How to Dehydrate Vegetables:
Easy Steps for Tasty Results

Wondering how to dehydrate vegetables for long-term storage or quick meal prep? This guide covers everything you need—from prepping and blanching to drying temps and storage tips—so your veggies stay flavorful, shelf-stable, and ready to use in soups, stews, chips, and even dog treats.

✅ Quick Answer: How do you dehydrate vegetables?
To dehydrate vegetables, wash and slice them evenly, optionally blanch if needed, then dry at 125–135°F using a dehydrator for 6–10 hours. Store finished veggies in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags for shelf-stable, long-lasting results. Most vegetables become brittle when fully dried.

💡 Bonus: See our guide on how many veggies you need to fill a 4-tray dehydrator!

Dehydrated onion, carrots, beets, zucchini, and red peppers

Click to Learn How to Dehydrate Specific Vegetables

Click any image below to learn how to properly dehydrate each vegetable:

dehydrating beets
dehydrating broccoli
dehydrating brussels sprouts
dehydrating butternut squash
dehydrating cabbage
dehydrating carrots
dehydrating cauliflower
dehydrating celery
dehydrating corn
dehydrating garlic
dehydrating green beans
dehydrating kale
dehydrating mushrooms
dehydrating onions
dehydrating peas
dehydrating peppers
dehydrating potatoes
dehydrating pumpkin
dehydrating spinach
dehydrating sweet potato treats
dehydrating tomatoes
dehydrating zucchini
dehydrating beets
dehydrating broccoli
dehydrating brussels sprouts
dehydrating butternut squash
dehydrating cabbage
dehydrating carrots
dehydrating cauliflower
dehydrating celery
dehydrating corn
dehydrating garlic
dehydrating green beans
dehydrating kale
dehydrating mushrooms
dehydrating onions
dehydrating peas
dehydrating peppers
dehydrating potatoes
dehydrating pumpkin
dehydrating spinach
dehydrating sweet potato treats
dehydrating tomatoes
dehydrating zucchini

Veggie Dehydrating FAQs (Quick Answers Before You Start)

Do I need to peel vegetables before drying them?

Not always. Peels add fiber and nutrients, but peel if they’re bitter, tough, or wax-coated—especially store-bought varieties.

Can you make veggie chips by dehydrating vegetables?

Yes! Dehydrating vegetables into crispy, flavorful chips is easy at home.

Best Vegetables for Chips:

  • Root Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, beets, carrots, parsnips
  • Other Good Options: Zucchini, kale, green beans, okra, eggplant, chickpeas

Prep Tips:

  1. Wash thoroughly and peel (optional, but skins add fiber).
  2. Slice thinly and evenly for consistent drying.
  3. Pat very dry before dehydrating.
  4. Lightly oil slices and season as desired (salt, chili, garlic powder, onion, ranch, etc.).

Dehydrating Process:

  1. Set dehydrator to 135°F (57°C) for 6-10 hours.
  2. Flip chips midway through drying.
  3. Chips are ready when fully crispy with no moisture left.

Storage Tips:

  • Let cool completely before storing.
  • Use airtight containers with oxygen absorbers for maximum crispness.

Enjoy your homemade veggie chips as healthy snacks, salad toppers, or party appetizers!

What temperature should I use to dehydrate vegetables?

Most vegetables dry best at 125–135°F (52–57°C).
Too high? They might cook. Too low? Drying takes forever.

3 Easy Methods for Dehydrating Vegetables

You can dehydrate vegetables using one of these methods:

  1. Air Drying – Traditional method, best for dry climates.
  2. Solar Drying – Requires a solar food dryer or hot sun exposure.
  3. Electric Dehydrator – The best option for consistency, efficiency, and ease.

✔️ Pro Tip: If you’re serious about dehydrating, an electric dehydrator is the way to go!

Sliced zucchini on a Nesco dehydrator

Can You Dehydrate Frozen Veggies? (Yes, and Here's How)

Yes! It’s often easier to dehydrate frozen vegetables than fresh ones.

  • Frozen veggies are already blanched, meaning you can skip that step!
  • Dehydration time is shorter for frozen veggies.
  • Best choices: Corn, peas, green beans, broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and tomatoes.

Dehydrating Steps:

  1. Thaw vegetables slightly before placing them on dehydrator trays.
  2. Spread in a single layer for even drying.
  3. Dehydrate according to individual vegetable guidelines.
  4. Check for doneness after 6 hours.

Dealing with Frozen Veggie Clumps? Try This

💡 Tip: Before opening the bag, gently shake it on the counter to break up frozen clumps. If needed, let the bag sit in the sink for 30 minutes to soften slightly.

Why and How to Blanch Vegetables for Dehydrating

Some vegetables require blanching to retain color, texture, and nutrients.

Vegetables That Need Blanching Before Dehydrating:
🥦 Broccoli, 🥕 Carrots, 🥬 Kale, 🌶️ Peppers, 🥔 Potatoes

Blanching Steps:

  1. Bring a pot of water to boil.
  2. Dip vegetables for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Immediately transfer to an ice water bath to stop cooking.
  4. Pat dry before placing in dehydrator.

Use Lemon Juice or Ascorbic Acid to Prevent Browning

Certain vegetables, like carrots, apples, and potatoes, need a quick lemon juice spray before dehydrating to prevent browning (oxidation).

Lemon juice also helps prevent bacterial growth during drying.

How to Tell When Vegetables Are Done Drying

  • They should be completely dry and brittle.
  • Vegetables shouldn’t stick together.
  • Test: Let them sit in an airtight container overnight (this is called "conditioning").

✅ If moisture appears, continue dehydrating.
✅ Store in vacuum-sealed bags or airtight jars.

Heads up—on each veggie’s page, you’ll find how long to dry it and tips for spotting when it’s done.

Backpacking? Why Dehydrated Veggies Are a Game-Changer

backpacking guy toting green beans for a healthy snack

🥾 Backpackers love dehydrated vegetables! They’re lightweight, nutritious, and easy to prepare.

🔹 Choose firm, ripe vegetables.
🔹 Slice thinly for quicker drying.
🔹 Store in lightweight, resealable bags.

Dried veggies make a great backpacking snack that is both nutritious and delicious.

Can Dogs Eat Dehydrated Vegetables? (Yes, But Read This)

trio of happy lip-smacking dogs

🐶 Yes! Dehydrated vegetables are a great fiber-rich snack for dogs.
🚫 NEVER feed dogs onions or garlic—they are toxic!

Best choices: Carrots, sweet potatoes, green beans, and pumpkin.

Tips for Choosing the Best Food Dehydrator

✔️ Pick a size that fits your counter space & family needs.
✔️ Look for adjustable temperature settings for best results.
✔️ Opt for a fan-assisted model for even drying.

How Long Will Your Dehydrated Vegetables Last?

tomatoes drying on a dehydrator tray

Shelf life depends on storage:

  • Fruits: 9-12 months
  • Vegetables: 12-18 months
  • Leafy greens: 4-6 months

For best results:
✔️ Store in airtight containers away from light & heat.
✔️ Use oxygen absorbers to extend shelf life.

Whether you're prepping for everyday meals, camping trips, or emergency food storage, dehydrating vegetables is one of the smartest ways to lock in nutrients and flavor.

Once you’ve got your veggie stash ready, take things up a notch with the free 5 Dried Food Recipes You'll Actually Love PDF (below)—featuring hearty carrot soup, cozy minestrone, split pea soup, spicy beef jerky, and even banana cinnamon rolls for a sweet finish.

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