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

If you’re wondering how to dehydrate zucchini, you’re in the right place! This versatile veggie is one of the easiest to dry, and once dehydrated, it lasts for months in your pantry. Use it later for soups, casseroles, zucchini bread, or even crunchy chips.

✅ Quick Answer: How do you dehydrate zucchini?
Wash and slice zucchini into ⅜-inch pieces, then place on dehydrator trays at 125–135°F. Dry for 5–11 hours until brittle. Store in airtight containers. Optionally, steam slices first to keep their bright green color.

Dehydrating zucchini helps you save space, reduce waste, and enjoy garden-fresh flavor long after harvest season. Whether you slice, shred, or spiralize it, the process is simple—and I’ll walk you through it step by step.

Slicing fresh zucchini on a cutting board alongside a bowl of dehydrated zucchini chips

Zucchini Nutrition: Why This Veggie Packs a Punch

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 Guide: Dehydrate Zucchini Like a Pro

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 Chef Knife

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.

PL8 Professional Mandoline

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.

And I just had to get this fantastic slicer shown below, too!...

SupMaKin Upgrade Safe Mandoline Slicer

SUPMAKIN Slicer + Dicer Mandoline ~ OnceForAll Brand

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

See my review of this multi-function mandoline that I just couldn't resist getting!

Makes SUPER FAST work of chopping veggies! :-)

Ratatouille Upgrade: How to Add Dehydrated Zucchini

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" recipe here!

If you want to make our ratatouille with fresh veggies, see the fresh ingredients to use instead of dehydrated vegetables on that page. Also, see my Recipes hub page here.

Best Zucchini Varieties for Dehydrating Success

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

Yellow Zucchini vs. Summer Squash: What’s the Difference?

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.

Zoodles 101: Fresh & Dehydrated Zucchini Noodles

Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): Fresh or Dried

Zucchini squash can be enjoyed raw, cooked, or even turned into a healthy pasta substitute. Zucchini noodles—also called “zoodles”—are lower in calories and carbs than traditional pasta, yet full of vitamins and minerals. They’re quick to prepare and can be eaten fresh or dehydrated for long-term storage.

How to Make Zucchini Noodles (Fresh):

  1. Trim the ends off the zucchini.
  2. Spiralize lengthwise into noodle strands (use *Blade C for wide, pappardelle-style noodles). If you don’t have a spiralizer, carefully slice thin noodles with a sharp knife.
  3. Scoop out seeds if the zucchini is large.
  4. Serve raw, sauté lightly, or add to your favorite sauce.

How to Dehydrate Zucchini Noodles (for Year-Round Use):

  1. Wash and spiralize zucchini into long noodle shapes.
  2. Optional: Sprinkle with salt, let sit 10 minutes, then pat dry to remove excess moisture.
  3. Arrange in a single layer on dehydrator trays, avoiding overlap.
  4. Dry at 115°F for 6–10 hours, rotating trays and flipping noodles as needed.
  5. Zoodles are ready when lightweight, brittle, and slightly shrunken but still holding shape.

To Use Dried Zoodles:
Soak for 10–30 minutes to rehydrate, then sauté, bake, or toss with sauces. Adjust drying time depending on humidity and desired final texture.

Note: Blade C is part of Paderno, Mueller, or Inspiralizer spiralizers. Use our Fahrenheit to Celsius converter here on the site if needed!

Crispy Zucchini Chips: Easy Dehydrator Recipe

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!


Delicious Recipes 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!

Zucchini Dehydrating FAQs: Answers You’ll Actually Use

Do you need to blanch or steam zucchini before dehydrating?

Steaming isn’t required, but it helps preserve the zucchini’s bright green skin. Skipping it won’t affect taste or drying quality—it’s mostly about appearance.

How long does it take to dehydrate zucchini?

Between 5–11 hours at 125–135°F, depending on slice thickness and your dehydrator. Rotate trays for even drying and check for brittleness before storing.

Can you dehydrate shredded zucchini for baking?

Yes! Spread shredded zucchini on mesh sheets. Once dry, store airtight. Rehydrate before adding to zucchini bread or muffins.

What’s the best way to rehydrate dried zucchini?

Soak slices or shreds in warm water for 15–30 minutes, then drain. Use in casseroles, soups, ratatouille, or baked dishes.

How should I store dehydrated zucchini for longest shelf life?

Store in airtight Mason jars or food vacuum-sealer bags in a cool, dark place. Use oxygen absorbers and desiccant packs for longer shelf life (up to 12 months).

Thanks for stopping by to learn how to dehydrate zucchini the right way. From crunchy chips to hearty soups, casseroles, and even zucchini bread, it’s amazing how far a few trays of dried zucchini can go.

If you’re excited to try even more, grab my free 5 Dried Food Recipes You'll Actually Love PDF (below). Inside, you’ll find step-by-step favorites like carrot soup, minestrone, split pea soup, spicy beef jerky, and banana cinnamon rolls—all made with dehydrated ingredients!

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