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 only has ONE ingredient and contains no added sugar or preservatives. I love that...

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 only has ONE ingredient and contains no added sugar or preservatives. I love that air fryer dehydrated strawberries have a long shelf life, and can be easily made at home.

Air fryers are becoming increasingly popular in the kitchen today. These small yet powerful appliances are helping to make our favorite foods crispy on the outside while retaining tenderness on the inside.

But have you ever considered using your air-fryer with dehydrate function for fruit? Just like Dehydrated Lemon, Strawberries, in particular, are delicious when dehydrated - bringing out their natural sweetness, and making them an excellent crispy snack for anyone with a sweet tooth! I feel you may be asking this next question.

Why would I want to eat dehydrated strawberries, when I can eat fresh ones?

While fresh strawberries certainly have their appeal, dehydrated strawberries have more natural sugar and higher nutrient density than their fresh counterparts, as the drying process concentrates the nutrients in the fruit. When strawberries are dehydrated, the moisture is removed. This results in a concentrated burst of flavor and nutrients that make for a satisfying snack.

Dried strawberries can also be used as a versatile ingredient in many recipes, from oatmeal to yogurt to baked goods. I love that they have a longer shelf life than fresh strawberries, so you can enjoy them anytime, anywhere, without worrying about them going bad.

Air Fryer Dehydrating Technique

Prep the Strawberries

To make air fryer dehydrated strawberries, first, wash the fruit thoroughly. Once you've cleaned them, remove the stems, and cut any bruised spots. Next, slice the strawberries into uniform thickness - about ? inch 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)

Set your air fryer to a temperature of 135°F (57°C). Cook the strawberries for about 5-6 hours, or until they are dry, with crispy edges and slightly chewy. See notes below on how to dry strawberries in a shorter time.

Keep in mind that the exact cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the 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.

How to store

Once your air fryer strawberries are ready, place the strawberry slices in 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 six months. Avoid storing them in the fridge since that can cause moisture build-up and affect their crispiness.

Ideas for Serving

Enjoy your air fryer strawberries as a snack, or add them to your oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothies for an added crunch.  Chop them up and add them to your pancake or waffle batter for added texture. Blend dried strawberries in a smoothie to get a fruit-packed drink. You can also use them as a topping for ice cream.  Feel free to experiment with different spices and seasonings, such as cinnamon or cardamom, to give your strawberries a unique flavor twist. Dip them in chocolate and serve them for an easy yet remarkable dessert.

The Nutritional Benefits of Air Fryer Dehydrated Strawberries

Unlike traditional dried fruits, dehydrated strawberries contain no added sugar or preservatives, making them a healthy snack option. Strawberries are also an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, all of which are essential for good health. Eating strawberries has been linked to several health benefits, including improved heart health, better digestion, and a stronger immune system.

Dehydrate strawberries in 2 hours

I have experimented with different times and temperatures while playing with my strawberries. If you set your air fryer to a slightly higher temperature (dehydrate mode), 180°F - 200°F, the cooking time is around 2 hours until they are dry, crispy, and chewy. Be sure to check on strawberries after 1 hour and flip each slice for the best result.

Can I use an air fry (air crisp) setting to dehydrate strawberries?

While it is possible, it depends on the power and speed of the air fryer's fan. If the fan is too strong, it may lift the lighter, dehydrated strawberries and create a mess in your air fryer. Rather than risk flying strawberries, using a dehydrate setting or drying them in the oven may be a better option.

I'll be honest, I haven’t used my oven for a while, but I did use my Cuisinart Air fryer oven and I used the “Bake” setting to dry the strawberries. The lowest temperature is a “warm” setting, which is 200°F. Arrange the slices on a parchment-lined pan, ensuring they do not overlap. Place the pan in the oven and allow your strawberries to dry for 2 hours until they are completely dried out, crisp, and chewy. After one hour, flip each piece to ensure even drying.

May I recommend other Fruit 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!

The post Air Fryer Dehydrated Strawberries: A Healthy and Delicious Snack appeared first on Daily Yum.

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