A taste of the past, delicious in the present, and a gift for the future.
Dried apples have been around for a very long time. Like, since the beginning! We can dry them in the oven, dehydrator, or even the air fryer, but they can also be dried by hanging them from a rope in the sun or near a heat source such as a fireplace or cookstove.
This can be a fun activity for kids, especially in the fall. So grab some pumpkin spice lattes, wash up a bushel of apples, and get ready for a new-school apple drying party!
Just don’t forget to label them with the date of dehydration, and if you’re dehydrating a large batch with varying varieties, be sure to label them with the types of apples you used.
Are Dried Apples Healthy?
Dried fruit is very nutritious, and will hold similar nutritional value to the original fresh fruit. These dried apples are gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free, and vegan. They will be high in the natural sugars that are present in the fresh fruit – as all dried fruits are – but they also contain a healthy dose of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.
Any type of apple can be used in this recipe, with slightly different flavor results with each variety. I see these going into a backpack for a hike through the fall leaves, or in the pocket of a cross-country skier.
Rehydrating Dried Apples
Avoid using a mealy or soft apple like a Red Delicious if you intend to rehydrate them. Use either sweet or tart apples, depending on your preference. Rehydrate for 12 hours to overnight by soaking the dried apple pieces in room temperature water.
To quickly rehydrate, cover the dried apple pieces with boiling water or hot cider, and let them steep for 15 minutes to several hours.
How to make ahead and store
After the apples have cooled, pack them loosely into canning jars or food-safe gift bags. Make sure there’s no moisture accumulating inside the jar over the next week. If there is, return the apples to the oven to dehydrate more.
When stored properly, dried apple pieces can last for up to 1 year or more. For long storage, keep dried apple pieces in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. You can also freeze these dried apples in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 years.
Remember to check the dried apple pieces regularly for signs of spoilage, such as mold or a musty smell. If you notice any signs of spoilage, discard the dried apples immediately.
Serving Suggestions
Aside from enjoying these dried apples by themselves, you can also roughly chop them and add them to this Trail Mix, or your Overnight Oats. Rehydrate them to add to desserts like this Apple Banana Bread, or these Oatmeal, Apple, and Raisin Cookies for a quick homemade treat!
And if that bushel isn’t empty yet, use your leftover apples (or rehydrated apples) in this Grilled Cheese with Brie and Apples, or this Vegan Apple Crisp.
Apples are one food you are not likely to get tired of, with so many different ways to serve it.
Ingredients
- 2 Fuji apples
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Wash and dry apples. Core the apples and slice them into thin rounds, about 1/8-inch thick, using a mandoline for consistency.
- Arrange apple slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle evenly with cinnamon.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Flip apple slices and continue baking for another 1.5 hours, or until the apple slices are dried out but still pliable. Cool completely on wire racks.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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