📋How to Dehydrate Apples in the Air Fryer

air fryer dehydrated apples spilled out of a jar of more dehydrated apples

5 from 1 vote

📋How to Dehydrate Apples in the Air Fryer

Dehydrating apples is easy in an air fryer, and a great way to preserve the apple flavor and extend the life of your apples. They are easy to store and are great as a snack, a garnish and tasty in many dishes!

Course Snack

Cuisine American, Canadian

Keyword air fryer, apples, dehydrate

Special Diet Gluten-free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Allergen dairy, gluten

Prep Time 15

dehydrating 7

Total Time 7 15

Servings slices

Calories 67kcal

Author Terri Gilson

Equipment

Ingredients

4 apples
cold water
2 tablespoon lemon juice (from concentrate) * if you substitute fresh lemon juice you need to double the amount

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Peel (optional) core and slice apples into 3mm (⅛ inch) pieces.
Pour lemon juice into a bowl of water and add apple slices to rinse. Leave for 3-5 minutes.
Remove slices from lemon water and place on paper towel and pat dry with more paper towel.
Place in air fryer in single layer ( If you have a drawer style air fryer you can do 2 layers if you put some under the grate/grill and the rest on the grate.)
If you have an air fryer basket, place in single layer (you can also cut the circles in half.
Set dehydrator function to 135 degrees F (57 degrees C ) - use match cook if you have a Ninja Foodi.
Dehydrate for 7-8 hours.
If you air fryer does not have a dehydrator function:
Preheat the air fryer to its lowest setting (on some that is 300 degrees F or 148 degrees C)
Follow steps 1-3. Add the apple slices to the air fryer basket without overcrowding. (You may have to air fry in batches ).
Cook time: Air fry for about 15 minutes if your lowest temperature if 300 degrees F (depending on your air fryer and lowest temperature will dictate how long to air fry them), tossing the slices around every 5 minutes. You need to keep a close eye on them. *how long they take will depend on your air fryer, the lowest temperature and the thickness of the apples
You will know when they are done if you can't squeeze any liquid from them, remove them onto a platter and let them cool.
To tell if they are dried properly, cut a dehydrated apple slice in half and squeeze it, there should be no moisture that drips out.

Notes

Storage:

Store these Air Fryer dried apple slices in an airtight container at room temperature, in cool, dark place such as a pantry for up to 6 months (IF they are completely dried). If you're not sure, store them in the fridge.

If you are storing them for a week or two and plan to eat them, they can be stored in a ziploc bag or a sealed jar.

The shelf life of dried fruits increases when stored in the freezer or refrigerator - they can last up to 6 months if properly dehydrated. A vacuum sealer can also extend the life of your dehydrated apples. With proper storage, dehydrated apples can last up to 12 months.

Top tip

How to rehydrate dehydrated apples: Pour boiling water over your dehydrated apple slices in a bowl and allow to sit for 10-15 minutes to soften them up!

If your air fryer does not have a dehydrator function:

- Preheat the air fryer to its lowest setting (on some that is 300 degrees F or 148 degrees C)

- Follow steps 1-3

- Add the apple slices to the air fryer basket without overcrowding. (You may have to air fry in batches ).

- Cook time: Air fry for about 15 minutes if your lowest temperature if 300 degrees F (depending on your air fryer and lowest temperature will dictate how long to air fry them), tossing the slices around every 5 minutes. You need to keep a close eye on them.

- You will know when they are done if you can't squeeze any liquid from them, remove them onto a platter and let them cool

Expert Tips:

- Firm & Crisp Apples Work Best – Opt for apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Cosmic Crisp for the best texture. Avoid mealy apples like Red Delicious, as they tend to dry unevenly.
- Slice Uniformly – Use a mandoline slicer for even, consistent slices (about ⅛ inch thick). Thicker slices will take longer to dehydrate.

- Core Before Slicing – If you plan to use the apples as rings, core them before slicing to maintain the shape.

- Single Layer is Key – Even though some air fryer models allow stacking, placing them in a single layer ensures even drying.

- Check for Dryness – Apples should feel dry to the touch with no moisture inside. To test, break a piece in half—if no moisture beads appear, they’re done.

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