re dehydrating apple slices in a food dehydrator, it usually takes about 12 hours to get them perfectly crispy and delicious. Of course, this can vary a bit depending on how thick your apple slices are and your personal preference for texture. If you like your dried apple slices a bit chewier, you might want to check on them around the 8-hour mark. Here’s a little tip: To make sure your apple slices dry evenly, try to slice them as uniformly as possible and lay them out in a single layer on the dehydrator trays. Also, keep an eye on them as they near the finish line. It’s all about finding that sweet spot where they’re just right for you. Remember, patience is key! Let the dehydrator do its thing, and soon you’ll have a tasty batch of homemade dried apple slices that are perfect for snacking or adding to your favorite recipes.
DannyContent Writer
Hey there, since 2016, my mission has been to provide you with the information and guides you need to make food dehydrating simple and fun. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, my site offers helpful guides, reviews, and recipes to enhance your dehydrating experience. I take pride in only recommending products I believe in, ensuring my readers' trust. As an affiliate of various programs, including Amazon Associates, your support helps me continue providing quality content. Thanks for stopping by, and happy dehydrating!
