If you’re planning on drying lots of apples, it may be faster to wash them all at once in a colander or wire strainer.
If you don’t have a mandoline, simply use a sharp knife with a long blade to cut the apples as thin as possible. When drying apple slices, it’s easiest to cut them into rings rather than wedges or other shapes.
It’s important to dilute your lemon juice. The natural citric acid will keep your apples from becoming brown and mushy while they’re in the oven, but too much can actually have the opposite effect. [3] X Research source This step is entirely optional. A little browning shouldn’t affect the taste of your dried apples.
You may need to grab an additional baking sheet if you’re going to be preparing more than 1 or 2 apples at a time.
If you like, you can dust your apple slices with a light coating of cinnamon, nutmeg, or blended apple pie spice before putting them in the oven to give them even more flavor. [6] X Research source
Feel free to use a lower heat setting if your oven has one. Some ovens go as low as 145 °F (63 °C). If your oven doesn’t have a built-in timer, use a separate kitchen timer or set an alarm on your phone to alert you when your apples are finished heating on their first side. Leave the door of the oven propped open just a hint while your apples are baking. Doing so will improve the air circulation inside and help moisture escape.
If you don’t turn your slices, they could come out more done on one side than the other.
Drying times will vary depending on the exact thickness of your slices, as well as the natural moisture content of the variety of apples you’re working with. In some cases, it may take as long as 5-8 hours for your apple slices to dry out completely. This is especially likely if you have your oven set to a temperature lower than 200 °F (93 °C). [10] X Research source There’s no need to turn your apple slices again once they go back in the oven for the second time unless they start to get too brown on the bottom.
To determine whether your apples are done, take one out after they’ve had a chance to cool and tear it in half. It should be dry and leathery on the outside and slightly spongy on the inside. If you think your slices need a little longer, preheat the oven again and place them back inside for 30 minutes at a time.
Consider setting aside a few slices as soon as you take them out of the oven. Many people think that dried apples are best while they’re still fresh and warm. [13] X Research source If you’re worried about your apples going bad, stash them in the freezer. There, they’ll keep for 6 months to a year (or longer)!
