Craving a crispy, flavorful snack that’s both delicious and nutritious? Look no further than your own backyard (or local farmer’s market) for the key ingredients to make homemade veggie chips and fruit leather! These easy-to-make dehydrated treats are not only packed with essential vitamins and minerals, but they also allow you to control the ingredients, ensuring your family enjoys a wholesome, preservative-free snack.
At Crooked Pines Farm, we love to get creative with dehydration techniques, experimenting with a variety of fresh, seasonal produce. From earthy beet chips and crunchy kale chips to chewy apple leather and sweet mango leather, the possibilities are endless! Dehydrating your own snacks is a fantastic way to reduce food waste, capitalize on abundant harvests, and introduce your kids to the wonders of farm-to-table eating.
Let’s dive into the delicious world of homemade veggie chips and fruit leather, exploring the simple steps to craft these delectable dehydrated delights right in your own kitchen.
Veggie Chips
Potato chips may be a classic, but why not branch out and try your hand at kale, beet, or even dandelion greens chips? These nutrient-dense vegetable chips are easy to prepare and make for a satisfying, crunchy snack.
Potato Chips: Start by slicing fresh potatoes paper-thin, either with a mandoline or very sharp knife. Toss the potato slices in a bit of oil, salt, and any other desired seasonings, then arrange in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Dehydrate in the oven at 135°F for 6-8 hours, flipping the chips halfway, until they’re crisp and golden brown.
Kale Chips: Remove the tough kale stems, then tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Massage the kale with a touch of oil and sprinkle with salt and spices. Spread the kale in a single layer on a baking sheet and dehydrate at 135°F for 4-6 hours, until the kale is crispy.
Beet Chips: Thinly slice fresh beets, either with a mandoline or carefully with a knife. Toss the beet slices with oil, salt, and any other desired seasonings, then arrange in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Dehydrate at 135°F for 6-8 hours, flipping the chips halfway, until they’re crisp and dried.
The beauty of homemade veggie chips is that you can experiment with all sorts of produce, from zucchini and carrot to parsnip and radish. Just be sure to slice the veggies evenly and keep a close eye on them during the dehydration process to achieve the perfect crunchy texture.
Fruit Leather
Fruit leather, also known as fruit roll-ups, are a chewy, flavorful treat that the whole family will enjoy. Unlike store-bought options, homemade fruit leather is free from added sugars and preservatives, allowing the natural sweetness and vibrant flavors of the fruit to shine.
Apple Leather: Core and slice fresh apples, then blend them into a smooth puree. Spread the apple puree evenly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and dehydrate at 135°F for 8-12 hours, until the leather is pliable and dry to the touch.
Mango Leather: Peel and dice ripe mangoes, then blend them into a silky puree. Spread the mango puree onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and dehydrate at 135°F for 8-12 hours, until the leather is dried but still slightly tacky.
Strawberry Leather: Wash and hull fresh strawberries, then blend them into a vibrant puree. Spread the strawberry puree evenly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and dehydrate at 135°F for 8-12 hours, until the leather is dried and peels easily from the parchment.
To enhance the flavors of your fruit leather, try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice, a pinch of cinnamon, or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the puree before dehydrating. You can also experiment with combinations, such as strawberry-rhubarb or apple-cinnamon.
Dehydration Techniques
Whether you’re using a standalone dehydrator or your trusty home oven, the key to successful dehydration is maintaining a consistent, low temperature and ensuring proper air circulation.
Oven Dehydration: Set your oven to 135°F, the optimal temperature for dehydrating, and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Arrange your veggie slices or fruit purees in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. Depending on the thickness and moisture content of your ingredients, dehydration can take 4-12 hours. Be sure to check on your snacks periodically and flip or rotate the trays as needed.
Standalone Dehydrator: If you have the space and budget for a dedicated dehydrator, this appliance can make the process a breeze. Set the temperature to 135°F and arrange your prepared ingredients in a single layer on the dehydrator trays. Depending on the model, dehydration can take as little as 4 hours for crisp veggie chips or as long as 12 hours for thick fruit leather.
Air Drying: For a low-tech option, you can air-dry your homemade snacks. Simply spread the veggie slices or fruit purees evenly onto parchment-lined baking sheets and place them in a warm, well-ventilated area, such as near a sunny window or in front of a fan. Air drying can take 12-24 hours, so be patient and keep a close eye on your creations to prevent spoilage.
Ingredient Preparation
Proper preparation of your fruits and veggies is key to achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your dehydrated snacks.
Vegetable Preparation: Thoroughly wash and peel your produce as needed, then use a mandoline slicer or very sharp knife to cut the vegetables into even, thin slices. For leafy greens like kale, gently tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces, removing any tough stems.
Fruit Preparation: Wash, peel, and core your fruits as necessary. Softer fruits like berries and stone fruits can be puréed in a blender or food processor, while firmer fruits like apples and pineapples can be thinly sliced.
Seasoning and Flavoring: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasonings! Sprinkle your veggie slices with a blend of herbs and spices, such as garlic powder, smoked paprika, or chili lime seasoning. For fruit leather, try a hint of cinnamon, vanilla extract, or fresh citrus zest to complement the natural sweetness.
Nutritional Considerations
Homemade dehydrated snacks offer a wealth of nutritional benefits compared to their store-bought counterparts. Veggie chips and fruit leather are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a great choice for health-conscious families.
The dehydration process concentrates the nutrients in your produce, so you’ll get a boost of beneficial vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in every crunchy or chewy bite. Plus, by controlling the ingredients, you can avoid the added sugars, preservatives, and artificial flavors found in many commercial snacks.
Whether you’re looking to increase your family’s intake of fiber-rich vegetables or nutrient-dense fruits, homemade dehydrated snacks are a delicious and nutritious way to satisfy those cravings. So let’s get started on crafting some delectable dehydrated delights!
