Air Fryer Strawberries Recipe: Dehydrated

Since getting my Airf fryer, I have discovered the best results that transform fresh strawberries into a delicious, Air Fryer Strawberries. which is a healthy snack using your air fryer’s dehydrate setting. Dehydrated strawberries are a great way to enjoy the sweet taste of this beloved fruit with a long shelf life.

Perfect for school lunches, granola bars, or as a standalone snack, this recipe is a good idea for air fryer beginners and seasoned pros alike.

If you do not have a food dehydrator or an instant pot, you can still make dehydrated strawberries in your air fryer by using very low heat. I have tried this method and have had great success. 

Ingredients for Air Fryer Strawberries Recipe

• Fresh strawberries: Go for fresh strawberries for a dehydration process and a delicious snack 
• Lemon juice (optional for added tartness and color preservation) – I love the natural taste so I usually skip adding lemon. 

Equipment:

• Air fryer with dehydrate function with multiple dehydrator racks
• Parchment paper (optional, to ease cleanup)
• Paper towel 

How to make Air Fryer Dehydrated Strawberries

Step 1 – Preparation:

• Wash the strawberries and pat them dry with a paper towel.
• Hull the strawberries and cut them into even thin slices to ensure uniform drying.
• Toss the strawberry slices lightly in lemon juice to preserve their color and add a slight tartness (optional).

Step 2 – Arranging:

• Place strawberry slices in a single layer on the air fryer racks or in the air fryer basket. If your model allows, use dehydrator trays or parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.

Step 3 – Dehydrating:

• Set your air fryer to the lowest temperature or dehydrate setting. The best temperature for dehydrating strawberries is around the lowest setting your appliance allows, typically between 125°F to 135°F (52°C to 57°C).
• Start the dehydrating process. Dehydrated food requires a low temperature and a long time, so expect the process to take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours, depending on the thickness of the slices and the water content of the fruit.

Step 4 – Checking:

• Halfway through the cooking time, check on the strawberries and flip them if necessary to ensure even dehydration. This is also a good time to rotate the air fryer racks for uniform drying.

Step 5 -Storage:

• Once fully dehydrated, let the strawberry slices cool before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness.

PRO Tips for the Perfect Dehydrated Air Fryer Strawberries

• Slice Evenly: Ensure all your strawberry slices are of even thickness. This promotes uniform drying, so all pieces are done at the same time. Use a mandoline slicer for consistent thickness if available.
• Pre-treatment: To preserve the color and enhance the flavor, consider soaking the strawberry slices in a mixture of lemon juice and water for a few minutes before dehydrating. This step helps prevent browning and adds a slight tanginess to the sweet strawberries.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Lay the strawberry slices in a single layer on the air fryer basket or racks, ensuring they do not overlap. Overcrowding can lead to uneven drying and may require a longer dehydration time.
• Low and Slow is the Key: Dehydrating food requires patience. Set your air fryer to its lowest temperature or use the dehydrate setting if available. High temperatures will cook the strawberries rather than dehydrate them, leading to a different texture and taste.
• Regular Checks: Check on your strawberries periodically, especially towards the end of the drying process. Depending on the size and water content of your strawberries, drying times can vary. Flipping them halfway through can also promote even drying.
• Cool Before Storage: Allow the dehydrated strawberries to cool to room temperature before storing them. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which could reintroduce moisture and lead to spoilage.
• Storage: Store your dehydrated strawberries in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. They can last for months if stored properly, but make sure they’re fully dehydrated to extend shelf life.
• Experiment with Flavors: While strawberries are delicious on their own, experimenting with different seasonings (like a sprinkle of cinnamon or chili powder) before dehydrating can add an exciting twist to your snack.
• Hydration Check: To test if the strawberries are fully dehydrated, let a few cool after they seem done. If they feel sticky or moist, they need more time. Fully dehydrated strawberries should be somewhat leathery and dry.
• Enjoy Creatively: Beyond snacking, consider using your dehydrated strawberries in granola, as a yogurt topping, or rehydrated in desserts for a concentrated strawberry flavor.

Air Fryer Strawberries Recipe FAQ’s

• Can I dehydrate different fruits at the same time? Yes, you can dehydrate different fruits together, like apple slices, orange slices, or banana chips. Just remember to cut them into even slices for uniform drying.
• How do I know when the strawberries are fully dehydrated? The strawberries should be leathery and dry to the touch without any visible moisture.
• Can I dehydrate strawberries without a dehydrate button? Yes, if your air fryer doesn’t have a specific dehydrate button, set it to the lowest temperature available and follow the same instructions.
• How long do dehydrated strawberries last? When stored properly in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, dehydrated strawberries can last for several months.
• Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, but thaw them first and pat dry to remove excess moisture. Keep in mind that the dehydration time might be slightly longer.

For more tips about easy dehydrating fruit, look at this blog post, which includes dehydrated apples, dehydrated pineapples and even glazed pineaples.

This simple and easy-to-follow air fryer dehydrated strawberries recipe is a perfect starting point for those looking to make fruit snacks at home. Whether you’re making a small batch for immediate consumption or larger quantities for future snacking, the air fryer offers a convenient and efficient way to enjoy dehydrated fruits.