How to Dry Apples in the Oven?

One of the oldest methods used to preserve food is drying it. Unlike the drying methods used in the past, apples today are typically dried in the oven or in a dehydrator.

Drying Apples in the Oven

Wash the apples. You can peel them or leave the skin on. Core the apples then cut them into slices that are no more than 1/4 inch thick. Having uniform slices will assure that all the slices dry properly. Preheat the oven to its lowest setting. Place the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the slices in the oven. Leave the oven door slightly open to allow moisture to escape. Set a timer and check the slices periodically. Turn the slices during the drying process. When the edges of the slices turn a golden brown remove them from the oven. After the slices cool, tear a slice in half to see if it has a leathery exterior texture and is spongy on the inside. If so, they are sufficiently dry. Store them when completely cool. If not, preheat the oven and dry the slices longer, checking them every half hour until completely dry. Oven drying can take up to 8 hours.

How to Use Dried Apples

After you’ve gone through the process of dehydrating apples, there’s an abundance of ways to use them. Apple pie and apple hand pies are two popular ways to use dried apples. Dried apple and cream cheese scones are also delicious. With dried apple slices on hand, you can expand your culinary creativity. Dried apple rings are a great addition to a Charcuterie platter. Apple rings can be used as a healthy and decorative topping for a salad.

Rehydrating Apple Slices

Dehydrating apples is an excellent way to preserve them so that you can use them throughout the year. Sometimes, you may need to rehydrate the slices to use in a recipe. One of the simplest ways to do this is to place the slices in boiling water for approximately five minutes or until softened.

Dehydrated Apple Chips

You can use dehydrated apple chips as a healthy substitute for other dipping chips. They can be used in trail mix or in recipes such as No-Bake Apple Breakfast bars.