10 Mouthwatering Nesco Dehydrator Recipes to Satisfy Your Taste Buds

If you are a proud owner of a Nesco dehydrator or simply wondering how to use one, this guide is just what you need. Here, we’ll walk you through some of the most inventive and scrumptious Nesco dehydrator recipes that will inspire you to maximize your appliance and explore a whole new world of dehydrated delights. These easy-to-follow Nesco food dehydrator recipes span a vibrant and varied culinary palette – from tantalizing jerky and heartwarming pet treats to healthy fruit leathers and crispy veggie chips. We’ve even got paleo skittles and crunchy granola for the health-conscious folks! Each recipe comes with step-by-step instructions and handy tips, so you’ll find it a breeze to transform your favorite foods into dehydrated masterpieces that your taste buds will love. Ready to embark on a flavorful journey with your Nesco dehydrator? Let’s dive right in!

1. Bloody Mary Jerky

Every list of Nesco dehydrator recipes includes jerky recipes. It is the first food that people often learn to dehydrate. There are also thousands of ways to prepare jerky.

If you want to try something different, follow this Bloody Mary Jerky food dehydrator recipe.

Combine the meat, pepper, table salt, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and Bloody Mary mix in a sealable bag. Shake the ingredients to coat the meat and refrigerate for at least six hours.

When you are ready to prepare the jerky, combine the remaining ingredients in a small bowl. If you use ground beef for this recipe, you will also need a jerky gun.

Load the gun with the meat mixture and release the mixture directly on the food dehydrator trays. Sprinkle the dry mixture to season the strips.

You can now start dehydrating. This should take about seven to ten hours, depending on the thickness of the strips.

2. Beef and Cheese Pet Treats

Did you there are Nesco dehydrator recipes for pet treats? You can make a wide variety of dog snacks and cat treats with your food dehydrator, including these beef and cheese treats. You just need the following ingredients:

Fry the meat with water in a frying pan. When the meat is cooked, add the meat with water and juices to a food processor. You may need to process it in small batches, one cup at a time, to avoid clogging the processor.

Mix the remaining ingredients and the shredded beef. Spoon this mixture directly on to the food dehydrator trays and dehydrate for about five to seven hours.

If your dog loves this treat, make sure that you check out other Nesco dehydrator recipes for pet treats. Nesco has dozens of other options, including pumpkin pet treats and dried catnip.

3. Paleo Skittles

Some of the best Nesco dehydrator recipes are the ones that your entire family can enjoy. With Paleo Skittles, you can make a low-carb snack from a combination of healthy fruits and vegetables.

The Paleo Skittles food dehydrator recipe includes instructions for making seven different flavors. However, they all follow the same instructions. You simply combine the ingredients in a blender and continue to puree until the mixture is smooth.

If you want the Skittles to look nice, you can pipe the mixture onto the dehydrator trays using a pastry bag and a decorative piping tip. If you do not care about the appearance of the dehydrated treats, you can simply spoon the mixture onto the trays.

4. Crunchy Buckwheat Granola

You can also make your own bite-sized granola snacks using a food dehydrator. With the Crunchy Buckwheat Granola recipe, you combine a variety of raw ingredients for a healthy snack that even the kids should love.

The granola bites are also a great alternative to sugar-filled cereals and store-bought granola bars. This recipe is also Paleo-friendly and gluten-free.

5. Quick and Easy Fruit Leather Recipe

Fruit leather recipes are also popular Nesco dehydrator recipes. These snacks are always easy to prepare. You can use almost any fruit that you have in your kitchen and avoid letting the fruit get wasted.

Fruit leather is a healthy alternative to fruit snacks. You also have complete control over how much sugar you add.

6. Spicy Cauliflower Buffalo Popcorn

Food dehydrators allow you to make all types of interesting snacks, such as these spicy cauliflower Buffalo popcorn treats. They are perfect for lunch or as a healthy snack between meals.

The dried cauliflower has a light, crunchy texture while the spices help recreate the taste of Buffalo chicken. If you prefer a chewy texture, avoid cutting the cauliflower florets too small.

7. Zucchini and Lemon Chips

The combination of lemon, zucchini, and dill results in a refreshing batch of zesty zucchini chips. If you have tried other zucchini chips and do not like them, this recipe may help change your opinion.

The creator of this recipe recommends that you use a handheld mandolin slicer for slicing the zucchini. It allows you to get paper-thin slices. The thinner slices help create a crunchier texture.

8. Coconut Yogurt

The Nesco dehydrator becomes more useful as you discover new recipes. The coconut yogurt recipe is another interesting creation that provides a healthy treat that you can enjoy any time of the day.

For this recipe, you are going to need two cups of coconut meat, a teaspoon of probiotics, and some water and lemon juice. It tastes great on its own or served with fresh fruit, such as mango.

9. Dehydrated Kiwi Treats

You can also make your own sweet-and-sour candy with the following dehydrated kiwi treat recipe. This is one of the easiest recipes to follow as you only need one ingredient.

You simply slice the kiwi into chunks and place on the dehydrator tray. After it dries, you can store it in the fridge or the freezer. If you place it in the fridge, it will remain chewy. If you store it in the freezer, you will have hard candy in about 24 hours.

10. Banana Nut Brittle

With a combination of shaved coconut, dates, bananas, and flax meal, you can make incredibly tasty banana nut brittle. This recipe only includes a handful of ingredients and takes just minutes to prepare. You can start making it in the morning and have a fun treat ready for the evening.

How Long Does it Take to Dehydrate Fruit in a Nesco Dehydrator?

How long it takes to dehydrate fruit in a Nesco dehydrator can vary depending on the type of fruit you’re dehydrating and the thickness of your slices. But fear not! We’re here to guide you through this dehydrating journey. 

Apples for instance, when sliced and treated with lemon juice to prevent browning, require setting the temperature to 135 degrees Fahrenheit. They’ll take roughly 6 to 10 hours to dry until they’re crispy and their flavor is concentrated. A fruit roll made from apple puree spread on a fruit roll sheet, however, only takes about 4 to 6 hours. This dehydrated creation is a healthy snack that will delight any taste buds! 

Similarly, making strawberries into a chewy, sweet treat involves using the Nesco food dehydrator. The key ingredient, dehydrated strawberries, should be spread evenly on the dehydrator tray after dipping them in a mixture of lemon juice and a small amount of honey. Setting the Nesco dehydrator to 135 F will perfectly crisp them in about 6-10 hours. 

A tropical twist, pineapple chips, are a true revelation when dehydrated. Cut into thin slices and placed on the dehydrator tray, they require a similar time frame – about 6 to 10 hours or longer at 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Just wait until your kitchen fills with the intoxicating aroma of tropical paradise! 

Remember – no matter what fruit you choose, the key is to make sure the slices are even and thinly cut. After all your delicious fruits are properly dehydrated, store them in an airtight container to extend their shelf-life and maintain their crispy texture and intense fruit flavor. From beef jerky to fruit leather and even kale chips, the Nesco dehydrator recipes provide a healthy and innovative way to enjoy your favorite clean-eating snacks.

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! 

First off, apples are a classic choice. When dehydrated, they transform into wonderful apple chips – a tasty and nutritious snack. Just core and thinly slice your apples, dip them in a mix of lemon juice and cinnamon sugar, then arrange them in a single layer on your dehydrator tray. Set the temperature to 135 degrees Fahrenheit and let it work its magic for about 10 hours to dry. The result? Irresistibly crispy apple chips! 

Strawberries are another fabulous option. These dehydrated strawberries add a pop of sweet tanginess to your morning yogurt or your favorite cereal. Simply slice them up, arrange on your fruit roll sheets, and set your Nesco dehydrator to around 135 degrees. It might take around 10 hours or until dry, but the result will be well worth the wait. 

If you’re looking to deliver a tropical twist to your palate, look no further than pineapple. Their vibrant flavor becomes more concentrated when dehydrated. Don’t forget to prep your fruit roll sheets with a light coating of olive oil. This keeps the slices from sticking and makes removal a breeze with a clean butter knife. 

All in all, the options are limitless when it comes to Nesco dehydrator recipes for fruits! You’re only constrained by your creativity and the fruits currently available in your kitchen or your local market. So, which fruit 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.

Check out more delicious dehydrator recipes here!

Also, check out our FD 37 Nesco Dehydrator review if you’re looking for the best compact machine to start your dehydrating journey.

author avatar
Danny
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!