Dehydrating figs is a great way to keep their sweetness and juiciness while extending their shelf life. Don’t be afraid to experiment with dried figs in different ways—they are safe and enjoyable to use in a variety of recipes. Whether you’re a gardener with too many figs or a foodie looking to try new recipes, learning how to dehydrate figs is super fun. In this full guide, we’ll go through the whole process of dehydrating figs, including how long to dehydrate figs, as well as the benefits and tips to get it right every time. Dehydrating fresh figs is a great way to store them without extra sugar. Dried figs also make an excellent snack.
Dehydrating figs is a fantastic way to preserve the sweet, delicate flavor of fresh figs and enjoy them as a healthy treat any time of year. When you dry figs, you transform them from juicy, perishable fruit into chewy, concentrated morsels that are perfect for snacking, baking, or adding to your favorite recipes. Using a food dehydrator makes the process simple and efficient, allowing you to dry figs in batches and store them for months. Whether you have a bounty of figs from your own fig tree or picked up a basket at the market, dehydrating is a great way to make sure none of that delicious fruit goes to waste. You can include dried figs on your next cheese platter. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully dehydrate, store, and enjoy dried figs.
Dehydrating figs has many benefits beyond just preserving them. Here are some reasons to add dehydrated figs to your pantry:
Dried figs, like other dried fruit, are a convenient and healthy pantry staple. They are a wonderful natural sweetener and can be used interchangeably with dried prunes, apricots, or dates in most recipes.
Several factors affect how long to dehydrate figs. The dry time depends on several factors, including the initial moisture content of the figs, their size, and whether they are cut or left whole. Knowing these will help you get it right and reach the point where figs have the ideal moisture content for storage.
Different fig varieties have different water content and texture which can affect dehydration time. Common varieties are Black Mission, Kadota, and Calimyrna. Black Mission figs are smaller and have more sugar content, so they might dehydrate faster than larger, juicier varieties like Calimyrna.
Some fig trees produce more fruit in even years, which can affect the amount available for dehydration.
The size and thickness of your fig slices matter. Cutting figs into halves or quarters can make a bit of difference in drying time, as larger, thicker slices will take longer to dehydrate than smaller, thinner ones. For even drying, aim for uniform slice sizes.
The temperature setting on your dehydrator matters. Most dehydrators recommend 135°F to 145°F (57°C to 63°C) for fruits, and while many models use trays, some dehydrators use racks for improved air circulation. Higher temperatures will speed up the process but may compromise the figs’ quality.
Ambient humidity and temperature also affect dehydration time. Higher humidity will slow it down, dry warm air will speed it up. If you live in a humid climate consider using a dehydrator with a fan to improve air circulation.
For best results, consider starting the dehydration process in the morning so your figs can be fully dried by evening.
Proper preparation is key to getting the best results when drying figs. Start by gently washing your fresh figs in cold water to remove any dirt or residue, taking care not to bruise their delicate skins. After washing, remove the stems from each fig. You can choose to leave your figs whole, cut them in half, or quarter them, depending on your preference and how you plan to use them. Quartered figs are especially popular for drying because they dry more evenly and thoroughly, reducing the risk of excess moisture that can lead to spoilage. If you opt for whole figs, remember they may take longer to dry and might not store as long as cut figs. Whole dried figs typically last only a few months due to a higher moisture content. Once prepped, your figs are ready for the dehydrator, and when stored in an airtight container, quartered figs can last up to 1-2 years, making them a convenient and long-lasting addition to your pantry.
Setting up your dehydrator correctly is essential for evenly drying figs. Arrange your cut figs—whether quartered, halved, or whole—on the dehydrator trays in a single layer, making sure there’s space between each piece to allow for good air flow. This helps the figs dry evenly and prevents them from sticking together. Set your dehydrator to the “fruit” setting, or around 135°F (60°C), which is ideal for drying figs. The drying time will depend on the size and thickness of your figs: quartered figs typically take about 6-8 hours to become perfectly dried, while whole figs may need 12 hours or more. Keep in mind that factors like humidity and the thickness of your cut figs can cause drying times to vary, so it’s always a good idea to check on your figs periodically throughout the process.
Now that we’ve covered the dehydration time factors, let’s get into the step by step process of dehydrating figs.
Prep time: Plan for about 15–20 minutes to wash, blanch, cut, and set up your figs before starting the dehydration process.
Note: Always check figs for doneness by assessing their texture and moisture level to ensure they are properly dehydrated.
To get the best texture and flavor from your dried figs, it’s important to monitor them as they dry. Start checking your figs after about 6 hours in the dehydrator, and then every couple of hours after that. Remove a fig from the tray, let it cool for a moment, and taste it to see if it’s reached your preferred level of dryness. If the fig is still too moist or sticky, return it to the dehydrator and continue drying in 30-minute increments. Remember, drying time can vary depending on how ripe your figs are—very ripe figs may take longer to dry, while less ripe figs might dry more quickly. Take notes on your drying time and results, especially if it’s your first time, so you can perfect your process for future batches.
Even with careful preparation, you might encounter a few common issues when drying figs on dehydrator trays. One problem is the development of mold or mildew, which usually happens if the figs aren’t completely dried or if they’re stored with too much moisture. To prevent this, always make sure your dried figs are fully dry before transferring them to an airtight container for storage. Another issue is figs sticking to the dehydrator trays, which can make removal difficult and messy. To avoid this, try lining your trays with parchment paper or lightly spraying them with cooking spray before arranging your figs. Quartered dried figs make a lovely addition to a fresh summer salad. By following these simple tips, you’ll ensure your dried figs come out delicious, safe to eat, and easy to store for months to come.
Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality and shelf life of your dehydrated figs.
Even with the best of intentions mistakes can happen. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when dehydrating figs:
Dehydrating figs is easy and has many perks. Now you know the factors that affect dehydration time and our step by step guide, you can enjoy your delicious dehydrated figs. Want to try dehydrating other fruits? Check out this guide on how to dehydrate citrus. Snack on them, add them to recipes, or give them as gifts, dehydrated figs are a yummy and healthy treat. Dried figs are great for topping oatmeal, ice cream, and yogurt. Happy dehydrating!
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