Making Dehydrated Pineapples: Step-by-Step Guide

To make dehydrated pineapples, skin and slice the pineapples into 1/2-inch pieces and place them on food dehydrator trays in a single layer. Dehydrate at 135ºF for 8-16 hours. Once dry, allow the pineapple to cool to room temperature and then store them in an airtight container.

Steps for Dehydrating Pineapples Using a Food Dehydrator

1. If not using canned pineapple, select a ripe, fresh pineapple to dehydrate.
2. Place the whole pineapple on a cutting board, slice the top and bottom, and trim the rough skin away. Remove the core with a knife or a corer. This will leave the yellow pineapple flesh.
3. Chop the pineapple into smaller pieces. These should be 1/2-inch thick and in the shape of pineapple rings or pineapple chunks.
4. Lay the cut pineapple pieces on dehydrator trays in a single layer with space between each piece for airflow.
5. Place the pineapple slices into your food dehydrator at 135ºF for 8-16 hours.
6. Check on your pineapple regularly. Test for dryness by removing a piece from the machine and cutting it in half. If moisture seeps out when you squeeze it, the pineapple is not yet dehydrated.
7. Once your pineapple is dried, remove the trays from the dehydrator and allow the pieces to cool to room temperature.
8. Store your homemade dehydrated pineapple in an airtight container in a dark, dry, cool place.

How to Dehydrate Pineapples in an Oven

If you don’t have a food dehydrator, you can dehydrate pineapple in an oven:

1. Prepare your ripe pineapple by removing the core and separating the edible flesh from the skin.
2. Slice the pineapple into 1/2” thick rings or pieces.
3. Prepare an oven baking sheet by covering it with a sheet of parchment paper.
4. Lay the pineapple pieces on the baking sheet, ensuring they don’t overlap.
5. Set your oven to the lowest temperature and place the baking sheet inside the oven, leaving the oven door propped open to allow humidity to escape.
6. Allow the pineapple to dehydrate for 8 hours. Check on your pineapple every couple of hours, flipping the pieces and rotating the placement of the baking sheet to avoid oven hot spots and promote even drying.
7. Test your pieces regularly. Once they are fully dehydrated, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool to room temperature.
8. Once cool, store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

How Thick Should Pineapple Slices Be for Dehydrating?

Pineapple slices should be 1/8″ to 1/2″ thick. This is the optimum size as it reduces the total time needed for the drying process.

What is the Purpose of Dehydrating Pineapple?

The main purpose for dehydrating pineapple is that it increases the shelf life of the fruit. Fresh pineapple only lasts for a few days, while pineapple and other dried fruit can last for months or years.

• Can be added to granola or trail mix for natural sweetness
• Can be used as an attractive tropical garnish for desserts
• Dried pineapple can be a healthy snack or sweet treat on its own
• It’s a lightweight and portable food
• It’s high in sugar and provides sufficient energy for strenuous outdoor activities

Is it Healthy to Eat Dehydrated Pineapple?

Dehydrated pineapple can be healthy when eaten in moderation. Dehydrated pineapple retains all of the health benefits of fresh pineapple. It is packed full of nutrients like vitamin C, calcium, manganese, and enzymes that promote healthy digestion.

However, because the sugars have been concentrated in dehydrated fruit, it has a much higher sugar-per-gram ratio than fresh fruit, even without added sugar. This may be a concern for those watching their intake of carbohydrates.

How Long Will Dehydrated Pineapple Last?

Properly stored dehydrated pineapple will last up to a year when stored at room temperature. If kept in the freezer, the shelf life can be extended to 18 months.

What is the Best Way to Store Dehydrated Pineapple?

The easiest way to store dehydrated pineapple is by placing it in an airtight container. Mason jars, glass jars, Mylar bags, and vacuum-sealed bags work well as long-term storage containers for dried food preservation.

Once stored, you’ll want to keep pineapple away from light, heat, and excess moisture, as these factors accelerate the spoiling process. If you live in a hot or humid climate, it is best to keep dried food in the refrigerator.