Dehydrating Zucchini Slices in the Oven, Dehydrator or Air Fryer

Here is all you need to know about drying zucchini slices at home. This article contains the following topics (click on the link to jump to the topic):

How do you prepare zucchini for dehydration
How to dehydrate zucchini slices in the oven
How to dehydrate zucchini slices with a dehydrator
How to dehydrate zucchini slices in an air fryer
How to store dried zucchini
Is it healthy to eat dried zucchini

How to Dehydrate Zucchini Slices

Is it possible to dehydrate raw zucchini?

Yes, it is possible to dry raw zucchini slices. It usually takes between 8-12 hours. My favorite method and also the easiest way to dehydrate zucchini slices is a dehydrator.

How do you prepare zucchini for dehydration?

To prepare zucchini for dehydration, do the following:

Remove all dirt from the zucchini by thoroughly rinsing it under running water.
Cut the zucchini into thin slices. You may also cut the zucchini into wedges or use a mandoline to make even thinner slices if you want. The shorter the drying period, the thinner the slices.
Blanch the zucchini slices.

Here is a nice video about blanching zucchini.

Do you have to blanch zucchini before dehydrating it?

Blanching is an optional step when dehydrating zucchini. It helps to preserve the color, flavor, and texture of the zucchini, but it is not necessary for preservation. If you prefer, you can dehydrate the zucchini slices without blanching them first. However, blanching them beforehand helps to eliminate any germs or enzymes that may be present and extends the shelf life.

How to dehydrate zucchini slices in the oven

It’s easy to dry zucchini slices in the oven. Here are the steps:

Preheat the oven to the lowest temperature possible. I usually preheat the oven to 145-165F.
Prepare the zucchini as described before.
Lay the zucchini slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Place the baking sheet in the oven and leave the door slightly open for better air circulation. The drying time will vary depending on the thickness of the slices, the temperature of the oven, and the desired level of dryness, but it typically takes between 8-12 hours.
Make sure to check the zucchini every 2-3 hours and flip the slices over to ensure even dehydration.

Your zucchini slices are ready when they have a leathery texture.

It’s crucial to remember that ovens differ greatly, so you may need to experiment with yours.

How to dehydrate zucchini slices with a dehydrator

Dehydrating zucchini with a dehydrator is a simple process. Just follow these steps:

Prepare the zucchini as I described above
Arrange the zucchini on the dehydrator tray
Set the dehydrator to a low temperature (around 135-145F) and start the dehydrating process. It typically takes between 8-12 hours.

How to dehydrate zucchini slices in an air fryer

Dehydrating zucchini in an air fryer requires the following steps:

Prepare the zucchini, as described above:)
Place the zucchini slices in the air fryer basket, making sure that the slices do not overlap.
Set the air fryer to the lowest temperature possible and start the dehydrating process. It typically takes between 4-6 hours.

How to store dried zucchini

Once the zucchini slices are dried and have a leathery texture, they can be stored in an airtight container for several months.

Here are some steps to properly store dried zucchini slices:

Allow the zucchini slices to cool completely before storing them.
Fill an airtight container with dried zucchini slices, such as a mason jar, vacuum-sealed bag, or plastic container with a tight-fitting cover.
Keep the container in a cold, dry place away from direct light and heat sources, such as a pantry or cupboard.

If you have a lot of dried zucchini slices, you can also store them in the freezer. Place the dried zucchini slices in a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible and seal the bag. Dried zucchini can be stored in the freezer for up to six months.

Is it healthy to eat dried zucchini?

Dried zucchini, like other dried vegetables, has a higher concentration of nutrients compared to fresh zucchini. The exact nutritional content of dried zucchini slices will depend on the method used to dry it, but in general, dried zucchini is a good source of: