There are many cooking techniques to apply when it comes to using an oven. The range is an essential kitchen appliance in every household, and the oven serves as a primary counterpart.
From roasting to baking, ovens can make savory and sweets as well as dehydrating food to make it crunchy, chewy and long lasting. Dehydrating food can make meal prep easier, preserve fresh ingredients, and maintain more nutrients.
However, the question arises whether it’s possible to use an oven to dehydrate when a dehydrator is not available.
What can I dehydrate in my oven? Meats, vegetables, fruits, grains, herbs, sauces, and syrups are foods that are capable to dehydrate in the oven.
In order to properly dehydrate in oven, set a temperature below 93.3 degrees Celsius or 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, leave the oven door open while drying so the moisture can escape to quicken the drying time.
However, certain foods that are high in fat or oil are not suitable for drying in the oven. Avocados, olives, dairy, nuts, peanut butter, and fatty meats are not optimal for dehydrating in the oven.
There are many foods to dehydrate in the oven, however it is important to apply the correct temperature for each food to achieve a successful result.
If you are using an oven to dehydrate food, read no further. This article answers frequently asked questions about what type of food to dehydrate in the oven and drying time to meal prep efficiently.
Does an oven work as a dehydrator?
Yes, an oven works as a dehydrator. The oven can dehydrate food perfectly when following specific methods for each ingredient.
Temperature control can be difficult when dehydrating in the oven, and it is necessary to watch the food so it does not burn or overcook. An oven is not the most energy efficient method, therefore a dehydrator is a better option.
To maximize the drying time and quality, consider opening the oven door frequently to let out any excess moisture out. Additionally, use the convection fan to have better air circulation.
How long does it take to dehydrate in the oven?
It takes about 6 to 10 hours to dehydrate food in the oven. However, timing will vary depending on the food type, thickness, temperature and airflow.
In general, drier foods take less time, whereas juicier foods take longer time to completely dehydrate.
- Jerky: 4-6 hours
- Herbs & Spices: 2-4 hours
- Fruits: 6 to 16 hours
- Vegetables: 4 to 10 hours
- Cooked meats: 6 to 12 hours
- Nuts and seeds: 12 to 24 hours
- Grains: 6-12 hours
What are the best foods to dehydrate?
Not all food dehydrates well, and certain foods require techniques like thinly slice, blanch, or marinate for better results. With proper dehydrating approaches, food enhance nutrient levels, taste and texture.
Keep in mind that foods high in grease or oil do not dehydrate well because the fat will go rancid. Avoid drying foods like peanut butter or avocado because the fat content is way too high for this type of technique.
When it comes to protein, raw meat and poultry must be steamed, roasted, or cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit or 74 degrees Celsius to prevent spoilage and potential for food borne illness.
Here are best foods to dehydrate in the oven:
- Meats: chicken, turkey, beef, ground beef, fish, jerky
- Vegetables: carrots, beet, mushrooms, onions, peas, tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, cabbage, broccoli
- Fruits: apples, apricots, bananas, cherries, blueberries, peaches, grapes, mangos, strawberries, oranges, limes
- Grains: sprouted barley, quinoa, amaranth
- Herbs: basil, dill, fennel, parsley, oregano, lemon balm, mint, rosemary, thyme, sage, lavender, marjoram
- Sauces: pizza sauce, spaghetti sauce, barbecue sauce
- Syrups: jam, maple syrup, molasses
Foods to Dehydrate in Oven: Conclusion
Cooking in the oven is typically easy and straightforward, which is what makes oven meal prepping so enjoyable. There are many ways to utilize an oven including dehydrating food to preserve flavor and extend shelf life.
Foods that are high in oil or fat tend to not dehydrate well in the oven. These include avocados, olives, dairy, nuts, peanut butter, and meats that are fatty.
Lean meats, vegetables, fruits, grains, herbs, sauces, and syrup work great to dry in the oven.
Ensure to use proper temperature setting to dry each item. If needed, open the oven door 1 to 2 inches to release moisture and create airflow to shorten the dehydrating time.
Depending on the food, dehydrating time and temperature will vary. Apply the correct drying time and technique to achieve fresh and delicious dehydrated foods.