How to Perfectly Dry Peaches in an Oven

To dry peaches in an oven, rinse fresh peaches and cut them into ¼-inch thick slices. Place the peach slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Dehydrate at 140°F for 4–12 hours.

How to Dry Peaches Using an Oven

It is possible to dehydrate peaches without a ‌food dehydrator by oven-drying them. Perfect in granola, trail mix, or on their own, crispy peach chips make a delicious and healthy snack.

Picking Peaches for Drying

• Choose ripe, fresh peaches.
• The peaches should be firm to the touch and free of cuts and bruises.
• Select peaches that are similar in size to ensure even drying.
• Choose freestone peach varieties; they have higher sugar content, and the pit is easily removed.

Preparing Peaches for Drying

1. To ensure proper food safety, clean your hands, cutting board, and knife before handling the peaches.
2. Remove any dirt or debris from the peaches by washing them in cold water. To clean the skin, gently rub the peaches with your fingers.
3. Remove any excess moisture from the peaches with clean towels or paper towels.
4. Cut the peaches into even slices, about 1/4 inch thick, using a sharp knife. To ensure even drying, make the slices as uniform as possible.
5. To help prevent oxidation and retain nutrients like vitamin C, treat the peaches by dipping them in a mixture of water and bottled lemon juice or submerging them in an ascorbic acid solution for 5 minutes.
6. Dry the peach slices using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
7. Use parchment paper to line a baking sheet.
8. Place peach slices on the baking sheet in one layer, ensuring they do not overlap or touch.

Drying the Peaches in the oven

1. Preheat your oven to its lowest temperature, which should be between 140°F and 160°F.
2. Place the baking sheet in the oven and prop the oven door with a wooden spoon to allow moisture to escape.
3. Allow the peaches to dry on the middle oven rack for several hours until they appear completely dehydrated and leathery in texture. Depending on the thickness of the slices and the moisture content of the peaches, this can take anywhere from 4 to 12 hours.
4. Remove the dehydrated peaches from the oven and allow them to cool completely at room temperature.
5. Store your ‌oven-dried fruit in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Do Peaches Need to Be Ripe to Dehydrate Them?

Yes, peaches should be ripe before dehydrating them. It is important that they aren’t overripe or under-ripe. Overripe peaches may contain excessive moisture and become mushy when dried, whereas under-ripe peaches lack natural sweetness and flavor.

Should You Peel Peaches Before Drying Them?

You can choose to peel peaches before drying them, but it is not required. Peeling ‌fresh fruits offers dried peaches a smoother texture. Blanching the fruit is the easiest way to remove the skin.

1. Prepare whole peaches for blanching by making a shallow cut in the shape of an “X” at the bottom of each peach with a sharp knife.
2. Dip the peaches in a pot of boiling water for 30 seconds.
3. To stop the cooking process, remove the peaches from the boiling water and immediately place them in a bowl filled with water and ice.
4. Once cool, the skins can be easily removed and peeled by hand.

What Temperature is Best for Drying Peaches in an Oven?

A low temperature is required for drying peaches in an oven. The lowest temperature of most ovens is between 140 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Drying peaches in this temperature range helps prevent them from burning.

How Long Does it Take to Dry Peaches in an Oven?

It takes 4–12 hours to dry peaches in an oven. The total time varies depending on the moisture content of the peaches and the thickness of the slices.

How Do You Know When Peaches Are Fully Dry?

Fully dehydrated peaches feel leathery, pliable, and dry without any moisture. Press peach slices between your fingers gently. Peaches require more drying time if they still feel soft, moist, or sticky.

How to Store Oven-Dried Peaches

Store oven-dried peaches at room temperature in airtight glass jars or vacuum-seal bags. Keep the dried peaches in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and moisture.

Label the jars with their contents and the date of drying so you can keep track of the shelf life of the peaches. Ensure you rotate the stock of dried peaches in your pantry following the “first in, first out” method.

What is the Shelf Life of Oven Dried Peaches?

Dehydrated peaches last 6-12 months in airtight containers when stored at room temperature. Extend the shelf life of dehydrated fruit for an additional 12 months by storing them in Mylar bags or vacuum-seal bags and freezing them.