How do you dehydrate pineapple in an air fryer?

Pineapple is a very popular fruit and it’s loved by many. It can be eaten raw in salads, added to smoothies or simply as a healthy dessert. It contains the enzyme bromelain which breaks down proteins and can help aid the digestion of other foods. This enzyme has also been shown to help reduce inflammation in the body.

Pineapple is also a good source of Vitamin C, which we all know is great for building our immune system and also plays a vital role in the production of collagen (1) . It’s thought that pineapple could help aid hair growth due to its high levels of manganese too.

Manganese deficiency has been linked to slower hair growth, skin problems and also problems with bone development.

Vitamin C has been shown to help boost collagen in the body which is important for healthy skin. It’s one of the main components of hair so if we have good levels of Vitamin C then our hair could look healthier (2).

I always add pineapple to my morning smoothies which I drink when I wake up. It’s a great way to start the day as it contains lots of enzymes that kick start my digestive system.

But, did you know that pineapple can be dried in an air fryer? Many people don’t so they miss out on this healthy snack that is so easy to make. When pineapple is dried it can last for months and tastes delicious.

I also recently tested this recipe in a dehydrator which I’ll include at the bottom of this article so you can switch between an air fryer or dehydrator if you have one.

So,

how do you dehydrate pineapple in an air fryer?

Here is my step by step guide:

Step 1:  Remove the skin from your pineapple. Cut into small chunks and then put in your air fryer basket.

If you don’t have an air fryer, use a knife to remove the skin first and then cut into cubes before putting on a baking tray lined with parchment paper . Place in an oven at 43C or 110F for 4 hours.

Step 2:  Cook in the air fryer on a medium heat for 8 minutes or until dried out. Keep an eye on it and turn half way through to ensure it dries evenly.

If you’re using a dehydrator, cook at 115F/46C for 5-6 hours, turning halfway. You can also do this on a low heat in an oven for 4-5 hours, turning half way through.

Step 3:  Once cooked it should be crispy and hard so break up into pieces ready to store or eat straight away!

It will taste delicious either way and is great as part of a healthy snack during the day. You can also omit the honey or maple syrup mixture if you want to avoid it being too sweet.

If you don’t have pineapple, use whatever fruit you like such as mangoes, bananas or apples etc.

Is dehydrated pineapple shelf stable?

Yes.

Dehydrated pineapple is a product containing most of the original nutritional value of fresh pineapple, including a significant amount of fiber and a number of important minerals and vitamins. However, it is best re-hydrated before use to improve quality and taste. If your desired presentation requires serving untreated fruit rather than re-hydrated treated fruit then you should find an alternative that does not require refrigeration or freezing such as crystallized ginger or dehydrated apples, pears or peaches.