Going on a budget diet means choosing snacks that are delicious, healthy and affordable. Why not try dehydrated fruits? You can preserve fruits like kiwis, apples, bananas, strawberries and oranges . These dried fruits are easy to make and packed with vitamins and minerals. I am sure your entire family will love them.
Dehydrating Fruit: Overview
Dehydrating fruit is simple and requires just a few tools. If you’re using a dehydrator, you’ll place the fruit slices directly on the dehydrator trays. For an oven, line a baking sheet with parchment paper (not wax paper, as it can melt) to prevent sticking.
Slice the fruit evenly to ensure they dry at the same rate. Set your oven to its lowest temperature, typically around 135°F-150°F, and keep the door slightly open to allow moisture to escape. Flip the fruit halfway through the drying process for even results.
Depending on the fruit, dehydration can take 6-12 hours, so patience is key. Properly dried fruit should be leathery or slightly chewy but not sticky. Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Whether you use an oven or a dehydrator, you’ll end up with tasty, healthy snacks!
Here’s how to make your own dehydrated fruit snacks at home. It’s a fun, healthy, and easy project, and you get to control exactly what goes into your snacks (spoiler: just fruit!). I started doing this to have healthier snack options for my family, and now it’s a favorite weekend activity. Here are four fruits we love to dehydrate: bananas, strawberries, apples, and mangoes.
🍌 Bananas
- Prep: Slice bananas into even, thin slices (about 1/4 inch thick).
- Tip: Dip slices in lemon water (1 tablespoon lemon juice + 1 cup water) to keep them from browning.
- Dehydration Time: 6-8 hours at 135°F.
Banana chips are a classic! I like them best when they’re slightly chewy rather than crispy. My kids love them with a little sprinkle of cinnamon before drying. They’re perfect for lunchboxes or adding to oatmeal.
🍓 Strawberries
- Prep: Wash and hull strawberries, then slice them evenly (about 1/8 inch thick).
- Tip: Use firm strawberries for the best results.
- Dehydration Time: 8-10 hours at 135°F.
Strawberries are one of my favorites to dehydrate because they end up tasting like candy. The natural sweetness concentrates as they dry, and they’re great for topping yogurt or snacking on their own.
🍎 Apples
- Prep: Core and slice apples into thin rings (about 1/4 inch thick). Leave the peel on for extra fiber.
- Tip: Sprinkle slices with cinnamon for a fall-inspired treat.
- Dehydration Time: 8-12 hours at 135°F.
Dehydrated apple rings are the first snack I tried making, and they’re still a staple in our house. I love using a mix of tart and sweet apple varieties for a balanced flavor. They’re so portable—I always keep a bag in the car for quick snacking.
🥭 Mangoes
- Prep: Peel mangoes and slice the flesh into thin strips (about 1/4 inch thick).
- Tip: Avoid overripe mangoes—they get too mushy to slice neatly.
- Dehydration Time: 8-12 hours at 135°F.
Dehydrated mango is naturally sweet and slightly chewy. My husband claims it’s better than candy, and I agree. Try dipping a strip in dark chocolate for an extra treat.
Making dehydrated fruit at home is such a satisfying project, and it’s a great way to use up fruit before it goes bad. Once you try it, you’ll always want to have some on hand for healthy snacking!
