How To Dehydrate Apples

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I’m going to teach you how to dehydrate apples and make one of my favorite snacks!!

It’s officially fall, y’all!

And I am here for it. It is my absolute favorite time of year. The weather being my favorite thing about it. It’s so bright and sunny, yet I’m not sweating to death just sitting outside #lifeinthesouth The beautiful leaves changing colors, nature getting ready for a time of rest. It’s just the best.

This time of year also makes me want to cook more. Baking, preserving, herbal tinctures, natural remedies, all of it. I know I’m not the only one that gets bit by the “fall cooking” bug!

One of my favorite things to snack on ( and make) are apple chips! Have you ever had apple chips or dehydrated apples?? They are so sweet with just a little crunch. A perfect snack to make with all those apples from going apple picking for sure!!

What apples are best??

Honestly, any apples. Granny smith are delicious but so are honeycrisp! Just grab whatever apples you have or whatever is your favorite. They’ll all be delish!

What equipment do I need?

You don’t NEED any special equipment. You could use your oven to dehydrate the apples. However, I use a dehydrator so it doesn’t take up my oven for so many hours. It’s super simple to use and just sits right on my counter when in use. Definitely one of my favorite kitchen gadgets!

Why dehydrate apples (or any food)?

Well, are you REALLY going to eat ALL of those apples fresh?? LOL even if you are, dehydrating foods is just another fun way to enjoy your foods. My child who doesn’t like apples, actually likes them made this way.

Another reason is that dehydrated foods retain their nutritional value way better than foods that are cooked. So it’s a good way to keep you getting all of those vitamins and minerals.

Also, dehydrating is a great way to preserve food. Dehydrated apples can last for months on the shelf or even a year to a year and a half in the freezer. Though mine barely last a couple weeks lol. They’re that delish!

How to dehydrate apples easily!

Now that we have all of the what’s and the why’s out of the way, let’s talk about how.

Step one: Grab a large bowl and juice 1-2 lemons into the bowl. The lemon juice helps the apples from turning brown.

Step two: wash, Core and cut apples into thin slices ( ya know like a crescent moon) or rounds. (make sure you grab apples that aren’t mushy or have any bruised spots. Use those for applesauce!) I DO NOT peel my apples!

Step three: As your cutting apples, drop them into the bowl of lemon juice. Toss them a bit each time you add more slices just to make sure they all get some of the lemon juice.

Step four: Lay apple slices flat on the dehydrator trays. Make sure they are in a single layer and not really touching. (yes some of mine are touching but it works better if they aren’t. Do as I say not as I do haha) This is when I sprinkle a little cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice!! SO delish! If you are planning to use the apples in another recipe you can just leave them plain.

Step 5: Turn dehydrator to 145* and let sit for about 8 hours – you may need less time… or more, just start checking around hour 6. Apples should feel leathery and that all the moisture is gone.

Step 6: Storage. (if yours even make it that far without being eaten) Now you can use a food saver, mason jars, or even just some ziploc bags. Whatever you prefer.

P.s. You can use the dehydrated apples in oatmeal, trail mix, or even cookies!!

Enjoy! Let me know how you used your dehydrated apples in the comments!

~Katrina