Air Fryer Strawberries are an easy, nutritious, and delicious way to enjoy all the benefits of fruit. They are healthy and economical to make. It’s a ONE ingredient recipe and has no added sugar or preservatives. I love that air fryer dehydrated strawberries have a long shelf life, and can be easily made at home.
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The first time I made air fryer dehydrated strawberries was a happy accident, inspired by the need to save a carton of strawberries on the verge of overripening. I sliced them, skeptically arranged them in the air fryer, and waited as the sweet aroma filled my kitchen. When they were done, I was amazed at how the simple slices transformed into chewy, candy-like treats bursting with natural sweetness. They became the perfect snack for a hike later that week, each bite feeling like a delicious little reward. Now, dehydrating strawberries has become a go-to ritual, much like Dehydrated Lemons, highlighting their crisp, concentrated flavor and making them a delightful treat for anyone with a sweet tooth!
Why Dehydrate Strawberries?
You might ask, “Why bother with dehydrated strawberries when I can just eat fresh ones?” Well, I absolutely love fresh strawberries, they are great! But they can go bad super fast. Dehydrated strawberries last way longer, so you can enjoy them anytime without worrying about them spoiling. Plus, dehydrating preserves their nutrients, so you’re still getting all the good stuff. They’re easy to toss in your bag, throw into cereal, or eat straight up—no mess, no fuss, just sweet, chewy goodness. You get all the flavor and benefits, but without the pressure of eating them before they turn mushy!
How to Dehydrate Strawberries in an Air Fryer
Ingredients
Fresh, ripe strawberries
Instructions
First, wash the fruit thoroughly. Once you’ve cleaned them, remove the stems, and cut any bruised spots. Slice the strawberries into uniform thickness – about 1/8 inch (3-4mm) is perfect for this recipe. Arrange the slices in a single layer on your air fryer basket. They can touch each other, but ensure they don’t overlap.
Air Fry the Strawberries (Dehydrate)
If your air fryer has a dehydrating function (I used my Ninja XL 6-in-1), set it to 135°F (57°C). If not, select the lowest possible temperature setting (I used my Cuisinart Air Fryer Toasted Oven and I was able to set it to 200°F (93°C) . Dehydrate the strawberries for 2.5 to 3 hours. I advise to check the strawberries periodically, as dehydration times can vary based on the air fryer model and the thickness of the slices.
Note: If your air fryer has a dehydration setting, and you set it to a lower temperature like 135°F (57°C), it may take around 4-5 hours to fully dehydrate the strawberries. The strawberries should be dry, with crispy edges and a slightly chewy texture when they’re done. Keep an eye on them throughout the process to ensure they’re drying evenly, and be patient—dehydrating at a lower temperature ensures a better texture and preserves more of the nutrients!
Keep in mind that the exact cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your strawberries and the power of your air fryer. To avoid overcooking, check your strawberries for crispiness every hour or so. You should toss the slices once or twice during the dehydration process. The key is to ensure that the berries are sufficiently dry, without getting burnt or losing their natural sweet taste. Please scroll down for more to FAQ’s.
How to store
I suggest to let strawberries air out for about an hour or overnight (after dehydrating) to ensure they’re fully dried and any remaining moisture evaporates. This step helps prevent any potential moisture buildup inside the container. Once they’re completely cooled and dried, transfer them to an airtight container (I like to store them in the Mason Glass jar. It is perfect for gifting too) and store in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months. Avoid storing them in the fridge since that can cause moisture build-up and affect their crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
- Snack on them directly: They’re perfect for a quick, healthy snack. Air-fried strawberries have a sweet, chewy bite with all the natural flavor.
- Add to yogurt or smoothies: No need to rehydrate them! Dehydrated strawberries can be added directly to both. Just toss them in, and they’ll soften slightly from the moisture in the yogurt or smoothie, adding a chewy texture and concentrated sweetness without the extra step.
- Top cereals or oatmeal: Sprinkle them on your breakfast cereals or oatmeal for added texture and sweetness.
- Mix into trail mix: Combine with nuts, seeds, and other dried fruits to create a delicious, on-the-go trail mix.
- Bake with them: Add to muffins, pancakes, or cookies for a fruity twist.
- Use as a garnish: They make a lovely garnish for cakes, cupcakes, or desserts, adding a pop of color and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an air fry (air crisp) setting to dehydrate strawberries?
Yes! Set the temperature to the lowest setting (around 200°F) and arrange the strawberry slices in a single layer. It will take about 2 to 3 hours, depending on the thickness of the slices.
How can I tell when my strawberries are fully dehydrated?
The strawberries should be dry, with crispy edges and slightly chewy. They should not feel squishy or moist. If they seem a bit soft, continue dehydrating for another 30 minutes to an hour until they reach the desired texture.
Can I Dehydrate Strawberries in the oven?
Yes, you can dehydrate strawberries in the oven! Preheat your oven to its lowest setting, usually around 170°F (77°C) or 200°F (93°C), or leave the door slightly open if your oven doesn’t go that low. Slice the strawberries evenly into 1/8-inch thick pieces, and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 4 to 6 hours, checking every hour and flipping the slices halfway through to ensure even drying. The strawberries should be done when they’re dry with crispy edges and slightly chewy centers, and there’s no moisture left. Allow them to cool before storing in an airtight container for long-term storage.
Signs for over dehydrated strawberries
Check the texture: Strawberry pieces should be dry to the touch, with crispy edges and slightly chewy centers. Gently bend a piece – if it snaps or feels overly hard, they’re likely over-dehydrated. They should still have a bit of flexibility, not be brittle or crunchy. If the strawberries are brown or too dark in color, they’ve been over-dehydrated and may have lost their natural sweetness. If you taste one, it should have a concentrated strawberry flavor with a chewy, slightly crispy texture—if it’s too dry or loses sweetness, they’ve likely been over-dried.
Is there a Difference between Freeze Dried and Dehydrated Strawberries?
Freeze-dried strawberries and dehydrated strawberries are both dried fruits, but they’re made in totally different ways. Freeze-dried strawberries go through a chemical process where they’re frozen and then put in a vacuum to remove moisture, making them light, crispy, and super crunchy. Dehydrated strawberries in air fryer, on the other hand, are dried with slightly warm air, which makes them chewier and less crispy than freeze-dried ones. While freeze-dried strawberries are crunchier, air-fried strawberries are denser, flavorful, and slightly chewy.
May I recommend other Fruits in the air fryer?
Surprisingly, there are plenty of fruits that can be air-fried. From Air fryer Pineapple, Dehydrated Lemon, and crunchy apple chips to caramelized banana slices, the air fryer can transform your favorite fruits into a guilt-free snack. Sprinkle on some cinnamon or drizzle with honey for Air fryer Apple pie roll-ups or Pineapple Pastry. The possibilities are endless!
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Air Fryer Dehydrated Strawberries
Ingredients
- 1 Pound fresh strawberries choose organic if possible
Instructions
- Prep the strawberries.Wash the berries thoroughly. Once you've cleaned them, remove the stems, and cut any bruised spots. Pat strawberries dry with paper towels.Tip: To wash fresh strawberries, rinse them under cool running water, gently rubbing to remove dirt and debris. Pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towel, and don’t soak them to avoid losing flavor or texture!
- Slice the strawberries into uniform thickness – about 1/8 inch (3mm) is perfect for this recipe. Arrange the slices in a single layer on your air fryer basket. They can touch each other, but ensure they don't overlap.
- Air Fry the Strawberries (Dehydrate)If your air fryer has a dehydrating function, set it to 135°F (57°C). Dehydrate the strawberries for about 3-4 hours, or until they are dry, with crispy edges and slightly chewy. If your air fryer’s lowest setting is 200°F (93°C) and has no dehydrator setting, you can still dehydrate strawberries, but it will be a bit faster than using a dehydrator setting. At 200°F, you'll need to keep a close eye on the strawberries to ensure they don't over-dry or burn. It’s best to check them every 30 minutes and flip them for even drying. The process might take around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on the thickness of the slices and how your air fryer performs.
- How to storeOnce your air fryer strawberries are dried to your liking, I suggest to let strawberries air out at room temperature for about an hour or overnight (after dehydrating) to ensure they’re fully dried and any remaining moisture evaporates. This step prevents any potential moisture buildup inside the container. Once they’re completely cooled and dried, transfer them to an airtight container (I use Mason Glass jar and store for up to six months). Avoid storing them in the fridge since that can cause moisture build-up and affect their crispiness.
Notes
- Slice Evenly: Make sure to slice your strawberries evenly (about 1/8-inch thick) to ensure consistent drying. Thicker slices will take longer, and thinner slices might over-dry.
- Use the Lowest Temperature: If your air fryer has a dehydration setting, use it. If not, set your air fryer to the lowest temperature (usually around 200°F). A lower temperature, like 135°F, is ideal, but the 200°F air fry setting will work too with a little more attention.
- Arrange in a Single Layer: Arrange the strawberry slices in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. This helps air circulate evenly around each slice, promoting uniform drying.
- Check Regularly: Check the strawberries every 30 minutes, especially toward the end, to make sure they’re drying evenly and not overcooking. Flip the slices halfway through for even drying.
- Be Patient: Dehydrating strawberries at a lower temperature takes time—usually about 2 to 3 hours at 200°F or 4 to 5 hours at lower temperatures. Be patient, as rushing the process can lead to uneven or over-dried strawberries.
- Test for Doneness: The strawberries should be dry with crispy edges and slightly chewy centers. If they’re still moist or squishy, keep dehydrating them.
can you use frozen strawberries
Yes! Just thaw it first. Then proceed as per directions.
Can I do more than one layer of parchment paper and fruit at a time in the fryer?
It’s best to stick to a single layer for even drying. Stacking layers, even with parchment paper in between, can block airflow and lead to uneven dehydration. If you need to make more, try doing it in batches for the best results!
Better to do them whole. Six hours on the dehydrate setting. You get a bit more strawberry then!
You can definitely dehydrate them whole! It takes longer, but you get a chewier texture and keep more of the strawberry intact. Slicing them speeds up the process and makes them crispier, so it really comes down to personal preference. Have you tried both ways?
Yes, indeed, I have. But the slices do end up quite small…less than bite-sized…there’s a lot of water in strawberries. The whole ones are a bit more meaty! Yes, it does take a bit longer, but it’s no more power than a light bulb, so a couple of hours more isn’t the end of the world. Try pineapple (really yummy), mango and banana. All sinfully moreish!