How to dehydrate bananas

Dehydrated banana chips recipe

The dehydrate function on select KitchenAid^® countertop ovens is specially designed to dehydrate fruit, vegetables and meat. By using rapidly circulating air to remove moisture, the dehydrate function can help you create delicious dried foods like fruit chips, homemade raisins and even meat jerky.

Through dehydrating, you can use your countertop oven or air fryer to create dried tomatoes for pasta night or add dried peppers and zucchini for a pop of color to your favorite vegetable soup. Follow along with this recipe for tips on how to use dehydrate functionality to dry out fruits and veggies and create delicious snacks and recipe additions.

Prep time

• 5 minutes

Cook time

• 6 hours

Total time

• 6 hours and 5 minutes

Yields

• 4 servings

Ingredients

• Bananas

• Lemon juice or citric acid (optional)

• Sugar (optional)

Tools

• Air fryer or countertop oven with a dehydrating function

• Knife

Step 1: Prepare the bananas

Get the bananas ready for dehydrating by peeling the fruit and cutting them into evenly sliced pieces approximately ¼ inch thick.

Step 2: Pretreat the bananas

Pretreating the banana slices before dehydrating can help prevent them from browning. If desired, gently toss the fruit slices in lemon juice or citric acid, taking care not to break the pieces. Spray the slices with a bit of cooking oil.

Step 3: Dehydrate the bananas

After arranging the fruit pieces inside the air fryer or countertop oven in a single layer, allow the banana slices to dry using the dehydrate function for around 6 hours. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your slices, amount and other factors so make sure to start checking in at around 3 hours and remove from the oven when your desired color and texture is reached.

How long does it take to dehydrate bananas?

Dehydrating bananas in your air fryer countertop oven is a great way for achieving this delicious snack without needing to own a dedicated dehydrator. It can take anywhere between 3 and 6 hours to dehydrate bananas this way depending on a number of factors. Begin checking on your progress at around 3 hours.

What can I use to keep dehydrated bananas from browning?

Dehydrating bananas is a great way to preserve their flavor and nutrition for your recipes. However, if not done properly, they can brown and become unappetizing. You can help prevent your bananas from browning as they dry by pretreating the slices with a small amount of lemon juice or citric acid.

Achieving the ideal texture for dehydrated bananas

Improperly drying your bananas can leave them feeling limp or too crunchy, which can occur with under- or over-dehydrating the fruit pieces. Understanding common reasons behind texture problems with dried fruits and how to correctly dehydrate your bananas can help you improve your technique and achieve this deliciously crispy snack.

Why aren't my dehydrated bananas crispy?

A common reason behind dehydrated bananas not being crispy enough has to do with the ripeness of the fruit before the drying process. Starting off with bananas that are a bit firm is best, as overripe bananas can take longer to dry and, as a result, become sticky rather than crispy.

To ensure the right texture for your dehydrated bananas, allow the bananas to cook evenly by not overcrowding the appliance with layers of fruit pieces.

Can I over-dehydrate bananas?

During dehydration, bananas lose moisture as water is drawn out from the fruit. The resulting texture of the dehydrated bananas depends on how much water is lost during the drying process. If the bananas look burned or have become very brittle or crunchy, they’ve likely been over-dehydrated.

The best way to tell whether you’ve overdried the bananas is by inspecting their texture and color. The texture of dehydrated bananas can range from crispy to chewy depending on drying time and your personal tastes, and they should be yellow-colored with a few brown spots.

Can I dehydrate plantains the same way I dehydrate bananas?

When it comes to dehydrating fruit, both plantains and bananas can be dried out using an air fryer or countertop oven with dehydrating capabilities. To dehydrate plantains, simply arrange the sliced fruit in a single layer the same way you would for dehydrated bananas.

Plantains tend to be larger and thicker-skinned than bananas, which may impact the amount of time they take to dehydrate. Depending on the appliance you’re using, it can take between 6 to 12 hours to dehydrate plantains.

How do I store dehydrated bananas and keep them fresh?

If you're looking for a way to extend the life of your dehydrated bananas, proper storage is key. When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, dehydrated bananas can last for up to six months.

You can use dehydrated bananas as a delicious and healthy addition to your weekly meal prep for use in recipes like banana granola or make-ahead smoothies by storing them in a zip-top bag or sealed container for up to two weeks on the counter or in your pantry.

Can I use dehydrated bananas in recipes?

Dehydrated bananas are a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different recipes, making them great for adding banana flavor to recipes without excess moisture. Enjoy dehydrated bananas alone as a healthy snack, as a delicious dessert topping or as an addition to trail mix or yogurt.

Dehydrated bananas are fantastic for getting creative with different ways to elevate your favorite recipes or for trying something new with your countertop oven or air fryer. For drink recipes, try using your freshly dehydrated bananas to add flavor and nutrition to smoothies and other blended beverages.

Can I add flavors or toppings to dehydrated bananas?

Yes, you can add new dimension to dehydrated bananas with different flavors and toppings that can help boost their flavor and give them exciting new textures. One way to add flavor to dehydrated bananas is to grind spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg or ginger, into a powder and sprinkle them on top.

For a sweet and simple treat, try dipping your dehydrated bananas in caramel or melted chocolate or try mixing ground spices with sugar or cocoa powder to create a sweet coating. No matter what flavors or toppings you choose, experimenting with different ingredients is a simple and fun way to bring new life to your dehydrated banana recipes.