Use Your Oven to Make Dried Apple Slices

Step 1

Gather the ingredients. In a non-reactive bowl, mix the water and vinegar (or lemon juice). Heat the oven to its lowest setting, usually between 140 F and 150 F. Use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin of the apples. Core the apples with an apple corer or slice each apple into quarters. Cut off the tough center of each piece. Using a sharp knife, cut the apples into 1/4-inch thick slices. As you slice the apples, drop the pieces into the prepared acidulated water to prevent them from browning. Let the slices soak while you finish slicing the remaining apples. Drain the apple slices in a colander, letting them sit for 2 to 3 minutes to drain off as much water as possible. If the apple pieces are too moist, they will steam instead of dry in the oven. To remove excess moisture, place the slices on top of a clean kitchen towel and pat dry with a paper towel. Place cooling racks inside baking sheets and arrange the apples on the racks so no slices are touching one another. Place the baking sheets in the oven. If you don't have a convection oven, prop the door of the oven open with the handle of a wooden spoon to let the steam and moisture escape. Let the apples dry until they are a leathery or crispy texture, depending on your preference (this can take anywhere from 6 to 10 hours). If your oven is hotter in some spots than others, turn the baking sheets around occasionally so that the pieces dry evenly. Once the apples have the desired texture, remove them from the oven. You won't be completely sure if the apple pieces are fully dehydrated until they have cooled. Let the apples cool on the trays for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, tear a piece of the fruit in half. There should be no visible moisture along the surface of the break. If the apple is still soft, return to the oven for a bit longer. Start with 30 minutes and check for moisture again.

Step 2

Place the dried, cooled apple slices into glass jars, filling each no more than 2/3 full. Cover the jars and shake a couple of times a day for one week. Once your dried apples are conditioned, store them in airtight containers away from direct light or heat. It's okay to fill the jars completely at this point. Enjoy!