Dehydrator Cookbook Recipes for Easy and Healthy Snacks

If you’ve recently invested in a dehydrator or are simply curious about the wonders of drying foods at home, you’re in for a treat! Dehydrating is an incredible way to preserve fruits, vegetables, meats, and even herbs, all while intensifying flavors and creating delicious snacks.

Whether you want to make your own beef jerky, crunchy kale chips, or sweet dried mango slices, a dehydrator cookbook full of recipes will be your best kitchen companion. Not only does dehydrating reduce food waste by extending shelf life, but it also lets you enjoy nutrient-packed snacks anytime without added preservatives or artificial ingredients.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some fantastic dehydrator cookbook recipes that are easy to follow and perfect for beginners and seasoned dehydrators alike. You’ll find detailed ingredient lists, equipment needs, clear instructions, nutrition facts, and even some creative variations to tailor the recipes to your taste.

Ready to unlock the full potential of your dehydrator? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Dehydrated foods are not just convenient; they’re packed with flavor and nutrition. By removing moisture, you concentrate the natural sugars and flavors in fruits and vegetables, making for irresistibly tasty snacks.

Plus, dehydrated foods are lightweight and portable, perfect for hiking, road trips, or quick energy boosts during a busy day.

Our recipes are designed to be straightforward and use common kitchen ingredients, so you won’t feel overwhelmed. With the versatility of the dehydrator, you can experiment with different fruits, spices, and even make savory treats like jerky or veggie chips.

This cookbook approach gives you the confidence and knowledge to create delicious, healthy dehydrated foods anytime.

Ingredients

• 2 large ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced thinly
• 4 cups kale leaves, washed and torn into bite-sized pieces
• 1 lb lean beef, thinly sliced against the grain (for jerky)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Equipment

• Electric food dehydrator with adjustable temperature settings
• Sharp knife for slicing fruits and meats evenly
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowls for marinating and seasoning
• Measuring spoons
• Parchment paper or dehydrator sheets (optional for sticky items)
• Plastic zip-top bags or airtight containers for storage

Instructions

1. Prepare the mango slices: Peel the mangoes and slice them into uniform 1/8-inch thick pieces. Arrange them in a single layer on the dehydrator trays to ensure even drying.
2. Dry the mango: Set your dehydrator to 135°F (57°C) and dry mango slices for 8-12 hours or until they’re pliable and no longer sticky to the touch. Rotate trays halfway through drying for consistent results.
3. Prepare kale chips: Wash and thoroughly dry the kale leaves. Tear into bite-sized pieces and toss with a little olive oil, salt, and your favorite seasonings like garlic powder or smoked paprika.
4. Dry kale: Spread the kale evenly on dehydrator trays and set the temperature to 125°F (52°C). Dry for 4-6 hours until crisp but not burnt, checking frequently to avoid over-drying.
5. Make beef jerky marinade: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the thinly sliced beef and marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight in the fridge.
6. Dry the beef jerky: Arrange the marinated beef strips on dehydrator trays without overlapping. Set to 160°F (71°C) and dry for 6-10 hours until the jerky is dry but still slightly flexible.
7. Cool and store: Let all dehydrated foods cool completely before transferring to airtight containers or zip-top bags. Store in a cool, dry place for up to several months.

Tips & Variations

“For perfectly even drying, slice fruits and meats as uniformly as possible.”

Try marinating your beef jerky with different flavors like teriyaki, barbecue, or spicy chili for a unique twist. For fruit, experiment with sprinkling cinnamon or chili powder before drying for added flavor complexity.

If you want to preserve herbs, dehydrate them at lower temperatures (around 95°F/35°C) for 1-4 hours depending on the leaf thickness. You can also make fruit leathers by pureeing fruit and spreading it thinly on dehydrator sheets.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Dried mango slices make a perfect sweet snack on their own or chopped up to add texture and sweetness to yogurt, oatmeal, or trail mix. Kale chips are a healthy alternative to traditional potato chips and pair wonderfully with your favorite dips like hummus or guacamole.

Beef jerky is a classic high-protein snack ideal for outdoor adventures or a quick post-workout bite. Combine it with nuts and dried fruits for a homemade energy bar or simply enjoy it straight from the dehydrator.

Conclusion

Exploring dehydrator cookbook recipes opens up a world of healthy, delicious, and practical food preservation options. From sweet dried fruits to savory jerky and crispy veggie chips, the possibilities are endless.

With just a few key ingredients, simple equipment, and your dehydrator, you can craft snacks that rival store-bought versions but with better ingredients and no additives.

Remember, dehydrating is as much an art as it is a science—don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and drying times to find your perfect match. For more inspiration, check out our Ultimate Trail Mix Recipe, Homemade Granola Bars, and Spiced Nut Mix.

Happy dehydrating!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Dehydrated Mango Slices”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “Sweet and chewy dehydrated mango slices make a perfect healthy snack. Easy to prepare and great for on-the-go energy boosts.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT8H”, “totalTime”: “PT8H10M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“3 large ripe mangoes”, “1 tablespoon lemon juice”, “1 teaspoon honey (optional)”, “Non-stick spray or parchment paper”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Peel and thinly slice the mangoes evenly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Lightly brush mango slices with lemon juice to prevent browning.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Optional: Drizzle honey over the slices for extra sweetness.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Arrange mango slices in a single layer on dehydrator trays.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Set dehydrator to 135\u00b0F (57\u00b0C) and dry for 8 hours.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Check for desired dryness and store in airtight containers.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “80”, “proteinContent”: “0.8g”, “fatContent”: “0.2g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “21g”}}