How to Dehydrate Fruit

Looking to learn the complete journey on how to dehydrate fruit properly to harness that sweet concentrated goodness conveniently stored long term?

Each of the fruit of your choice's page breaks down critical steps from start to finish—selecting optimal fruit for drying to efficient methods for moisture removal via a dehydrator (or your oven) that result in deliciously preserved dried fruit treats.

Pick from an array of classic options like apples or berries to the more tropical mango and pineapple. We also cover specifics for crafting chewy fruit leathers here.

Master the dehydrating basics and realize dried fruit’s potential in trail mixes, baked goods and more!

assorted cut and whole fruits splashed with waterCourtesy of Camtasia - Registered User

Click any of the images below and read all about that individual fruit and how to dehydrate the fruit properly.

dehydrating apples
dehydrating apricots
dehydrating bananas
dehydrating berries
dehydrating cherries
dehydrating lemons, limes, and oranges
dehydrating fruit rolls or 'roll-ups'
dehydrating grapes
dehydrating grapefruit
dehydrating mango
dehydrating melons
dehydrating peaches
dehydrating pears
dehydrating pineapple
dehydrating plums
dehydrating rhubarb
dehydrating strawberries
dehydrating apples
dehydrating apricots
dehydrating bananas
dehydrating berries
dehydrating cherries
dehydrating lemons, limes, and oranges
dehydrating fruit rolls or 'roll-ups'
dehydrating grapes
dehydrating grapefruit
dehydrating mango
dehydrating melons
dehydrating peaches
dehydrating pears
dehydrating pineapple
dehydrating plums
dehydrating rhubarb
dehydrating strawberries

When drying fruit, it is best done at the peak of the season when your favorite fruits are readily available.

You'll save money too because they are plentiful.

You can enjoy dried apples, oranges, and strawberries year-round too!

TOP Frequently Asked Questions:

I was most surprised that "Dry fruit apricot" is the most searched for question! You'll be happy to know that you can learn how to dry apricots here!

Can you dehydrate frozen fruit?

Yes, you can. Simply allow the fruit to thaw - in a sieve over a bowl or in the kitchen sink - so you can easily slice it (if your purchased frozen fruit were whole fruits).

Is dehydrated fruit healthy?

Dehydrated fruits are a healthy and nutritious option for people who are looking for a snack that is high in vitamins and minerals. They are also a good source of fiber, which helps to keep the digestive system functioning properly.

In addition, they are an excellent way to rehydrate the body after a workout or during periods of dehydration.

They provide the body with a slow release of energy, which helps to prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes. They are also low in calories and fat, making them ideal for people who are trying to lose weight on a calorie-counting diet.

And for those wondering "is dried fruit good for you?," read the Pros and Cons of Dried Fruit here!

How to dehydrate fruit leathers?

I've got a really special post on how to dehydrate fruit leathers (aka fruit roll-ups) and share with you a special trick of the best way to smooth out the pureé on the tray for best drying!

How do you dry fruit and nuts?

Fruits and nuts are obviously two different things. You're on the right page to learn how to dehydrate fruits, but read this special post on how to dehydrate nuts and seeds!

Temperature to dehydrate fruit and temp for dehydrating fruit?

In most cases, between 125°F and 135°F. Read the page dedicated to your fruit choice (shown in the red blocks above) to see the correct temperature to use.


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How to Grow and Dehydrate Herbs free eBook

How to Grow &
Dehydrate Herbs

Treat yourself today with my free eBook. Learn how to dry the top six herbs and make herb-infused oils and vinegars!

Click the book cover and that will take you to my secure download page and full deets.

It's my gift to you as a way of saying "thanks for stopping by!"

Pick up my Free eBook today!

How to Grow &
Dehydrate Herbs

How to Grow and Dehydrate Herbs free eBook

Treat yourself today with my free eBook. Learn how to dry the top six herbs and make herb-infused oils and vinegars!

Click the book cover and that will take you to my secure download page and full deets.

It's my gift to you as a way of saying "thanks for stopping by!"


Why Dehydrate Fruit?

There are many reasons to dehydrate fruit:

  • Dehydrated fruit makes a healthy snack that you can take with you anywhere.
  • Dehydrating fruit preserves the nutritional value of the fruit better than canning or freezing.
  • You can control the amount of sugar added to your dried fruit when you make it yourself.

How Many Ways Can You Dehydrate Fruit?

You can dehydrate fruit using an

  • oven
  • dehydrator
  • sun

See the differences between those three methods below.

How to Dehydrate Fruit in the Oven

You can dry fruit in your oven, but it will take longer than using a dehydrator. The benefit of using your oven is that you probably already have one!

To dehydrate fruit in your oven:

  • Preheat oven to 140-160°F.
  • Wash the fruit and slice it into uniform pieces. If you are drying grapes, leave them whole.
  • Spread the fruit onto a silicone baking mat or use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Make sure that the pieces are not touching each other.
  • Bake in the oven for 6-8 hours, or until the fruit is dried to your desired consistency.
  • Let the fruit cool and then store it in an airtight container.

Dehydrating Fruit in a Dehydrator

Dehydrating Green Grapes on a Nesco dehydrator

A dehydrator will speed up the process of drying fruit and will result in more consistent results.

Call me biased, but electric dehydrators are the way to go.

Dehydrators also usually come with trays that you can use to dry smaller items like herbs or spices.

To dehydrate fruit in a dehydrator:

  • Wash the fruit and slice it into uniform pieces. If you are drying grapes, you can choose to leave them whole. If you cut them in half using a sharp knife, place them 'cut-side up' in a single layer on your trays (prevents drips!) and they will dehydrate faster.
  • Spread the fruit onto the dehydrator trays.
  • Make sure that the pieces are not touching each other.

Dehydrate at 135°F for 6-8 hours, or until the fruit is dried to your desired consistency.

Let the fruit cool and then store it in an airtight container. NOTE: Check out our individual 'fruit' pages for their specific dehydrating instructions!

Dehydrating Fruit in the Sun

You can also fry fruit using the sun, but it will take longer than using a dehydrator or oven. The benefit to using the sun is that it doesn't require any extra equipment and it's free!

To dehydrate fruit using the sun:

  • Wash the fruit and slice it into uniform pieces. If you are drying grapes, leave them whole.
  • Spread the fruit onto a silicone baking mat or use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Make sure that the pieces are not touching each other.
  • Place the baking sheet in a sunny spot and let the fruit dehydrate for 6-8 hours, or until it is dried to your desired consistency.
  • If it is not sunny enough, you can place the baking sheet in an oven set to its lowest temperature (usually around 170°F) to speed up the process.
  • Let it cool and then store it in an airtight container.

And keep an eye on the weather... and pesky insects!

Dehydrated Fruit is Dry When...

... they don't stick together! Dehydrated fruits such as oranges, lemons, and limes get really dry, almost brittle. Place it in airtight bags, (such as Ziploc bags), and let them hang around your kitchen for a day or overnight.

People often miss this important step when learning how to dehydrate fruit. This step is called conditioning and enables the air and any moisture in the bag to distribute evenly—so that the dehydrated fruit will be ready for vacuum sealing. Remember, some fruits will remain naturally sticky, such as prunes, raisins, and dates.

Can You Dehydrate Frozen Fruit?

Yes, you can dehydrate frozen fruit! It doesn't matter if the fruit was fresh or frozen when you started the drying process.

See the individual 'how to dehydrate fruit' pages and check out the best fruits below.

Here's an easy way to loosen frozen fruit: Before opening your bag of frozen fruit, throw it down onto your countertop (not too hard!) a few times to loosen any big pieces that may have frozen together in a clump! If you still have a few small clumps on your tray, run it under cold water for a few seconds and that will take care of it!

Bananas, apples, and strawberries need a generous spraying of lemon juice. Lemon juice is a totally acceptable substitute for ascorbic acid, which is used by professional dehydrating plants, and lemon juice works wonderfully!

Two reasons for spraying with lemon juice are to prevent them from darkening and to prevent bacterial growth during drying.

Dehydrating Fruit for Backpacking

When you learn how to dehydrate fruit, you'll see that it's a great way to add snacks to your backpacking trip. Also, check out Chef Glenn's backpacking tips!

Not only is it lightweight and easy to transport, but it also provides your body with essential nutrients and antioxidants.

It's also a great way to add some extra sweetness to your meals.

To dehydrate fruit, simply slice the fruit thinly with a sharp knife, and spread it out on a dehydrator tray. Set the dehydrator to a low temperature and dehydrate it for 8-12 hours.

Once the fruit is dehydrated, it can be stored in an airtight container and will last for several months.

Dehydrating fruit is a great way to make sure you have snacks on hand when you're out on the trail. Again, check our individual fruit pages for specifics.

How to Store Dehydrated Fruit

Dehydrated fruit can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months. For longer storage, you can keep it in the fridge for up to a year or in the freezer for up to 2 years. Check our 'How to Store' page here.

Mason jars are great for storing. You can easily see what's in them!

Dehydrated fruit makes a delicious snack that you can enjoy all year round.

Happy dog with his family who are eating fruitCourtesy of Camtasia - Registered User

Can You Feed Fruit to Your Pets?

Having pets at home provides us with companionship, love, and laughs.

When it comes to what we feed our furry friends, there are a lot of options on the market.

However, one question that many pet owners have is whether or not they can feed fruit to their pets. The answer is yes!

While fruits are not a necessary part of a pet's diet, they can be a nutritious treat.

Just like with humans, moderation is key when feeding fruit to pets, as too much sugar can lead to weight gain and other health problems.

Did you know that the addition of dehydrated vegetables is ideal (rehydrate them before feeding Fido) for doggie meals because they contain all of the same nutrients as fresh fruits and vegetables but without the additional weight of the water?

So go ahead and show your furry friend some love by giving them a tasty dehydrated treat!

Now you know how to dehydrate fruit - safely. Thanks for stopping by.

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Susan Gast, founder of Easy Food Dehydrating

Hi, I'm Susan Gast, founder of Easy Food Dehydrating. My passion for dehydrating food began in 2010 while seeking crafty uses for abundant tomatoes. I've since devoted myself to elevating the art of removing moisture from fruits, vegetables, meats, and so much more!
JOIN ME as we unlock the magic of food preservation through dehydration together!
Read About Me here.

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Check out Susan's food dehydrating books available now.