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From Frying to Drying: How to Use your Air Fryer as a Dehydrator
Do you love your air fryer? Does it give you the crispy goodness you crave without the added fat? Well, hold on to your hats because your air fryer is about to become your new best friend. Not only can it fry up your favorite treats, but it can also help you dry out your favorite snacks. Yes, you heard that right- your air fryer is also a dehydrator. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of kitchen appliances. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about using your air fryer as a dehydrator.
Can I Dehydrate Items in My Air Fryer?
Yes, yes, and yes again! Your trusty air fryer can indeed be used as a dehydrator. Think of it this way, the air fryer functions like a mini oven. When you dehydrate items in your air fryer, the hot air circulates around the food, removing the moisture and drying it out. This function may not be intuitive or readily apparent, but trust us- it works! So, if you’re a fan of the air fryer, rejoice because you can expand your cooking repertoire to include dehydrating.
What Items are Best to Dehydrate in my Air Fryer?
Air fryers can be used to dry out quite a range of food items. Some examples include fruits like apples and bananas which result in delicious and healthy dried fruit snacks. Veggies like kale and eggplant also fair well in the air fryer. If you’re looking for a funky snack, try dehydrating chickpeas in the air fryer or making some air fryer beef jerky. The options are endless.
How Long Does it Take to Dehydrate Items in My Air Fryer?
The length of time it takes to dehydrate items in your air fryer depends on the type of food you’re drying and the quantity. Dehydrating fruits typically take around 6 hours, while veggies take between 8-10 hours. The key is to slice your food as evenly as possible so that it dries out uniformly. Some air fryers come with a dehydration setting so that you can set the time and temperature accordingly. However, if your air fryer doesn’t have a dehydration setting, you can adjust the timer and temperature manually.
Steps for Doing it:
Here is a step-by-step guide to using your air fryer as a dehydrator:
Preheat your air fryer to the lowest temperature setting.
Prepare your food for dehydration. Slice and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Place the basket back into the air fryer. Make sure that there is enough space between each item so that the hot air can circulate.
Set the timer for the required number of hours.
After the set time, check your food. If it’s not completely dried yet, return it to the air fryer, and continue drying it out.
Once finished, store your dehydrated items in airtight containers or bags.
Who knew that your trusty air fryer can do much more than fry? It’s a dehydrator too! With its compact size and ability to dry out a range of foods, the options are endless. Whether you’re into dried fruits or savory snacks, the air fryer can help you achieve your desired crunchy texture. So, the next time you’re looking to make flavorful and healthy snacks, reach for your air fryer. We promise it won’t disappoint!
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