Get a dehydrator. They’re more useful than you’d think and don’t cost much these days.
Aubrey said:
Get a dehydrator. They’re more useful than you’d think and don’t cost much these days.
That’s a good idea. It’s my first time drying anything, so I didn’t have one. Maybe I could try making a solar dehydrator instead.
@Taliesin
If you’ve got an oven, it works too. Just keep it on low. Or, if it’s dry where you live, leave them in the open air with some airflow.
Jai said:
@Taliesin
If you’ve got an oven, it works too. Just keep it on low. Or, if it’s dry where you live, leave them in the open air with some airflow.
We’ve been using our air fryer for herbs, works like a convection oven. Maybe it’d work for peppers too. No chilies for us yet; summer’s just starting.
@Peyton
An air fryer is basically a hot convection oven. I’ve used a toaster oven with the door propped open for similar stuff.
Jai said:
@Taliesin
If you’ve got an oven, it works too. Just keep it on low. Or, if it’s dry where you live, leave them in the open air with some airflow.
How do you use an oven to dry stuff?
@Shannon
Set it to the lowest temperature. If it’s convection, that’s all you need. Otherwise, prop the door open a little for air circulation. It’ll take about 6-8 hours.
Jin said:
@Shannon
Set it to the lowest temperature. If it’s convection, that’s all you need. Otherwise, prop the door open a little for air circulation. It’ll take about 6-8 hours.
Thank you! I learned something new today.
@Taliesin
If you use a dehydrator, dry the peppers whole. It’ll save your eyes from the burn. Or just put it in the garage.
@Taliesin
Some air fryers have a dehydrate mode. Check yours if you’ve got one.
I always cut my peppers before drying. It makes the process so much faster. It’s not needed for thin-walled peppers but is a must for thicker ones.
Sam said:
I always cut my peppers before drying. It makes the process so much faster. It’s not needed for thin-walled peppers but is a must for thicker ones.
So just cut them lengthwise and hang them? Does that cause the seeds to fall out?
@Taliesin
I just lay them on paper with good airflow. Cutting them however you like works fine.
Sam said:
@Taliesin
I just lay them on paper with good airflow. Cutting them however you like works fine.
Thanks! Does it matter where I put them—like near a window?
Sam said:
@Taliesin
I just lay them on paper with good airflow. Cutting them however you like works fine.
Thanks! Does it matter where I put them—like near a window?
Cutting the tops off works too. It’s all about letting moisture escape. Sunlight can speed things up, but the key is drying them out before mold starts.
Sam said:
I always cut my peppers before drying. It makes the process so much faster. It’s not needed for thin-walled peppers but is a must for thicker ones.
I just use a dehydrator. Makes things so easy.
They need to dry faster. Try a fan or some heat next time.
Bailey said:
They need to dry faster. Try a fan or some heat next time.
I moved them over the radiator for warmth. Maybe more airflow would help too.
Bailey said:
They need to dry faster. Try a fan or some heat next time.
I moved them over the radiator for warmth. Maybe more airflow would help too.
Yep, airflow is key. A dehydrator gives gentle heat and air, drying them overnight. Hanging outside could take days. Your radiator idea should work if you’re careful about drying them slowly.