I don’t know about you, but I love my air fryer. I use it all the time to make quick, healthy meals. But did you know that your air fryer can also be used as a dehydrator?
That’s right! You can turn your air fryer into a dehydrator and make healthy, homemade snacks like fruit chips or beef jerky with a few simple steps.
Can air fryer be used as dehydrator?
An air fryer can be a dehydrator because it has a dedicated dehydrator mode. For dehydration, a 125-150oF temperature is required, which air fryers can easily reach and maintain. For dehydration, arrange food items in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer, turn on the dehydrator mode and set the temperature to 125-175oF for 2-4 hours.
| Type of Food | Dehydrating temperature | Time |
| Beef | 145 | 2-4.5 |
| Chicken | 150 | 3-5 |
| Fruit | 125-140 | 1-3 |
| Vegetables | 140 | 1-2 |
What is a dehydrator?
A dehydrator is an electrical appliance that removes water from food by circulating hot air. Dehydrators are used to preserve food, make jerky and fruit leathers, and prepare ingredients for reconstituting, such as dried beans and mushrooms.
Air fryers can be dehydrated by circulating hot air around the food at a lower temperature than what is typically used for frying. This will remove moisture from the food without cooking it.
The difference between a dehydrator and an air fryer
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that cooks by circulating hot air around the food. A dehydrator, on the other hand, removes water from food.
While an air fryer can dehydrate food, it is not as effective as a dehydrator. Dehydrators are explicitly designed to remove water from food and can do so more efficiently than an air fryer.
A dehydrator is the best option if you want to dehydrate food. However, if you only have an air fryer, you can still dehydrate food.
How do you dehydrate in an air fryer?
To dehydrate in an air fryer, begin by preheating the appliance to the highest setting. Place the food in the basket and cook for 1-3 hours or until dry. Check on the food periodically to make sure it is not overcooking.
For example, a 6-quart air fryer basket should be lined with a single layer of vegetables if you want to dehydrate vegetables. The basket should be placed in the air fryer. Dehydrate your food at 175 degrees Fahrenheit on the dehydrator setting. For 3 hours, air fry.
Air fryers are an effective way to dehydrate foods because they circulate hot air evenly over the food. This prevents moisture from building up and ensures that the water content of the food is reduced.
Can all air fryers dehydrate fruit?
Yes, all air fryers have the ability to dehydrate fruit. The dehydration removes the water content from the fruit, which can then be stored for a more extended period. The high heat of the air fryer speeds up the dehydration process, making it an ideal appliance for this task.
Dehydrating fruit is a simple process that requires placing sliced fruit in the air fryer basket and cooking at a high temperature for a set amount of time. The cook time will vary depending on the type and thickness of the fruit slices, but generally speaking, it will take anywhere from 1-3 hours to dehydrate fruit in an air fryer.
Once the fruit is dehydrated correctly, it will be shrunken in size and significantly less pliable than when fresh.
The pros and cons of using an air fryer as a dehydrator
| Pros | Cons |
| You can dehydrate multiple items at once in an air fryer. | Air fryers are more expensive than other food dehydrators on the market. |
| Air fryers dehydrate food faster than ovens or dehydrators. | Some models of air fryers don’t have a dehydration setting, so you’ll need to monitor the process carefully to avoid overcooking your food. |
| Dehydrating in an air fryer is more energy-efficient than other methods. | Dehydrating foods in an air fryer produces a fair amount of noise. |
| Air fryers circulate hot air evenly, producing more evenly dehydrated food. | You’ll need to empty the drip tray frequently. |
| You can use your air fryer to dehydrate various foods, including fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish. | Some air fryers can only dehydrate one type of food at a time. |
Is air drying the same as dehydrating?
Dehydration and air drying are two different processes that are often confused. Dehydration is a process that removes water from food, while air drying is a process that extracts moisture from the air.
Dehydration occurs when water is removed from the food. This can be done through various methods, including oven drying, sun drying, and using a dehydrator. Dehydration reduces the weight of the food and concentrates its flavors. It also increases the food’s shelf life by preventing mold and bacteria growth.
Air drying is a process that removes moisture from the air. This is typically done with an electric fan or by hanging clothes in a sunny place. Air drying can also remove water from electronics like computers and TVs. Air-dried foods like fruits and vegetables have a chewy texture and concentrated flavor.
Conclusion
The air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance used for many different purposes. In addition to being an excellent way to cook food, the air fryer can also be used as a dehydrator. Dehydrating food is a great way to preserve it for long-term storage. The air fryer dehydrates food by removing the water content from it. This process can be used to preserve fruits, vegetables, and meat.
