Craving healthy, homemade snacks like chewy fruit leathers, crispy veggie chips, or savory beef jerky? If you’re like most folks, you probably already know how amazing air fryers are for getting that perfect crispy texture on fries, chicken, and so much more. But here’s a little secret: many modern air fryers are also fantastic at dehydrating! That’s right, your versatile kitchen powerhouse can double as a food dehydrator, saving you counter space and money.
Choosing the best air fryer for dehydrating means looking for models with precise temperature control (especially at lower temps), good airflow, and often, multi-tier rack options. It’s about transforming fresh ingredients into long-lasting, nutritious, and delicious treats right in your own kitchen. No more expensive store-bought versions filled with unknown additives!
Ready to dive in and find the perfect appliance that helps you air fry your dinner and dehydrate your snacks? Let’s explore our top picks for the best air fryer for dehydrating on the market.
1. CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer+ Rotisserie,…
This CHEFMAN air fryer isn’t just an air fryer; it’s a full-blown countertop cooking hub! What truly makes it shine for dehydrating is its large 10-liter capacity and the inclusion of three air flow racks, giving you ample space to spread out your thinly sliced fruits or veggies. With 17 preset options and precise temperature control, it takes the guesswork out of food preservation, making it incredibly user-friendly for everything from crispy fries to homemade apple chips.
- Key Features: Versatile countertop cooking (Air fry, bake, dehydrate, rotisserie, roast), 17 preset options, easy-to-use capacitive touch screen, 10-liter family-size capacity, interior lights and extra-large oven window, removable drip tray and dishwasher-safe parts.
- Pros:
- Excellent multi-functionality, including a dedicated dehydrate function.
- Large capacity ideal for batch dehydrating or family meals.
- Comes with multiple racks, perfect for airflow.
- Easy to monitor cooking progress with the clear window.
- Simple cleanup with dishwasher-safe parts.
- Cons:
- Might be a bit bulky for smaller kitchens.
- Specific low temperature range for dehydrating not detailed, but presets help.
- User Impressions: Many users rave about its versatility, calling it a true all-in-one appliance that replaces multiple gadgets. They particularly appreciate the spacious interior and ease of use for various cooking tasks, including making healthy snacks.
- See it on Amazon here
2. 7-In-1 Air Fryer with Visible Window, 5QT Large Capacity…
Don’t let its compact size fool you; this 7-in-1 air fryer is a powerhouse. Its 5-quart capacity is perfect for smaller families or individuals, and it explicitly boasts a dehydrating function accessible right on its intuitive LCD screen. The visible window is a game-changer, allowing you to peek at your progress without interrupting the cooking or dehydrating process, ensuring your snacks turn out just right every time. Plus, its strong 1500W power ensures consistent results, whether you’re air frying chicken or making a batch of banana chips.
- Key Features: 7-in-1 functionality (fry, cook, dehydrate), 5QT large capacity, viewable window, auto shutoff for safety, 8 easy presets, adjustable time (1-60 min) and heat (120°F-400°F), 1500W power, dishwasher-safe removable parts.
- Pros:
- Explicit dehydrate function and wide temperature range ideal for it.
- Visible window for monitoring food.
- Compact footprint, suitable for smaller countertops.
- Fast, even cooking and strong airflow for efficient dehydrating.
- Dishwasher-safe parts make cleaning a breeze.
- Cons:
- Single basket might limit the quantity you can dehydrate at once compared to oven-style models.
- May require more frequent rotations of racks (if using aftermarket ones) for even dehydrating.
- User Impressions: Users love its compact size and the convenience of the visible window. They highlight its ability to cook food evenly and quickly, making it a go-to for daily meals and experimenting with healthy, dehydrated treats.
- See it on Amazon here
3. Air Fryer Oven Large 20 QT, 10-in-1 Toaster Oven Air…
If you’re serious about cooking for a crowd or want to make large batches of dehydrated snacks, this 20-quart Gluck air fryer oven is an absolute dream. It’s a true 10-in-1 kitchen solution that perfectly caters to dehydrating needs, especially because it comes with three dedicated dehydrating racks! Beyond that, its powerful 1800 watts and 360° hot air circulation guarantee crispy outsides and juicy insides for all your cooking endeavors, from rotisserie chicken to perfectly dried apples. Plus, its non-toxic design ensures healthy cooking without harmful coatings.
- Key Features: 10-in-1 versatility (fry, bake, roast, dehydrate, reheat, toast), 1800W power with 360° hot air circulation, non-toxic design (PFAS, PFOA, Teflon, BPA free), generous 20-quart capacity, intuitive LED digital touch screen, includes 11 accessories (including 3 dehydrating racks).
- Pros:
- Massive 20QT capacity, perfect for large families or bulk dehydrating.
- Includes specific dehydrating racks for optimal airflow and efficiency.
- Extremely versatile with 10 preset programs and numerous accessories.
- Non-toxic materials ensure healthier cooking.
- Powerful and precise for excellent results.
- Cons:
- Its large size requires significant counter space.
- Might be overkill for single users or very small kitchens.
- User Impressions: This appliance frequently receives praise for its huge capacity and the sheer number of cooking options it offers. Customers appreciate the included accessories, especially the dehydrating racks, finding it perfect for preparing entire meals and large quantities of snacks.
- See it on Amazon here
4. Ninja Foodi 10QT 6-in-1 DualZone Smart XL Air Fryer, 2…
The Ninja Foodi DualZone Smart XL Air Fryer is a game-changer for multi-taskers. With its unique DualZone Technology, you can cook two different foods, two different ways, at the same time – and yes, that includes dehydrating! Its 6 versatile cooking programs, including a dedicated Dehydrate function, make it incredibly flexible. The integrated Foodi Smart Thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking, ensuring perfect results every time. While its two basket design might differ from the rack setup of oven-style air fryers, its independent control and overall capacity make it a strong contender for those who value efficiency.
- Key Features: DualZone Technology (2 independent XL air fryer baskets), Smart Cook System with integrated thermometer, 6 versatile cooking programs (including Dehydrate), XL 10-quart capacity, IQ Boost for optimal power distribution, faster cooking.
- Pros:
- Unbeatable for cooking two items simultaneously, which can include dehydrating one while air frying another.
- Smart thermometer ensures perfect doneness.
- Dedicated Dehydrate function.
- Large total capacity (10QT).
- Easy to clean nonstick baskets.
- Cons:
- Basket design might require single layers for effective dehydrating, limiting batch size for certain items.
- Can be pricier than single-basket models.
- User Impressions: This Ninja Foodi model is a fan favorite, especially for its dual-zone capabilities, which users say significantly speeds up meal prep. Many users also enjoy the smart thermometer and appreciate the versatility to dehydrate alongside other cooking tasks.
- See it on Amazon here
5. COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Fast Turbo…
COSORI steps up the air frying and dehydrating game with its innovative TurboBlaze Technology, delivering a powerful 3600 rpm fan speed and precise temperature control from 90° to 450°F. This level of precision and airflow is absolutely crucial for effective dehydrating, ensuring your items are evenly dried and perfectly textured. Its 6-quart square basket offers a surprisingly large capacity while maintaining a compact footprint, making it an excellent choice for those who need professional-grade versatility without a massive appliance. Plus, it operates at less than 53 dB, making it a whisper-quiet kitchen companion.
- Key Features: TurboBlaze Technology (3600 rpm fan, up to 450℉), 5-fan speed system, precise 90°–450°F temperature control, 6-quart square basket, quiet operation (<53 dB), 95% less oil, dishwasher-safe nonstick parts, customizable preheat.
- Pros:
- Excellent temperature and fan speed control crucial for precise dehydrating.
- Fast cooking times with TurboBlaze.
- Large, space-efficient 6-quart square basket.
- Extremely quiet operation.
- Easy cleanup with dishwasher-safe components.
- Cons:
- While highly versatile, “Dehydrate” isn’t explicitly listed in the key features, though its precise controls imply capability.
- Single basket design limits multi-tier dehydrating without accessories.
- User Impressions: Customers consistently praise the COSORI TurboBlaze for its speed, quietness, and consistent results across all functions. They love how quickly it cooks and how easy it is to clean, making it a daily kitchen workhorse.
- See it on Amazon here
6. Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 with 5 QT Capacity, Air…
The Ninja Air Fryer Pro is a compact, reliable option for anyone looking for a dedicated air fryer that also handles dehydrating without taking over their entire counter. Its 5-quart capacity is great for everyday use, whether you’re air frying up to 4 lbs of French fries or trying your hand at homemade jerky. With its specific “Dehydrate” function and Ninja’s renowned Air Crisp Technology, you can expect perfectly dried results with ease. It’s designed to be a space-saver while still delivering on performance and delicious, guilt-free fried foods.
- Key Features: Air Crisp Technology (400℉ superheated air), 5-QT nonstick basket and crisper plate, 4-in-1 functionality (Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate), up to 75% less fat, cooks frozen foods, space-saver design, easy to clean.
- Pros:
- Dedicated Dehydrate function.
- Compact and space-saving design.
- Reliable Ninja performance for crisping.
- Easy to clean nonstick parts.
- Ideal for small batches of dehydrated snacks.
- Cons:
- Smaller capacity compared to oven-style air fryers.
- No transparent window to check progress.
- User Impressions: Users appreciate this Ninja model for its efficiency and ease of use. It’s often recommended for individuals or small households who want a simple, effective air fryer with the added benefit of dehydrating capabilities for healthy snacks.
- See it on Amazon here
7. Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster…
This Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven is a statement piece for any kitchen, combining elegance with immense functionality. While its extensive 25 cooking pre-sets don’t explicitly list “dehydrate” among them, the sheer versatility of this 26-quart multi-cooker combo, combined with its dual-speed fan and precise temperature control, suggests it’s more than capable of handling lower-temperature, longer-duration tasks like dehydrating. Its massive capacity is a huge bonus, allowing you to prepare meals for 4-6 people or large batches of anything you desire. The beautiful stainless steel exterior and convenient French doors make it a joy to use and a stunning addition to your countertop.
- Key Features: Versatile air fryer and multi-cooker combo, perfectly done toast with auto-off, 25 cooking pre-sets, dual-speed fan with 360º superheated air circulation, extra-large 26-quart capacity, stainless steel exterior with elegant French doors and interior light.
- Pros:
- Massive 26-quart capacity for large family meals and big batches.
- Stylish French door design and stainless steel finish.
- Extremely versatile with 25 cooking presets.
- Interior light for easy monitoring.
- Dual-speed fan and precise air circulation are beneficial for dehydrating.
- Cons:
- “Dehydrate” function is not explicitly listed in the provided features, implying it might not be a direct preset, but possible through manual settings.
- Very large footprint, requires significant counter space.
- Higher price point due to size and features.
- User Impressions: Customers love the impressive size and aesthetic of this Emeril Lagasse oven. They praise its ability to handle large quantities of food and appreciate the wide range of cooking options, making it a powerful and attractive appliance for entertaining and large family needs.
- See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can all air fryers be used for dehydrating?
A: Not all, but many modern air fryers, especially those marketed as “air fryer ovens” or “multi-functional,” do include a dehydrating setting or a low enough temperature range (typically 100-150°F or 40-65°C) combined with a fan that makes them suitable. Always check the product specifications!
Q2: What’s the ideal temperature for dehydrating in an air fryer?
A: For most fruits and vegetables, temperatures between 125°F (52°C) and 135°F (57°C) are ideal. For meats like jerky, slightly higher temperatures, around 145°F (63°C) to 160°F (71°C), are often recommended to ensure food safety while drying. Always refer to a reliable dehydrating guide for specific foods.
Q3: How long does it take to dehydrate food in an air fryer?
A: Drying times vary widely depending on the food type, thickness, moisture content, and the air fryer’s efficiency. It can range from 2-3 hours for thin fruit slices to 6-12 hours (or even more) for jerky or thicker items. Patience is key!
Q4: Do I need special accessories for dehydrating in an air fryer?
A: While some air fryer ovens (like the Gluck 20 QT) come with dedicated dehydrating racks, basket-style air fryers might benefit from silicone dehydrator mats or parchment paper with holes to prevent smaller pieces from falling through and to allow for better airflow. The key is to ensure air circulates around all sides of the food.
Q5: What kind of foods can I dehydrate in an air fryer?
A: You can dehydrate a wide variety of foods, including fruits (apples, bananas, strawberries, mangoes), vegetables (carrots, zucchini, sweet potatoes, kale), herbs, and even lean meats for jerky. The possibilities are vast!
Q6: Is dehydrating in an air fryer energy efficient?
A: Air fryers are generally more energy-efficient than traditional ovens for dehydrating because they are smaller, heat up faster, and have powerful fans for air circulation. While a dedicated dehydrator might be slightly more efficient for continuous, very low-wattage use, an air fryer offers excellent convenience for occasional dehydrating without needing another appliance.
Q7: How should I store dehydrated food?
A: Properly dehydrated food should be stored in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags in a cool, dark, dry place. This prevents moisture reabsorption and spoilage. For best quality, consume within a few months, though some items can last much longer.
Choosing the best air fryer for dehydrating really comes down to your needs: how much space you have, how much food you want to dehydrate, and what other functions you value. Whether you go for a spacious oven-style model with multiple racks or a compact basket air fryer that pulls double duty, you’re setting yourself up for a world of healthy, homemade snacks. Happy dehydrating!