Dehydrated apples make a great snack. They’re healthy, easy to store, and simple to make at home with a dehydrator. Here’s a quick guide to help you make your own.
What You’ll Need
- Fresh firm apples (any variety. Best options are Fuji, Honeycrisp, Gala, Granny Smith and Pink Lady)
- Knife or apple slicer
- Cutting board
- Lemon juice
- Water
- Large bowl
- Food dehydrator
How to Dehydrate Apples
Step 1: Wash and Peel
Wash your apples under cold water. Dry them with a towel. If you don’t like the texture of apple skin, peel them. If you’re fine with it, skip this. The peel has nutrients and adds a bit of chew. It won’t affect the drying process.
Step 2: Core and Slice
Use an apple corer, or cut around the core. Slice the apples into thin 1/8 to 1/4 inch thic slices. Thinner slices dry faster and more evenly.
Step 3: Soak in Lemon Water (Optional)
To keep apples from browning, soak slices in a mix of 1 part lemon juice to 4 parts water for 5–10 minutes. Pat them dry with a towel.
Step 4: Arrange on Dehydrator Trays
Lay the slices in a single layer on your dehydrator trays. Make sure they’re not overlapping so air can flow around each one.
Step 5: Set the Dehydrator Temperature
Set your dehydrator to 135°F (57°C). This is the standard temperature for drying fruits. If your model doesn’t have adjustable settings, use the fruit setting.
Step 6: Dry the Apples
Let them dry for 6 to 12 hours. Drying time depends on how thick your slices are and how juicy the apples were. Check around the 6-hour mark. They should be dry and leathery to the touch but still a little flexible. If they snap when you bend them, they’re overdone. If they feel sticky or moist, they need more time.
Step 7: Cool and Store
Let the apples cool completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight container or jar in a cool, dry place. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge or freezer.
How to Condition Dried Apples
Once your apples are fully dry, it’s a good idea to “condition” them. This helps spread any remaining moisture so they don’t spoil in storage.
Here’s how:
- Place the dried apples in a glass jar or food-safe container.
- Leave the lid on but don’t seal it tight.
- Shake the jar once a day for 5–7 days.
- If you see condensation, they’re not dry enough. Put them back in the dehydrator.
Final Thoughts
And that’s it—you’ve got your own homemade dehydrated apples! They’re perfect for hiking, lunchboxes, or as a healthy snack at home.
Want to make the process even easier? Try the MisterChef Dehydrator. It’s simple to use and dries evenly. Shop with us today.