How to Dry Pineapple in a Dehydrator

By: Jenny Harrington

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Dehydrating concentrates the sweet flavor of pineapple into bite-size slices suitable for snacking or baking. You can store dehydrated pineapple for much longer than the fresh fruit since it doesn't contain enough moisture to spoil quickly. An electric food dehydrator maintains the proper heat so the pineapple dries without cooking, resulting in minimal flavor loss. Use dried pineapple as a snack and in trail mixes, or add it to fruit cakes and other baked goods that benefit from the concentrated flavor and chewiness of dried fruit.

Step 1

Cut the bottom 1 inch off the pineapple and trim off the leafy top. Stand the pineapple up on the cutting board and slice off the spiny exterior peel, working around the fruit until it's completely peeled.

Step 2

Lay the pineapple on its side and cut it into 1/2-inch thick slices. Remove the core from each slice with a 1-inch round cookie cutter.

Step 3

Arrange the slices on the dehydrator tray so they are not touching or overlapping. Each slice must lay flat on the tray. Place the trays in the dehydrator.

Step 4

Process the slices in the dehydrator for 24 to 36 hours, maintaining a dehydrating temperature near 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Drying time varies depending on humidity and the juiciness of the fruit.

Step 5

Monitor the slices as they reach the end of the drying time, turning them if necessary so both sides dry evenly. The pineapple is properly dehydrated when it's still pliable but is no longer sticky and contains no visible moisture. Cool the pineapple for 30 minutes before storing.