Can Air Fryer Be Used as Dehydrator The Ultimate Guide

Yes, your air fryer can double as a dehydrator—making it a versatile, space-saving kitchen tool for drying fruits, vegetables, and even jerky. With adjustable temperature settings and proper airflow, most air fryers effectively remove moisture at low heat, though results may vary slightly compared to dedicated dehydrators. Perfect for small batches and quick, energy-efficient dehydration!

Key Takeaways

• Yes, air fryers can dehydrate: Use low temps for drying fruits, veggies, and jerky.
• Check your model: Not all air fryers support dehydration; verify settings first.
• Prep matters: Slice foods evenly to ensure consistent dehydration results.
• Time and temp control: Use 95–135°F for optimal dehydration without cooking.
• Rotate trays: Promote even airflow and thorough drying in basket models.
• Store properly: Keep dehydrated foods airtight to maintain crispness and freshness.

Can Air Fryer Be Used as Dehydrator? The Ultimate Guide

Let’s be real—kitchen gadgets can be both exciting and overwhelming. You buy a shiny new air fryer, dreaming of crispy fries without guilt, only to wonder, “Wait… can I use this for everything?” One question that pops up often is: Can an air fryer be used as a dehydrator? It’s not just a random thought. If you’ve ever made dried fruit, jerky, or veggie chips, you know how useful a dehydrator can be. But do you really need another bulky appliance?

As someone who’s tested this myself (and made a few crispy mistakes along the way), I totally get the curiosity. I wanted to save space, cut down on appliances, and still enjoy healthy snacks like apple chips or banana crisps. So, I put my air fryer to the test. The results? Surprising, actually. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—how it works, what works well, what doesn’t, and how to get the best results. Whether you’re a snack lover, a meal prepper, or just trying to avoid kitchen clutter, this guide is for you.

How Air Frying and Dehydrating Actually Work

Before jumping into recipes or settings, it helps to understand what’s going on behind the scenes. Air fryers and dehydrators both use heat and airflow, but they do it for very different purposes. Let’s break it down so you can see why the overlap exists—and where the gaps are.

The Science of Air Frying

An air fryer works by circulating hot air (usually around 300°F to 400°F) at high speed using a fan. This creates a convection effect, which crisps food quickly and gives that “fried” texture without submerging food in oil. The key here is high heat and short cook times. Think 10–20 minutes for fries, chicken wings, or even roasted veggies.

Most air fryers have a basket or tray that allows air to flow around the food evenly. The goal is to cook and brown, not dry. But here’s the catch: that same airflow can remove moisture—especially if you go slow and low.

The Science of Dehydrating

A dehydrator, on the other hand, is built for one thing: removing moisture slowly and evenly. It uses low heat (typically 95°F to 165°F) and gentle, consistent airflow over many hours—sometimes up to 12–24 hours for tough items like meat or thick fruit slices.

The low temperature prevents cooking or browning. Instead, it draws out water content without changing the texture too drastically. The result? Light, chewy, shelf-stable snacks that retain flavor and nutrients.

Where They Overlap (and Where They Don’t)

Here’s the good news: because air fryers have fans and heat, they can mimic dehydration—but only under the right conditions. You’ll need to:

• Use the lowest possible temperature (usually 170°F–200°F, depending on your model)
• Leave the door slightly open (to allow steam to escape)

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• Be patient—dehydrating in an air fryer takes longer than frying
• Check food frequently to avoid over-drying or burning

So yes, there’s overlap. But it’s more like “dehydrator mode with training wheels.” It’s not perfect, but it’s doable—especially for simple, thin foods.

What Foods You Can (and Can’t) Dehydrate in an Air Fryer

Not all foods are created equal when it comes to air fryer dehydration. Some turn out amazing. Others? Let’s just say I’ve had a few “crispy failures” (looking at you, thick-cut pineapple). Here’s a breakdown of what works, what’s tricky, and what you should probably leave to a real dehydrator.

Best Foods for Air Fryer Dehydration

These foods are thin, low in moisture, or naturally suited to quick drying:

• Apple slices: Thinly sliced (1/8 inch), soaked in lemon juice, and dried at 170°F for 3–4 hours. Result? Light, sweet, and crunchy apple chips.
• Banana chips: Same thickness, same temp. They turn golden and crisp. Pro tip: Sprinkle with cinnamon before drying.
• Zucchini or cucumber slices: Great for veggie chips or adding to soups later. Takes 3–5 hours at 170°F.
• Herbs (like basil, thyme, oregano): Spread on a tray, dry at 120°F–140°F for 1–2 hours. Crumble and store in jars.
• Tomato slices: Thinly sliced cherry tomatoes or plum tomatoes work best. Takes 4–6 hours. Perfect for salads or pasta.

These foods dry evenly, don’t clump, and benefit from the air fryer’s airflow. Plus, they’re great for snacking or meal prep.

Foods That Are Tricky (But Possible)

These can work, but require extra care:

• Beef jerky: Possible, but risky. You need very thin strips (1/8 inch), low temp (160°F–170°F), and 4–6 hours. If it’s too thick, it’ll cook on the outside but stay moist inside. Marinate first, and use lean cuts like top round.
• Pineapple or mango: High sugar content means they can burn easily. Slice thin, dry at 170°F, and flip halfway. Takes 5–7 hours.
• Mushrooms: They shrink a lot, but make great umami-packed chips. Dry at 160°F for 2–3 hours.

The key with these is patience. Open the air fryer every hour to check and flip pieces. Use parchment paper if your model allows it (some don’t).

Foods You Should Avoid

Save these for a real dehydrator:

• Thick fruits (like whole strawberries or peaches): They take too long and may cook instead of dry.
• Dense vegetables (like carrots or potatoes): Even when sliced thin, they take 8+ hours and may not dry evenly.
• Large batches of food: Air fryers have small capacity. You can only dehydrate a few servings at once.
• Nuts or seeds: They can dry, but the high airflow might scatter them or cause uneven drying.

Bottom line: stick to thin, uniform, low-moisture foods for best results. If you’re making a big batch of jerky or fruit leather, invest in a dedicated dehydrator.

Step-by-Step Guide to Dehydrating in an Air Fryer

Ready to try it? I’ve tested this method dozens of times, and here’s the process that works—without burning your snacks or setting off the smoke alarm.

1. Prep Your Food

Start with uniform, thin slices. The thinner, the better. Use a mandoline or sharp knife for consistency.

• Fruits: 1/8 inch thick
• Vegetables: 1/8 to 1/4 inch
• Meat: 1/8 inch, lean, and well-trimmed

Soak fruits in lemon juice or ascorbic acid to prevent browning. For meat, marinate for at least 2 hours (soy sauce, garlic, honey, etc.).

2. Arrange in the Basket

Place slices in a single layer. No overlapping! If they touch, they won’t dry evenly. Use parchment paper (if your air fryer allows it) to prevent sticking. Some models have a dehydrator tray or mesh insert—use it if you have one.

3. Set the Temperature and Time

Here’s the golden rule: Low and slow. Most air fryers don’t go below 170°F. That’s okay—but you’ll need to:

• Set to the lowest heat setting (usually 170°F–200°F)
• Leave the basket slightly open (use a wooden spoon or toothpick to prop it)
• Start with 2–3 hours, then check every 30–60 minutes

For example:

• Apple chips: 170°F, 3–4 hours, open basket
• Zucchini chips: 170°F, 3–5 hours, open basket
• Beef jerky: 160°F, 4–6 hours, open basket, flip halfway

4. Monitor and Flip

Every hour, open the air fryer and check. Flip slices if needed. Look for:

• No moisture when you press (should feel dry, not sticky)
• Flexible but not rubbery (for jerky)
• Crispy or leathery, depending on your goal

If edges are browning too fast, lower the temp slightly or reduce the time.

5. Cool and Store

Let food cool completely before storing. Warm food creates condensation, which can lead to mold. Store in airtight containers with silica packets (if you have them). Label with the date. Most dehydrated snacks last 1–3 months at room temp, 6+ months in the fridge.

Pro Tips from My Kitchen

• Batch small: Don’t overload the basket. One layer = better airflow.
• Use a timer: Set reminders to check every 30–60 minutes.
• Label everything: It’s easy to forget what’s what after drying.
• Clean immediately: Dried-on bits are hard to scrub later.

Pros and Cons of Using an Air Fryer as a Dehydrator

So, is it worth it? Let’s be honest—there are clear benefits, but also some real limitations. Here’s my honest take after months of testing.

The Good: Why It Works

• Saves space: No need for a second appliance. Great for small kitchens.
• Faster than sun-drying: You’re not waiting days. Most snacks take 3–6 hours.
• Energy efficient: Uses less power than an oven.
• Versatile: You can fry, roast, and dehydrate—all in one.
• Easy to clean: Most baskets are dishwasher-safe.

I love that I can make a batch of banana chips on a Sunday and have snacks all week—without cluttering my counter.

The Not-So-Good: Where It Falls Short

• Limited capacity: Most air fryers hold 3–6 quarts. You can’t dehydrate large batches at once.
• No true low temps: Many models don’t go below 170°F. Real dehydrators go as low as 95°F—better for herbs and raw foods.
• Uneven drying: Without multiple trays, airflow isn’t as consistent as in a stacked dehydrator.
• Longer than a real dehydrator: Thin foods take 3–6 hours. A dehydrator might do it in 2–4.
• Risk of overcooking: High heat + long time = burnt edges. You have to babysit it.

For example, I tried dehydrating a whole batch of kale chips. The outer edges turned to dust, while the center was still moist. Not ideal.

When It’s Worth It (and When It’s Not)

Use your air fryer as a dehydrator if:

• You want to make small batches of simple snacks (apple chips, banana crisps)
• You’re short on counter space
• You already own an air fryer and want to maximize its use

But consider a real dehydrator if:

• You want to make large batches (like 10 lbs of jerky)
• You need ultra-low temps (for raw vegan foods or herbs)
• You want set-it-and-forget-it convenience

Think of it this way: your air fryer is a jack-of-all-trades, but a dehydrator is a master of one.

Air Fryer vs. Dehydrator: A Quick Comparison

To help you decide, here’s a side-by-side look at how air fryers and dehydrators stack up for dehydration tasks. I’ve tested both, so this is based on real-world experience.

Feature	Air Fryer	Dehydrator
Temperature Range	170°F–400°F (limited low-end)	95°F–165°F (precise low temps)
Capacity	3–6 quarts (1–2 layers)	12–20 quarts (4–10 trays)
Dehydrating Time	3–8 hours (depends on food)	2–12 hours (more consistent)
Airflow	Top-down fan (less even)	Side or rear fan (more uniform)
Best For	Small batches, thin foods, snacks	Large batches, jerky, fruit leather, herbs
Ease of Use	Requires monitoring and flipping	Set timer, walk away
Cost	$50–$150 (already own one? free!)	$50–$200 (new purchase)
Space	Compact, but single-use	Larger, but multi-tray

As you can see, air fryers are great for light, occasional dehydration. But if you’re serious about making jerky, fruit rolls, or drying herbs for winter, a dehydrator is the better long-term investment.

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

So, can an air fryer be used as a dehydrator? Absolutely—but with caveats. It’s not a perfect replacement, but it’s a fantastic alternative for small-scale, simple dehydration tasks. I’ve made delicious apple chips, crispy zucchini slices, and even decent beef jerky—all without a second appliance.

The key is managing your expectations. Your air fryer won’t give you the same precision or capacity as a dehydrator. But if you’re making snacks for one or two people, or just want to try dehydration without buying new gear, it’s a smart way to start.

Here’s my final advice: Start small, be patient, and don’t rush it. Use thin slices, low heat, and check often. Experiment with different foods and see what works for you. And if you find yourself making big batches or craving more control? Then it might be time to invest in a real dehydrator.

At the end of the day, kitchen tools are meant to make life easier—not more complicated. If your air fryer helps you eat healthier, reduce waste, and enjoy homemade snacks, then it’s doing its job. So go ahead—dry those apple slices, crisp up some kale, and enjoy the crunch. Just don’t forget to leave the door open a crack. Your snacks (and your smoke detector) will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an air fryer be used as a dehydrator?

Yes, many air fryers can double as a dehydrator, especially models with a dedicated dehydrate function or adjustable low-temperature settings (typically 95°F–160°F). This makes them great for drying fruits, vegetables, and even jerky.

What foods can I dehydrate in an air fryer?

You can dehydrate fruits like apples, bananas, and strawberries, as well as veggies like tomatoes and herbs. Air fryers are also effective for making beef jerky or drying homemade yogurt drops when using the right temperature and time settings.

How do I use my air fryer as a dehydrator without a dehydrate setting?

If your air fryer lacks a dehydrate function, set it to the lowest temperature (usually 130°F–160°F) and use the fan to circulate air. Arrange thin, even slices of food on the racks and check every 1–2 hours until fully dried.

Is dehydrating in an air fryer as effective as using a traditional dehydrator?

Air fryers can achieve similar results to dedicated dehydrators for small batches, but they may have less capacity and slower drying times due to smaller size. However, for occasional use, an air fryer as a dehydrator is a convenient, space-saving alternative.

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

Drying times vary by food type and thickness—fruits and vegetables typically take 4–8 hours, while jerky may take 6–10 hours. Rotate trays occasionally for even drying and use the air fryer’s dehydrator function if available.

Can all air fryer models be used as a dehydrator?

Not all air fryers are ideal for dehydrating. Models with precise low-temperature controls, a dehydrate setting, and multiple racks work best. Check your user manual to see if your air fryer supports dehydrating and at what temperature range.