A Guide To Dehydrating Fruit At Home

Ever found yourself staring at spotty bananas, wrinkly kiwifruit, or citrus that’s just past its prime? Instead of letting them look longingly at you (we see you, guilt-ridden side-eye!), bite the bullet and give dehydrating a go! You’ll turn them into a sweet or tangy addition to all sorts of homemade creations.

Drying fruit at home isn’t just a smart way to fight food waste - it also makes those flavours pop! Think crispy banana chips for granola, zesty dried kiwi for trail mix, and gorgeous citrus slices for cocktails or tea.

You might be thinking, “I don’t have a dehydrator!” but not worry, you don’t need one. Your oven (or even an air fryer) will do the trick just fine.

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_{DEHYDRATING CITRUS}

This works with all types of citrus - lemons, tangelos, oranges, limes, grapefruit, the list goes on! Drying intensifies that zesty flavour, making each slice a little citrus bomb. Drop one into a cup of tea for an instant infusion, or use them to garnish cocktails like a pro. If you're feeling extra creative, crushed dried citrus makes a great, tangy dusting for cakes, cookies, or even a zesty rim for a margarita glass.

_{OVEN METHOD}

1. Preheat the oven to 50-70°C. A lower temperature allows for even drying.
2. Slice the citrus into thin rounds, approximately 3-5mm thick, and remove any seeds.
3. Arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 6-12 hours, flipping every 30 minutes to ensure even drying. The slices should be fully dried but still retain their natural colour.
5. Let them cool completely before storing.
   

AIR FRYER METHOD

1. Slice the citrus into thin, even rounds and remove any seeds.
2. Arrange the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
3. Set the air fryer to 90°C and dehydrate for 1-1.5 hours, flipping every 15 minutes to prevent over-drying.
   

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STORAGE

• Store dried citrus slices in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to six months.
• To extend the shelf life, store them in the refrigerator for up to one year.
• Keep them away from humidity to prevent moisture absorption

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_{DEHYDRATING BANANAS}

Banana chips are a game-changer for homemade granola and trail mix, bringing their natural sweetness so you don’t need any extra sugar in your creations.

For best results, toss the slices in lemon juice before drying to prevent them from turning brown. Once dried, they can be mixed into yogurt, sprinkled over porridge, or even dipped in melted chocolate for a simple, satisfying treat.

_PREPARATION

• Slice the bananas into 3-5mm thick rounds for even drying.
• Toss the slices in lemon juice (approximately one tablespoon per banana) to help retain their colour.

OVEN METHOD

1. Preheat the oven to 50-70°C.
2. Arrange the banana slices in a single layer on a lightly oiled baking tray.
3. Bake for 6-12 hours, flipping every 30 minutes. The bananas should be fully dry but still slightly pliable.

AIR FRYER METHOD

1. Arrange the banana slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
2. Set the air fryer to 90°C and dehydrate for 1-1.5 hours, checking and flipping every 15 minutes to ensure even drying.

STORAGE

• Store dried bananas in an airtight container at room temperature for one to two months.
• Avoid exposing them to humidity, as dried bananas can reabsorb moisture and become sticky.

_{DEHYDRATING KIWIFRUIT}

Dried kiwifruit is a tangy, chewy snack that’s perfect for lunchboxes, road trips, or a quick energy boost. Its natural sweetness means no added sugar is needed, and the vibrant green slices make snack time a little more fun. Leave the skin on for extra fibre or peel it for a smoother bite - either way, it’s a super creative way to use up ripe kiwi.

_PREPARATION

• Wash the kiwifruit thoroughly. The skin is edible, but you can peel it if preferred.
• Slice the kiwifruit into thin rounds (approximately 3–5mm thick).

OVEN METHOD

1. Preheat the oven to 50-70°C.
2. Arrange kiwi slices in a single layer on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake for 6-12 hours, flipping every 30 minutes. The slices should be dry but slightly pliable.

AIR FRYER METHOD

1. Arrange the kiwi slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
2. Set the air fryer to 90°C and dehydrate for 1-1.5 hours, flipping every 15 minutes.

STORAGE

• Store dried kiwi slices in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to six months.
• Keep away from humidity to prevent reabsorption of moisture.