How To Make Dried Strawberries In An Air Fryer

Air fryer strawberries are a delicious healthy snack and a great topping for cereal, oatmeal, ice cream, and more.

They have a delightful sweetness and a subtle chewiness and are irresistible.

This simple recipe teaches how to make dried strawberries in an air fryer. 

• Ingredients
• Step-by-Step Instructions 
• Suggested Uses
• FAQ’s
• Full Recipe Card (printable)

It’s the perfect way to enjoy the best strawberries during strawberry season.

The key is to cut them into thin slices and air fry until they achieve a leathery texture. 

Regarding the cooking method, there is no need for a classic food dehydrator with dehydrator trays.

You can use an air fryer.

Ingredients

Strawberries: You’ll require just a single ingredient for creating air-fried strawberries, and that’s none other than fresh strawberries!

Choose strawberries that have a bright red color all over.

Strawberries are typically at their peak during late spring and early summer, but they are available year-round in many regions.

Buying strawberries during the growing season increases your chances of getting the freshest, tastiest strawberries.

Why You Will Love This Air Fryer Dried Strawberries Recipe

Quick and Easy: You will love the simplicity and speed of this recipe.

With an air fryer, you can achieve the perfect texture and flavor of dried strawberries in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods like oven drying or a food dehydrator.

Healthy Snacking: Air-frying strawberries require no added oil or sugar, making them a healthier alternative to store-bought dried fruits that may contain added sugars and preservatives.

Plus, it’s vegan-friendly, making it my favorite decoration for this waffle recipe without milk. I make it for my vegan friends when they come for breakfast.

Versatile Treats: Air-fried strawberries can be used in various ways, from topping cereals and yogurt to incorporating them into baked goods like muffins and chipless cookies.

How to Make Dried Strawberries in an Air Fryer

Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide with photos to show you how to make dried strawberries in an air fryer.

Step 1

Preheat your air fryer. Set it to the lowest temperature available for about 5 minutes.

The lowest setting on some air fryers might be 170 degrees F, like my air fryer, while others may start at 200 degrees F.

Step 2

Prepare the strawberries by washing them thoroughly, removing the stems with a sharp knife or strawberry huller, and slicing them into thin pieces, approximately 1/8 of an inch thick.

For best results, try cutting them into uniform slices because it will make the dehydration process faster.

Then, pat them dry and remove any excess moisture using a paper towel.

Step 3

Arrange the strawberry slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket and cook at the preheated temperature of 170-200 degrees F.

Let them cook for an hour, remembering to flip them over after 30 minutes and then checking every 10-15 minutes to ensure they do not burn.

If you notice that some slices are done, remove them so they do not burn, and continue dehydrating the rest until they are finished cooking.

Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may have to dehydrate in multiple batches. 

Cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer, so check to ensure the thinner slices do not burn.

Once the strawberries in the air fryer achieve a leather-like texture, they are done.

Suggested Uses

Dried strawberries can be used in various ways:

Healthy Snacking: Enjoy dried strawberries as a nutritious and satisfying snack.

They’re perfect for curbing your sweet tooth while providing vitamins and fiber.

Breakfast Topping: Whether you prefer French toast, pancakes, a warm bowl of oatmeal, cereal or yogurt, these delicious dried strawberries will take your morning meal to the next level.

I always use them when I make my delicious air fryer French toast or this crunchy homemade granola.

Baking: Incorporate dried strawberries into your baking recipes.

They can be added to muffins, scones, shortbread cookies, or even bread for a fruity twist.

Add them to this lemon bread. Trust me, they are a perfect match!

Trail Mix: Create your own custom trail mix by combining dried strawberries with nuts, seeds, and other dried fruits.

It’s a portable and energy-boosting snack.

Smoothies: Blend dried strawberries or strawberry powder into your smoothies for a delightful fruity flavor and a dose of antioxidants.

Salads: Add dried strawberries to your green and fruit salads.

They provide a sweet contrast to savory ingredients.

Tea and Infusions: Use dried strawberries to infuse flavor into your tea or make fruity herbal infusions.

Strawberry Powder: Crush dried strawberries into a fine powder to create strawberry powder.

This can be used as a natural sweetener for drinks and desserts or as a flavor enhancer in various recipes.

Ice Cream and Sorbet: Sprinkle dried strawberries or incorporate strawberry powder into homemade ice cream or sorbet for a burst of fruitiness.

Mocktails: Garnish mocktails with dried strawberry slices or use strawberry powder to rim glass edges for added flavor and aesthetics.

Dips and Sauces: Create unique fruit-based dips and sauces with dried strawberries for a twist on classic condiments.

DIY Projects

Gifts: Package dried strawberries or powder in decorative containers for homemade gifts or party favors.

Face Masks: Mix the strawberry powder with yogurt to create natural face masks known for their skin-brightening properties.

Hair masks: Mix with olive oil to make a mask. Strawberries’ moisturizing and nourishing properties can help nourish dry, damaged hair.

Dried strawberries and strawberry powder can enhance your culinary creations and self-care routines with their sweet, fruity flavor and versatility.

Storing Suggestions

The best way to store air fryer strawberry chips is in an airtight container for up to 1 year in a cool dark place at about 60 degrees F.

I store mine in a mason jar.

If you store them at room temperature, the shelf life is about half and will last about 6 months. 

FAQ’s

Can you put strawberries in an air fryer?

Yes! It’s a great way to cook sliced strawberries. You can dry other fruit slices as well. Follow the easy steps below and enjoy the simplicity of dehydrated strawberries.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones in the air fryer?

You can use frozen strawberries in the air fryer, but it’s not recommended.

Frozen strawberries tend to release more moisture during cooking, which can affect the dehydration process in the air fryer.

How long do you put strawberries in an air fryer?

Depending on your air fryer’s size and cooking temperature, it will take around one hour for higher temperatures like 170-200 degrees Fahrenheit.

If your air fryer can cook at 150 degrees Fahrenheit or below, the total time will be about 90 minutes. 

Is fruit good in the air fryer?

Yes! Dehydrated fruit is a delicious snack!  

Air frying fruit can enhance its flavor and texture while keeping it healthy.

You can make various fruit-based dishes in the air fryer, such as:

Roasted Fruit: Air frying can caramelize the natural sugars in fruits like apples, pears, and air fryer peaches, making them wonderfully sweet and tender.

Fruit Chips: You can thinly slice fruits like apples, bananas, and strawberries and air fry them to create crispy fruit chips.

Stuffed Fruit: Fill fruits like baked apples or pears with sweet or savory fillings and air fry them for a warm, comforting dessert or snack.

Fruit Crisps: Make a fruit crisp or crumble by topping sliced or diced fruit with a mixture of oats, flour, sugar, and dairy-free butter, and air fry until golden and bubbling.

Dried Fruit: As mentioned earlier, you can also use the air fryer to make dried fruits like strawberries, apples, or mangoes.

Remember to adjust the temperature and cooking time based on the type of fruit and the recipe you’re using.

Fruits may require a light coating of oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a little sugar and spices to enhance their flavor when air frying.

Air Fryer Dehydrated Strawberries

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This recipe comes from fellow food blogger Cindy of Intentionallyeat.com. She has lots of yummy vegan recipes for you to discover.