🥬 Dehydrated vegetables in the Air Fryer: a quick & easy method – Neary
Why dehydrate your vegetables in an air fryer? 🌿
An air fryer isn't just for crispy fries! It also dehydrates vegetables quickly and evenly. You save precious time ⏰, conserve energy compared to a traditional oven, and retain maximum nutrients. Dehydrating at home also means saying goodbye to preservatives and enjoying crunchy vegetables as an appetizer, a healthy snack, or to enhance your meals. 🥒🥕
Don't hesitate to consult our air fryer guide to learn everything about this multi-functional appliance!
Which vegetables are best for dehydration? 🥕🍠
Most vegetables are suitable for dehydration in an air fryer. Preferred:
- Carrots, beets, courgettes and sweet potatoes for colorful homemade chips 🟠🟣
- Tomatoes, peppers, mushrooms to enhance salads and cooked dishes 🍅🍄
- Kale or spinach for crispy green snacks 🥬
Avoid overly watery vegetables (cucumber, lettuce) which may not dry properly.
For even more ideas, check out our air fryer recipe blog !
How to prepare and cut vegetables? 🔪
- Wash and dry the vegetables thoroughly to avoid residual moisture.
- Peel if necessary, then cut into thin and even slices (2 to 4 mm) for even drying.
- Avoid pieces that are too thick, otherwise they will remain soft in the center.
- For some varieties (tomato, mushroom), press a little to remove excess water 💧.
A good knife or a mandoline will make all the difference for a perfect cut! 😉
Steps to dehydrate vegetables in an air fryer 🚀
- Preheat your air fryer to the lowest possible temperature (usually 60°C or dehydration mode).
- Arrange the vegetable slices in a single layer in the basket (do not overload 🍃).
- If you like, add a pinch of spice or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.
- Start the air fryer for approximately 30 to 50 minutes depending on the thickness and water content of the vegetable. Monitor the cooking and turn it over halfway through.
- Check the texture: they should be completely dry and brittle. If necessary, extend the dehydration process in 10-minute increments.
- Allow to cool in the open air before storing.
Find a detailed method here to add variety to your meals!
How to store and use your dehydrated vegetables? 🫙🥗
Allow your dehydrated vegetables to cool completely before placing them in an airtight jar, away from light and moisture. They will keep for several weeks without any problem! Use them:
- As appetizer chips for a healthy snack 🥳
- Add a crunchy touch to soups, risottos, and salads.
- Rehydrated in hot water to regain their softness
- Powdered to season your homemade dishes
Tip: Prepare small pouches to take everywhere; they're ideal for a healthy snack! 💼
Mistakes to avoid when dehydrating in an air fryer 🚫
- Layer the vegetables: air needs to circulate well to dry evenly 🌬️
- Using too high a temperature: this cooks the vegetables instead of drying them out
- Do not monitor the cooking time: every air fryer is different, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Forgetting to cool before storing: residual moisture can soften your chips
For more tips, explore our Air Fryer guides and Air Fryer recipes !
Quick FAQ about dehydrating vegetables in an air fryer 💡
- Should you blanch the vegetables beforehand? It's not mandatory for the air fryer, but for some vegetables (green beans, carrots), a very quick blanching preserves the colour better 🟢.
- Can you mix several vegetables? Yes, but make sure they have the same thickness and a similar drying time.
- Which vegetables dehydrate best? Carrots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, mushrooms and kale are excellent!
- Does air fryer dehydration preserve vitamins? Yes, especially if you use a gentle temperature and avoid overcooking!
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