How To Make Dehydrated Strawberries At Home

Three rows of bright red dehydrated strawberries are on a white plate being held by a white plate.

How To Make Dehydrated Strawberries At Home

Learn how to make Dehydrated Strawberries in the oven, dehydrator or air fryer. An easy, delicious, and healthy way to enjoy strawberries all year long.

Course: Snack

Cuisine: Australian

Keyword: Preserved Food

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 6

Servings: people

Calories: 37kcal

Author: Gabby Campbell

Equipment

▢
1 Dehydrator, oven, or air fryer

Ingredients

▢ 2.2 pounds fresh strawberries (or as much as you like) (1kg)
▢ 1 tbsp raw sugar (optional)
▢ 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

Wash and dry strawberries well then cut the green leafy top off.
Slice strawberries into thin slices by first cutting each in half lengthways, then cutting each half in half or into thirds again depending on the size of the berry. You're looking for slices that are roughly ½ cm/little less than ¼ inch thick.
Optional, but if desired, place the slices in a large bowl and sprinkle with 1 or 2 teaspoons of sugar and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Toss very gently to combine.
If using a dehydrator: Place the sliced berries in a single layer on mesh dehydrator trays with space between each. Dehydrate on 135ºF or 57ºC for 10-12 hours.
If using an air fryer: Line air fryer trays with parchment paper. Place the strawberries in a single layer on each tray with space between them to allow for air flow. Press the dehydrate button and lower the temperature to 140ºF or 60ºC then dehydrate for 2-3 hours (see note 4 below).
If using the oven: Preheat to the lowest temperature (around 160°F or 70°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper and arrange the strawberries in a single layer with space between them. Dry out for 3-4 hours.
The strawberries are done when they are pliable, no longer sticky and are a little chewy or they snap in half. They should not feel damp or spongy at all. If they do, leave them in the dehydrator for an extra hour or half an hour in the air fryer and oven and check again.
Once the strawberries are completely dry allow them to cool then transfer them to an airtight container. If stored in a cool, dry, dark place they can be kept for several months.

Video

Notes

Top tip for all methods: It's often easier to separate the strawberry edge slices from the middle pieces and have these on their own tray. The edges are fleshier and can take longer to dry through completely. If they're not done when all the other slices are ready that tray can just be left for another hour or as needed.

Note 1: The best strawberries to use are those that are ripe, sweet, and full of flavour. Dried strawberries will only taste as good as they did when fresh.

Note 2: For best results ensure all excess moisture is removed from the strawberries before you cut them. I also just pat the slices gently with a paper towel before they go into the dehydrator.

Note 3: Use the mesh trays to do this in the dehydrator - the silicone sheets are better for things like fruit leather.

Note 4: Air fryers often default to 160°F/70°C for dehydrating, but I've found this too high for strawberries using this method because of the very dry heat.

In the air fryer - any fruit on the top shelves generally dries much faster than those on the bottom. For this reason I suggest rotating the trays every hour to ensure they dry evenly. If you don't have enough strawberries to completely fill your air fryer, use the bottome shelves for drying. I also suggest placing an empty tray on the shelf above to stop them flying around as they get lighter from loss of moisture.

Nutrition