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 food.

✅ 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:

Fresh red beets with leafy greens Beets Red, yellow, and green bell peppers Bell Peppers Fresh green broccoli florets Broccoli Brussels sprouts on white background Brussels Sprouts Butternut squash whole and halved Butternut Squash Whole green cabbage illustration Cabbage Fresh whole carrots with green tops Carrots Whole head of cauliflower with green leaves Cauliflower Fresh green celery stalks with leafy tops Celery Yellow corn on the cob with green husks Corn Garlic bulbs and peeled garlic cloves Garlic Fresh green beans pile on white background Green Beans Bunch of fresh kale leaves Kale White mushrooms whole and fresh Mushrooms Whole yellow onions and one sliced open Onions Green pea pods with loose peas on white background Peas Whole russet potatoes on white background Potatoes Whole pumpkin with stem and vines Pumpkin Fresh spinach leaves on white background Spinach Whole and sliced sweet potatoes Sweet Potatoes Whole red tomatoes with green stems Tomatoes Whole and sliced green zucchinis Zucchini

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, many dehydrated vegetables make healthy, fiber-rich snacks for dogs—and they’re a great way to boost your pup’s nutrition naturally.✅ Safe Dehydrated Veggies for Dogs

Stick to dog-friendly veggies that are gentle on digestion and low in sugar:

  • Carrots – Excellent for dental health and packed with beta-carotene.
  • Sweet Potatoes – A great source of fiber, vitamins, and natural sweetness.
  • Green Beans – Low-calorie treats that help dogs feel full.
  • Pumpkin – Soothes upset tummies and supports regular digestion.

Prep Tip: Always dehydrate without salt, oil, garlic, or onion powder. Keep it simple and single-ingredient.

🚫 Veggies to Avoid for Dogs (Even Dehydrated)

Some vegetables are toxic to dogs—whether raw, cooked, or dried. Never include:

  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Leeks
  • Chives

These can damage red blood cells and cause serious health issues, even in small amounts.

🐶 Bonus Ideas: Turn Dried Veggies Into Treats for Dogs

You can serve dried veggies as-is or mix them into homemade dog food or dog treat recipes. Try:

Dehydrated vegetables are a smart addition to any DIY dog treat rotation. They’re shelf-stable, mess-free, and tail-waggin’ good.

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.

FAQs: Drying Veggies the Right Way

Do I need to peel vegetables before drying them?

Not always. Peel if skins are bitter, tough, or wax-coated—especially store-bought.

Can you make veggie chips in a dehydrator?

Absolutely! Slice your veggies thin, lightly season, and dehydrate at 135°F for 6–10 hours until crisp. Great options: sweet potatoes, beets, zucchini, kale, green beans. Store in airtight containers for max crunch. See our Kale chips here.

What temperature should I use to dehydrate vegetables?

Stick to 125–135°F. Higher can cook them, lower takes too long.

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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