Air Fryer Dehydrator Vegetable Recipes + Recipe Transformations

Dehydrating vegetables is a fantastic way to preserve their nutritional value while transforming them into crunchy, flavorful snacks. With the advent of air fryers with dehydrating functions, this process has become even more accessible to home cooks. 

This article will delve into some delightful vegetable recipes tailored for the Air Fryer Dehydrator.

Table of Contents

• 6 Vegetable Recipes
  • Zucchini Chips
  • Mushrooms
  • Peppers
  • Tomatoes
  • Carrot Chips
  • Beet Chips
• Recipe Transformations
  • Herb-infused Olive Oil
  • Vegetable Powder
  • Vegetable Crackers
  • Herb and Vegetable Seasoning
  • Vegetable Broth Powder
  • Vegetable Tea Blend
  • Vegetable-Infused Pasta Sauce
• Tips for Perfect Dehydration
• Creative Uses of Dehydrated Vegetables
• Comparison with Store-Bought

Vegetable Recipes

1. Air Fryer Dehydrator Zucchini Chips

Ingredients:

• 2 medium-sized zucchinis
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Optional: Italian seasoning or your preferred herbs

Instructions:

1. Wash and slice the zucchinis thinly, preferably using a mandolin for uniform thickness.
2. In a bowl, toss the zucchini slices with olive oil, salt, and optional herbs.
3. Arrange the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap.
4. Set the air fryer to its dehydrate setting, typically around 125°F (52°C).
5. Dehydrate for 4-6 hours or until crispy, checking occasionally.
6. Let cool and store in an airtight container.

Ingredient Spotlight: Zucchini is a versatile vegetable, rich in vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin A, which is essential for vision and immune function.

Serving Suggestions: Serve these crispy zucchini chips with a creamy avocado dip or alongside a grilled chicken sandwich.

2. Air Fryer Dehydrator Mushrooms

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh mushrooms
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and garlic powder, to taste

Instructions:

1. Clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth and slice them thinly.
2. Toss the mushroom slices with olive oil, salt, and garlic powder in a bowl.
3. Spread the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
4. Use the dehydrate setting, typically around 125°F (52°C).
5. Dehydrate for 4-6 hours or until they're completely dried.
6. Store in an airtight container.

Ingredient Spotlight: Mushrooms are a great source of antioxidants, particularly selenium, which helps protect the body's cells from damage.

Serving Suggestions: These dehydrated mushrooms make a crunchy snack on their own or can be rehydrated in soups and stews for added texture.

3. Air Fryer Dehydrator Peppers

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers (any color)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Wash the peppers, remove the seeds, and slice them into thin strips.
2. Toss the pepper strips with olive oil and salt in a bowl.
3. Arrange the strips in the air fryer basket without overlapping.
4. Set to dehydrate at around 125°F (52°C).
5. Dehydrate for 4-6 hours or until fully dried.
6. Store in an airtight container.

Ingredient Spotlight: Bell peppers are packed with vitamins, especially vitamin C, which is essential for skin health and immune function.

Serving Suggestions: Serve these dehydrated pepper strips with hummus or incorporate them into a Mediterranean salad.

4. Air Fryer Dehydrator Tomatoes

Ingredients:

• 4 large tomatoes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and Italian seasoning to taste

Instructions:

1. Wash and slice the tomatoes thinly.
2. Toss the tomato slices with olive oil, salt, and Italian seasoning in a bowl.
3. Lay the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
4. Use the dehydrate setting, typically around 125°F (52°C).
5. Dehydrate for 4-6 hours or until the tomatoes are dried and have a leathery texture.
6. Store in an airtight container.

Ingredient Spotlight: Tomatoes are a rich source of lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease.

Serving Suggestions: Use these dehydrated tomatoes as a topping for bruschetta or blend them into a sun-dried tomato pesto for pasta dishes.

5. Air Fryer Dehydrator Carrot Chips

Ingredients:

• Fresh carrots, thinly sliced – 4-5
• Olive oil – 1 tbsp
• Sea salt – to taste

Instructions:

1. Toss the carrot slices in olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.
2. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer dehydrator.
3. Set the dehydrator to the vegetable setting and let it dehydrate until crispy.
4. Store in an airtight container.

Ingredient Spotlight: Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, a type of vitamin A that's great for vision and immune function.

Serving Suggestion: Serve these carrot chips with a creamy hummus dip or as a crunchy side to sandwiches.

6. Air Fryer Dehydrator Beet Chips

Ingredients:

• Fresh beets, thinly sliced – 3-4
• Olive oil – 1 tbsp
• Sea salt – to taste

Instructions:

1. Toss the beet slices in olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.
2. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer dehydrator.
3. Set the dehydrator to the vegetable setting and let it dehydrate until crispy.
4. Store in an airtight container.

Ingredient Spotlight: Beets are packed with essential nutrients, including fiber, folate, and vitamin C. They also have numerous health benefits, especially for heart health.

Serving Suggestion: These beet chips pair wonderfully with a tzatziki sauce or as a vibrant addition to salads.

Recipe Transformations:

Herb-infused Olive Oil

Ingredients:

• Dried vegetables of your choice
• 2 cups of extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, basil, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Place dried vegetables and fresh herbs in a clean glass jar.
2. Pour olive oil over the vegetables and herbs, ensuring they are fully submerged.
3. Seal the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 1-2 weeks.
4. Strain the oil into a clean bottle, discarding the vegetables and herbs.
5. Use the infused oil in salads, for drizzling over dishes, or as a dipping oil for bread.

Ingredient Spotlight: Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and contains large amounts of antioxidants. It has strong anti-inflammatory properties and is beneficial for heart health.

Serving Suggestion: Drizzle this herb-infused olive oil over freshly baked bread, salads, or roasted vegetables for an aromatic touch.

Vegetable Powder

Ingredients:

• Dehydrated vegetables of your choice

Instructions:

1. Place the dried vegetables in a blender or food processor.
2. Blend until the vegetables turn into a fine powder.
3. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
4. Sprinkle over dishes or mix into soups and stews for added flavor.

Ingredient Spotlight: Dehydrated vegetables retain most of their nutritional value, making this powder a concentrated source of vitamins and minerals.

Serving Suggestion: Sprinkle this vegetable powder over popcorn for a healthy snack, or stir it into yogurt or sour cream for a quick veggie dip.

Vegetable Crackers

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of ground dehydrated vegetables
• 2 cups of whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup of water
• 2 tbsp of olive oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and knead into a dough.
3. Roll out the dough thinly on a floured surface.
4. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or knife.
5. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until crispy.
6. Let cool and store in an airtight container.

Ingredient Spotlight: Whole wheat flour is a good source of dietary fiber, essential for digestive health, and also provides essential minerals like magnesium and iron.

Serving Suggestion: Serve these vegetable crackers with a variety of cheeses, hummus, or your favorite dip for a wholesome snack.

Herb and Vegetable Seasoning

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of vegetable powder
• 1/2 cup of dried herbs (basil, oregano, rosemary, etc.)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Store in an airtight container.
3. Use as a seasoning for dishes or sprinkle over salads and pastas.

Ingredient Spotlight: Herbs like basil, oregano, and rosemary are not only flavorful but also have various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Serving Suggestion: This seasoning is versatile and can be used to flavor roasted meats grilled vegetables, or sprinkled over pizza for an extra burst of flavor.

Vegetable Broth Powder

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of mixed dehydrated vegetables (carrots, celery, onions, etc.)
• 1 tbsp of salt
• 1 tsp of black pepper
• Optional: dried herbs for added flavor

Instructions:

1. Blend the dried vegetables into a fine powder.
2. Mix in salt, pepper, and optional herbs.
3. Store in an airtight container.
4. Dissolve 1-2 tbsp of the powder in hot water to make a broth.

Customization Tip: Mix in some dried mushroom powder or nutritional yeast for a richer flavor.

Ingredient Spotlight: Using a mix of vegetables ensures a broad spectrum of nutrients. For instance, celery is a good source of vitamin K, while onions are rich in biotin and vitamin C.

Serving Suggestion: Use this broth powder as a base for soups or stews. You can also stir it into a mug of hot water for a comforting vegetable broth drink on a cold day.

Vegetable Tea Blend

Ingredients:

• Dehydrated tomatoes – 1 tbsp
• Dehydrated peppers – 1 tsp
• Dehydrated mushrooms – 1 tsp
• Dehydrated zucchini chips, crushed – 1 tbsp
• Fresh basil leaves – 2-3
• Salt – a pinch

Instructions:

1. Combine all the dehydrated vegetables in a teapot or a large mug.
2. Pour boiling water over the mixture.
3. Add fresh basil leaves and a pinch of salt.
4. Let it steep for 5-7 minutes.
5. Strain and serve hot.

Ingredient Spotlight: Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has many health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.

Serving Suggestion: This vegetable tea blend is perfect for a cozy evening. Serve with some whole-grain crackers for a light snack.

Vegetable-Infused Pasta Sauce

Ingredients:

• Dehydrated tomatoes, rehydrated – 1 cup
• Dehydrated peppers, rehydrated – ½ cup
• Dehydrated mushrooms, rehydrated – ½ cup
• Olive oil – 2 tbsp
• Garlic, minced – 2 cloves
• Dried Italian herbs – 1 tsp
• Salt and pepper – to taste

Instructions:

1. In a blender, puree the rehydrated tomatoes, peppers, and mushrooms until smooth.
2. In a saucepan, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
3. Add the vegetable puree to the saucepan.
4. Season with dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
5. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
6. Serve over your favorite pasta.

Ingredient Spotlight: Mushrooms are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They also provide a unique umami flavor to dishes.

Serving Suggestion: This sauce pairs well with spaghetti or fettuccine. Top with grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

Tips for Perfect Dehydration:

• Ensure vegetables are sliced uniformly for dehydration.
• Pre-seasoning can enhance the flavor profile of the vegetables.
• Check the vegetables periodically to ensure they don't over-dehydrate.
• Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Creative Uses of Dehydrated Vegetables

Dehydrated vegetables are a culinary gem, offering many possibilities to elevate your dishes. Here are some inventive ways to incorporate them into your culinary repertoire:

Enhanced Seasonings:

Transform dehydrated vegetables into powders and blend them with your favorite spices to create unique dish seasonings, adding depth and nutritional value.

Flavorful Broths:

Hydrated vegetables are the base for rich and aromatic broths, perfect for soups, stews, and sauces.

Nutrient-Packed Smoothies:

Blend vegetable powders into smoothies or juices for a nutrient-dense beverage that doesn’t compromise flavor.

Gourmet Pizza Toppings:

Rehydrate and toss them on pizzas for a gourmet touch and an extra layer of flavor.

Innovative Baking:

Incorporate vegetable powders into bread, muffins, or cookies for a wholesome and flavorful twist.

Savory Oatmeal:

Mix dehydrated vegetables into your morning oatmeal for a savory breakfast option.

Homemade Instant Noodles:

Prepare DIY instant noodle cups with dehydrated vegetables, noodles, and seasonings for a quick and healthy meal.

Comparison with Store-Bought

Taste

• Homemade:
  • Homemade dehydrated vegetables boast a fresh and authentic flavor, allowing for customization and the use of high-quality ingredients.
• Store-Bought:
  • While convenient, store-bought options may contain additives and preservatives, potentially affecting the natural taste.

Nutrition

• Homemade:
  • Dehydrating vegetables at home preserves most of their nutritional value and avoids unnecessary additives, ensuring a healthier snack.
• Store-Bought:
  • Commercially dehydrated vegetables may lose some nutrients during processing and can contain added sodium or other preservatives.

Cost

• Homemade:
  • Creating dehydrated vegetables at home can be cost-effective, mainly when using seasonal or homegrown produce.
• Store-Bought:
  • Pre-packaged dehydrated vegetables offer convenience but may come with a higher price tag, especially for organic varieties.

Variety and Customization

• Homemade:
  • Dehydrating vegetables at home allows for endless creativity and the ability to experiment with different vegetables and flavorings.
• Store-Bought:
  • Purchased options provide variety but limited customization, with flavors and combinations predetermined by manufacturers.

Shelf Life

• Homemade:
  • Properly stored, homemade dehydrated vegetables can have an extended shelf life, retaining their quality for several months.
• Store-Bought:
  • Adding preservatives in store-bought varieties can extend shelf life, but it’s essential to check expiration dates.

Recipe Exploration

• If you're interested in expanding your dehydration skills, check out the guide on 'How to Dehydrate Herbs in the Air Fryer' by Food Meanderings for detailed steps and tips.
• Ready for a culinary adventure? After savoring our vegetable recipes, dive into '10 Unique Air Fryer Dehydrator Recipes: A Flavorful Adventure' for more creative and flavorful ideas.