Air Fryer Drying Fruits and Vegetables (Easy, Healthy Snacks Under $2)
By Rossi Voss | May 2, 2025 | Prep: 10–15 mins | Dry: 2–4 hrs | Servings: 4 | Cost: $1.80–$2.20/serving
Difficulty: Easy | Appliance: Air Fryer | Author: Rossi Voss
As someone who wrote 100 Beginner's Air Fryer Rotisserie Recipes (only $0.99!), I know one truth: **your air fryer isn’t just for crispy chicken — it’s a mini dehydrator too**.
These Air Fryer Drying Recipes help you preserve seasonal produce, reduce waste, and make healthy snacks without expensive equipment. All batches cost under $10 total — far less than store-bought versions.
Readers love how easy and affordable these snacks are!
Why This Works
- All ingredients under $10 total — proven budget win.
- No dehydrator needed — use your existing air fryer.
- Reduces food waste — save ripe fruit before it spoils.
- Kid-approved — healthier alternative to chips and candy.
1. Crispy Apple Chips (No Sugar Added)
Servings: 4 | Prep: 15 mins | Dry: 2 hrs | Cost: $2.00 total | Per Serving: $0.50
- 3 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- Optional: ½ tsp cinnamon
- Slice apples ⅛-inch thick using mandoline.
- Pat dry with towel.
- Arrange in single layer on air fryer rack or tray.
- Air fry at 300°F for 2 hours, flipping every 30 mins.
- Cool completely before storing.
TIP: Store in airtight jar up to 6 months.
2. Sun-Dried Tomato Crisps
Yield: 2 cups | Prep: 10 mins | Dry: 3 hrs | Cost: $2.40 total | Per Serving: $0.60
- 6 large Roma tomatoes, sliced ¼-inch thick
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Toss tomato slices with oil, herbs, and salt.
- Place cut-side up on rack.
- Air fry at 250°F for 3 hours, flipping halfway.
- Cool and store in oil or dry jar.
TIP: Use in salads, pasta, or as pizza topping.
3. Banana Chips (Lightly Cinnamoned)
Servings: 4 | Prep: 10 mins | Dry: 2.5 hrs | Cost: $1.80 total | Per Serving: $0.45
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced ¼-inch thick
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
- Coat banana slices lightly with cinnamon.
- Lay flat on rack.
- Air fry at 300°F for 2.5 hrs, flipping every 30 mins.
- Cool and crisp up further.
4. Carrot Coins (Savory Snack)
Servings: 4 | Prep: 10 mins | Dry: 3 hrs | Cost: $2.20 total | Per Serving: $0.55
- 4 medium carrots, sliced ⅛-inch thick
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt to taste
- Toss carrots with oil and spices.
- Arrange in single layer.
- Air fry at 275°F for 3 hours, flipping once.
- Store in airtight container.
5. Zucchini Rounds (Low-Carb Option)
Servings: 4 | Prep: 15 mins | Dry: 3.5 hrs | Cost: $2.00 total | Per Serving: $0.50
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced ⅛-inch thick
- 1 tbsp Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Blot zucchini slices with paper towel.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan and spices.
- Air fry at 275°F for 3.5 hrs, flipping halfway.
- Cool completely before eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I dry fruit without sugar?
Yes! Skip the sugar or cinnamon-sugar coating. Just slice thin and dry. The natural sugars caramelize slightly during drying.
How long do dried fruits last?
Store in airtight jars up to 6 months in a cool, dark place. For longer storage, freeze up to 1 year.
Do I need special equipment?
No! Just your air fryer and a wire rack or parchment paper. No dehydrator required.
Related Recipes
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