How to Dry Apples

If you have been looking for a way to preserve fresh fruit and turn it into an easy snack, here is how dry apples at home. Dried apples can also be enjoyed by themselves, in granola and oatmeal, trail mix, or rehydrated to use in recipes such as apple pie filling and sauces. You can adjust them to be chewy or you can keep them drying until they are crispy crunchy.

The procedure is simple — clean the apples, choose if you will peel and core them, slice them consistently, pretreat to prevent oxidation (browning), and dehydrate with either a dehydrator or by using your oven or air dry.

Usually the most straightforward method is a food dehydrator as it gives controlled heat and continuous air flow. One great solution is to invest in a good dehydrator if you plan on preserving fruit often.

Dehydrating Apples

Select ripe firm apples like Honeycrisp Gala Fuji Red Delicious Granny Smith Wash them, core if desired, and slice them evenly into equal pieces of about ¼ inch. Distribute the slices across a flat surface, making sure none overlap with another.

Minimize browning by soaking the slices in lemon or ascorbic acid solution prior to drying. Dehydrate until the apples are leathery and chewy or crisp, depending on how you like it.

Best Dehydrators for Drying Apples

If you want consistent results, a food dehydrator is a worthwhile kitchen appliance for preserving apples and other fruits. The following five options are suitable for different home-drying needs.

1. COSORI Apple Dehydrator

Five BPA-free trays that expand to seven Adjustable temperatures from 95°F(35°C)–165°F(74°C) 1 Degree temperature control and a 48 hour timer on the COSORI Apple Dehydrator enable you to easily customize the drying process of apples.

There are adjustable tray heights, so this one will work for thin apple chips or thick slabs. It runs under noise level at 47 dB, so it is quiet enough to easily dry apples overnight.

Pros

• Adjustable temperature from 95°F to 165°F
• Precise 1-degree temperature control
• Five trays, expandable to seven
• Adjustable tray heights
• 48-hour timer
• Quiet operation below 47 dB
• BPA-free trays

Cons

• Limited capacity compared with larger dehydrators
• May require more time for larger batches
• Additional trays may need to be purchased separately
• Compact design may not be ideal for heavy-duty use

2. NESCO FD-80A Square Apple Dehydrator

The NESCO FD-80A Square Apple Dehydrator has four stackable trays that can be expanded up to eight, allowing you to dry larger quantities of apple slices. The square trays lets you easily get a single layer of apples set up.

The top-mounted fan aid with air circulation and the adjustable thermostat for improved temperature control. You can also use it for vegetables, herbs, snacks and jerky so this is a versatile pick for home food dehydrator.

Pros

• Expandable from 4 to 8 trays
• Square trays provide good drying space
• Top-mounted fan promotes even airflow
• Adjustable thermostat
• Suitable for apples and other foods
• Easy to expand for larger batches

Cons

• Larger setup takes up more counter space
• Stackable trays may require more storage space
• Manual temperature adjustment may be less precise than digital controls
• Not ideal for very small kitchens

3. Small Apple Dehydrator for Fruit

This Small Apple Dehydrator for Fruit is perfect for anyone with a small kitchen, an apartment, or even in dorms and RV’s. It consists of five BPA-free adjustable trays, a 250W heating element, temperature settings between 95°F to 158°F with maximum drying time of up to 72 hours. Dial controls are easy to operate and trays are dishwasher-safe.

Pros

Includes recipe cookbook and manual

Compact and space-saving design

Five BPA-free transparent trays

Adjustable tray heights

95°F–158°F temperature range

72-hour operation

250W energy-efficient heating

Simple knob controls

Dishwasher-safe trays

Cons

• Limited capacity for large batches
• Manual controls offer less precision
• Lower power than larger dehydrators
• May take longer to dry thick apple slices

4. FOHERE Apple Dehydrator

FOHERE Apple Dehydrator / 5 BPA-free stackable trays, 400W heating system for reliable and even drying. Digital controls provide a temperature range of 95°F to 158°F and up to 48 hours of timer settings, so it can handle any thickness you want your apple slice to be.

Pros

• Five BPA-free stackable trays
• 400W heating system
• Adjustable temperature from 95°F to 158°F
• 48-hour timer
• Adjustable tray heights
• Quiet operation
• Dishwasher-safe trays and lid
• Compact design for easy storage

Cons

• Smaller capacity than larger dehydrators
• Digital controls may take some time to learn
• 48-hour timer may be limiting for some foods
• Plastic trays may require careful handling

5. Reemix 5-Tier Compact Apple Dehydrator

With its five BPA-free trays, the Reemix 5-Tier Compact Apple Dehydrator is a more space-conscious choice while still having a solid stainless-steel base. As such, its touch-control LCD provides possible temperatures from 95°F to 167°F and timer from 1 hour (minimum) to 48 hours (max), make it practical for drying apple slices.

Pros

• Five BPA-free trays
• Stainless-steel base
• Touch-control LCD display
• Adjustable temperature from 95°F to 167°F
• 48-hour timer
• Circular airflow for even drying
• Compact space-saving design
• Removable trays for easy cleaning

Cons

• Smaller capacity than larger dehydrators
• Touch controls may be less convenient with wet hands
• Limited to five trays
• May take longer to dry large batches of apples

Also read: How to Dry Pineapple (Fresh or Frozen)

Options and Decisions to Make

There are several choices to make before you begin drying apples. Your decisions about peeling, coring, slicing, and pretreatment can affect the final texture and appearance.

Peeling Apples for Drying: Required or Not?

Peeling apples before drying is completely optional. Apple skin contains fiber and contributes color and texture, especially when using red-skinned apples.

However, the peel can become somewhat tough or chewy after dehydration. If you prefer soft and tender dried apples, peeling them may produce a better texture.

If you are short on time, leaving the peel on is perfectly acceptable. Try both methods to determine which texture you prefer.

Leaving the Cores In vs. Removing the Cores

• You can leave the cores in your apple slices, but removing them is usually more convenient for snacking.

• Cored apples can also be sliced into attractive rings. If you plan to make dried apple rings, remove the center before slicing.

• An apple corer can make this process faster, while a peeler-corer-slicer can peel, core, and slice an apple in one operation.

Slicing Apples for Drying

Slice apples approximately ¼ inch thick for relatively consistent drying. A sharp kitchen knife works well, but an apple slicer can save time when preparing a large quantity.

The key is consistency. Very thick slices take longer to dry, while extremely thin slices can become crispy much faster.

Place the prepared slices in one layer on the dehydrator trays. Do not overlap them because overlapping can restrict airflow and cause uneven drying.

Pre-Treating Apples Before Dehydrating

Freshly cut apples naturally begin to brown when exposed to air. Pretreatment can help maintain a more attractive appearance.

One simple option is lemon water. Mix approximately 2 tablespoons of lemon juice with 1 quart of water and soak the apple slices for about five minutes.

You can also use:

• Sugar water
• Salt water
• Ascorbic acid or Fruit Fresh
• Brief blanching

After soaking, drain the slices well before drying. If you enjoy cinnamon apples, lightly sprinkle the slices with cinnamon or apple-pie spices before placing them in the dehydrator.

How to Dry Apples in a Dehydrator

Arrange the pretreated apple slices in a single layer on the dehydrator trays. Set the machine according to its instructions; a temperature around 135°F is commonly used for apple slices.

Drying can take approximately 6–10 hours, although the exact time depends on the thickness of the slices, apple variety, moisture content, dehydrator, and desired texture.

Check the apples toward the end of the drying cycle. They should be leathery and pliable for a chewy texture. If you want crispy apple chips, continue drying until the slices become firm and brittle.

Allow the finished apples to cool before judging their final texture.

How to Dry Apples Without a Dehydrator

You can also make dried apples using an oven. Arrange prepared apple slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and use the lowest suitable oven temperature, preferably around 150°F or lower.

Drying may take approximately four to ten hours. Turn or check the apples periodically so they dry evenly.

Air drying is another traditional option. Place the slices on a clean rack or tray in a warm, dry, well-ventilated environment. You can also string apple rings and hang them in a protected area.

Air drying generally takes much longer than using a dehydrator and depends heavily on environmental conditions.

How to Tell When Dehydrated Apples Are Done

The correct texture depends on your preference. Chewy dried apples should be leathery and pliable without visible moisture.

For crunchy apple chips, continue drying until they become firm and brittle.

If you are unsure, allow a few pieces to cool completely before testing them. Warm fruit can feel softer than it will once cooled.

Conditioning Dried Apples

Conditioning is a useful step before long-term storage. Place completely cooled dried apples into a clean, airtight glass container.

Check the container regularly for several days. Shake the container occasionally and look for condensation.

If moisture appears inside the container, return the apples to the dehydrator for additional drying. Moisture left inside dried fruit can reduce storage quality.

Storing Dried Apples

After the apples are completely dry and cooled, store them in airtight packaging in a cool, dark, dry place.

You can use:

• Airtight glass jars
• Food-safe plastic containers
• Vacuum-sealed bags
• Mylar bags

Label the container with the drying date so you can easily keep track of your stored fruit.

For longer storage, protect dried apples from moisture, heat, oxygen, and direct sunlight. Properly dried and packaged apples can remain useful for many months, although storage life depends on how thoroughly they were dried and packaged.

How to Make Dried Apple Rings

To make apple rings, wash the apples and peel them if desired. Remove the cores and slice the apples horizontally into round pieces.

Pretreat the slices to reduce browning, then place them on dehydrator trays without overlapping. Dry them until they reach your preferred chewy or crispy texture.

Apple rings can be eaten as snacks, added to cereal, or used as natural decorations.

Is Dried Apple Healthy?

Dried apples can be part of a balanced diet and provide fiber and naturally occurring nutrients. However, dehydration removes water and concentrates the fruit, so a small serving contains more fruit than it may appear to.

Choose unsweetened dried apples when possible and pay attention to portion sizes, particularly if you are monitoring sugar or carbohydrate intake.

How Can I Make Dried Apples at Home?

To make dried apples at home, wash and prepare fresh apples, peel and core them if desired, and cut them into evenly sized slices.

Pretreat the slices to reduce browning, arrange them without overlapping, and dry them in a food dehydrator at around 135°F until leathery or crisp.

If you do not have a dehydrator, use an oven at its lowest suitable temperature or try air drying in appropriate conditions.

Should I Peel My Apples Before I Dehydrate Them?

No, peeling is not required. Leaving the peel on saves preparation time and provides additional texture and fiber.

Peeling can produce softer dried apple slices, so the best choice depends on your preferred texture.

How to Make Dried Apples Without a Dehydrator?

The easiest alternative is oven drying. Arrange thin apple slices on a baking sheet and dry them at a low temperature, preferably around 150°F or lower.

You can also air-dry apples using a clean rack or tray in a warm, dry, well-ventilated environment. Air drying takes considerably longer and depends on the weather and humidity.

Which Dry Fruit Is Very Beneficial?

Different dried fruits provide different nutrients, so there is no single option that is best for everyone. Dried apples, apricots, prunes, raisins, and dates can all be included in a balanced diet.

Choose varieties without unnecessary added sugar and keep portions moderate because dried fruit is more concentrated than fresh fruit.

Can Diabetics Eat Dried Apples?

People with diabetes may be able to eat dried apples, but portion size matters because dehydration concentrates the fruit’s carbohydrates and natural sugars.

Unsweetened dried apples are preferable to products with added sugar. People with diabetes should consider dried fruit within their individual meal plan and follow advice from their healthcare professional.

Conclusion

How to Dry Apples Gives You a Convenient Way to Preserve Fresh Fruit at Home! Provided you slice evenly, pretreat appropriately, dry as per instructions and store properly — you can then create chewy or crisp apple snacks (to your taste).

A dehydrator is the easiest and most controlled method, while using the oven or air drying may only work if you do not have a dehydrator. From putting up a bushels worth of food to just making snacks for the family, homemade dried apples take very little time and can be really easy home food preservation project.