Dehydrating peppers is a great way to preserve their flavor and nutritional value. Air fryers, which are popular for cooking crispy and healthy food with little to no oil, can also be used for dehydrating peppers. In this article, we will guide you on how to dehydrate peppers in an air fryer.

How To Dehydrate Peppers In An Air Fryer

Step 1: Choose the right type of peppers There are many types of peppers available, but not all of them are suitable for dehydration. Choose peppers that are firm and free from any bruises or blemishes. The best peppers for dehydrating are jalapenos, habaneros, serranos, and bell peppers. Jalapenos and habaneros are hotter than serranos and bell peppers, so adjust the drying time accordingly.

Step 2: Wash and dry the peppers Wash the peppers under running water and pat them dry with a towel. Make sure the peppers are completely dry before you start dehydrating. Any moisture on the peppers can cause them to spoil during the drying process.

Step 3: Cut the peppers into thin slices Using a sharp knife, slice the peppers into thin rounds. Make sure the slices are of uniform thickness to ensure even drying. If you prefer, you can also cut the peppers into strips or leave them whole.

Step 4: Preheat the air fryer Preheat the air fryer to 135°F (or the lowest setting available). This will ensure that the peppers dry evenly without getting cooked.

Step 5: Arrange the pepper slices in a single layer Arrange the pepper slices in a single layer on the air fryer basket or tray. Make sure there is enough space between the slices to allow for proper air circulation.

Step 6: Dehydrate the peppers Place the air fryer basket or tray in the preheated air fryer and dehydrate the peppers for 6-8 hours. The drying time will depend on the thickness of the pepper slices, the type of pepper, and the humidity level in your kitchen. Check the peppers every hour and rotate the basket or tray to ensure even drying.

Step 7: Store the dehydrated peppers Once the peppers are fully dehydrated, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool completely. Store the dehydrated peppers in an airtight container or a ziplock bag. You can also store them in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Label the container with the date of drying and the type of pepper.

Tips for Dehydrating Peppers in an Air Fryer

• If you want to speed up the drying process, you can cut the peppers into smaller pieces or use a higher temperature setting. However, be careful not to over-dry the peppers, as this can cause them to lose their flavor and nutritional value.
• If you want to reduce the heat of hot peppers, you can remove the seeds and membranes before dehydrating them.
• If you want to add some flavor to the peppers, you can sprinkle them with salt, black pepper, or your favorite seasoning before dehydrating them.
• If you want to dehydrate different types of peppers at the same time, make sure to group them together by type, as they may have different drying times.
• If you want to dehydrate peppers with higher moisture content, such as bell peppers, you can use a dehydrator setting on your air fryer, which will provide more air circulation and better drying results.

Are Dehydrated Peppers Still Spicy?

A hot pepper’s capsaicin is what gives it its spiciness. Capsaicin has a funny property that. it’s also an oil-based instead of water-based. In other words, the only thing escaping from your hot peppers as you dehydrate them is water. The capsaicin oil is still present and should theoretically taste a little hotter now that the water drop has concentrated it. It ought to taste more spicy as a result.

How to Tell If Your Peppers Are Done Dehydrating

Oh, you want to look forward to your pepper’s texture becoming a combination of leathery and brittle when you’re drying it. At the same time, you don’t want it to be too brutal or too leathery. The final shade should always be slightly darker than the initial hue. It should also lose at least a third to a half of its original size.

Remember that a lot of the water that is present in fresh peppers naturally has likely been removed by your air fryer. It should be clear that your dried peppers will lose a lot of their size and weight as a result.

By simply observing the entire tray, you can also detect the shrinkage of your peppers. Sometimes you might have remembered giving each slice a few centimeters a room, but when you’re done dehydrating your peppers, you’ll notice that the gap between each slice is significantly larger.

How Long Does It Take to Dehydrate Peppers?

It can take anywhere from 6 to 10 hours to dehydrate papers. The temperature you use, though, will determine how it works. We advise keeping things at 130 °F. It might need to spend less time in the air fryer for an hour or two if you want to cook it at a higher temperature. I’d recommend lowering the temperature to between 120 and 125 degrees Fahrenheit and cooking your peppers for at least 10 hours if you want them to be a little more crispy.

I would ultimately advise that the gold standard be 130 degrees Fahrenheit for roughly 8 hours. You should increase or decrease the cooking time by an hour for every 2 degrees that you choose to cook it at a different temperature.

How Do You Store Dehydrated Peppers?

Here are some suggestions for storing your dehydrated peppers to keep them as fresh as possible.

• Avoid keeping the jar open for too long and store them in airtight containers.
• To preserve the freshness of the dried peppers you don’t consume immediately, vacuum seal small batches of them in numerous bags.
• Dried peppers should be stored at room temperature and away from light.
• They will last at least two years if you put them in the freezer.
• They should keep for about a year if you keep them in the refrigerator.

Can You Freeze Dehydrated Peppers?

Dried peppers can be placed in the freezer. Your dried peppers will stay fresh for at least two years if you do this. When removing items from the freezer for use, give them 15 to 20 minutes to defrost before using. Alternatively, you can rehydrate dried peppers by putting them in a bowl of water. They might become soggy if you leave it in for longer than 2 to 4 minutes. We advise dipping whatever you’re using it for into the water for a minute or two before adding it to the pan with the rest of your food as you cook.

Conclusion

In conclusion, dehydrating peppers in an air fryer is a simple and easy process that can be done at home. It is a great way to preserve peppers for later use and to add flavor and nutrition to your meals.