Learn how to make Dehydrated Tomatoes that you can use for a healthy snack, in salads, soups, pasta, and more! You can make these easy treats with any tomato variety you like in a dehydrator or in the oven.
Dehydrated Tomatoes make the best snack, topping, or addition to many recipes. They are easy to make, good for you, and freeze well. Preserving foods is a great way to reduce waste and have your favorite foods on hand at all times.
You can make a large batch of these dried tomatoes using your favorite tomato variety. This recipe is also the perfect way to utilize a bountiful summer crop.
If you are looking for more dehydrator recipes, check out my posts on Dehydrated Cherries, Dehydrated Strawberries, or Dehydrated Oranges.
How to Make Sun-Dried Tomatoes in a Dehydrator
- Wash and dry the tomatoes. Slice each tomato into slices about ¼" thick using a mandoline or a sharp knife You want the slices to be as similar in thickness as possible so that they all dry at the same rate.
- Place each piece on the dehydrator rack until the entire level is full. Fill all of the levels with your tomato slices, making sure to leave room around each slice so that the air can circulate them. Lightly sprinkle all of the tomatoes with salt.
- Place the lid on the dehydrator and set it to 135ºF. It will take anywhere from 6-10 hours for the tomatoes to fully dehydrate.
How to Dry Tomatoes in the Oven
Place the sliced tomatoes on a baking sheet and place them in the oven at 250°F. Bake for 4-5 hours until they reach your desired texture. Allow the tomatoes to fully cool before storing.
How to Store Dehydrated Tomatoes
Once the tomatoes have cooled, place them in an air-tight container. They will last up to two weeks in the fridge or up to 6 months in the freezer.
What's the difference Between Dehydrated Tomatoes and Sundried Tomatoes?
Dehydrated tomatoes came around much later than sundried tomatoes because of how they are made. Dehydrated tomatoes are washed and then surrounded by warm air and are much faster than making sundried tomatoes.
Sundried tomatoes are washed and sliced and then usually placed in a sulfur dioxide bath. Then they are then placed on drying trays in the sun.
What to Do With Dehydrated Tomatoes
- Use in salad, pasta, sauces, omelets, soups, or for camping/backpacking
- Place in olive oil and store in the fridge
- Rehydrate with boiling water and puree for sauces, etc.
- Sprinkle with dried spices before or after drying for additional flavor
Health Benefits of Dehydrated Tomatoes
One cup of dried tomatoes has 23% of the daily recommended Vitamin C and 16% of Vitamin A. Vitamin C and A have essential antioxidants. Dehydrated tomatoes are also high in calcium, iron, and magnesium which have many health benefits.
WHAT DEHYDRATOR I USE TO MAKE THESE DRIED TOMATOES
I have a Nesco dehydrator that I use all the time. I’ve had it for quite a few years and it has lasted a long time. I like it because it’s light and easy to clean.
The only negative I can think of is that it does take up some space because it’s bulky. There are quite a few options for dehydrators out there, some are even bigger if you want to dehydrate a ton of food at once. The one shown below is a great beginner option.
How to Make Dehydrated Tomatoes
Equipment
- dehydrator
Ingredients
- 10 tomatoes (any type)
- kosher salt
Instructions
Dehydrator
- Wash and dry the tomatoes. Slice each tomato into slices about ¼" thick using a mandoline or a sharp knife You want the slices to be as similar in thickness as possible so that they all dry at the same rate.
- Place each piece on the dehydrator rack until the entire level is full. Fill all of the levels with your tomato slices, making sure to leave room around each slice so that the air can circulate them. Lightly sprinkle all of the tomatoes with salt.
- Place the lid on the dehydrator and set it to 135ºF. It will take anywhere from 6-10 hours for the tomatoes to fully dehydrate. Start checking them around 6 hours. I found that 8 hours was perfect for my slices.
- Store in a sealable container, like a canning jar, in a cool dark place.
Oven
- Wash and dry the tomatoes. Slice each tomato into slices about ¼" thick using a mandoline or a sharp knife You want the slices to be as similar in thickness as possible so that they all dry at the same rate.
- Place the sliced tomatoes on a baking sheet and place it in the oven at 250°F. Bake for 4-5 hours until they reach your desired texture. Allow the tomatoes to fully cool before storing.
Notes
- Once the tomatoes have cooled, place them in an air-tight container. They will last up to two weeks in the fridge or up to 6 months in the freezer.
- Times will vary depending on how thin the slices are, the climate, the outside and inside temperature at the time, and your dehydrator.
- Always read the manual for your dehydrator and follow all safety recommendations.
Nutrition
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Did you Make These Dehydrated Tomatoes?
If you make some Dehydrated Tomatoes, don’t forget to leave a comment below. You can also tag me on Instagram or Facebook and show me!
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Natalie says
Great guide. Thanks for tips. I will save this and try your recipe.
Emily says
Thanks, Natalie. 😀
Michelle says
Love it! So simple and sooo much cheaper than store bought!
Emily says
Yes! I love saving money and making yummy things.
Jen says
This is a great guide! Thank you!
Emily says
You are welcome!
Jerika says
I have never tried dehydrated tomatoes before this will be my first.:) Can't wait. Thanks!:)
Emily says
You are going to love them, I promise. ☺️
Jill says
Great tips! Love the texture of dehydrated tomatoes
Emily says
Thanks for checking it out, Jill!
Stine Mari says
This is a great idea! Now I can easily get pungent tomato flavor in anything!
Emily says
Thanks, Stine. These tomatoes are so versatile.
Amy Roskelley says
I actually have the BEST dehydrator! Msking these today!
Emily says
Awesome! Which one do you have? I hope it make the best dried tomatoes 😊
Mahy says
My favorite way to eat tomatoes. I mean the taste of dehydrated tomatoes is simply amazing!
Emily says
I agree, homemade always tastes better.
Pam Greer says
My favorite way to preserve tomatoes!
Kayla DiMaggio says
These dehydrated tomatoes were so delicious! Loved how easy they were to make!
Emily says
I’m so glad you liked them. Easy is always the best.
Beth says
I'll have to try this. I cook with dried tomatoes all the time, but I've never thought of making my own.
Emily says
You will love making homemade fried tomatoes! They have so much flavor.
Lindsay Howerton-Hastings says
These are wonderful!
Shilpa says
Love it! It’s great as a healthy snack.
Emily says
Yes! Thanks, Shilpa.☺️
Sue says
I LOVE tomatoes, and never really thought before about dehydrating them. Now I'm looking forward to tomato season!
Emily says
Tomatoes are the best! You will love having this recipe for all of your summer tomatoes.
nancy says
this looks so fun to make! great snack to chew on too
Ashley says
I love this! This will be great for salads 🙂
Emily says
Great idea! These are perfect for salads. Enjoy!