How to Dehydrate Zucchini
(Step-by-Step Guide + Recipes)

If you're wondering how to dehydrate zucchini, you're in the right place! This nutrient-rich veggie is one of the easiest to dry and one of the most versatile to use later—think zucchini fritters, savory bread, soups, casseroles, or even healthy chips.

Whether you slice, shred, or spiralize it, dehydrated zucchini stores well and rehydrates beautifully.

Zucchini collage

It's one of the easier vegetables to dehydrate and makes fantastic zucchini bread from this Allrecipes' site.

Dehydrate zucchini for fantastic zucchini bread (as linked to above),  or make a chip dip, or maybe battered and fried zucchini! Dehydrated zucchini can be added to soups and casseroles too.

Zucchini Nutrition Info.

VITAMINS: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Choline, followed by Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B6, and Riboflavin. Trace vitamins are Folate, and Vitamin K.

MINERALS: Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, and Calcium, followed by Zinc, Iron, Manganese, and Copper. There are also trace amounts of Selenium.

Zucchini contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

Step-by-Step: How to Dehydrate Zucchini at Home

There's not much preparation necessary aside from washing and lightly scrubbing zucchini first in cool, clean water!

steaming sliced zucchini
  1. Wash and slice the zucchini and cut into 3/8" slices. Throw away the ends. *Steam zucchini over boiling water for a few minutes.
  2. Arrange the zucchini on your food dehydrator trays, making sure the zucchini slices don't overlap.
  3. Turn on your food dehydrator and set the temperature between 125°F and 135°F (or per your food dehydrator's instructions).

*NOTE: You MAY skip the steaming step if you're not concerned with retaining the bright green color of the zucchini rind.

💡 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.

  • Dehydrated zucchini will be brittle when fully dried.
  • Drying time: between 5-11 hours.
  • Please remember to rotate your trays for even drying.

Treat Your Veggies & Yourself  to a Professional Chef's Knife

Cutluxe 8
Cutluxe 8" Chef Knife, Full Tang

Begin by Using a Good Sharp Knife by Cutluxe!

Check out this great chef's knife with a full tang that means the handle and blade "are one" so they can't come apart when we're slicin' and a dicin'.

I know these Cutluxe Chef knives may be a little expensive, but they do last pretty much a lifetime when you maintain their cutting edges.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases. The price you pay does not increase.  Read disclosure here.

Progressive International Slicer - PL8
Progressive International Slicer - PL8

Check Out this Progressive International Mandoline Slicer

This is a fantastic mandoline from Amazon, but be very careful of the sharp blades – always use the slicing hand guard when appropriate!

It's a PL8 model and comes in white.

I just had to get this fantastic slicer shown below...

SUPMAKIN 5-in-1 Mandoline Slicer
SUPMAKIN 5-in-1 Mandoline Slicer

SUPMAKIN Slicer + Dicer Mandoline ~ OnceForAll Brand

French fry cutter, vegetable chopper, vegetable slicer cutter, potato slicer, chopper for kitchen meal prep.

A multi-function mandoline that I just couldn't resist getting!

Makes SUPER FAST work of chopping veggies! :-)

What Does Dehydrated Zucchini Look Like?

Slicing zucchini for dehydrating
Dehydrated zucchini in a bowl

Here I am, showing off my knife skills... and the other image are those very same zukes all dried and ready to vacuum seal!

Can You Use Dehydrated Zucchini in Ratatouille?

I love this veggie in ratatouille, which is a dish comprising onions, squash, zucchini, black olives, Italian herbs, tomatoes...

Ratatouille in a non-stick saucepan

You can use it either fresh or dehydrated, and I'll show you how easy it is to add to ratatouille. Check out my "ratatouille" here!

If you want to make our ratatouille with fresh veggies, please check out my eBook, too. It also contains quantities of fresh ingredients to use instead of dehydrated vegetables. Just thought you'd like to know that. Read more about the eBook here.

Or optin to Grow.me. You'll know you haven't opted in previously if you see the "Exclusive Content" pop up in the "fresh ingredients to use" area... So join Grow (it's free!) and you'll see all the fresh ingredient amounts (immediately!) to use for any of my recipes! See my Recipes hub page here.


if you're into gardening ...

if you're
into gardening ...

What Are the Best Zucchini Varieties to Dehydrate?

Different varieties of Zucchini

There are many different types of zucchini that you can grow.

Some of the most popular varieties include:

  • Black Beauty
  • Costata Romanesco
  • Eight Ball
  • Golden
  • Ronde de Nice

Is Yellow Zucchini the Same as Summer Squash?

Yes, yellow zucchini is also known as summer squash. Summer squash is a type of squash that grows on a vine and has a soft, edible skin. Summer squash can be eaten raw or cooked.

How to Make Zucchini Noodles as a Pasta Alternative

Zucchini squash can be eaten raw, cooked, or even used as a pasta substitute.

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional pasta, zucchini noodles are a great option. They’re lower in calories and carbs than pasta, and they’re a good source of vitamins and minerals.

In addition, zucchini noodles are quick and easy to make. All you need is a sharp knife and a cutting board.

Here’s how to make zucchini noodles:

  1. Start by trimming the ends off of the zucchini.
  2. Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise.
  3. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds from the center of each zucchini half.
  4. Use a sharp knife to cut the zucchini halves into thin noodles.
  5. Serve the noodles raw or cooked, as desired.

If you’re looking for a healthy, delicious pasta alternative, give zucchini noodles a try. They’re easy to make and a great way to eat yer veggies.

Where Does Zucchini Grow Best?

Zucchini grows on a vine. Colors are green, yellow, or white.

The best areas to grow zucchini are in an area with full sun and well-drained soil and should be watered regularly and should be fertilized every year.

When Should You Harvest Zucchini for Best Results?

Zucchini is usually ready to harvest in late June or early July. It can be harvested by hand or with a garden hoe.


What to Make with Rehydrated Zucchini Slices

Baked Zucchini Recipe from Spend With Pennies

baked zucchiniPhoto and recipe courtesy of Spend with Pennies

When you've finished dehydrating zucchini and you want to make something special, here's an easy Baked Zucchini recipe from Spend with Pennies.

Don't these zucchini slices look delicious? Remember to rehydrate your zucchini prior to using it in the recipe.

Baked Zucchini stuffed with
Chouriço Sausage and Cream Cheese Recipe

baked stuffed zucchiniPhoto by Permission of Jen Reviews

How about this delicious baked zucchini stuffed with Chouriço and cream cheese recipe complete with step-by-step pictures and detailed instructions?

Notice how the zucchini is in LONG strips, so maybe this recipe is better for fresh zucchini, but I wanted to share this with you all!


FAQs About Dehydrating Zucchini

How to make dehydrated zucchini chips?

Here is a simple recipe for making tasty dehydrated zucchini chips:

Ingredients:

  • 2 medium zucchini
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1⁄4 tsp sea salt
  • 1⁄2 tsp Italian herb seasoning blend

Instructions:

  1. Slice zucchini very thin (1/8 to 1⁄4 inch). Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, salt and herbs.
  3. Arrange zucchini slices in a single layer on dehydrator trays and lightly brush herb-oil mix evenly over the tops.
  4. Dehydrate at 135°F for 6 to 10 hours, until the slices are dried and crispy chips.
  5. Flip chips halfway through and rotate trays periodically for even drying.
  6. Cool completely then store dried zucchini chips in an airtight container. Keeps for up to 6 months.

Enjoy as a crispy, nourishing snack! Sprinkle additional salt, spices, cheese, or dip.

Feel free to experiment with other seasonings like chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, or lemon pepper before dehydrating. Create your own signature zucchini chips!

How do you make dried zucchini noodles?

Making dried zucchini noodles (aka zoodles) to enjoy all year is simple with a dehydrator:

Ingredients:

  • Zucchini squash, spiralized into long noodle strands
  • Salt and pepper (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Wash and spiralize zucchini lengthwise into long noodle shapes using *Blade C if possible (pappardelle-shaped noodles).
  2. Optionally sprinkle lightly with salt to draw out moisture and soften texture, set aside 10 mins then pat very dry.
  3. Arrange zucchini noodles in an even single layer on dehydrator trays, being careful noodles don't overlap.
  4. Dehydrate at 115°F for 6 to 10 hours, checking periodically. Rotate the trays and gently flip the zoodles over.

*NOTE: Blade C are blades that are used in Paderno, Mueller, or Inspiralizer brand spiralizers.  Use our Fahrenheit to Celsius converter here on our site!

Zucchini noodles are done when they are very lightweight, brittle looking and slightly shrunken down but haven't lost shape.

To use, soak noodles 10-30 minutes to rehydrate. Then sauté, turn into pasta bakes, or toss with sauces. Enjoy!

Adjust time depending on humidity and desired final texture. Season the rehydrated zoodles later on. Get creative with shapes using different blade cutters!

Do you need to blanch or steam zucchini before dehydrating?

Steaming zucchini before dehydrating helps retain its vibrant green color, but it’s optional. If you skip it, your zucchini may look dull but will still taste great and dry properly.

How long does it take to dehydrate zucchini?

Zucchini usually takes 5 to 11 hours to fully dehydrate at 125°F to 135°F. Rotate trays for even drying and check for brittleness.

Can you dehydrate shredded zucchini for baking?

Yes! Dehydrate shredded zucchini on mesh trays. Once dried, store in an airtight container and rehydrate before using in zucchini bread or muffins.

How do you rehydrate dried zucchini for cooking?

Soak dried zucchini slices or shreds in warm water for 15–30 minutes. Drain and use as you would fresh zucchini in your recipes.

What’s the best way to store dehydrated zucchini?

Store in airtight jars or vacuum-sealed bags in a cool, dark place. Use desiccant packs for longer shelf life (up to 12 months).

Thanks for stopping by to learn how to dehydrate zucchini the right way.

Whether you're making chips, fritters, or adding it to your next ratatouille, drying your own zucchini is a smart way to reduce waste and prep for pantry-ready meals.

Ready to try more? Download my free 5 Dried Food Recipes PDF (below) and explore what else you can make from your dehydrator stash!

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