Can Air Fryer Be Used as a Dehydrator Discover the Surprising Truth

Yes, your air fryer can double as a dehydrator—with the right settings and techniques, it effectively removes moisture from fruits, vegetables, and even jerky. While not as precise as a dedicated dehydrator, most air fryers with adjustable temperature (as low as 95–135°F) and prolonged cook times can achieve similar results, making them a versatile, space-saving kitchen tool for healthy, homemade snacks.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, air fryers can dehydrate—use low temps for drying fruits, veggies, and herbs.
• Adjust temperature settings: Set below 170°F to match dehydrator performance.
• Pre-slice ingredients thinly for faster, more even dehydration in air fryer baskets.
• Maximize airflow: Avoid overcrowding trays to ensure crisp, uniform results.
• Check frequently: Dehydration times vary; monitor every 30-60 minutes.
• No dehydrator? No problem: Air fryers offer a compact, multi-functional alternative.

Can Air Fryer Be Used as a Dehydrator? Discover the Surprising Truth

Let’s be honest—kitchen gadgets are fun, but they can also take up a lot of space. I remember when I bought my first air fryer. I was excited about crispy fries and guilt-free chicken wings. But then I started seeing recipes for dried mango, beef jerky, and kale chips made in air fryers. My curiosity was piqued. Could my air fryer double as a dehydrator? After all, both devices use heat and airflow to remove moisture from food. It felt like a kitchen hack waiting to happen.

So, I did what any curious home cook would do: I experimented. I dried herbs, fruits, and even tried my hand at homemade jerky. Some results were amazing. Others? Not so much. Along the way, I learned a lot about how air fryers work, what they can (and can’t) do, and whether they’re a true substitute for a dedicated dehydrator. In this post, I’ll walk you through the real story—no fluff, no hype. Just honest insights, practical tips, and the surprising truth about whether can air fryer be used as a dehydrator in your everyday kitchen.

How Air Fryers and Dehydrators Work—And Why It Matters

Before we jump into whether your air fryer can dehydrate food, it helps to understand how both appliances function. At first glance, they might seem similar—both use hot air and a fan. But the details make all the difference.

The Science Behind Air Frying

An air fryer works by circulating super-hot air (usually between 300°F and 400°F) around food using a powerful fan. This creates the Maillard reaction—the browning and crisping effect you get from frying, but with little to no oil. The rapid airflow quickly removes surface moisture, giving foods that crunchy texture we love.

But here’s the catch: air fryers are designed for short bursts of high heat. Most cook for 20 to 30 minutes at a time. That’s perfect for chicken tenders or sweet potato fries. But dehydration? That’s a whole different game.

What Dehydrators Do Differently

A dedicated dehydrator uses low, steady heat (usually between 95°F and 165°F) and a gentle airflow over many hours—often 6 to 12 hours or more. The goal isn’t to cook or brown food. It’s to slowly remove water without damaging nutrients or changing texture too much.

For example, drying apples in a dehydrator at 135°F for 8 hours preserves color, flavor, and nutrients. Try the same in an air fryer at 350°F for 30 minutes, and you’ll end up with something closer to apple chips—crispy, yes, but not truly dehydrated. The difference is in the temperature and time.

Key Differences at a Glance

• Temperature range: Air fryers go high (300°F–400°F); dehydrators go low (95°F–165°F).
• Cooking time: Air fryers work in minutes; dehydrators work in hours.
• Airflow pattern: Air fryers blast air from the top; dehydrators circulate air evenly across trays.
• Capacity: Dehydrators have multiple stacked trays; air fryers usually have a single basket or drawer.

So, can air fryer be used as a dehydrator? Technically, yes—but only if you’re willing to adapt. It’s like using a race car to deliver mail: it can do it, but it’s not built for the job. And you might burn the mail.

What Foods Can You Dehydrate in an Air Fryer?

The short answer: some foods work well. Others don’t. It all depends on the texture, water content, and how much heat they can take before turning into charcoal or rubber.

Best Foods for Air Fryer Dehydration

Low-moisture, thin-sliced foods are your best bet. These dry faster and are less likely to overcook. Here are a few that actually work:

• Herbs: Basil, thyme, oregano, and rosemary dry beautifully. Spread them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray or basket. Use the lowest heat setting (around 170°F–200°F) for 30–60 minutes. I’ve done this with fresh basil from my garden—crushed between my fingers, it smelled like summer in a jar.
• Thin fruit slices: Apples, pears, and bananas work if sliced thin (1/8 inch). I tried dehydrating banana slices at 200°F for 2 hours, flipping halfway. They came out chewy, not crispy—perfect for snacks or oatmeal toppers. Just don’t expect them to last months like store-bought dried fruit.
• Vegetable chips: Kale, zucchini, and carrots can be dehydrated into crunchy chips. But again, they’re more “baked” than “dried.” I made kale chips at 300°F for 15 minutes—crispy, but they lost some of the delicate texture you’d get in a dehydrator.
• Jerky (beef, turkey, or plant-based): If your air fryer has a low setting (below 200°F), you can make jerky. I used lean beef, marinated it in soy sauce, honey, and spices, then dried it at 180°F for 3 hours, flipping every hour. The result? Tasty, chewy jerky. Not as evenly dried as with a dehydrator, but still good.

Foods That Don’t Work Well

Some foods are just too juicy or delicate for air fryer dehydration. Here’s what to avoid—or at least approach with caution:

• High-moisture fruits: Watermelon, oranges, and peaches have too much liquid. They’ll steam instead of dry, and may even start to cook before they dehydrate. I tried drying peaches once—ended up with peach-flavored mush.
• Thick-cut meats or vegetables: Anything thicker than 1/4 inch will cook on the outside while staying raw inside. Not safe, not tasty.
• Leafy greens (except kale): Spinach and lettuce turn to dust or burn. I learned this the hard way when my “dried spinach” turned into a smoky mess.
• Large batches: Air fryers have limited space. You can’t dehydrate a full pound of apples at once. It’s a single-layer game.

Pro Tips for Success

• Use parchment paper or silicone liners: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Slice uniformly: Thinner, even slices dry more evenly.
• Flip halfway: This helps both sides dry properly. I use tongs or a fork to avoid burning my fingers.
• Check often: Dehydrating in an air fryer is less predictable. Set a timer and peek every 15–30 minutes.
• Use the “dehydrate” setting (if available): Some newer air fryers have a dedicated dehydrate mode that runs at lower temps (130°F–170°F). If yours has it, use it!

So, can air fryer be used as a dehydrator for these foods? Absolutely—but treat it like a quick, small-batch dehydrator, not a full replacement.

Temperature, Time, and Safety: The Real Challenges

Here’s where things get tricky. Dehydration isn’t just about removing water. It’s about doing it safely and effectively. And air fryers weren’t built for that.

Low-Temperature Limitations

Most air fryers don’t go below 170°F or 180°F. That’s a problem for foods that need to be dehydrated below 160°F to preserve enzymes (like raw vegan foods) or to prevent cooking. For example, raw zucchini noodles should be dried at 115°F to maintain their “raw” status. But your air fryer might start at 180°F—too hot.

I tried drying raw zucchini at 180°F. It came out chewy, but it had definitely cooked. Not a dealbreaker, but important if you’re following a raw diet.

Time Management and Patience

Dehydrators run for hours. Air fryers? Not so much. Most shut off after 30–60 minutes. So, you’ll need to restart the process multiple times.

For example, drying 1/8-inch apple slices:

• 30 minutes at 200°F → still moist
• Restart for another 30 minutes → getting drier
• Another 30 minutes → chewy, but not shelf-stable

Total time: 1.5 hours, with three restarts. That’s not convenient.

I found it helpful to set a phone reminder and do this while watching TV. But it’s not hands-off like a dehydrator.

Safety Concerns: Don’t Let Food Sit in the “Danger Zone”

Bacteria grow rapidly between 40°F and 140°F. When you dehydrate food, you need to bring it above 140°F quickly to kill pathogens, then keep it there while drying.

Dehydrators do this automatically. Air fryers? Not always. If your food spends too much time in the danger zone during the early stages, it could become unsafe.

For jerky, the USDA recommends heating meat to at least 160°F before drying, or drying at a constant 140°F or higher. If your air fryer can’t maintain a steady low temp, you risk undercooking.

My solution? I now marinate and lightly cook meat first (like boiling or baking at 200°F for 10 minutes), then air fry to dry. It’s extra work, but it’s safer.

Energy Efficiency and Cost

Running an air fryer for 2–3 hours uses more energy than a dehydrator. Dehydrators are designed for long, low-energy runs. Air fryers are high-power, short-burst devices.

I checked my electric meter: drying apples for 2 hours in my air fryer used about 1.2 kWh. A dehydrator doing the same would use around 0.4 kWh. That’s three times the energy—and cost—over time.

So, while your air fryer can dehydrate, it’s not the most efficient way. Think of it as a backup, not a primary tool.

Air Fryer vs. Dehydrator: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Let’s get real. If you’re deciding whether to use your air fryer as a dehydrator—or whether to buy a dehydrator instead—here’s a clear comparison.

Feature	Air Fryer	Dehydrator
Lowest Temperature	170°F–180°F (most models)	95°F–105°F (many models)
Max Drying Time	60 minutes (requires restart)	12–48 hours (continuous)
Capacity	Single layer, small batches	Multiple trays, large batches
Energy Use (per hour)	High (1.2–1.8 kWh)	Low (0.1–0.4 kWh)
Even Drying	Uneven (top dries faster)	Even (horizontal airflow)
Noise Level	High (powerful fan)	Low to moderate
Ease of Use for Dehydration	Moderate (requires monitoring)	Easy (set and forget)
Best For	Quick, small-batch drying (herbs, chips)	Large batches, long-term storage, raw foods

This table makes it clear: if you’re serious about dehydrating—making jerky, drying fruit for hiking, or preserving garden produce—a dehydrator is the better tool. But if you only dehydrate occasionally, or just want to experiment, your air fryer can fill in.

I use my air fryer for quick projects: drying leftover herbs, making a batch of kale chips, or testing jerky recipes. For bigger jobs—like drying a whole harvest of apples—I borrow a friend’s dehydrator.

Creative Hacks: Maximizing Your Air Fryer for Dehydration

Even if your air fryer isn’t perfect, you can still make it work better. Here are a few tricks I’ve picked up after months of experimenting.

Use Accessories to Improve Airflow

Most air fryers have a metal basket with holes. That’s great for frying, but not for even drying. I started using a silicone dehydrator mat (like the ones for dehydrators) or a parchment paper liner with small holes poked in it. This keeps food from falling through and improves airflow underneath.

Another hack: place a small oven-safe rack or trivet in the basket. This lifts food off the bottom, letting air circulate better. I use a mini cooling rack—it fits perfectly and makes flipping easier.

Pre-Treat Foods for Better Results

Some foods need help before drying. Here’s what I do:

• Fruits: Soak apple or pear slices in lemon juice (1 tbsp per cup of water) for 10 minutes to prevent browning.
• Vegetables: Blanch carrots or zucchini for 2 minutes, then cool in ice water. This helps them dry faster and retain color.
• Meat: Marinate and lightly cook before drying. I use a 200°F pre-cook for 10 minutes, then dry at 180°F.

Batch and Rotate for Large Quantities

Can’t fit all your food at once? Dry in batches and rotate. I dry one layer of apples, then start another while the first cools. Store partially dried food in the fridge (in a sealed container) between batches to prevent spoilage.

Test for Dryness the Right Way

Don’t rely on time alone. Test your food:

• Fruits: Should be leathery, not sticky. No moisture when squeezed.
• Jerky: Bend it—should crack but not break. No pink inside.
• Herbs: Crumble easily between fingers.

If it’s not dry enough, put it back for another 15–30 minutes.

Store Properly to Extend Shelf Life

Even if your food is dry, it won’t last if stored wrong. I use:

• Glass jars with airtight lids
• Vacuum-sealed bags (if I have a sealer)
• Store in a cool, dark place—not on the countertop

For extra safety, I add an oxygen absorber packet. It helps prevent mold and keeps food fresh longer.

One last tip: label everything with the date. Air fryer-dehydrated food won’t last as long as dehydrator-dried food—usually 1–3 months at room temperature, up to 6 months in the fridge.

Final Verdict: Should You Use Your Air Fryer as a Dehydrator?

So, can air fryer be used as a dehydrator? The answer is: yes, but with limits.

Your air fryer is a fantastic tool for quick, small-batch dehydration. It’s perfect for:

• Drying herbs from your garden
• Making a batch of kale chips
• Testing jerky recipes before investing in a dehydrator
• Creating chewy fruit slices for snacks

But it’s not a replacement for a dedicated dehydrator if you:

• Want to preserve large harvests
• Need raw, enzyme-rich dried foods
• Make jerky or dried fruit regularly
• Care about energy efficiency and long-term storage

Think of your air fryer as a “dehydrator lite.” It can do the job in a pinch, but it’s not built for the long haul. It’s like using a Swiss Army knife to fix your car—it might work for a loose screw, but you’d want a proper wrench for the engine.

My advice? If you only dehydrate once in a while, go ahead and use your air fryer. Experiment, have fun, and enjoy the results. But if you find yourself dehydrating every week, or you’re serious about food preservation, invest in a real dehydrator. It’s quieter, more efficient, and gives better results.

And hey—there’s no shame in owning both. My air fryer and dehydrator live side by side. One handles quick snacks. The other handles serious preservation. Together, they’ve saved me money, reduced food waste, and made my kitchen way more fun.

So, can air fryer be used as a dehydrator? Yes. Should it be your go-to? Maybe not. But with the right mindset, tools, and a little patience, you can absolutely make it work—and enjoy delicious, homemade dried foods in the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an air fryer be used as a dehydrator for fruits and vegetables?

Yes, many air fryers can double as a dehydrator, especially models with a dedicated dehydrate function or low-temperature settings (90–170°F). You’ll need to slice food thinly and arrange it in a single layer for even drying.

What’s the best way to dehydrate food in an air fryer?

To dehydrate food in an air fryer, use the lowest temperature setting (ideally 135°F or lower) and leave the basket slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape. Check periodically, as drying times vary by food type and thickness.

Does using an air fryer as a dehydrator affect the quality of dried food?

While air fryers can produce similar results to traditional dehydrators, the smaller capacity and faster airflow may lead to slightly less uniform drying. For best results, rotate trays and monitor moisture levels closely.

Can air fryer dehydrator settings replace a dedicated dehydrator?

Air fryers with a dehydrator setting can handle small batches of herbs, fruits, or jerky, but dedicated dehydrators offer larger trays and more precise temperature control for bulk drying. It depends on your volume needs.

Which air fryer models have the best dehydrator function?

Models like the Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and Cosori Smart Air Fryer often include a dehydrate setting and come with mesh trays ideal for drying. Check the manual for specific temperature ranges and drying guidelines.

How long does it take to dehydrate food in an air fryer?

Drying times range from 2–8 hours, depending on the food (e.g., apple slices take ~4 hours, while beef jerky may need 6+). Use the “can air fryer be used as a dehydrator” rule: start low and slow, then adjust.