9 Easy Things to Make in a Dehydrator
Beyond jerky, a dehydrator makes dried fruit and fruit leather, dried herbs, vegetable chips, tomato and pepper powders, dried mushrooms, dog treats, backpacking meals and rehydratable vegetables. Most need only even slicing and low, steady heat, then airtight storage.
Most people buy a dehydrator for jerky, then discover it does far more. Here are nine easy, rewarding things to make, most needing little more than even slicing, low heat and patience.
1. Dried fruit & fruit leather
The classic snack. Dry apples, bananas, strawberries and more, or puree fruit into fruit leather.
2. Dried herbs
Home-dried herbs keep far more aroma than shop jars, and take only a couple of hours on the lowest setting.
3. Jerky
The reason many people buy one. See how to make jerky in a dehydrator, safely with a cure.
4. Vegetable chips
Zucchini, sweet potato, kale and beet chips, healthier than fried; see how to dehydrate vegetables.
5. Powders & flakes
Dry tomatoes, peppers, onions or garlic to brittle, then grind into powders and flakes using a spice grinder.
6. Dried mushrooms
Intensely savoury and long-keeping; see how to dehydrate mushrooms. Save the soaking liquid for stock.
7. Dog treats
Plain dried sweet potato slices or lean meat make popular, additive-free dog chews.
8. Backpacking meals
Dry cooked meals and vegetables into light, rehydratable trail food; see best dehydrator for backpacking.
9. Rehydratable vegetables for cooking
Dry a vegetable glut, then rehydrate into soups and stews; see how to rehydrate dried food.
Getting started
Most of these need only even slices, low steady heat and airtight storage. New to it? See how a dehydrator works and the best food dehydrators.
Frequently asked questions
What can you make in a food dehydrator besides jerky?
Plenty, dried fruit, fruit leather, dried herbs, vegetable chips, tomato and pepper powders, dried mushrooms, dog treats and backpacking meals. It is far more versatile than most people expect.
What is the easiest thing to make in a dehydrator?
Dried fruit and herbs. Slice fruit evenly and dry; herbs need only the lowest setting for a short time. Both are almost foolproof and store for months.
Can I make dog treats in a dehydrator?
Yes, plain dried sweet potato slices or lean meat make popular dog chews. Keep them plain (no seasoning) and check with your vet about your dog's diet.