Dehydrating Apples for Easy Apple Crisps

About 3 years ago we put in a small orchard.  It was super exciting to know that in a couple years we'd have our first apples.

Well, this was they year!  It was so exciting to pick apples we grew in our own orchard.  Of course, it was a small harvest but we know in years to come we will have some great apple harvests.

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Which is why we are working now to make sure we can preserve as many apples in as many forms as we can.  One way we are doing this is by dehydrating apples.  It is a simple process but can make a big difference in the amount of apples we can preserve.

We got a Magic Mill Dehydrator for Christmas one year and have been grateful to have it this year to dehydrate these apples.  In the past, we have freeze dried apples and really enjoy that method for snacking.  We've also made applesauce and canned apple juice to add to our pantry.  So dehydrating is newer on our list of apple preserving methods.

How long do apples take in the dehydrator?

Most fruit will take between 12-15 hours to dehydrate.  Dehydrate apples at a temperature of 145°F.  This process can take longer if you have super juicy apples.  You want them to feel a bit crisp when you take them out of the dehydrator.

This can vary from machine.  Our Magic Mill Dehydrator typically takes took about 15-18 hours to fully dehydrate 6 trays of apples.

Can I over dehydrate apples?

Yes you can.  Mostly this occurs when apples are cooked at too high of a temperature.  Stay safe by dehydrating at 145°F for just a bit longer instead of raising the temperature to 150°F or above.

Why aren't my dehydrated apples crispy?

Typically this means you haven't dehydrated the apples long enough.  However, over time they can become soft if not stored in air tight containers.  

What does it mean to pretreat apples?

Apples go through oxidation when exposed to air.  That means they start turning brown.  This will happen during the dehydration process.  You can help prevent this by adding citric acid to your apples.  Lemon juice, apple cider vinegar or citric acid powder applied to the apples will help prevent them turning brown.

How long do dehydrated apples last?

If stored properly in air tight containers, dehydrated apples can last for up to 6 months.  But they can last longer if put into the freezer.  You should get an entire year out of them.  But in our house, they only last a few weeks.  They are a favorite snack for everyone.

Tips for Successful Dehydrated Apples

Once your apples are peel and cored, add them right to lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.  This will help keep the fresh and prevent oxidation.

Don't overcrowd your apples.  Overlapping apples can make the drying time increase and make uneven patches of drying.  The apple might be dry on one side but not the opposite.

Pay attention to your drying time and temperature.  Make sure you are not heating apples over 145°F.  This can cause them to overcook.  Most apples will need 12-15 hours to dry.  Sometimes even more.  Don't be afraid to add more time to the drying clock.

Store dehydrated apples in air tight containers.  Or vacuum seal them in mason jar for even better storage.  Keep them out of direct sunlight like in a nice cool, dark pantry.

Equipment Needed to Dehydrate Apples

Magic Mill Dehydrator

Apple Peeler and Corer

VIDEO:  How to Dehydrate Apples

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