Ever thought about making your own healthy, shelf-stable snacks right in your kitchen? Dehydrating food is a fantastic way to preserve fruits, veggies, and even meats, and guess what? Your air fryer might just be the secret weapon you never knew you had for this! While dedicated dehydrators are great, many modern air fryers come with a dehydration function that’s incredibly effective, making them a super versatile appliance.
But with so many options out there, how do you pick the best air fryer for dehydrating food? We’ve done the legwork for you, diving deep into the features, pros, and cons of the top contenders. Get ready to turn your kitchen into a snack-making factory!
Why Use an Air Fryer for Dehydrating?
You might be wondering, “Can an air fryer really dehydrate food?” And the answer is a resounding YES! Many newer models are equipped with low-temperature settings and precise airflow, which are exactly what you need for effective food preservation. It’s a convenient, space-saving solution, combining multiple cooking functions into one handy appliance. If you’re looking to get the best air fryer for dehydrating food that also air fries, roasts, and bakes, you’re in the right place!
Let’s take a look at our top picks.
Our Top Picks for the Best Air Fryer for Dehydrating Food
CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer+ Rotisserie
This Chefman air fryer isn’t just an air fryer; it’s a true kitchen workhorse designed to handle a multitude of tasks, including excellent food dehydration. Its oven-like design and generous 10-liter capacity mean you can spread out your ingredients on multiple racks, ensuring even air circulation for perfect jerky or dried fruit. The clear window and interior light are super handy for monitoring your dehydrating progress without opening the door and letting heat escape.
- Key Features:
- Versatile countertop cooking: Air fry, bake, dehydrate, rotisserie, roast.
- Rapid air heating for faster cooking without preheating.
- Healthy cooking with 98% less oil.
- 17 preset options and easy-to-use capacitive touch screen.
- Includes three air flow racks, rotisserie spit, and drip tray.
- Extra-large 10-Liter capacity for family-size meals.
- Interior lights and extra-large window for monitoring.
- Removable drip tray and dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleanup.
- Pros:
- Large capacity and multiple racks are ideal for dehydrating batches.
- Multi-functional design saves counter space.
- Easy to use with presets and digital controls.
- Simple cleanup with dishwasher-safe parts.
- Cons:
- Can be quite large for smaller kitchens.
- Some users might prefer more manual temperature control options for dehydration.
- User Impressions: Customers love this appliance for its versatility and large capacity, often praising its ability to cook meals for the whole family. The rotisserie function is a highlight, and many appreciate the ease of dehydrating a variety of snacks.
- See it on Amazon here
Ninja Air Fryer (AF101)
The Ninja Air Fryer AF101 is a compact yet powerful option that brings Ninja’s renowned air crisp technology to your countertop. What makes it stand out for dehydration is its dedicated low-temperature setting (down to 105°F) combined with a low fan speed. This specific combination is crucial for thorough, even dehydration, making it a reliable choice for creating those perfectly flat, chip-like snacks without over-drying or cooking them.
- Key Features:
- Air fry with up to 75% less fat.
- Wide temperature range: 105°F-400°F.
- Family-sized 4-quart ceramic-coated nonstick basket.
- 4-in-1 versatility: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
- Dedicated dehydrate function with low fan speed and temperature.
- Easy-to-clean dishwasher-safe parts.
- Includes 20 Recipe Booklet.
- Pros:
- Excellent, precise temperature control for dehydration.
- Compact size, great for smaller kitchens.
- Very easy to clean.
- Reputable brand known for quality.
- Cons:
- Smaller capacity might require multiple batches for larger dehydrating projects.
- Only comes with one basket, so you can’t stack multiple layers of food.
- User Impressions: Users frequently commend the Ninja AF101 for its consistent results in air frying and its surprising effectiveness as a dehydrator. Its compact footprint and ease of cleaning are also big pluses for everyday use.
- See it on Amazon here
Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven
If you’re looking for a serious kitchen powerhouse that also excels at dehydration, the Emeril Lagasse French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven is a top contender. Its massive 26-quart capacity and elegant French doors make it feel like a mini-oven on your countertop, perfect for large families or entertaining. The dual-speed fan and 360º superheated air circulation ensure even cooking and efficient dehydration across its various racks.
- Key Features:
- A versatile air fryer and multi-cooker combo.
- Auto-off toast countdown timer.
- 25 cooking pre-sets for a variety of methods (including roast, bake, slow cook).
- Dual-speed fan with 360º superheated air circulation.
- Extra-large 26-quart capacity, fits a 6-lb chicken or 12” pizza.
- Stainless steel exterior with elegant French doors and interior light.
- Pros:
- Huge capacity, excellent for large batch dehydrating.
- Multi-functional, replaces several appliances.
- Stylish design with French doors.
- Dual-speed fan for precise air circulation.
- Cons:
- Very large footprint, requires significant counter space.
- Might be overkill if you only need a basic air fryer.
- User Impressions: Reviewers are impressed by its sheer size and versatility, often noting how it truly replaces their toaster oven, air fryer, and even parts of their regular oven. Its robust build and ability to handle large meals are frequently highlighted.
- See it on Amazon here
Air Fryer Oven Large 20 QT, 10-in-1 Toaster Oven Air Fryer
This 20-quart air fryer oven is a fantastic all-in-one solution, boasting 10 preset programs and an array of accessories designed to simplify your cooking and dehydrating tasks. What really sets it apart for dehydration are the included three dehydrating racks, allowing you to maximize your batch size and airflow for efficient food preservation. Its powerful 1800 watts and 360° hot air circulation guarantee even, crispy results for all your dishes.
- Key Features:
- 10-in-1 versatility: Fry, bake, roast, dehydrate, reheat, toast.
- Powerful 1800 watts with 360° hot air circulation.
- Non-toxic design: Dishwasher-safe accessories, free from PFAS, PFOA, Teflon, BPA.
- 11 accessories included: rotating basket, deep basket, drip tray, 3 dehydrating racks, etc.
- Large 20-quart capacity (W14.6″xD13.4″xH15.4″).
- Intuitive LED digital touch screen.
- 1-Year Warranty Included.
- Pros:
- Dedicated dehydrating racks included – a huge plus!
- Large capacity suitable for families and parties.
- Comprehensive set of accessories for various cooking needs.
- Easy to use digital interface.
- Non-toxic materials for health-conscious users.
- Cons:
- Can be a significant investment in counter space.
- Some users might find the large number of accessories overwhelming at first.
- User Impressions: Users love the sheer functionality and the thoughtful inclusion of multiple dehydrating racks. It’s often praised for its ability to handle large quantities of food and for making healthy meal prep much easier.
- See it on Amazon here
SICHEER Dehydrator Rack Stainless Steel Stand Accessories
Okay, so this isn’t an air fryer itself, but if you already own a 6-quart Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer (or a similar model that fits these dimensions) and want to seriously step up your dehydrating game, this accessory is a game-changer! These four stackable stainless steel racks transform your existing air fryer into a multi-layered dehydrating machine, vastly increasing your capacity for making jerky, dried fruits, or even pet treats. It’s a smart investment to truly make your current appliance the best air fryer for dehydrating food it can be.
- Key Features:
- Customized size for Instant Vortex Plus 6-quart Air Fryer compatibility.
- Four stackable layers for increased dehydration capacity.
- Food grade 304 (18/8) stainless steel.
- Space-saving stackable design.
- Dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
- Hand sanded with burr-free edges and rigid diamond mesh.
- Pros:
- Maximizes your air fryer’s dehydrating potential.
- Allows for multiple layers of food, improving efficiency.
- Durable, food-grade stainless steel construction.
- Easy to clean and store.
- Cons:
- Only compatible with specific air fryer models.
- Does not include the air fryer itself.
- User Impressions: Customers who own compatible air fryers absolutely rave about these racks, calling them essential for anyone serious about dehydrating. They highlight the improved airflow and ability to make larger batches as key benefits.
- See it on Amazon here
7-In-1 Air Fryer with Visible Window, 5QT Large Capacity
This 5-quart air fryer is a great middle-ground option for those who want a capable multi-functional appliance without a massive footprint. Its standout feature for dehydrating is the combination of its adjustable low temperature (down to 120°F) and 1500W power, which ensures consistent airflow for thorough drying. The visible window is also a huge plus, letting you peek in on your snacks without interrupting the drying process.
- Key Features:
- 7-in-1 functionality: Fry, cook, dehydrate, toast, roast, and more.
- Visible window and LCD screen for easy monitoring and control.
- 5-quart capacity, suitable for small families.
- 8 easy presets with adjustable time (1-60 min) and heat (120°F-400°F).
- 1500W power for fast, even cooking and strong airflow for dehydrating.
- Auto shutoff and basket pull-out safety feature.
- Removable, dishwasher-safe parts for quick cleanup.
- Pros:
- Good balance of capacity and counter space.
- Visible window is convenient for monitoring.
- Adjustable low temperature and strong airflow are ideal for dehydrating.
- User-friendly digital controls and presets.
- Cons:
- 5-quart capacity might be limiting for very large dehydrating projects.
- Only one basket, so you can’t stack food easily without an accessory.
- User Impressions: Users appreciate its compact design and efficient cooking. Many highlight the visible window as a game-changer for monitoring food, and they find its ability to dehydrate small batches of snacks very useful.
- See it on Amazon here
Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 with 5 QT Capacity
The Ninja Air Fryer Pro builds on Ninja’s reputation for powerful air frying while maintaining core dehydrating capabilities. With its 5-quart capacity, it’s a great size for small to medium families, and its “Air Crisp Technology” means efficient, even heat distribution, which is key for good dehydration. It’s designed to be a space saver on your countertop, offering excellent functionality without taking up too much room, making it a strong contender for the best air fryer for dehydrating food if space is a concern.
- Key Features:
- AIR CRISP TECHNOLOGY for hot, crispy results with little to no oil.
- Large 5-QT nonstick basket and crisper plate.
- 4-in-1 functionality: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
- Up to 75% less fat than traditional frying.
- Cooks frozen foods in minutes.
- Space-saving design.
- Easy to clean nonstick basket and crisper plate.
- Includes 20 recipe book and cooking charts.
- Pros:
- Renowned Ninja air crisp technology for consistent results.
- Compact design, great for smaller kitchens.
- Efficient and easy to clean.
- Reliable for general air frying and basic dehydrating.
- Cons:
- Like other basket-style air fryers, it’s not ideal for multi-layer dehydrating without extra accessories.
- Might not have as wide a temperature range for dehydration as some oven-style models.
- User Impressions: Loyal Ninja users love its consistent performance and compact design. They often mention how easy it is to use for everyday cooking and how reliable it is for making quick, healthy snacks.
- See it on Amazon here
Conclusion
Choosing the best air fryer for dehydrating food really comes down to your specific needs. If you’re serious about large-batch dehydrating, an oven-style air fryer like the CHEFMAN, Emeril Lagasse, or the 20 QT Gluck with multiple racks will be your best bet. Their larger capacities and multi-level designs are perfect for spreading out ingredients.
If you have less counter space or only plan on occasional dehydrating, a basket-style air fryer like the Ninja AF101 or the 5QT Visible Window model offers excellent dedicated dehydrating functions in a more compact package. And don’t forget specialized accessories like the SICHEER Dehydrator Racks – they can significantly boost the capabilities of your existing air fryer!
No matter which you choose, you’re on your way to enjoying delicious, homemade dehydrated snacks that are healthier and more cost-effective than store-bought options. Happy dehydrating!
FAQ Section
Q1: What exactly is food dehydrating?
A1: Food dehydrating is a preservation method that removes moisture from food, inhibiting the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and molds. This process dramatically extends the food’s shelf life while often concentrating its flavor and nutrients.
Q2: Why should I use an air fryer for dehydrating instead of a dedicated dehydrator?
A2: Many modern air fryers offer a dehydrate function with precise low temperatures and excellent airflow, making them a versatile, space-saving option. If you don’t want another single-purpose appliance, an air fryer that handles multiple tasks (frying, roasting, baking, dehydrating) is a great choice. Dedicated dehydrators might offer more racks or precise controls for large batches, but air fryers are excellent for convenience.
Q3: What types of food can I dehydrate in my air fryer?
A3: You can dehydrate a wide variety of foods! Popular options include fruit slices (apples, bananas, strawberries, mangoes), fruit leathers, vegetable chips (kale, sweet potato, zucchini), herbs, and even meat for jerky. Just ensure the food is sliced thinly and evenly for best results.
Q4: What are the ideal temperature and time settings for dehydrating in an air fryer?
A4: Dehydrating typically requires low temperatures over a long period. Most air fryers with a dehydrate function will have settings between 100°F to 170°F (38°C to 77°C). The time can vary from 4 to 12 hours or even longer, depending on the food’s moisture content, thickness, and desired dryness. Always refer to your air fryer’s manual for specific recommendations.
Q5: How do I prepare food for dehydrating in an air fryer?
A5: First, wash and pat dry your food. For fruits and vegetables, slice them thinly and uniformly (1/8 to 1/4 inch is ideal) to ensure even drying. Some fruits, like apples or bananas, might benefit from a quick dip in lemon juice or a citric acid solution to prevent browning. For jerky, slice meat against the grain and marinate as desired.
Q6: Are there any specific accessories I need for dehydrating in an air fryer?
A6: While some air fryers (especially oven-style ones) come with dehydrating racks, many basket-style air fryers only have one basket. If you want to dehydrate larger quantities or different types of food simultaneously, consider purchasing stackable dehydrator racks designed for your air fryer model. Parchment paper or silicone mats with holes can also be helpful for smaller items or sticky fruits.
Q7: How do I store dehydrated food, and how long does it last?
A7: Once your food is completely dry and cooled, store it in airtight containers, such as Mason jars or vacuum-sealed bags, in a cool, dark, and dry place. Properly dehydrated food can last for several months to a year or even longer, depending on the food type and storage conditions. Always check for any signs of moisture or mold before consumption.