How to Dry Blueberries in the Dehydrator

Last Updated on April 9, 2022 by Ellen Christian

Learn how to dry blueberries in the dehydrator so you can preserve blueberries. Get everything you need to know to start dehydrating blueberries here.

Posts may be sponsored. This post contains affiliate links, which means I will make a commission at no extra cost to you should you click through and make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

If you’re wondering how to dry blueberries, you have a few different options. You can use your dehydrator, your oven, the microwave, an air fryer, and even outside in the sun.

I’ll give you a basic overview of each method along with step by step instructions for dehydrating blueberries in a dehydrator.

a white bowl full of fresh berries

How to Dry Blueberries

Drying blueberries in the oven

Rinse the blueberries and allow them to air dry. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and spread the blueberries out in a single layer.

Preheat the oven to 225F. Dry the blueberries in the oven for 3 hours. Flip over once if necessary. Allow them to cool completely and store them in an airtight container.

Learn how to dry blueberries in the dehydrator so you can preserve blueberries. Get everything you need to know to start dehydrating blueberries here.

Dehydrating blueberries in the microwave

You can dry blueberries in the microwave if you want to. Make sure that you wash the rotating tray well and dry it completely.

Remember, you will be placing the berries directly on the tray. Spread the blueberries out on the tray being sure not to crowd them.

Using the DEFROST setting, microwave the blueberries for 10 minutes at a time until they are dry. How long this takes depends on your microwave and the size of the berries.

dehydrated blueberries in a white bowl

Dehydrating blueberries in an air fryer

A lot will depend on the type of air fryer you have. Ideally, you should have one that has a wire tray so that the air can circulate all around the berries.

Set the temperature to 120F and set the timer for 20 hours. Yes, that is the correct time.

If you have a lot of patience, you can try this method. Dehydrating fruit in an air fryer takes quite a while.

Learn how to dry blueberries in the dehydrator so you can preserve blueberries. Get everything you need to know to start dehydrating blueberries here.

Drying blueberries in the sun

If you live in an area with hot, dry weather, you may want to give this method a try. Drying berries outside in the sun is how our grandparents probably did it.

Just place the berries on a clean, non-metal drying screen. Cover the blueberries with cheesecloth to keep the bugs away.

Elevate the screen slightly to allow air access. Check regularly. The process should take several days depending on your weather.

small berries on a dehydrator tray

How to dry berries in the dehydrator

The key to getting great dehydrated blueberries is to allow them to dry for a long time at a very low heat. A dehydrator is the easiest method to do that. 

The more you dry them, the more chewy they will become. So, you will need to experiment to find the time that is best for your dehydrator.

How long does it take to dry blueberries

Depending on the blueberries and the dehydrator, this can take 8 to 12 hours. Start checking them at 6 hours to be sure. Then, check them every 30 to 60 minutes to monitor how they are doing.

a white cup of dried blueberries on a blue and white surface

What do I need to dehydrate blueberries?

How to dry blueberries

  • Place the blueberries on the dehydrator tray.
  • Spread them out evenly.
  • Set the dehydrator setting to “Fruit” and let it dry until they are the right consistency. This can take 8-12 hours.
  • Check them every thirty minutes starting at 6 hours.
  • Allow them to come to room temperature.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

More dehydrator recipes

Summer is always such a busy time in the garden. And, that means there are lots of things you can dry in your dehydrator.

Have you ever tried making dehydrated apples before? Learn everything you need to know about how to make dehydrated fruit.

Did you know that you can also make celery powder in your dehydrator? Or, why not try dehydrating persimmons.

Leave a Comment