How to Freeze Dry Apples
Freeze Dried apples make a delicious and nutritious snack! When you freeze dry apples, their flavor intensifies and their nutritious value is retained. It also extends their shelf life up 25 years!
Servings: 28 Servings
Calories: 87kcal
Ingredients
- 5 lbs apples, any variety (for x-large freeze dryer)
- 1½ cups brown sugar (approximate)
- ground cinnamon (optional)
- ground cardamom (optional)
Instructions
- Wash apples, remove stems, then slice into ⅛" thick slices using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife. An apple peeler, slicer, and corer makes the job easier!
- Line freeze dryer trays with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking. If you soaked the apples, blot them dry, before adding them to the trays in a single layer. Optionally, sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom powder.
- Prep freeze dryer by turning it on and cooling the vacuum chamber for 15 minutes. Once the chamber is cooled, slide filled trays into your freeze dryer, then close and lock the door. Close drain valve, then select start.
- When the time is up, open the drain valve to unseal the door. Check each tray to make sure no further drying time is necessary. The apple slices should feel dry, light, and crisp. If you sense any moisture remaining in the apples, select additional drying time until they're dry.
- See post for storage instructions
Notes
- You'll want to remove the apple seeds so that they don't extend the freeze drying time.
- You only need to season apple slices on one side, no need to flip them!
- Freeze drying time will vary based on the model of freeze dryer you have, whether you freeze the apple slices ahead of time or not, and how juicy the apples are. Rest assured, your freeze dryer will alert you when they are done.
- You can also slice the apples into wedge wedges, or make thicker slices. However, the thicker the slices, the longer it will take to freeze dry them.
- When freeze drying apples, I leave some plain, and season some with brown sugar. I sprinkle the rest with a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom.
- If storing apple slices in mason jars, a mason jar vacuum sealer is a great way to remove excess oxygen and seal the jars.
- The freeze drying time will vary based on how thick the slices are cut and the water content of the apples being freeze dried.
- Freeze dried apples can last for up to 5 years when stored in mason jars, as long as they're sealed. Once the jar is opened their shelf-life is reduced.
- Whenever possible, I recommend using individually wrapped oxygen packets like these. The ones that come in a packet of 10 begin to deteriorate quickly once the package is opened.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 87kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 4mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 20g
