10+ Food Dehydrator Recipes for Delicious Snacks and Meals

When it comes to creating delicious snacks and meals at home, a food dehydrator can be a real game changer. Food dehydrator recipes offer an easy way to preserve flavors and nutrients while creating tasty options that are perfect for meals or on-the-go snacks. Whether you’re looking to make jerky, dried fruits, or even soups, you’ll find that dehydrating food opens up a world of culinary possibilities.

As you explore the different recipes that a dehydrator can help you create, you’ll discover how simple it is to transform ingredients into flavorful treats. This handy kitchen tool allows you to experiment with various flavors and textures, giving you control over your food choices. With the right recipes, you’ll be able to enjoy homemade snacks that are healthier and often tastier than store-bought alternatives.

1) Homemade Chili Powder

Making homemade chili powder is simple and rewarding. You can start by selecting your favorite chili peppers. Common choices include jalapeños, cayennes, or any variety you like.

Use a food dehydrator to dry the peppers. Set the temperature to 125°F (52°C) and let them dry until they snap easily when bent. This usually takes several hours.

Once the peppers are fully dried, let them cool. Then, grind them using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle to create a fine powder.

Feel free to mix in some other spices for added flavor. This homemade chili powder can spice up any dish.

Ingredients

• Chili peppers (your choice)
• Optional: other spices like garlic powder or cumin

Cooking Instructions

1. Select and clean your chili peppers.
2. Arrange them in the dehydrator trays.
3. Dehydrate at 125°F (52°C) until fully dried.
4. Cool the peppers.
5. Grind the dried peppers into a powder.
6. Mix with optional spices if desired.

2) DIY Dehydrated Tomato Chips

Making your own dehydrated tomato chips is fun and easy. These chips are perfect for snacking or adding to recipes. You only need fresh tomatoes and your favorite seasonings.

Start by slicing the tomatoes. Aim for slices that are about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick. Thinner slices will be crispier.

Next, season them. You can sprinkle salt, garlic powder, or any spice you like. Arrange the slices on a dehydrator rack or a baking sheet.

If using a dehydrator, set it to 135°F (57°C) and let them dry for 6-8 hours. If using an oven, preheat to 200°F (93°C) and bake for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway through.

Once they are crispy, let them cool before storing in an airtight container. Enjoy your homemade tomato chips!

Ingredients

• Fresh tomatoes
• Salt
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Other seasonings (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice tomatoes into 1/4 inch rounds.
2. Season with salt and spices.
3. Place on dehydrator rack or baking sheet.
4. Dehydrate at 135°F (57°C) for 6-8 hours or bake at 200°F (93°C) for 2-3 hours.
5. Cool and store in an airtight container.

3) Fruit Leathers with Strawberries and Bananas

Making fruit leather is a fun way to enjoy strawberries and bananas. This snack is chewy, tasty, and healthier than many store-bought treats. You can create it easily using a food dehydrator.

For this recipe, ripe strawberries and bananas work best. The natural sweetness means you won’t need any added sugar.

Ingredients

• 1 cup strawberries, hulled
• 2 ripe bananas

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the tops off the strawberries and slice the bananas.
2. Blend the strawberries and bananas together until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture onto a dehydrator tray.
4. Set your dehydrator to 135°F (57°C).
5. Dehydrate for about 5-8 hours until it’s dry but still slightly tacky.
6. Once finished, cut into strips and enjoy!

4) Spiced Pumpkin Seeds

Spiced pumpkin seeds make a tasty snack you can prepare with ease. They’re perfect for munching while watching a movie or enjoying as a healthy treat.

To start, you need to gather your ingredients. You can experiment with different spices based on your taste. A popular choice is to use cinnamon and a pinch of salt.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your dehydrator to 145°F (63°C).
2. Rinse the pumpkin seeds to remove any pulp.
3. In a bowl, mix the pumpkin seeds with olive oil, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Spread the seeds in a single layer on the dehydrator trays.
5. Dehydrate for 12-24 hours, until crispy.

Enjoy your delicious spiced pumpkin seeds!

5) Zucchini Chips with Sea Salt

Making zucchini chips with sea salt is easy and delicious. You only need a few ingredients and a food dehydrator. These chips are a great snack option that provides a satisfying crunch.

Start by washing and slicing your zucchini into thin rounds. You want them to be even so they cook at the same rate.

Next, sprinkle the zucchini slices with coarse sea salt. This adds flavor and helps draw out moisture.

Place the zucchini in a single layer on your dehydrator trays. Set the temperature to 140°F (60°C) and dehydrate for about 6-12 hours. The time will depend on how thick your slices are.

Check regularly until they reach your desired crispiness. Once done, let them cool and enjoy!

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchinis
• Coarse sea salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash and slice zucchini into thin rounds.
2. Sprinkle sea salt on zucchini slices.
3. Arrange slices in a single layer on dehydrator trays.
4. Set dehydrator to 140°F (60°C).
5. Dehydrate for 6-12 hours until crispy.
6. Let cool before serving.

6) Sweet Potato Bark

Sweet potato bark is a tasty and nutritious snack. It’s perfect for hiking or just enjoying at home. You can customize it with your favorite spices and toppings.

To make sweet potato bark, you’ll need to start with cooked sweet potatoes. You can bake or boil them until they’re soft. Then, mash the potatoes until smooth.

Spread the sweet potato puree on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You can sprinkle cinnamon or other spices on top. Then, place it in the dehydrator at 135°F (57°C) for about 6-8 hours. Let it cool and break it into pieces.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked sweet potatoes
• 1-2 tablespoons cinnamon (optional)
• Parchment paper

Cooking Instructions

1. Bake or boil the sweet potatoes until soft.
2. Mash the cooked sweet potatoes until smooth.
3. Spread the puree on a lined baking sheet.
4. Sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.
5. Dehydrate at 135°F (57°C) for 6-8 hours.
6. Cool and break into pieces.

7) Garlicky Tomato Sandwich Spread

You can make a tasty Garlicky Tomato Sandwich Spread using dehydrated tomatoes. This spread adds a rich flavor to any sandwich. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for a quick meal.

Start by soaking your dehydrated tomatoes in warm water for about 30 minutes. This helps to rehydrate them for a smoother texture. Once softened, blend them with garlic, olive oil, and your favorite herbs.

You can adjust the garlic to your liking. Add a bit of salt and pepper for extra flavor. This spread can also be stored in the fridge for a few days, making it a convenient addition to your meals.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dehydrated tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs (like basil or oregano)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak the dehydrated tomatoes in warm water for 30 minutes.
2. Drain and place them in a blender.
3. Add garlic, olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper.
4. Blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

8) Crispy Kale Chips

Crispy kale chips make a delicious snack. They are easy to make in a food dehydrator. This healthy option is perfect for satisfying your crunch cravings.

To start, wash and dry fresh kale. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces, discarding the stems. Season them with your favorite spices or a little olive oil.

Set your dehydrator to 125°F (52°C) and arrange the kale pieces in a single layer. Dry them for about 2 hours or until they are light and crispy.

Ingredients

• Fresh kale
• Olive oil (optional)
• Sea salt or other seasoning

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash and dry the kale.
2. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
3. Optional: Toss with olive oil and seasoning.
4. Set dehydrator to 125°F (52°C).
5. Place kale in a single layer.
6. Dehydrate for about 2 hours.

9) Raw Vegan Pepperoni

Making your own raw vegan pepperoni is simple and fun. This recipe uses a food dehydrator, but you can also use an oven if needed.

To start, gather your ingredients. You will create a flavorful mixture that can be shaped into pepperoni slices.

Ingredients

• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/2 cup ground flaxseed
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

Cooking Instructions

1. In a food processor, combine all the ingredients.
2. Blend until mixed well, but leave some texture.
3. Spread the mixture on a dehydrator tray lined with a non-stick sheet.
4. Use a small lid or round cutter to score into pepperoni shapes.
5. Dehydrate at 115°F (46°C) for 6-8 hours, until dry but still flexible.

Enjoy your homemade raw vegan pepperoni as a snack or in your favorite dishes!

10) Balsamic Cherry Chocolate Bread

Balsamic Cherry Chocolate Bread is a delicious treat that combines sweet and tart flavors. This recipe uses dried cherries and chocolate to create a unique, mouthwatering bread.

You’ll start by mixing your ingredients, including flour, cocoa powder, and balsamic vinegar, which gives this bread a special twist. Once mixed, pour the batter into a loaf pan.

Next, dehydrate the mixture on a mesh dehydrator tray at 115 degrees Fahrenheit (about 46 degrees Celsius) for 8 hours. This process helps intensify the flavors while keeping it raw.

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup dried cherries
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup sweetener (like maple syrup)
• 1/4 cup water

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix flour, cocoa powder, and sweetener in a bowl.
2. Add dried cherries and balsamic vinegar.
3. Stir in water until the batter is well combined.
4. Pour the mixture into a loaf pan.
5. Dehydrate at 115°F (46°C) for 8 hours.