5 Exciting Ideas for Dry Cucumber and DIY Cucumber Chips

To make dry cucumber chips, use a mandolin to slice them into thin, uniform layers and toss them with vinegar or oil. Dehydrate them using a food dehydrator or oven set to the lowest temperature for 6 to 8 hours until crispy. Dry cucumber slices can be used in many dishes and kept in an airtight container for long-term storage.

Drying cucumbers is a fantastic way to preserve them, giving you a nutritious snack that will last a long time. Dried cucumbers are versatile and lend themselves well to soups, stews, and many other recipes.

In this article, you’ll learn more about dehydrated food and how to dry cucumbers. You’ll also discover ways to use dehydrated cucumbers, including fun seasoning ideas!

5 Exciting Ways to Use Dehydrated Cucumbers

There are many ways to use dried cucumbers! Here are a few of my favorites:

Salads

You can use dried cucumbers in salads for a crunchy texture and outstanding flavor. You can also add other dehydrated veggies like carrots and tomatoes to your salad for a splash of color!

Here are some popular cucumber salad recipes to try:

• Asian Cucumber Salad
• Creamy Cucumber Salad 
• Cucumber & Onion Salad

Soups

Dehydrated cucumbers are great for adding texture and flavor to soups. You can also use them in tomato-based soups to enhance the flavor.

Here are a few stunning cucumber soup recipes:

• Avocado and Cucumber Soup
• Chilled Cucumber Soup
• Cold Cucumber Soup
• Tomato Cucumber Soup

Crudités 

If you want something heavier than a salad, consider making crudités and serving them with your favorite dipping sauce. Use your dried cucumber as the “bread” and pair your cucumbers with cream cheese, pesto, or red pepper spread for a bit of zing! This is a great keto-friendly appetizer or snack.

Stir Fries

Dried cucumbers can be a great addition to your stir-fried dishes. They can add wonderful flavor, color, and pleasant textures to many meals that wouldn’t taste the same without them. People will definitely ask what your secret ingredient is!

Dip Seasonings

You can also use dried cucumber powder as a seasoning for your dips. Dips containing dried cucumber powder work exceptionally well with veggies, such as celery and carrots. It also tastes nice when served with potato chips or veggie chips.

As you can see, there are numerous ways to use dehydrated cucumber. It all depends on your creativity, tastes, and preferences!

How to Make Cucumber Chips

Cucumber chips are a healthier snack than potato chips.

Here’s how to make dehydrated cucumber chips the easy way: 

1. Start by slicing your cucumbers into small pieces using a mandolin.
2. Toss your cucumber slices in one or two teaspoons of vinegar or olive oil. Place the slices on the dehydrator tray, making sure there’s some space between them.
3. Sprinkle the slices with your seasoning of choice.
4. Set the dehydrator to 130°F to initiate the drying process.
5. Remove your cucumber slices from the dehydrator once they are crisp and dry (8 to 10 hours).
6. Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to ensure they stay crispy.

As with potato chips, cucumber chips can also be sprinkled with salt before drying to add flavor.

Seasoning Ideas for Dry Cucumbers

There are tons of seasonings you can add to enhance veggie chips and dried cucumbers:

• BBQ: Add equal portions of paprika, brown sugar, chili powder, and onion powder.
• Cheese and Onion: Combine 2 tsp of yeast with 2 tsp of onion salt and 1 tsp of olive oil.
• Chile-Lime: Add equal portions of lime salt, paprika, and chili powder.
• Salt and Pepper: Combine 2 teaspoons of olive oil with 2 tsp each of sea salt and ground pepper.
• Salt & Vinegar: Combine two tsp of apple cider vinegar with 2 tsp of garlic salt and one tsp of olive oil.
• Sour Cream & Onion: Toss cucumber slices in olive oil and sprinkle them with a mixture of buttermilk powder, onion powder, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and sugar.

How to Dry Cucumbers

There are two standard methods of drying cucumbers for long-term storage:

Drying Cucumbers in a Food Dehydrator

A dehydrator is a smart investment because it helps prolong the shelf life of food and helps to reduce food waste.

1. To use a dehydrator to dry cucumbers, start by slicing the cucumbers into ⅛-inch pieces. A sharp knife will come in handy here.
2. Next, place the cucumber slices on the dehydrator trays, maintaining some space between the pieces to ensure more even drying. 
3. Then, place the dehydrator trays inside your food dehydrator and set the temperature between 120°F and 140°F before switching it on. 
4. The drying process takes approximately 6 to 8 hours. The total time varies depending on the thickness of the cucumber pieces and the temperature of the dehydrator.
5. The dehydration process is complete when the cucumber slices are crispy.
6. Remove the cucumbers from the dehydrator and cool them at room temperature before storing in glass jars, mylar bags, or airtight containers with oxygen absorbers. You can also use a vacuum sealer for an even longer shelf-life.

Drying Cucumbers in an Oven

If you don’t have a food dehydrator at home, you can use an oven to dry cucumbers.

1. Start by slicing the cucumbers into ⅛-inch pieces.
2. Arrange the cucumber pieces on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, maintaining some space between the pieces.
3. Set your oven to its lowest temperature setting (about 150°F).
4. The drying time ranges from 4 to 8 hours.
5. Remove the pieces once they are done and allow them to chill to room temperature.
6. Store the dried cucumbers in airtight plastic bags in a cool, dark place.

Are Dried Cucumbers Good for You?

Dried cucumbers are a healthy snack option that comes with some fantastic nutritional benefits.

They are low in calories and contain many essential nutrients such as vitamin C and vitamin K. Both fresh cucumbers and dried cucumbers are also rich in vital minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, and potassium.

This healthy snack contains antioxidants like flavonoids, which may help lower the risk of heart disease and various cancers. Dried cucumbers can also help people manage stress since they are a good source of various B vitamins, including vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B7.

Do You Have to Remove the Skin or Seeds to Dry Cucumbers?

If the cucumber skin is thick and waxy, it’s recommended to peel it and remove the seeds before the dehydration process. Drying cucumbers with the seeds and skin on produces a chewier texture. If you want a crunchier texture, it’s a good idea to peel the skin before drying.

If you’re drying cucumbers for long-term storage, removing the seeds can help prolong the shelf life of the dehydrated cucumbers.

How Long Does it Take to Dehydrate Cucumbers?

It takes about 6 to 12 hours to dehydrate cucumbers completely. Reaching a crispy texture can take up to 2 hours more.

Shelf Life of Dried Cucumbers

Dehydrated cucumbers can last about 6 to 12 months if stored in an airtight container. The dehydrated cucumbers should be completely dry and stored in tightly closed containers in a cool, dark place.