Yes, you can dehydrate fruit in an air fryer, especially if it has a dedicated dehydrate setting or can be programmed to operate at low temperatures. Proper preparation and temperature control are essential for successful dehydration.
Dehydrating fruit in an air fryer is feasible and increasingly popular, particularly with models that feature a built-in dehydrate setting or allow precise temperature adjustments. According to Homes and Gardens, most modern air fryers can dehydrate food either through a dedicated dehydrate function or by programming the device to operate at suitable low temperatures, typically around 135°F to 175°F (57°C to 80°C) [1].
Food Network recommends slicing fruits like strawberries into thin pieces and setting the air fryer to approximately 175°F to achieve dehydration, emphasizing the importance of single-layer placement for even drying [3].
Reddit discussions highlight that users have experimented with dehydrating various fruits such as pineapple, apples, and watermelon, though results can vary depending on the fruit and the specific air fryer model. Some users report success, while others note challenges like uneven drying or higher energy consumption [2].
Additionally, YouTube tutorials demonstrate how to dehydrate citrus and other fruits in an air fryer, reinforcing that with proper temperature and timing, dehydration is achievable [4].
In summary, while not all air fryers are explicitly designed for dehydration, most can be used effectively for this purpose if they have a dehydrate setting or can be programmed at low temperatures. Proper preparation, including slicing fruits evenly and monitoring the process, is key to successful dehydration in an air fryer.