Best Air Fryer for Dehydrating

Air fryers aren’t just for crispy fries or golden chicken—they’ve become powerful multitaskers that can dehydrate fruits, veggies, herbs, and even jerky. If you want the convenience of both an air fryer and dehydrator in one countertop appliance, this guide is for you.

We’ve rounded up the best air fryers for dehydrating, how they compare to traditional dehydrators, and what to look for to get that perfect chewy apple slice or savory beef jerky—without cluttering your kitchen.

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Can You Dehydrate with an Air Fryer?

Yes—if it has the right temperature range and airflow. Not all air fryers can dehydrate effectively, but many modern models come with a dedicated dehydration function or the ability to maintain low temperatures (around 90°F–160°F) for long periods.

Dehydrating with an air fryer is ideal for:

• Small batches of dried fruits and veggies

• Homemade jerky

• Drying herbs and citrus

• Fruit leathers (in models with trays)

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Best Air Fryers with Dehydrator Function

These models combine air frying versatility with dehydration capability, making them great all-in-one tools for home cooks, healthy snackers, and space-conscious kitchens.

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1. Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 XL Pro Air Fry Oven – Best Overall

Why it tops the list:
This Ninja model is essentially a countertop convection oven with a dehydrator built in. With 10 functions—including air fry, bake, roast, and dehydrate—it’s powerful, fast, and incredibly versatile.

Key Features:

• Temp range: 85°F–450°F

• Includes dehydrating racks

• Fits up to 4 lbs of jerky or fruit

• Digital controls and timer

• Stainless steel finish, easy to clean

Best for: All-in-one kitchen replacement, batch drying, large families

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2. Instant Vortex Plus 7-in-1 Air Fryer Oven – Best Compact Option

Why it’s a fan favorite:
From the makers of Instant Pot, this sleek air fryer oven includes a dehydrate function with precision timing and temp control. It’s compact but can dry enough for small batches of fruit, jerky, or herbs.

Key Features:

• 7 functions including dehydrate

• Temp range: 95°F–400°F

• Comes with trays and drip pan

• Touchscreen controls, stainless design

Best for: Small households, healthy snacks, countertop space saving

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3. Chefman Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer+ – Best Budget Pick

Why it’s worth it:
If you want an affordable air fryer with a real dehydration mode, the Chefman delivers. It’s a vertical-style unit with multiple trays and an intuitive control panel.

Key Features:

• Temp range: 90°F–400°F

• 8 preset functions including dehydrate

• 3 air flow racks, drip tray, and rotisserie included

• See-through window for monitoring

Best for: Beginners, budget buyers, and limited space

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4. COSORI Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo – Best for Multi-Tray Dehydration

Why it’s great for drying:
COSORI’s toaster oven-style air fryer offers ample tray space, making it easier to dry foods in bulk. The dehydrator function runs for up to 72 hours with a wide temp range.

Key Features:

• Temp range: 80°F–450°F

• 12 preset functions, including dehydrate

• Comes with wire racks, crumb tray, and fry basket

• Interior light and digital interface

Best for: Large families, hobby dehydrators, and countertop convenience

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5. GoWISE USA 17-Quart Air Fryer Oven – Best for Volume

Why it’s perfect for big batches:
This extra-large capacity fryer includes 5 trays, rotisserie accessories, and a strong dehydration function. Its size makes it ideal for jerky makers or serious snack preppers.

Key Features:

• Temp range: 90°F–400°F

• 5 dehydrating trays + rotisserie kit

• Digital touchscreen

• 8 built-in cooking presets

Best for: Batch jerky, fruit drying, and meal prepping

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What to Look for in an Air Fryer for Dehydrating

1. Temperature Range

To dehydrate properly, your air fryer must reach and maintain low temps:

• Ideal range: 90°F to 160°F

• Higher temps risk over-drying or cooking food

2. Tray Capacity

Look for multiple racks or layers that allow for spreading out fruits, meats, or herbs. More trays = more drying surface.

3. Timer Function

Dehydration takes time—6 to 12 hours on average—so the ability to set long timers (or even continuous run modes) is important.

4. Included Accessories

• Mesh racks for airflow and smaller pieces

• Drip trays for cleaning up juicy fruits or marinated meats

• Fruit leather trays (optional but useful)

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Air Fryer vs. Traditional Dehydrator: What’s the Difference?

Pro Tip: Use parchment paper or silicone mats when drying sticky fruits or meats in an air fryer to avoid sticking and make cleanup easier.

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Best Foods to Dehydrate in an Air Fryer

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Bonus for DIY Foodies & Prepper Kitchens

If you’re dehydrating your own food, chances are you’re into homegrown and homemade living. Whether you’re planning a garden, pantry, or flock—ChickenCoopCalculator.com is a free tool that helps you design the perfect coop based on your hens and space. It’s perfect for anyone aiming for more self-sufficiency and better food security.

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Final Thoughts: Dry and Fry with One Smart Machine

Air fryers with dehydration functions give you the best of both worlds: fast, crispy meals and long-lasting, healthy snacks. Whether you’re prepping trail food, drying herbs, or just making chewy apple chips, a good multi-use air fryer can save you space, time, and money.

• Choose Ninja or COSORI for larger capacity and serious functionality.

• Go with Instant Vortex or Chefman for budget-friendly compact units.

• Pick GoWISE USA if you’re all about batch prepping and versatility.

And as you build your kitchen game, don’t forget to optimize your coop at ChickenCoopCalculator.com—because healthy snacks and fresh eggs are a match made in homestead heaven.

Now go dry smarter, fry cleaner, and snack better—all from one powerful countertop machine