Dehydrated Apple Slices
Inside: Learn how to make delicious dehydrated apple slices at home with our step-by-step guide. Perfect for healthy snacks and long-term storage.
Once we got the dehydrator out we have become dehydrating machines, dehydrating everything we have in the house that we think would be good. Including apple slices. We all enjoy apples but we're also enjoying dehydrated apple slices.
This is really easy! And delicious.
What You Need:
- lots of apples
- a large bowl with water – optional
- lemon juice – optional
How to make Dehydrated Apple Slices
To prevent any browning of your apple slices fill up a large bowl about halfway and add a splash of lemon juice. This is completely optional of course, my kids can't tell the difference between apple slices I have done this with and the ones I haven't.
Also completely optional is peeling your apples. The skin will be a little tougher but it also adds a pop of flavor.
As you core and slice your apples put the slices into the bowl of lemon water. Again, this is optional to prevent any browning. Alternatively you could place them directly onto your dehydrator trays.
Set your dehydrator to 135ºF and dehydrate them for about 12 hours, depending on how thick you cut your apple slices. The humidity in your home also affects how long it takes.
How to tell when Apple Slices are Dehydrated:
When your apple slices are rubbery they are done. That's the easiest way to tell. An apple will bend in half, but not snap. You can tear the pieces and see where they tear apart easily.
You can “over” dehydrate them to where they are dried out and snap when you try to bend them. Personally, I really enjoy them like this, they are super sweet and crispy.
Season Your Dehydrated Apple Slice
Here are some alternate seasoning options for dehydrated apple slices:
- Cinnamon: Spinkle a little cinnamon over your apple slices for a nice little treat.
- Nutmeg: Sprinkle a small amount of nutmeg for a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Ginger: Add a dash of ground ginger for a bit of spicy kick.
- Pumpkin Spice: Use pumpkin spice seasoning for a fall-inspired treat.
- Cayenne Pepper: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper can add an unexpected twist.
- Brown Sugar: Sprinkle a light coating of brown sugar for added sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
- Lemon Zest: Add freshly grated lemon zest for a bright, citrusy note.
- Vanilla Extract: Lightly brush the apple slices with a mixture of water and vanilla extract for a sweet, fragrant flavor.
- Maple Syrup: Drizzle a small amount of maple syrup for a rich, sweet finish.
We use mason jars for storage. They are easy to stack in the cupboard. They are usable, reduce waste, and readily available both in our cupboard and at local stores.
On my own want to buy list is a mason jar vaccum sealer. I want it for everything I dehydrate and store dried such as kidney beans. Apple slices don't last long enough for me to vaccum seal around here, but if I were to get enough to put them aside (where my kids can't see them maybe) I would definitely want it!
Frequently Asked Questions About Dehydrating Apple Slices
What is the best type of apple for dehydrating? Different apple varieties yield different results when dehydrated. Firm and crisp apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji are often preferred because they retain their texture and flavor well during the dehydration process.
How thin should I slice the apples for dehydrating? It's best to slice apples into uniformly thin pieces, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Uniform slices ensure even drying, which helps prevent some pieces from being over- or under-dried.
