Tomatoes are one of the easiest foods to dehydrate. They retain their bright summer flavor and are shelf-stable for up to a year when stored properly!
They make the perfect topping for salads, pizza, and sandwiches. You can also use them as a garnish on top of grilled meats or in soups.
How long to dehydrate tomatoes
Dehydrating tomatoes in the air fryer is a super easy process that produces delicious results. They are great for adding a burst of flavor to salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes and more.
To make them, start by cutting your tomatoes into halves. You can use a serrated knife or a small paring knife for this task.
Once your tomatoes are cut, sprinkle them with salt and olive oil. Place the halves skin side down in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 240F (115c).
The tomatoes will take about 40 minutes to air fry. After the first 45 minutes, smash the tomato halves with a spatula and air fry them for another 30 minutes.
When the tomatoes are completely dried, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate. Let them cool for at least 50 minutes before serving.
After they’ve cooled, store them in an airtight container. They should last 8 – 12 months when stored properly.
If you’re drying for long-term storage, conditioning the tomatoes is essential to prevent mould growth. This step is optional for those just using the tomatoes as a quick snack.
The tomato seeds and juice remain in the centre of a sliced tomato, so removing them can speed up the drying process without losing flavour. If you choose to remove the seeds and juice, be sure not to overcrowd your trays. Otherwise, the outsides will dry hard while the insides stay moist.
Can you dehydrate tomatoes without blanching
Blanching tomatoes is an important step in dehydrating them since it prevents them from turning black when they dry. It also helps preserve vitamins and flavors in the food.
A simple way to blanch tomatoes is by dipping them in boiling water for about 30 seconds. This process stops the natural enzymes in the tomato that can cause the cells to become hard and break down.
You can also steam blanch tomatoes if you don’t want to boil them. For this method, you will need a large pot of boiling water.
Next, place the cut sides of the tomatoes on a dehydrator tray. Make sure that the tomatoes are not too tall because they will take longer to dry.
If the skin of the tomatoes is too thick, you may need to cut it down with a knife before dehydrating. This will make it easier for you to peel them once they are dry.
After dehydrating, it is a good idea to condition the tomatoes by putting them in a large mason jar and keeping them at room temperature for about a week. This will allow the moisture levels to equalize and help them to dry completely.
Once the tomatoes are completely dried, you can transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in your pantry for up to 2 months. This is a great way to save money on fresh fruits and vegetables by making them at home instead of buying them at the grocery store.
How thin to slice tomatoes for dehydrating
If you’re drying whole tomatoes, the best method is to slice them in strips between 1/4 and 1/2 inch thick. Less than this will yield dark tomatoes, while thicker slices dry unevenly and can be hard to work with.
If your tomatoes are larger, cut them into quarters or halves and slice them in the same way. Alternatively, you can use a vegetable peeler to remove the seeds and skin from the tomato before slicing it.
Once you’ve sliced your tomatoes, place them on a dehydrator tray that has been lined with cooking spray. Be sure to leave at least an inch between each slice so the air can circulate.
Keep an eye on them as they dry, removing the ones that are done before continuing to dry the rest. Depending on their size, your tomatoes will take anywhere from 6 to 24 hours to completely dry in the oven or dehydrator.
When dried, tomatoes can be eaten as a snack, added to salads or used in sauces and soups. If you like, you can also make tomato powder from the dried tomatoes. Tomato powder is easy to make by placing the tomatoes in a blender and blending until it’s a smooth powder. This can be used to add a fresh tomato flavor to pasta sauces, soups and stews. If you prefer, you can add salt to your tomato powder to enhance the flavor and extend its shelf life.
How to store dehydrated tomatoes
If you love sun-dried tomatoes, but aren’t a fan of the oil they are usually packed in, you can still preserve them by dehydrating them. This method is much faster than the traditional way of making sundried tomatoes, and they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Before you start dehydrating, wash your tomatoes thoroughly. This will help them dry quicker and keep the tomato juices from leaking out while drying. Once dried, store them in an airtight jar.
To keep a variety of tomatoes fresh for longer, try using a desiccant packet to absorb moisture and prevent mold from growing. This is especially important if you plan to rehydrate the tomatoes frequently, and it is also recommended if you live in an area with high humidity.
Once the tomatoes have completely dried, you can rehydrate them in boiling water or add them to soups, stews, sauces, and braises. They can also be mashed to create tomato paste, or cut up and added to salads.
Once you’ve rehydrated the tomatoes, they can last for up to 12 months in an airtight jar. However, you should shake them regularly to ensure that they don’t stick together or grow mold. To extend their shelf life, you can drizzle them with olive oil before storing them. They will retain their flavor better this way, and you’ll be able to use them in recipes for longer than if they were dried without oil.
What are the best seasonings for dehydrated tomatoes
If you want to add some extra flavor to your dehydrated tomatoes, there are a few options. One of them is to use olive oil. It helps add moisture and a tangy flavor that complements the sweet tomato. Another option is to add Italian seasoning or garlic powder. You can also add dried herbs, such as basil, oregano, thyme, or parsley.
You can also use salt to help draw out the water from the tomatoes. This is a great way to get a lot of flavor into your tomatoes and make them taste amazing!
However, it is important to remember that this process can take a long time. If you are short on time, you can skip this step and just let the tomatoes dry naturally in the sun.
In order to preserve the juice, it is best to remove the seeds and flesh before drying. This will save you the trouble of rehydrating the tomatoes and prevent them from going bad prematurely.
While you can use any type of ripe tomatoes, romas are the ideal choice. They have a smaller interior size, which makes them the perfect size to roast in the air fryer.
When cooking in the air fryer, you want to make sure that the outside of the tomatoes are sprayed with oil or avocado oil before roasting. This will help the salt and spices stick to the tomatoes and make them caramelize/roast more evenly.
How to rehydrate dehydrated tomatoes
Dehydrating tomatoes is a great way to make the most of your summer harvest. Not only do they add texture and flavor to your favorite recipes, but they’re also delicious on their own as a snack or topping.
Using a food dehydrator or an air fryer is a convenient way to dehydrate tomatoes. They don’t require any special equipment or specialized ingredients and they’re easy to use, which makes them a fantastic choice for anyone who wants to preserve their favorite foods at home.
To begin the process, wash and dry your tomatoes. Remove the stems and slice them in half from stem to end, or cut into slices if you’re using larger tomatoes (like heirloom slicing varieties).
Once your tomatoes are sliced, place them on a baking sheet with parchment paper or on a dehydrator tray, cut side upwards. Sprinkle with salt and bake for about 2 hours in the oven or 7-12 hours in an air fryer.
When you’re finished drying your tomatoes, remove them from the oven and cool to room temperature. You can then store them in an airtight container or an insulated bag in the refrigerator for up to 12-18 months.
You can use sun dried tomatoes in a variety of recipes, including pasta, potato dishes, dips, sauces, and marinades. They add bright color and fruity flavor to any dish, and they are packed with umami.