Since dried pineapple is one of the sweetest natural snacks, I wanted to share with you how to dehydrate pineapple. This recipe works for both fresh pineapple or canned pineapple.
You can make dried pineapple in a variety of ways, including:
- Rings
- Slices
- Chunks
- Chips
You might also want to see our recipes of how to dry blueberries and how to dry orange slices.
Preparing Pineapple to Dry
No matter what method you use, you must first prepared the pineapple for dehydrating.
Using a very ripe pineapple is the best.
First, remove the skin. Unlike other fruits, you will not want to leave any outer rind on the pineapple.
Second, core the pineapple. You can use a pineapple corer to do this easily and safely.
Third, cut the pineapple into your desired shape. You can slice across for pineapple rings. Or make small chunks to turn into pineapple chips.
Keep in mind, the bigger the piece of fruit, the longer it will take to dry. Slicing very thinly is the key to success!
*If you are drying canned pineapple, you don’t have to do any of the above steps! Just open the can, allow the juice to drip off, and place on your tray.
Dehydrating Pineapple with a Food Dehydrator
Using a dehydrator is always the easiest way to dry fruit. It is especially designed just for that!
Add the fresh fruit onto the dehydrator trays. This is why using a proper food dehydrator is so nice. You can stack multiple trays to all dry at the same time.
How Long?
Allow at least 15 hours to dry pineapple in a dehydrator. Check for texture at that point. If you’d like a little drier and crispier, leave in for another 30 minutes and continue to check every 30 minutes. It can take up to 18 hours to dry pineapple in a food dehydrator.
Can You Dehydrate Pineapple in an Oven?
If you don’t have a food dehydrator, you can dehydrate pineapple in the oven.
Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Add the pineapple slices or chunks to the tray and place in the oven on the lowest heat setting possible.
Temperatures vary with all ovens. Expect your lowest setting to be around 120-210 degrees Fahrenheit.
How Long?
Allow at least 10 hours for drying pineapple in an oven. At that time, start checking the texture. If it’s not as dry as you’d like, leave in for another 30 minutes and continue to check in 30 minute intervals.
All ovens have a different low heat setting, so it’s hard to say for sure. And temperature and humidity levels also affect the texture.
How to Use Dehydrated Pineapple
Removing the liquid from pineapple makes the dried fruit super sweet! So you can eat the dried fruit instead of candy!
Or add the rings to a cocktail or other drink for a tropical look and to add some natural sweet taste.
Dehydrated Pineapple
Dried pineapple is practically candy! Here's how to make pineapple slices or pineapple chunks, whichever you prefer!
Ingredients
- Pineapple
Instructions
Remove the rind of the pineapple and the core. Cut the fruit into thin chunks or slices. If you want larger pieces, it will take longer to dry.
Using a Food Dehydrator
- Place pineapple pieces on the dehydrator sheet or multiple sheets.
- Set the dehydrator to “Fruit” setting and let dehydrate until desired consistency. Depending on your climate this can take up to 18 hours. Start checking on the pineapple around the 15-hour mark. I suggest checking in every 30 minutes until you are happy with the dryness. Chewier pineapple can be removed at the 15-hour mark, if you want pineapple chips your drying time will be closer to 18 hours.
Drying in an Oven
- Place pineapple on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- Set the oven to the lowest possible heat setting.
- After about 10 hours, check the texture. It will be chewier before it gets drier. Check for doneness again at every 30 minute mark until desired.
Notes
Store in an air-tight container out of direct sunlight.
