Drying food removes water, preventing microorganisms from living and spoiling food, while concentrating nutrients and flavor. Low, steady heat and proper ventilation are the primary requirements for dehydrating. Air fryers and conventional ovens can provide these conditions, making them viable alternatives. Dedicated food dehydrators use counter space and cost extra but offer greater efficiency and consistency for frequent use. Dehydrators range widely in price from under $40 to around $250, with compact affordable models available. The decision to buy depends on how often food will be dried and available kitchen space.
For thousands of years, people have dried food as a means of preservation. When you remove the water from fruits, vegetables, herbs, etc., you remove what microorganisms need to live and spoil that food. You're also concentrating on that food's nutrients as well as its flavor. It's safe to say that's a win. The question is whether you actually need a dedicated dehydrator to do this.
All dehydrating food requires is the ability to treat food with low, steady heat and proper ventilation. Your air fryer provides this, and you can even still use the good old-fashioned oven. Food dehydrators take up counter space, but are relatively affordable. When we ranked the best food dehydrators, our top pick was pricier at around $220 to $250, but our third pick was just $60, and you can find models for under $40.
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