How to Make Dried Strawberries in a Dehydrator: Learn the easy steps to create delightful, homemade dried strawberries for healthy snacking.

I ended up with a mountain of fresh strawberries from our recent trip to the local patch, and I had to get creative! Making dried strawberries in a food dehydrator was new territory for me, but I’m thrilled to say it was a delicious success. Everyone loved the result, especially me!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthy snack: Dried strawberries dried in a dehydrator are a naturally sweet, low-calorie snack with no added sugar or preservatives.
Long shelf life: They stay fresh for months, making them ideal for stocking up and possibly saving a buck.
Perfect for just about everything: Dried strawberries are great in cereals, salads, baking, or just snacking.
Budget-friendly: Not only are homemade dried strawberries a healthier option, but they are also more affordable than store-bought ones.
Intensified flavor: The drying process brings out the natural sweetness of strawberries. Your taste buds will love you more for sure!

What You’ll Need

Fresh strawberries

Tools

A dehydrator

taking off the dehydrated strawberries in the dehydrator

Instructions

Slice strawberries into as thin slices as you can get
Spread out evenly on your dehydrator trays. Make sure to use the provided plastic trays for this step. You need the trays to have a slight bend so you can easily remove the dried strawberry pieces when they’re done.
Dehydrate your ripe strawberries at 135°F (57°C). The process typically takes between 8 and 10 hours, depending on the thickness of the slices and the moisture content of the fruit. Thinner slices generally dry faster than thicker ones.

peeling off the dehydrated strawberries in the dehydrator

FAQ

The first step is to wash your strawberries thoroughly and hull them. Next, slice them into uniform pieces to ensure even drying. Thin, even strawberry slices work best. But if you’re looking to satisfy a sweet tooth, make thicker slices for a somewhat chewier texture. If you prefer, use parchment paper on your dehydrator trays for easy cleanup.

Yes, you can, but thaw them completely and remove excess moisture before dehydrating. Use fresh, organic strawberries from your local farmer’s market for the best results, particularly during peak strawberry season when there’s an abundance of fresh strawberries.

Pre-treating with lemon juice or a light sugar solution is optional but can help preserve the color and sweet flavor. This simple step is a great way to enhance your own dehydrated strawberries.

Dried strawberries are ready when they’re pliable, not sticky, and feel leathery. The drying time typically oscillates between 8 and 10 hours. How long it takes depends on the thickness of the slices and how much moisture content they have. When done, your dried strawberries should bend without breaking, allowing you to enjoy tasty berries with a delightful texture.

Absolutely! Dried strawberries can be crushed into strawberry powder, perfect for adding to smoothies or baked goods. For strawberry chips, simply slice thinly and dehydrate until crisp. Both options are great for trail mixes, homemade granola, or even as a topping for ice cream.

Yes, you can also use an oven or air fryer basket to dry your strawberries. For oven-dried strawberries, set the oven to its lowest temperature setting and bake for a longer time, usually 10 to 12 hours. A dehydrator is the best method for consistent results, but the oven method is a good alternative.

If you want to try different flavors, dip the strawberry slices in flavored syrups or add spices before drying. For a fun way to use strawberries, consider making fruit leather or adding them to your favorite summer fruit mixes.

Tips for Making Dried Strawberry in a Dehydrator

Choose strawberries at the peak of ripeness for the best flavor and sweetness. Avoid berries with dark spots or green leafy tops, as they may not dehydrate evenly.
Slice evenly: Use uniform slices, as that promotes even drying. Thinner slices generally dry faster and more uniformly.
Arrange in a single layer: Place strawberry slices in a single layer on the dehydrator trays, and ensure they don’t overlap so there’s free air circulation around the pieces.
Pre-treat for better results: If desired, dip the slices in a mixture of lemon juice and water before dehydrating to help preserve their color and reduce browning.
Check for dryness: Monitor your strawberries periodically, particularly as you near the end of the drying process. Over-drying can make them too brittle, while under-drying can lead to an extremely chewy texture.
Use the right dehydrator settings: Set your dehydrator to 135°F (57°C), as that’s the ideal temperature for drying strawberries. Adjust settings if your model has specific options for different types of fruits.
Store properly: after drying, let the strawberries cool to room temperature before transferring them to airtight containers to prevent condensation.
Avoid high humidity by dehydrating strawberries on a dry day. Excess moisture in the air can prolong drying time and impact the quality of your dried fruit.

Storage

Store dried strawberries in airtight containers, like mason jars or glass jars, to keep them fresh while minimizing exposure to air and moisture.
Use vacuum-sealed bags for long-term storage. This method removes air and helps preserve the flavor and texture.
If you live in a particularly humid climate, consider storing dried strawberries in the fridge. Before placing them in there, put them in an airtight container to prevent moisture absorption.
Freezing: For even longer storage, freeze-dry your strawberries. Place them in airtight freezer bags or containers, and make sure they’re properly sealed.
Store it in a cool, dark place. This method is suitable for short to medium-term storage, especially if the strawberries are kept in airtight containers.
Ensure the storage area is dry and completely free from excess moisture, which can cause the dried strawberries to spoil or become soggy.

How to Dehydrate Strawberries in Dehydrator

Learn the easy steps to create delightful, homemade dried strawberries for healthy snacking.

Materials

Fresh strawberries

Tools

A dehydrator

Instructions

Slice strawberries into as thin slices as you can get
Spread out evenly on your dehydrator trays. Make sure to use the provided plastic trays for this step.
Dehydrate your ripe strawberries at 135°F (57°C). The process typically takes between 8 and 10 hours, depending on the thickness of the slices and the moisture content of the fruit. Thinner slices generally dry faster than thicker ones.

Notes

Tips for Making Dried Strawberry in a Dehydrator

Choose strawberries at the peak of ripeness for the best flavor and sweetness. Avoid berries with dark spots or green leafy tops, as they may not dehydrate evenly.
Slice evenly: Use uniform slices, as that promotes even drying. Thinner slices generally dry faster and more uniformly.
Arrange in a single layer: Place strawberry slices in a single layer on the dehydrator trays, and ensure they don’t overlap so there's free air circulation around the pieces.
Pre-treat for better results: If desired, dip the slices in a mixture of lemon juice and water before dehydrating to help preserve their color and reduce browning.
Check for dryness: Monitor your strawberries periodically, particularly as you near the end of the drying process. Over-drying can make them too brittle, while under-drying can lead to an extremely chewy texture.
Use the right dehydrator settings: Set your dehydrator to 135°F (57°C), as that's the ideal temperature for drying strawberries. Adjust settings if your model has specific options for different types of fruits.
Store properly: after drying, let the strawberries cool to room temperature before transferring them to airtight containers to prevent condensation.
Avoid high humidity by dehydrating strawberries on a dry day. Excess moisture in the air can prolong drying time and impact the quality of your dried fruit.

Storage

Store dried strawberries in airtight containers, like mason jars or glass jars, to keep them fresh while minimizing exposure to air and moisture.
Use vacuum-sealed bags for long-term storage. This method removes air and helps preserve the flavor and texture.
If you live in a particularly humid climate, consider storing dried strawberries in the fridge. Before placing them in there, put them in an airtight container to prevent moisture absorption.
Freezing: For even longer storage, freeze-dry your strawberries. Place them in airtight freezer bags or containers, and make sure they're properly sealed.
Store it in a cool, dark place. This method is suitable for short to medium-term storage, especially if the strawberries are kept in airtight containers.
Ensure the storage area is dry and completely free from excess moisture, which can cause the dried strawberries to spoil or become soggy.