Drying apples is a good way to make them last a long time and to be able to use them all year round for your favorite recipes. It is also the method by which apple chips are prepared, a healthy and delicious snack. No matter what you intend to use them for, drying apples at home couldn't be easier than this: all you need is an oven and a couple of hours of time. Wash them, core them and cut them into slices about 6-7 millimeters thick, then put them in the preheated oven for 2-3 hours. Once out of the oven, the apples will be sweet, light and crunchy.
Ingrediants
- 1-2 apples (washed, torsoed and sliced)
- 1 liter of water
- 60 ml of lemon juice
- Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, or other spices to taste (optional)
* For about 20-50 apple chips *
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Slicing the Apples
Step 1. Turn on the oven to 90 ° C and let it reach temperature
Before you begin, set your oven to the lowest available temperature and turn it on. While it heats up, you will have time to wash the apples, core them and cut them into thin slices. When the oven has reached the desired temperature, all you have to do is bake the pan with the apples and start the timer.
- If your oven allows it, you can set it to a temperature below 90 ° C. Depending on the model, the lowest available temperature may be around 50-60 ° C.
- A low and uniform temperature guarantees an optimal result; moreover, the apples will not risk getting burned. However, you have to keep in mind that apples will dry much slower if the oven temperature is very low.
Step 2. Line 1 or 2 baking sheets with parchment paper
Use more than one sheet of parchment paper to make sure the edges of the baking sheets are completely covered as well. The paper will prevent the apples from sticking to the pan when their sugars begin to melt.
You may need an additional baking tray if you want to dry more than one or two apples at a time
Step 3. Wash the apples thoroughly
Rub the peel with your fingers under cold running water to remove dirt and residue from the wax film. When you are sure they are perfectly clean, drain them from excess water and pat them with paper or a clean kitchen towel to dry them.
If you want to dry many apples all at once, you will save time if you rinse them in a colander at the same time
Step 4. Core the apples and cut them into slices about 6-7 millimeters thick
Use a nipple remover or small pointed knife to get an accurate result when coring apples. Then slide each apple back and forth on a mandolin blade to cut it into slices of even thickness.
- If you don't have a mandolin, you can use a long, sharp-bladed knife to cut the apples into even, thin slices.
- When drying apples, it is easier to cut them into round slices rather than wedges or other shapes.
Suggestion:
the thinner the slices, the faster and more uniform they will dry.
Step 5. Dip the apple slices in a mixture of water and lemon juice
Pour 1 liter of water into a bowl, add 60 ml of lemon juice and mix well. Dip the apple slices in the acidulated water for a few seconds, then spread them on a few layers of absorbent paper and press them gently to dry.
- It is important to dilute the lemon juice. The citric acid contained in the juice will prevent the apples from turning black and soft while baking, but if you don't dilute it, you will have the opposite effect.
- This step is totally optional. Even if the apples turn slightly black, their flavor will not change.
Step 6. Arrange the apple slices on the baking sheets that you lined with parchment paper, taking care not to overlap them
Try to leave at least half an inch of free space between each slice to ensure better circulation of hot air. This way, the apple slices will dry faster and have a firmer texture.
If you wish, you can sprinkle the apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves or a spice blend of your choice before putting them in the oven to make them even tastier
Part 2 of 2: Drying the Apples
Step 1. Cook the apple slices for one hour
Start the oven timer to keep track of the time that passes. After about an hour, the apple slices will begin to curl slightly at the ends and the skin will turn darker in color.
- Alternatively, you can use a kitchen timer or cell phone timer to remind yourself that it's time to flip the apples.
- Leave the oven door slightly ajar to improve air circulation and help moisture escape.
Step 2. Flip the apple slices
Use oven mitts or pot holders to protect your hands from the heat when you remove the hot pan from the oven. Proceed with caution. Flip the apple slices one at a time with a fork or tongs, then return the pan to the oven.
It is important to turn the apple slices, otherwise they will be more cooked on one side and less on the other
Step 3. Let the apples cook for 1 to 3 hours
From now on, it's best to simply keep an eye on them rather than setting a specific cooking time. Try to check them every half hour or so to see what they look like. When the edges have acquired a golden tinge, you can take them out of the oven.
- The time it takes to dry apples depends on several factors, such as the thickness of the slices and the natural moisture content of the fruit which changes according to the variety.
- In some cases, it can take up to 5-8 hours to completely dry the apple slices, especially if the oven is set to a temperature below 90 ° C.
- There is no need to turn the apple slices again after putting them back in the oven, unless the underside is getting too dark.
Suggestion:
let the apple slices dry for a minimum of 2 hours if you are preparing the chips or if you prefer them crunchy.
Step 4. Turn off the oven, but do not take the pan out
Let the apple slices cool in the oven until both reach room temperature; it shouldn't take more than half an hour. Leaving them to cool in the oven will allow the residual moisture to evaporate and, in addition, you will not risk getting burned.
- To determine if the apple slices are ready, remove one from the oven after letting them cool and break it in half. It should be dry and leathery on the outside, but slightly spongy on the inside.
- If you think the apple slices need to cook a little longer, preheat the oven again and check them every 30 minutes.
Step 5. Store the dried apple slices in a cool, dark and dry place
When you think they are sufficiently dehydrated, transfer them to a resealable food bag, airtight plastic container, or glass jar. They will last several weeks, if not months, as long as they are kept away from heat and humidity.
- Many argue that hot, freshly made dried apples are even better, so consider setting a few slices aside to eat right away.
- If you're worried about the apple slices going bad and your work being wasted, put them in the freezer. They will last for 6-12 months or even longer.
Advice
- Drying apples in the oven is much cheaper than buying an expensive dryer, much less complicated than drying them on the wood stove or in the microwave, and much quicker than letting them dry naturally in the sun.
- You can eat dried apple slices on their own to make a healthy snack or you can integrate them into a dish to make it more nutritious and tasty.
- You can mince the apple chips and add them to porridge, yogurt or a mix of homemade dried and dried fruit.
