How Long Does It Take to Dry Apples in a Dehydrator?

Dehydrated apples can be eaten as snacks or used as ingredients.

Dehydrators work by circulating warm air around thin slices of food. Circulating air evaporates moisture and dehydrates apple slices, giving them a leather-like texture. The time required to dehydrate apples varies.

Types of Food Dehydrators

The type of dehydrator used determines drying time. Inexpensive food dehydrators are small and could take longer to dry apples than mid-priced models. Mid-priced food dehydrators use higher wattage, which can dry apple slices more quickly. Generally speaking, full-featured dehydrators dry apples the fastest.

Apple Thickness

The main factor affecting drying time is the thickness of the apple slices. If you slice apples paper thin, drying time can take between 10 to 12 hours in an mid-priced food dehydrator. If you slice apples 1/4-inch thick, count on at least 12 to 20 hours drying time. Do not slice apples thicker than one-quarter inch.

Dehydration Temperature

A good rule of thumb to follow when drying apples is to set your dehydrator to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. At 140 degrees, with average air circulation, drying can take approximately 12 to 24 hours. Drying apples in an inexpensive dehydrator can take up to 2 days. Drying apples in full-featured food dehydrators can be done in less than 10 hours.

References

• Pick Your Own: How To Make Your Own Dried Apples
• Store-It Foods: Dehydrator Choices