10+ Food Dehydrator Recipes for Tasty Snacks and Meals

10+ Food Dehydrator Recipes for Tasty Snacks and Meals

ByCook Maniac Team Reading Time: 9 minutes

Food dehydrators are a fantastic tool for creating a variety of tasty snacks and meals right at home. With DIY dehydrator recipes, you can easily preserve flavors, save money, and enjoy healthier versions of your favorite foods. Whether you are looking to make jerky, dried fruits, or savory snacks, the options are endless.

Assorted fruits and vegetables arranged on dehydrator trays, with herbs and spices scattered around

Exploring dehydrator recipes opens up a world of creative cooking. You can experiment with different ingredients and flavors to match your taste preferences. This guide will help you discover some exciting and easy recipes that you can try in your dehydrator.

1) Jerky Style Beef Strips

Slices of beef marinated in spices and laid out on dehydrator trays

Making jerky style beef strips is a fun and rewarding project. You will enjoy the tasty results, and it’s great for snacks or meals.

Start with lean cuts of beef like flank or round steak. Slice the meat into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. Then, marinate the strips to add flavor.

For a basic marinade, combine soy sauce, garlic powder, and pepper. Let the beef strips soak in the marinade for 4 to 24 hours for the best taste.

After marinating, pat the strips dry with paper towels. Then, place them on your dehydrator racks, ensuring they are not touching. Set your dehydrator to 160°F (70°C) and let it run for about 4 to 6 hours, or until the jerky is dry and flexible.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds of lean beef
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Instructions

  1. Slice the beef into thin strips.
  2. Mix the marinade ingredients together.
  3. Marinate the beef strips in the mixture.
  4. Pat the strips dry.
  5. Arrange the strips on the dehydrator racks.
  6. Dehydrate at 160°F (70°C) for 4-6 hours.

2) Sun-Dried Tomato Chips

Sun-dried tomatoes laid out on dehydrator trays, surrounded by herbs and spices

Making sun-dried tomato chips is a fun way to enjoy tomatoes. They have a tasty flavor that’s great for snacking or adding to dishes.

Start by cleaning and drying your tomatoes. Slice them into thin pieces, about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick. A thinner slice will give you crisper chips. You can season them with salt, pepper, and herbs for extra flavor.

Place the slices on your dehydrator racks, making sure they don’t overlap. Set your dehydrator to 135°F (57°C) and let them dry for about 6 to 8 hours. Check them regularly for your desired crispness.

Ingredients

  • Fresh tomatoes
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Dried or fresh herbs (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Clean and dry the tomatoes.
  2. Slice the tomatoes into 1/4 inch pieces.
  3. Season the slices with salt, pepper, and herbs if desired.
  4. Arrange the slices on dehydrator racks.
  5. Set the dehydrator to 135°F (57°C).
  6. Dry for 6 to 8 hours, checking for crispness.

3) Homemade Chili Powder

A variety of dried chili peppers, cumin seeds, and garlic cloves laid out on a wooden cutting board, ready to be ground into homemade chili powder

Making your own chili powder is easy and fun. You can customize the heat level and flavor to suit your taste. Start with fresh chili peppers for the best results.

First, slice the peppers in half and remove the seeds for less heat. Then, place them in a food dehydrator at 125°F (52°C) until they are completely dry and snap when bent.

Once dry, grind the peppers into a fine powder using a spice grinder. You can mix in other spices like cumin or garlic powder if you like.

Store your homemade chili powder in an airtight container. It will add a delicious kick to your dishes!

Ingredients

  • Fresh chili peppers (your choice)
  • Optional spices (cumin, garlic powder, etc.)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cut chili peppers in half and remove seeds.
  2. Place peppers in a food dehydrator at 125°F (52°C).
  3. Dehydrate until fully dry.
  4. Grind peppers into powder.
  5. Mix in optional spices if desired.
  6. Store in an airtight container.

4) Dehydrated Fruit Medley

A variety of sliced fruits laid out on dehydrator trays, with the machine set up and ready to begin the dehydration process

Making a dehydrated fruit medley is a fun way to enjoy healthy snacks. You can customize this mix with your favorite fruits like apples, bananas, and strawberries.

Start by slicing your fruits evenly. This helps them dehydrate at the same rate. Then, place them in a single layer on your dehydrator trays.

Set your dehydrator to 135°F (57°C). Let the fruits dry for about 6 to 10 hours. Check them periodically until they are crispy and no moisture remains.

Once done, let the fruits cool completely before storing them. You can keep your medley in an airtight container for a delicious snack later.

Ingredients

  • Apples
  • Bananas
  • Strawberries
  • Optional: other fruits like peaches or pears

Cooking Instructions

  1. Wash and slice the fruits evenly.
  2. Arrange slices in a single layer on dehydrator trays.
  3. Set the dehydrator to 135°F (57°C).
  4. Dry for 6 to 10 hours, checking for crispiness.
  5. Cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

5) DIY Potato Bark

Fresh potatoes, a cutting board, a knife, and a food dehydrator on a kitchen counter

Making DIY potato bark is a fun way to enjoy a tasty and healthy snack. You can easily prepare it using dehydrated mashed potatoes. This snack is great for hiking or just enjoying at home.

To start, you will need some simple ingredients. Mix your mashed potatoes with vegetable or chicken broth to add flavor. Then, spread the mixture on a dehydrator tray to dry.

Set your dehydrator to 135°F (57°C) and let it run for about 6-8 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the bark is dry and crispy.

Break the dried bark into pieces for easy snacking. You can eat it plain, dip it in sauces, or even rehydrate it to use in meals. Enjoy your homemade potato bark!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups mashed potatoes
  • 1 cup broth (vegetable or chicken)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your dehydrator to 135°F (57°C).
  2. Mix the mashed potatoes with broth.
  3. Spread the mixture on a dehydrator tray.
  4. Dehydrate for 6-8 hours.
  5. Break into pieces and enjoy!

6) Garlicky Tomato Sandwich Spread

Fresh tomatoes, garlic bulbs, and herbs scattered on a wooden cutting board, next to a food dehydrator

Garlicky tomato sandwich spread is a tasty way to add flavor to your meals. You can use dried tomatoes to make this spread, which is perfect for sandwiches or as a dip.

Start by rehydrating your dried tomatoes if needed. Then, blend them with garlic, herbs, and olive oil until smooth. Adjust the seasoning to fit your taste.

This spread is not only easy to make, but it’s also vibrant in flavor. You can serve it on toast or as a filling for wraps.

Ingredients

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

Cooking Instructions

  1. Rehydrate the dried tomatoes in warm water for about 30 minutes.
  2. Drain and place tomatoes in a blender.
  3. Add garlic, olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper.
  4. Blend until smooth.
  5. Enjoy on sandwiches or as a dip.

7) Buckwheat Crackers Delight

A food dehydrator filled with buckwheat crackers arranged in a decorative pattern on a wire rack

Making buckwheat crackers is simple and rewarding. These tasty snacks are both gluten-free and nutritious. You can customize them with your favorite herbs and spices.

To start, soak raw buckwheat groats in water for a few hours. Then, rinse them thoroughly and drain the water. This step helps the crackers become crispy and light.

Next, blend the soaked buckwheat with your favorite seasonings. You can add garlic powder, olive oil, or dried herbs. Then, spread the mix onto dehydrator sheets.

Dehydrate the crackers at 115°F (46°C) for about 6-8 hours. Once they are dry and crisp, break them into pieces. Enjoy your homemade buckwheat crackers with hummus or your favorite dip!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw buckwheat groats
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried herbs (optional)
  • Water

Cooking Instructions

  1. Soak buckwheat groats in water for 2-4 hours.
  2. Rinse and drain the groats.
  3. Blend with garlic powder and herbs.
  4. Spread the mixture on dehydrator sheets.
  5. Dehydrate at 115°F (46°C) for 6-8 hours.
  6. Break into pieces and serve.

8) Flax Seed Crunchy Crackers

Golden flax seed crackers spread out on dehydrator trays, surrounded by scattered seeds and a rustic wooden cutting board

Flax seed crunchy crackers are a tasty and healthy snack. They are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite seasonings. These crackers are gluten-free and packed with nutrients.

To start, mix flax seeds with water and any additional seeds like chia or sesame for extra crunch. You can add spices for flavor as well.

Spread the mixture evenly on dehydrator trays. Set your dehydrator to 105°F to 115°F (41°C to 46°C) and let them dry for 12 to 36 hours. Flip the crackers halfway through for even drying.

Once done, break them into pieces and enjoy!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup flax seeds
  • 1/4 cup chia seeds (optional)
  • 1/4 cup sesame seeds (optional)
  • 1 cup water
  • Seasonings of your choice

Cooking Instructions

  1. Combine flax seeds, chia seeds, sesame seeds, and water in a bowl.
  2. Mix in your favorite seasonings.
  3. Spread the mixture on dehydrator trays.
  4. Dehydrate at 105°F to 115°F (41°C to 46°C) for 12 to 36 hours.
  5. Flip crackers halfway through drying.
  6. Break into pieces when dry.

9) Watermelon ‘Tuna’ Bites

A watermelon being sliced into bite-sized pieces and placed on a dehydrator tray, ready to be transformed into "tuna" bites

Watermelon ‘Tuna’ Bites are a fun and refreshing treat. They mimic the taste and texture of tuna but are completely plant-based. You can make them using a dehydrator for a unique twist on this dish.

Start by cutting your watermelon into thick strips or cubes. Then, marinate these pieces in a tasty mix of lime juice, fresh ginger, sesame oil, and tamari. Let them soak up the flavors for about 30 minutes.

Once marinated, place the watermelon in your dehydrator. Set it to 135°F (57°C) and dry for about 6-8 hours. The result is a chewy, flavorful snack that’s perfect for summer.

Ingredients

  • 1 small seedless watermelon
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cut the watermelon into thick strips or cubes.
  2. Mix lime juice, ginger, sesame oil, and tamari in a bowl.
  3. Marinate the watermelon for 30 minutes.
  4. Place watermelon in the dehydrator.
  5. Set the dehydrator to 135°F (57°C).
  6. Dehydrate for 6-8 hours until chewy.

10) Vegan Pepperoni Slices

Vegan pepperoni slices arranged on dehydrator trays

Making vegan pepperoni slices is a fun way to enjoy a classic topping without any meat. You can add these slices to pizzas, sandwiches, or salads for extra flavor.

To start, blend your ingredients until they are smooth with some texture. You want it to be tasty and easy to spread. Then, spread the mixture evenly on a dehydrator tray.

Set your food dehydrator to 135°F (57°C) and let it run for about 6-8 hours. Check occasionally until the slices are firm and chewy.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup mushrooms
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Cooking Instructions

  1. Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth with some texture.
  2. Spread the mixture evenly on a non-stick dehydrator tray.
  3. Set the dehydrator to 135°F (57°C).
  4. Dehydrate for 6-8 hours until slices are firm.

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