What’s your favorite kitchen tool? Personally, I’m obsessed with my dehydrator! Sure, dehydrating food takes time, but here’s the best part—once you’ve prepped your ingredients, you can just set it and forget it. While it may take hours (or even days) to create that perfect, flavorful snack, the hands-off process makes it totally worth it!
GRANOLA, CRISPY SNACKS & MORE: DEHYDRATOR HACKS YOU’LL LOVE
If you think granola can’t get any better—think again! I’m talking about the ultimate mix of oats, nuts, vanilla, spices, and more. Follow your favorite granola recipe (like the Indulgent Chocolate Granola from my cookbook, FOOD YOU WANT), but instead of baking, spread it onto a dehydrator sheet and let it dry for 36-48 hours. The result? Perfectly crisp, bakery-fresh granola without any risk of burning!
CRUNCHY CARROT FRIES
Got extra carrots? When I’m craving something crunchy, I slice them up and pop them in the dehydrator for homemade carrot fries. They’re perfect as a salad topper or a fun, healthy snack.
CRISPY FRIED ONIONS
One bite, and I’m hooked! These crispy onions add the perfect crunch to soups and salads—or you can snack on them straight from the container.
To make:
- Thinly slice onions and fry them in a generous amount of olive oil until soft and lightly golden.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Spread on a dehydrator sheet and dry for 8-10 hours, until completely crisp.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month.
- Want the full recipe? Grab my book, FOOD YOU WANT!
SPICED-UP NUTS
I almost always have nuts in my dehydrator. Just soak them, coat them in your favorite spices or sweeteners, and let them dry for a day. They make a delicious, long-lasting snack—perfect for busy days. Pro tip: Store them in a Ziplock bag in the freezer for months! If you need inspiration, try my Maple Cayenne Spiced Pecans or Spicy Roasted Pistachios.
CRAVE-WORTHY CRACKERS
Forget boring Saltines—homemade dehydrated crackers are next level! I’ve got a recipe packed with nuts, seeds, veggies, and herbs that you won’t want to miss.
NATURALLY SWEET DRIED FRUIT
Peaches, plums, pineapples, mangoes, bananas, grapes, apples—the options are endless. Drying time varies (8-12 hours, depending on the fruit), but trust me, making your own dried fruit is so worth it. No unnecessary added sugar, just pure deliciousness!
HOMEMADE BREAD CRUMBS
Ever burned bread in the oven while trying to make crumbs? I’ve lost count! Instead, crumble leftover bread, toss it in the dehydrator, and let it dry out completely. Then, pulse in a food processor for the easiest homemade breadcrumbs.
REVIVE STALE SNACKS
Chips, crackers, pretzels—once opened, they tend to go stale too fast. Instead of tossing them, give them a second life by placing them in the dehydrator for about 8 hours.
MELT COCONUT OIL WITHOUT THE MESS
Melting coconut oil for baking can be a hassle. Instead of using the microwave or a double boiler, here’s a trick: Place the jar on top of your dehydrator. The gentle warmth melts the oil in about an hour—no extra dishes needed!
CONCLUSION
By embracing these techniques, you can unlock a world of flavor, reduce food waste, and enjoy the benefits of homemade, wholesome foods all year round. So, dust off your dehydrator, experiment with these ideas, and discover your own innovative ways to make the most of this invaluable kitchen tool. You’ll be amazed at the delicious possibilities it holds.
