Sweet, chewy, and naturally flavorful, Dried Apricots made in a dehydrator are a great homemade snack. They're simple to prepare, keep well, and taste far better than store-bought versions.
My mom always had dried apricots on hand when I was growing up. We ate them as a snack and added them to granola or oatmeal. Store-bought kind usually come with additives and preservatives, so I make my own and skip all of that.
Quick Summary
- Makes 40 apricot halves, about 5 servings.
- Just 10 minutes of prep before the trays go in.
- How to tell when they're done drying, and how long they keep.
- No dehydrator? There's an air fryer option too.
Jump to:
Key Ingredients for Homemade Dried Apricots
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and instructions.
- Fresh apricots: choose ripe, firm fruit for the best texture and taste.
- Lemon juice: helps preserve the bright color and adds a hint of tartness.
- Water: dilutes the lemon juice for soaking.
- Sugar (optional): adds a touch of sweetness if your apricots are more tart.
How I Dry Apricots in My Dehydrator
Dehydrating apricots takes about 10 minutes of hands-on work. I cut each apricot in half and pull out the pit, then stir the sugar into the lemon juice and water until it dissolves.
The halves soak in the lemon water for 10 minutes. Then I pat them dry and press each one flat.
I lay the flattened halves out in a single layer on the dehydrator trays.
From there, they dry at 135°F for 24 hours, and that's all there is to drying apricots at home!
Ingredient Substitutions
- Swap the sugar for honey if you'd rather use a natural sweetener.
- Lime juice works in place of the lemon juice and gives a slightly different citrus note.
- When apricots aren't available, you can dehydrate peaches the same way.
Variations on Dried Apricots
- Spiced apricots: sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg before drying for extra flavor.
- Savory apricots: lightly dust with chili powder for a sweet-heat snack.
- Apricot leather: puree fruit and spread thin for chewy fruit rolls.
What I've Learned Drying Apricots
- Uniform size: press apricot halves evenly so they dry at the same rate.
- Don't overcrowd: leave space between pieces for proper airflow.
- Check dryness: they should be pliable but not sticky when fully done.
How to Store
Store dried apricots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month or refrigerate for up to 6 months. For longer storage, keep them in the freezer.
You May Be Wondering
I give the halves a quick soak in lemon water with a little sugar, then flatten them and dry them at 135°F for 24 hours.
Yes, if your air fryer has a dehydrate mode, set it at 120°F to 135°F for 6-12 hours, depending on your air fryer. If it doesn't go as low as 120°F, set it as low as it will go. Check every so often and flip them over a few times during the process. They are done when they have a chewy texture and have shriveled.
More Easy Fruit Recipes You'll Love
If you love easy fruit recipes, you'll enjoy my Strawberry Rhubarb Jam, Caramel Apple Butter, Mom's Rhubarb Sauce, and Strawberry Rhubarb Compote.
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Dried Apricots in the Dehydrator
Equipment
- Glass jar for storage
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ingredients
- 20 fresh apricots , halved and pitted
- 1 cup lemon juice
- 4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the water, lemon juice, and sugar (if using). Stir until sugar has dissolved.
- Cut each apricot in half and remove the pits and place apricot halves in the lemon water. Soak for 10 minutes.
- Remove the apricots from the lemon water and lay flat on a paper towel lined baking sheet, skin side down.
- Using a paper towel, pat the apricots dry then press down the halves with the palm of your hand until they are flat.
- Arrange the apricot halves on dehydrator trays in a single layer allowing air flow to circulate around the apricots.
- Dry apricots at 135 degrees for 24 hours.
Comments
No Comments