How to Dehydrate Fruit: Easy Methods for Sweet, Long-Lasting Snacks

Want to learn how to dehydrate fruit the right way—whether with a dehydrator, oven, or even the sun? This guide breaks it all down step by step so you can preserve your favorite fruits at their peak and enjoy sweet, long-lasting snacks year-round.

From apples and bananas to mango and melon, I’ll walk you through the best methods, storage tips, and even how to make chewy fruit leathers from scratch. Let’s get started!

✅ Quick Answer: How do you dehydrate fruit at home?
To dehydrate fruit, wash and slice it evenly, then dry it using a dehydrator (135°F for 6–8 hours), an oven (140–160°F), or the sun (2–4 days). Properly dried fruit should feel leathery and pliable. Store in airtight containers for long-term freshness.

assorted cut and whole fruits splashed with water

Each fruit guide (linked below in red bars) walks you through simple step-by-step instructions—from choosing the best fruit to dehydrating it for optimal texture and taste. You’ll learn how to dry fruit using a dehydrator, an oven, or even the sun, creating delicious, preserved fruit snacks you can enjoy anytime.

Don't forget to check out my special section on making chewy fruit leathers!

Stick with me and master the basics of fruit dehydration. Use your dried fruit in trail mixes, baked goods, and more!


🔴 Learn How to Dehydrate These Popular Fruits (Click Below)

Click on the images below to learn how to dehydrate that particular fruit...

dehydrating apples
dehydrating apricots
dehydrating bananas
dehydrating berries
dehydrating cherries
dehydrating lemons, limes, and oranges
dehydrating figs
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 figs
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

What Are the Best Fruits to Dehydrate?

Drying fruit is best done when your favorite fruits are in peak season. You’ll not only get better flavor but also save money, as fruits are most affordable when they’re abundant in grocery stores and at local markets.

💡 Pro Tip: Here’s a handy guide that shows you how much fresh fruit to buy to fill a 4-tray dehydrator efficiently!

Why Dehydrate Fruit at Home? 3 Big Benefits

✅ Healthy, on-the-go snack
✅ Retains more nutrients than canning or freezing
✅ No added sugars or preservatives

How to Dehydrate Fruit: 3 Easy Methods Anyone Can Use

You can dehydrate fruit using an

  • An Oven – Slower but widely accessible
  • A Dehydrator – Faster, more efficient results
  • The Sun – Eco-friendly, but takes longer

How to Dry Fruit in the Oven (No Dehydrator Needed)

  1. Preheat oven to 140-160°F
  2. Wash and slice fruit into uniform pieces
  3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone mat
  4. Arrange fruit in a single layer, ensuring pieces don’t touch
  5. Bake for 6-8 hours, checking periodically
  6. Cool completely before storing in airtight containers

💡 Tip: Outside the U.S.? Most dehydrating temps here are listed in Fahrenheit — use our quick converter to see the Celsius equivalent for your machine.

How to Use a Food Dehydrator for Fruit (Step-by-Step)

Dehydrating Green Grapes on a Nesco dehydrator
  1. Wash and slice fruit evenly
  2. Arrange slices in a single layer on trays
  3. Set dehydrator to 135°F (or recommended temp per fruit)
  4. Dry for 6-8 hours (larger fruits like grapes may take longer)
  5. Cool & store in airtight containers

💡 Pro Tip: Check individual fruit pages for specific drying times and temperatures.

How to Sun-Dry Fruit Without Power (Eco-Friendly!)

  1. Place fruit slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet
  2. Set in a sunny, well-ventilated area
  3. Cover loosely with mesh to prevent bugs
  4. Allow 2-4 days to fully dehydrate, flipping occasionally
  5. Store properly once dried

🚨 Weather matters! Ensure warm, dry conditions for best results.

How to Know If Your Dehydrated Fruit Is Done

Dried fruit should feel leathery yet pliable. If pieces stick together, allow them to sit in a Ziploc bag overnight for moisture distribution (conditioning) before vacuum sealing.

Best Ways to Store Dehydrated Fruit for Long-Term Use

✔ Airtight containers at room temp – lasts 6 months
✔ Refrigerator – lasts 1 year
✔ Freezer – lasts up to 2 years

💡 Best storage option? Use Mason jars for easy visibility!

Can You Dehydrate Frozen Fruit? (Yes—Here's How)

Yes! Simply thaw frozen fruit in a sieve over a bowl (or the sink) to remove excess moisture before slicing it. Find specific details on each fruit’s individual page where applicable.

Can Pets Eat Dehydrated Fruit? What’s Safe vs. Unsafe

Happy dog with his family who are eating fruit

Yes! Dehydrated fruits & veggies make healthy treats for pets. Avoid added sugars and check safe options for dogs.

Check out my pumpkin treats for dogs for a nutritious, pet-friendly snack!

Fruit Dehydrating FAQs: Your Top Questions Answered

Is dehydrated fruit healthy?

Yes! Dehydrated fruit retains most of its vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It’s a nutrient-dense snack that provides lasting energy and helps avoid blood sugar spikes. Just watch portion sizes—it's easy to overeat since the water content is removed.

👉 Read more about the Pros and Cons of Dried Fruit here.

How do you make fruit leathers at home?

Fruit leathers are made by puréeing ripe fruit and spreading it in a thin layer on a dehydrator tray or parchment-lined baking sheet. Dry at 135°F until pliable and no longer sticky—usually 4 to 8 hours depending on thickness.

👉 See my full guide to fruit leather making here (AKA Fruit Rolls, or Roll-Ups).

What’s the best temperature to dehydrate fruit?

Most fruits dehydrate best at 125°F to 135°F. Always slice fruit evenly and avoid stacking pieces. Check each fruit’s guide for specific temps and drying times.

How long does it take to dehydrate fruit?

Drying time depends on the fruit, thickness, and method. In general:

  • Dehydrator: 6–12 hours
  • Oven: 6–8 hours
  • Sun-drying: 2–4 days
    Use the “leathery but pliable” test to check doneness.

Can you dehydrate fruit without a dehydrator?

Yes! You can use a conventional oven set at its lowest temperature (around 140–160°F), or sun-dry fruit in warm, dry weather. Just allow more time and monitor closely to avoid burning or mold.

How should I store dehydrated fruit?

Store dehydrated fruit in airtight containers like Mason jars, vacuum-sealer bags, or Mylar bags. Keep them in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months, or refrigerate/freezer-store for 1 to 2 years. Conditioning fruit first ensures even moisture distribution before long-term storage.

Before drawing out the air and sealing the vacuum sealer bag, pop in an oxygen absorber and a desiccant packet; both aid in keeping your dehydrated fruit dry, fresh, and free from moisture or mold during long-term storage.

Can you dehydrate frozen fruit?

Yes, frozen fruit can be dehydrated! Thaw it completely in a strainer or sieve to drain excess liquid. Then slice (if needed) and dry it just like fresh fruit. It may take slightly longer to dehydrate due to residual moisture that's typical of thawed frozen fruit.

If you’re ready to turn those dehydrated fruits into real meals and snacks, don’t leave without grabbing your free copy of the 5 Dried Food Recipes You’ll Actually Love PDF (below).

These are my go-to recipes for everyday eats—quick, tasty, and perfect for making the most of your dried food stash!

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