From healthy crunchy snack to meal prep ingredients, drying vegetables such as onions or peas extend shelf life and maintain more nutrients compared to any other food preservation methods.
Using a dehydrator is a great way to enjoy produce that is out of season. However, vegetables are the easiest food to dry out in an oven.
When a dehydrator is not available, a low temperature oven is a perfect alternative to dry your favorite foods. However, without proper oven dehydration method, you may find brown spots, mold on vegetables, or moisture in the storage container.
How do you dehydrate vegetables in the oven? Proper way to dehydrate vegetables in the oven is to clean, prepare the veggies into smaller pieces and blanch if necessary.
Preheat the oven to the lowest setting or 140 degrees Fahrenheit or 60 degrees Celsius. On a lined baking tray, arrange the vegetables pieces in a single layer and dry 4 to 8 hours depending on the type of vegetables and thickness. Check every 30 minutes and rotate the tray to ensure equal heat exposure.
It’s straightforward and remarkably easy to dehydrate vegetables in the oven. Dried veggies make a healthy crispy snacks, soups, sauces, casseroles, and stews.
In addition, dehydrated vegetables take less time to cook compared to fresh vegetables. They are a perfect substitution for fresh ones in any recipe.
This article discusses proper way to dehydrate fresh and frozen vegetables. Answered below are frequently asked questions about the correct temperature setting to apply for each vegetable and methods to achieve perfect results every time.
Can you dehydrate using a regular oven?
Yes, you can dehydrate using a regular oven. In fact, oven is an alternative kitchen appliance if a dehydrator is not available.
In order to use a regular oven as dehydrator, it is important to understand the right temperature, preparation and time setting. Always start with the lowest temperature and then decrease or increase based on the water content and thickness of the vegetable.
Rotate the sliced vegetables throughout the drying process to ensure even dehydration across all pieces. Most vegetables will take 3 to 8 hours to dry properly, but herbs may take much less to dehydrate.
What temperature do you dehydrate vegetables in the oven?
Other than pretreating the vegetables and following the appropriate drying time, applying the right temperature is key for proper dehydration in the oven.
Most vegetables dehydrate at 125 degrees Fahrenheit or 52 degrees Celsius for the best results. However, this changes depending on the type of vegetables, preparation and thickness of the cut.
The more water content the vegetable has, the longer it will take, which is why root vegetables take longer than herbs.
Here are list of temperature to dehydrate vegetables in the oven:
- Herbs: 95 degree Fahrenheit or 35 degree Celsius
- Mushrooms: 100 degree Fahrenheit or 38 degree Celsius
- Vegetables: 125 degree Fahrenheit or 52 degree Celsius
- Root vegetables: 135 degree Fahrenheit or 57 degree Celsius
How long does it take to dry veggies in oven?
In general, most vegetables takes about 3 to 8 hours. Timing ultimately depends on the exact oven temperature, thickness and moisture content of the vegetable.
Also, pre-treating the vegetables such as steam, boil, blanch, or peeling the skin may affect the drying time to shorten or lengthen.
Here are list of vegetable drying times at 125 degrees Fahrenheit or 52 degrees Celsius:
- Beets: 4 to 5 hours
- Broccoli: 5 to 8 hours
- Carrots: 4 to 5 hours
- Corn: 6 to 8 hours
- Garlic: 6 to 8 hours
- Mushrooms: 8 hours
- Onions: 3 to 6 hours
- Peas: 6 to 8 hours
- Peppers: 3 to 5 hours
Dehydrating frozen vegetables in oven
Dehydrating frozen vegetables is a better option compared to fresh ones. Frozen veggies hold the color better, prevent from browning spots and also rehydrate better.
Most frozen vegetables are already cleaned, cut and precooked, therefore it saves time because it does not require pre-treating or any other preparation.
Understand that some frozen vegetables dehydrate quicker than others.
Pull the package of frozen veggie out of the freezer and let it sit on the counter until fully defrosted. Allow any water to drain away before starting the drying process.
In order to dehydrate frozen vegetables in the oven:
- Set the temperature to 125 degrees Fahrenheit or 52 degrees Celsius.
- Place vegetables in a single layer on a tray and space out evenly to allow good air circulation.
- After a couple of hours, change the temperature according to each type of vegetable.
- Check the vegetables for dryness and rotate the sheet every hour to heat and dry evenly.
Dehydrating Vegetables in Oven: Conclusion
Without investing in a dehydrator, using an oven makes dehydrating vegetables much easier and faster. With the right method and technique, you can dry vegetables to use in soup, stews, casserole, and healthy snacks.
Depending on the type of vegetable, preparation method, and oven temperature, dehydrating time may vary. Without following guidance, vegetables may get brown spots, loose nutrients, create moisture and mold while storing.
Always wash, clean, and sometimes blanch to prepare vegetables for drying process. Cutting into smaller pieces is required for uniformity and best results.
Preheat the oven or set into the lowest temperature around 140°F or 60°C. Use baking tray to assemble the vegetable pieces in a single layer and give enough space between each vegetables to allow abundant air circulation.
Drying vegetable in the oven typically takes 4 to 6 hours to complete. Periodically rotate and check the tray for doneness.
Whether it is fresh or frozen vegetables, use above tips and techniques to successfully dehydrate vegetables in the oven.