If you’re searching for Nesco dehydrator recipes, you’ve come to the right place! This guide is perfect for both new and experienced Nesco dehydrator owners looking for creative recipe ideas. Dehydrating your own snacks is healthier and more cost-effective than buying store-bought options, making it a smart choice for anyone interested in nutritious, homemade treats.
A Nesco dehydrator is a versatile tool for making healthy snacks. It works by removing moisture from foods, which preserves them and inhibits the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold. Whether you’re interested in making snacks for yourself, your family, or even your pets, a Nesco dehydrator opens up a world of possibilities.
With a Nesco dehydrator, you can make jerky, fruit leathers, and vegetable chips, saving money by making your own dried snacks instead of purchasing expensive store-bought options. These recipes matter because they allow you to control the ingredients, reduce waste, and enjoy delicious, preservative-free snacks.
The following sections will guide you from general dehydrating tips to specific recipes, then on to advanced uses and maintenance. You’ll find everything you need to get started and to take your dehydrating skills to the next level.
Why Preparation Matters: Slicing, Loading, and Rotating
Consistent slicing of fruits and vegetables is important for even drying in a Nesco dehydrator. Overloading the dehydrator can lead to uneven drying results. To ensure even drying, rotate trays halfway through the dehydration process, ensuring food is in a single layer for proper air circulation.
What to Expect from These Recipes
In this guide, you’ll discover a variety of recipes, including:
Jerky
Fruit leathers
Vegetable chips
Pet treats
Granola
Paleo snacks
Using your Nesco dehydrator, you can create a wide range of healthy, delicious snacks at home, all while saving money and reducing food waste.
1. Bloody Mary Jerky
Ingredients
Meat of your choice (beef or ground beef)
Pepper
Table salt
Horseradish
Worcestershire sauce
Bloody Mary mix
Soy sauce
Brown sugar
Instructions
Marinate the meat in a mixture of pepper, salt, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, Bloody Mary mix, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
Combine all ingredients in a sealable bag, shake to coat the meat, and refrigerate for at least six hours.
When ready, combine the remaining ingredients in a large bowl.
If using ground beef, load the mixture into a jerky gun and release directly onto the dehydrator trays.
Sprinkle the dry mixture to season the strips.
Tips
Dehydrate for about 7 to 10 hours, depending on the thickness of the strips.
For best results, rotate trays halfway through.
2. Beef and Cheese Pet Treats
Ingredients
Beef
Water
Cheese (optional)
Additional pet-safe ingredients as desired
Instructions
Fry the meat with water in a frying pan until cooked.
Add the meat with water and juices to a food processor. Process in small batches if needed.
In a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients and shredded beef. Toss to coat evenly.
Cut the mixture into small, uniform pieces.
Place on dehydrator trays and dehydrate for about 5 to 7 hours.
Tips
Try other pet treat recipes like pumpkin pet treats or dried catnip for variety.
3. Paleo Skittles
Ingredients
Blueberries, cherries, or other fruits/vegetables of choice
Instructions
Combine chosen fruits and vegetables in a blender and puree until smooth.
For attractive shapes, pipe the mixture onto dehydrator trays using a pastry bag and decorative tip.
Alternatively, spoon the mixture onto trays for a rustic look.
Dehydrate at 130°F (57°C) for 4 to 6 hours, or until the mixture is leathery but not sticky. ( around the 4 hour mark flip flip for another 2 hours)
Tips
For a crunchy trail mix, add cashews to your dehydrated snack mix.
Use fresh or homegrown produce for the best flavor.
Check the texture periodically to avoid over-drying.
Flavor Variations
Try making up to seven different flavors by varying the fruit and vegetable combinations.
4. Crunchy Buckwheat Granola
Ingredients
Raw buckwheat
Sweetener of choice
Additional mix-ins (nuts, seeds, dried fruit)
Instructions
Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a large bowl.
Spread the mixture evenly on dehydrator trays.
Dehydrate until crunchy.
Tips
This recipe is Paleo-friendly and gluten-free.
Adjust sweetness and mix-ins to your taste.
5. Quick and Easy Fruit Leather Recipe
Ingredients
Any fruit (apricots, bananas, etc.)
Optional: cocoa powder, sweetener
Instructions
Puree fruit in a blender.
Spread the puree evenly on parchment paper or fruit roll sheets.
Dehydrate until the texture is leathery but not crisp.
Tips
Cut into strips and roll up for homemade fruit roll-ups.
For a chocolate variation, puree bananas with cocoa powder before dehydrating.
Try with other veggies like broccoli, carrots, or zucchini.
For a tangy flavor, add a splash of lime juice to the seasoning.
7. Zucchini and Lemon Chips
Ingredients
Zucchini
Lemon
Dill
Optional: vinegar for salt and vinegar variation
Instructions
Slice zucchini thinly using a mandolin slicer.
Toss with lemon and dill (or soak in vinegar for a tangy variation).
Arrange slices in a single layer on dehydrator trays.
Dehydrate until crispy.
Tips
Thinner slices create a crunchier texture.
Carefully lift the entire ring of zucchini slices to maintain their shape.
Variations
Salt and vinegar zucchini chips: soak slices in vinegar before dehydrating.
8. Coconut Yogurt
Ingredients
2 cups coconut meat
1 teaspoon probiotics
Water
Lemon juice
Instructions
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl to distribute probiotics evenly.
Spread mixture on dehydrator trays.
Dehydrate as directed in the recipe.
Tips
Enjoy on its own or with fresh fruit like mango.
9. Dehydrated Kiwi Treats
Ingredients
Kiwi
Instructions
Slice kiwi into chunks.
Place on dehydrator tray in a single layer.
Dehydrate until desired texture is reached.
Tips
Store in an air-tight container in the fridge for chewy treats or in the freezer for hard candy.
10. Banana Nut Brittle
Ingredients
Shaved coconut
Dates
Bananas
Flax meal
Optional: cinnamon or other spices
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.
Spread mixture on dehydrator trays.
Dehydrate until brittle.
Tips
Break into bite-sized pieces for easy snacking.
Add spices like cinnamon for extra flavor.
Tips for Best Results
Slice fruits and vegetables evenly for consistent drying.
Avoid overloading trays to ensure proper air circulation and even drying.
Rotate trays halfway through the dehydration process.
Arrange food in a single layer on trays.
Store dehydrated foods in air-tight containers to maintain freshness.
Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
Transition to Dehydrating Advice
Now that you’ve explored a variety of delicious Nesco dehydrator recipes, let’s move on to some general advice for dehydrating fruit and other foods. These tips will help you get the most out of your Nesco dehydrator and ensure your snacks turn out perfectly every time.
How Long Does it Take to Dehydrate Fruit in a Nesco Dehydrator?
Apples: Wash, core, and slice evenly. Soak slices in pineapple juice to prevent browning. Set temperature to 135°F. Dry for 6–10 hours until leathery but not crisp.
Apple Fruit Roll: Spread apple puree on a fruit roll sheet. Dehydrate for 4–6 hours.
Strawberries: Dip slices in lemon juice and honey, then dehydrate at 135°F for 6–10 hours.
Pineapple Chips: Thinly slice and dehydrate at 135°F for 6–10 hours or longer.
Tips:
Make sure slices are even and thinly cut.
Avoid overloading trays for even drying.
Store dried fruits in air-tight containers to maintain texture and flavor.
Rehydrate dried fruits with water for use in meals or snacks.
From beef jerky to fruit leather and even kale chips, Nesco dehydrator recipes provide a healthy and innovative way to enjoy your favorite clean-eating snacks. For more gear inspiration, take a look at our Nesco FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator review.
What are the Best Fruits to Dehydrate with a Nesco Dehydrator?
Oh, the joy of biting into perfectly dehydrated fruit! Crisp, sweet, and packed full of concentrated flavor, these healthy snacks are sure to excite your taste buds. But here’s a question you might be asking: What are the best fruits to dehydrate using a Nesco dehydrator? Let’s dive right in!
Apples: Core and thinly slice, dip in lemon juice and cinnamon sugar, and dehydrate at 135°F for about 10 hours for crispy apple chips.
Strawberries: Slice and dehydrate at 135°F for about 10 hours for sweet, tangy snacks.
Pineapple: Slice and dehydrate on parchment-lined trays for concentrated tropical flavor.
Tomatoes: Dehydrate to preserve your garden harvest and add intense flavor to dishes.
Herbs: Dry herbs for seasoning or homemade tea blends.
Trail Mix: Combine dehydrated fruits and nuts for a healthy, portable snack.
Chicken Jerky: Use teriyaki sauce and pineapple juice for a savory, protein-packed treat.
Veggie Stock Powder: Dehydrate and grind vegetables for homemade seasoning.
Sweet Potato Chips and Bacon: Try sweet potato chips or bacon with brown sugar or maple drizzle for unique snacks.
Tips:
Use a vacuum sealer for long-lasting storage.
Dehydrated foods are lightweight and perfect for camping, hiking, or road trips.
Properly dried foods should be leathery, not completely crisp.
Clean trays and base after each use for best maintenance.
Rehydrate dried foods with water for meals or add to stews for enhanced flavor.
All in all, the options are limitless when it comes to Nesco dehydrator recipes for fruits, vegetables, herbs, and more! You’re only constrained by your creativity and the produce currently available in your kitchen or your garden. So, which fruit, veggie, or herb are you going to dehydrate first?
These top 10 Nesco dehydrator recipes are just a small sampling of what you can do with a Nesco food dehydrator. After you test each of these recipes, continue to find new ways to get more use out of this versatile kitchen appliance, and consider reading our Nesco FD-60 Snackmaster Express Food Dehydrator review for another compact model option.
Also, check out our Nesco FD 37 food dehydrator review if you’re looking for the best compact machine to start your dehydrating journey.
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!
