Learn How to Dehydrate Pears in a dehydrator or the oven with this easy guide so you can make this delicious snack anytime. Once you make these dehydrated pears at home, you will want to make them all the time!
Jump to:
Why I Love This Recipe
Dehydrated pears are so easy to make and are an easy snack just like Dehydrated Cherries and Dehydrated Strawberries. Pears are a great source of fiber and vitamins.
Keep those skins on for the most benefit. I add a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar to mine, but that is completely optional. Since pears have natural sugar in them, they will still be a sweet treat without the added sugar.
In this post, I show you how to dehydrate Asian pears, but you can use any type of pear or apple for this recipe. Times will vary depending on how thick or thin you slice your fruit, the climate, and temperature at the time, and your dehydrator.
Best Pears for Dehydrating
This recipe will work for any type of pear and also any type of apple. The best pears or apples for dehydrating are ones that are just ripe and not too mushy.
I like Asian pears because they are firm and sweet and easy to slice. If your pear is overripe, it will be difficult to slice and will probably lose shape in the dehydrator.
How To Dehydrate Pears
Wash and dry the pears. Prepare a large bowl with water and lemon juice (1 tablespoon lemon juice for every quart of water). This will keep the pear slices from browning and adds a little more flavor to the pears.
Slice each pear using a mandoline if you have one.
Place the slices in the bowl of lemon water so they don't brown while you are prepping. Prepare another small bowl with the cinnamon and sugar mixture and set aside.
Place each sliced pear piece on a dehydrator rack until the entire level is full. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar if desired and continue until the racks are full.
Place the lid on the dehydrator and set it to 135º. It will take anywhere from 6-10 hours for the pears to fully dehydrate. Start checking them around 6 hours.
When done, they may be slightly leathery and should firm up when cooled. Gently remove from the racks and allow to cool completely.
How to Make Dehydrated Pear Chips in the Oven
If you don't have a dehydrator, you can still make pear chips! Preheat your oven to 225º and place the sliced pears on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for an hour and a half, flip, and bake for another hour and a half. Continue baking until you have your desired crispiness. Cool the pears on a wire rack before enjoying or storing them.
Dehydrating FAQs
This is really up to you. I keep the peel on when I dehydrate Asian pears and I don't find the peel bothers me at all. However, if you don't like the peel, feel free to peel the pears before slicing.
Yes, you can use a knife instead of a mandoline. Use a sharp knife and a steady hand to get thin, evenly sliced pieces.
Dehydrated pears will last quite a long time if stored correctly. Place them in a sealable jar or container and store them in a dark, cool place. They should last a few weeks like this. You can also freeze them and they will be good for up to a year.
Dehydrated pears make a great snack and they are easy to pack up and store. They are also delicious on salads, pizzas, and desserts! You can add dehydrated pears to baked goods as well like scones, muffins, and cookies!
What To Do With The Extra Pear Pieces
After you slice the pears for dehydrating, you end up with the end pieces that have quite a bit of pear still on them. I try not to waste anything in the kitchen, especially delicious fruit!
Here are a few ideas of what to do with the leftover pieces. For any of these ideas, you will need to remove the core and seeds.
- Cut them up into small pieces for a quick snack or topping for a salad.
- Pears without the core and seeds also make a great doggy snack! (ask your vet first 🙂)
- Cook with some water and your leftover cinnamon and sugar and make a quick pear sauce. Once nice and soft, blend in a blender or food processor until smooth.
- If you want to dehydrate more things (you have the dehydrator out after all), take that cooked pear sauce and dehydrate it into a pear roll-up using the flat insert for your dehydrator!
More Dehydrator Recipes
If you get a chance to make this Dehydrated Pear Recipe, tag me on Instagram or Facebook and show me, or leave a review below! You can also follow me on Pinterest and sign up for my e-mail list to receive more fun and delicious recipes in your inbox.
How to Dehydrate Pears
Equipment
- large bowl
- mandoline or sharp knife
- small bowl (for cinnamon sugar mixture)
Ingredients
- 6-8 ripe pears
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Wash and dry the pears. Prepare a large bowl with water and lemon juice (1 tablespoon lemon juice for every quart of water). This will keep the pear slices from browning and adds a little more flavor to the pears.
- Prepare another small bowl with the cinnamon and sugar mixture and set aside.
- Slice each pear using a mandoline if you have one. You can also use a knife, but I find the mandoline gives you nice even slices that are perfect for dehydrating.
- Place the slices in the bowl of lemon water so they don't brown while you are prepping.
- Once you have all of your pears sliced, place each piece on the dehydrator rack until the entire level is full. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar if desired and continue until all of your racks are full.
- Place the lid on the dehydrator and set it to 135ºF. It will take anywhere from 6-10 hours for the pears to fully dehydrate. Start checking them around 6 hours. You want them to be dry, crisp, and no mushy spots. They may be slightly leathery and should crisp up when cooled.
Notes
- Times will vary depending on how thick or thin you slice your fruit, the climate and temperature at the time and your dehydrator.
Nutrition
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Jessica Formicola says
I've never actually dehydrated fruit before, so thanks for this awesome guide! Off to buy some pears!
Emily says
You are going to love dehydrated fruit, especially pears! Have fun making these.
Cindy Mom, the Lunch Lady says
How beautiful are these! I love pears so this is a perfect snack for me! Delish
Emily says
Thanks, Cindy! They are the perfect snack and kids love them too.
Fabiana says
I've never tried to dehydrate fruit until now, but I love it. Thank you for introducing me to this dehydration method. I will try it soon
Emily says
You are going to love it!
Sue says
This is something I never think to do, yet it looks so easy and delicious. Especially with the cinnamon-sugar flavor - YUM!! Time to dig out the dehydrator!
Emily says
Yes! I keep mine in the basement but it such a good tool to have.
Francy says
I always buy dried fruit for my family but this recipe sound good idea to make at home
Emily says
You and your family are going to love homemade dried fruit!