Vegetables

How to Dehydrate Potato Slices for Long Term Storage

dehydrate potato for long term storage

Learn how to dehydrate potato slices for long-term storage. Dried potatoes can last for six months, even up to a year, if you store them properly.

However, I recommend using them within half a year for the best quality and taste.



How to Dehydrate Potato Slices for a Long-Term Storage

How to prepare potatoes for dehydration

Here is how I prepare potatoes for dehydration and long-time storage:

  • I start by washing the potatoes thoroughly under running water.
  • Then I peel the potatoes – you can leave the skin on, depending on your preference.
  • Then I slice the potatoes into even, thin slices.
  • I soak the potato slices in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes. This will help to remove excess starch and prevent discoloration.
  • I drain the potatoes and rinse them under cold water to remove any remaining starch.
  • I prefer to blanch the potato slices before dehydrating them.

Why do I recommend blanching potatoes before drying? 

I recommend blanching because it helps to preserve the color, flavor, and texture of the potato slices. If you skip this step, the result is edible but ugly.

Follow these easy steps to blanch potatoes before drying:

  • Bring a pot of water to a boil.
  • Add the potato slices to the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  • Remove the slices from the boiling water and immediately plunge them into a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process.
  • Drain and dry the slices thoroughly.



Dehydrating potato slices in the oven

Here are my recommended steps to dehydrate potato slices in the oven:

  • Preheat your oven to the lowest temperature setting (usually around 150-200°F).
  • Place the potato slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they do not overlap.
  • Dry them in the oven for 2-3 hours or until they are completely dry and crispy.
  • If your potato slices are not crispy after 3 hours, prolong the baking for another hour, until they feel completely crispy.

You may need to flip the slices once or twice during the drying process to ensure that both sides dry evenly.

Using a dehydrator

Dehydrating potato slices for long-term storage with a dehydrator is even easier than using an oven. Just follow these easy steps.

  • Place the potato slices in a single layer on the dehydrator trays.
  • Set the dehydrator to 135°F (57°C) and dehydrate for 6-8 hours or until completely dry and crispy.
  • Rotate the trays halfway through the drying time for even dehydration.

Using an air fryer

  • Place the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  • Set the temperature to 200°F (93°C) and the time to 4-5 hours.
  • Check the potatoes occasionally and flip them over halfway through the drying time for even dehydration.

The problem with an air fryer is that the temperature does not go low enough, so this method is not recommended.

There are other methods to dehydrate potato slices for long-term storage, but those I mentioned here are the easiest and most safe ones.

SEE ALSO: 5 Methods of Dehydrating Potatoes at Home

How to store dehydrated potato slices for long-term storage

First of all, you have to allow the dehydrated potato slices to cool completely before storing them.

  • Place the slices in an airtight container or resealable plastic bags.
  • Store the container or bag in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.

I said before, properly stored, dehydrated potato slices can last for 6-12 months.

Is it better to freeze or dehydrate potatoes?

Whether it is better to freeze or dehydrate potatoes depends on the intended use and personal preference.

  • If you want to preserve the texture and flavor of potatoes for later use in recipes like French fries, potato salad, or mashed potatoes, freezing them is a better alternative.
  • Dehydrating potatoes, on the other hand, is a fantastic alternative if you want to store them for a longer amount of time or make potato chips or other dehydrated potato snacks.

So it depends on how you want to use the potatoes and how long you want to store them. Both freezing and dehydrating are good options, but they result in different textures and flavors.

What are the best potatoes for dehydration?

The best potatoes for dehydrating are those that are high in starch and low in moisture.

Russet potatoes are typically the best variety for dehydrating as they have a high starch content and low moisture which gives them a dry, mealy texture that is ideal for making potato chips and other dehydrated potato snacks. Learn more about russet potatoes.

Other varieties of potatoes that are good for dehydrating include:

  • Yukon Gold potatoes
  • Red potatoes
  • Fingerling potatoes
  • Purple potatoes
  • Blue potatoes

Are dehydrated potatoes healthy?

Dehydrated potatoesare a healthy addition to your diet because they preserve many of the nutrients present in fresh potatoes. They are high in carbs, which provide energy, as well as potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6.