How to Dehydrate Strawberries:
Easy and Delicious Every Time

You're at the right place to learn how to dehydrate strawberries. They are ideal for snacks, baked goods, and cereal topping. Add them to smoothies to add color!

Strawberries are very easy to dehydrate, take very little prep, and taste delicious dried! If strawberries are out of season and you want to have some 'put away,' you can dehydrate frozen strawberries.

Strawberries and dessert pie

If you can wait until they're buy-one-get-one (BOGO), it makes them an even greater value, obviously.

Many people wonder why you would dehydrate frozen food. Two words: Power outages.

When the freezer goes off, the frozen foods inside it thaw. We've been through that scenario so many times down here in Florida with rampant hurricanes. Having dehydrated foods stashed away means you don't have wasted food.

Strawberry FAQs: Drying, Storing, and More

What’s the best way to dehydrate strawberries at home?

Slice strawberries evenly about 1/4-inch thick, lay them on dehydrator trays without overlap, and dry at 125°F–135°F for 6–15 hours until leathery.

Rotate trays for even drying!

Can you dehydrate frozen strawberries?

Absolutely! Let frozen strawberries partially thaw, drain excess juice, slice if needed, and dehydrate as usual. It’s a great option when fresh strawberries are out of season.

How to dehydrate strawberries in an air fryer?

Here is a simple method for dehydrating strawberries in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pint fresh strawberries, washed, dried, hulled and sliced

Instructions:

  • Slice your strawberries about 1/4 inch thick. Keep them whole or halved if smaller.
  • Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper then arrange the strawberry slices in a single layer without overlapping.
  • Set your air fryer to the lowest temperature setting. Ideally around 95°F-115°F if there is a dehydrate function. If not, use the minimum warmup setting.
  • Dehydrate the strawberries for 6-8 hours, shaking the basket gently every 60-90 minutes to rotate.
  • Strawberries are fully dehydrated when smaller in size, no moisture remains, and they are dried through completely yet still pliable.
  • Allow to cool fully before storing dried strawberries in an airtight container for up to 1 year.

Use our Fahrenheit to Celsius converter here on our site!

Enjoy as sweet, healthy snacks! Soak in water first or incorporate directly into recipes like cereals, trail mixes, and baked goods.

Adjust air fryer temp/time based on model and load size. Monitor closely to prevent burning in the compact space.

What are the different types of strawberries?

There are many different types of strawberries, including June-bearing, ever-bearing, and day-neutral varieties.

June-bearing strawberries produce a large crop all at once while ever-bearing and day-neutral varieties produce smaller crops throughout the season.

When are strawberries in season?

The strawberry season varies depending on the type of strawberry. June-bearing strawberries are typically in season from late May to early July, while ever-bearing and day-neutral varieties can produce fruit from spring to fall.

How do you rehydrate dried strawberries?

Soak dried strawberries in warm water for 10–20 minutes until plump. You can also add them directly to smoothies, oatmeal, or baked goods — they’ll soak up moisture naturally!

How long do dehydrated strawberries last?

Stored properly in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, dehydrated strawberries can last up to 12 months. For best taste and texture, enjoy within 6–9 months.

How did strawberries get their name?

The name "strawberry" is thought to come from the straw-like material that was used to mulch the plants. This practice was common in Europe during the 18th century.

Strawberries Nutrition Info.

VITAMINS: Vitamin A and Vitamin C, followed by Choline and vitamin K. There are trace amounts of Vitamin E, Betaine, Pantothenic Acid, Niacin, and Vitamin B6.

MINERALS: Potassium, followed by Phosphorus, Calcium, Magnesium, and Fluoride. Strawberries have trace amounts of Selenium, Manganese, Iron, and Copper.

They also contain Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

Frozen Strawberries? Here's How to Dehydrate Them Right

If you want to dehydrate frozen strawberries, allow them to partially thaw so that it's easier to slice them, and allow their juices to drain in a sieve in a bowl or in the kitchen sink.

Then simply follow the steps below!

Step-by-Step: How to Dehydrate Strawberries Like a Pro

Let's get busy dehydrating strawberries!

Dehydrated Strawberries on an Excalibur dehydrator sheet

If using frozen strawberries, slice them when partially thawed—then go to step 2.

  1. Wash fresh strawberries, cut off the top, and cut into 1/4" slices or into halves.
  2. If you cut your strawberries in half, place them on your food dehydrator trays with the cut side up to prevent drips on the lower trays!
  3. Turn on your dehydrator and set the temperature between 125°F and 135°F (or per your food dehydrator's instructions).

💡 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 long does it take to dehydrate strawberries?

Here my approximation as to how long:

  • Drying time: between 6-15 hours.
  • Dehydrated strawberries will be crisp and leathery when dried.
  • Remember to rotate your food dehydrator trays, for even drying.

No Dehydrator? Use Your Air Fryer to Dry Strawberries

Samantha from RecipeThis dried strawberries in Ninja FoodiThis is NOT a video.
Click it to read all about it and stay on Easy Food Dehydrating

If you don't yet own a dehydrator but have an air fryer like a Ninja Foodi, you will want to read this post "Dehydrated Strawberries in Air Fryer" and how to increase drying volume with this simple purchase!

Make Strawberry Preserves with Your Dried Berries

Strawberry Preserves on a biscuitStrawberry Preserves Photo and Recipe from Allrecipes

Create a Dreamy Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry ShortcakeStrawberry Shortcake Photo and Recipe from Allrecipes

For the Strawberry Preserves, and Strawberry Shortcake recipes, simply click their links or click on their photos above! Both recipes are courtesy of Allrecipes.com

How to Grow Sweet, Juicy Strawberries at Home

Strawberries can be grown from seeds, runners, or plants. Runnerless varieties are typically the easiest to grow.

To plant strawberries, dig a hole that is large enough to accommodate the roots. Then, place the plant in the hole and back-fill it with soil. Water the area well and continue to water regularly. Strawberries typically bear fruit in the spring or summer.

Here's Gardening Mentor's post that goes into great detail on how to grow strawberries, from preparing the bed to plucking them.

Kevin reminds us, "Bear in mind that strawberries don't produce fruit until their second year."

What's the Best Area to Grow Strawberries?

There is no one single answer to this question as it depends on a number of factors, such as climate and soil type.

General tips for growing strawberries include planting in an area that receives full sun and has well-drained soil. It's also important to space the plants properly so that they have room to grow.

You Pick 'em Strawberry Farms!

Strawberry field collage

Getting great fresh strawberries from "You Pick 'Em" farms is probably the best way to go of obtaining sweet big strawberries... so long as you don't 'put your back out' bending down! 

It's a great activity for the kids (read: have the kids do the bending down!)

Strawberries are easy to grow in pots, or in beds, no matter the size of your backyard, or lack thereof.

NOTE: Check out how easy it is to dehydrate all kinds of fruits.

See my main Fruit page here.

After Dehydrating Strawberries, Add Water to Rehydrate them for Adding to Smoothies!

After dehydrating strawberries, you can easily rehydrate them by soaking briefly in water — or toss them straight into your morning smoothies! It's a sweet way to boost your fruit intake and skip the need for sugary snacks or vitamin pills.

After you've dehydrated your strawberries, you'll want to pack them away safely. Learn how to do just that by reading my Storing Dehydrated Food page. There are six steps from buying to storing! Speaking of the six steps, don't forget to sign up for our free Six Simple Steps eBook to learn more.

Thanks for stopping by to learn how to dehydrate strawberries. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me here.

Thanks for visiting! Reminder: See many more fruits here.

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