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Drying Peppers is a simple way to preserve this delicious ingredient! Learn how to dry peppers in a food dehydrator, via air drying, or in the oven.
Peppers are a staple in so many kitchens for a reason. This incredible ingredient adds so much flavor to all kinds of recipes.
While fresh peppers can last for a week or two, dehydrating peppers will extend their shelf-life, making them the perfect addition to your pantry.
And if you don’t have a dehydrator, the right weather, or don’t want to dry peppers in an oven, this tutorial on how to freeze peppers will be right up your alley.
How to Store Dried Peppers
As long as they are stored in a cool and dry place, dehydrated peppers will be good for at least a year.
Make sure the dried peppers are fully cooled before putting them into an air-tight container. As they cool they will continue to release heat that could result in condensation and eventually cause the peppers to mold.
If you dry more than you think you’ll use in a year, consider placing the container of dried peppers in the freezer.
You can also hang dry whole peppers/chilies for storage, but this only works in dry climates. Do not attempt this in a humid environment.
Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
- Aim for slices that are 1/4 to 1/2 inches thick. Thinner slices will dry more quickly.
- Avoid the temptation to increase the heat on the dehydrator or oven to speed up the process. Low and slow wins in the race on this one.
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Dehydrated Peppers Recipe (3 Ways)
Ingredients
- peppers or chilies
Instructions
- Clean and pat peppers/chilies dry.
- If you're drying in pieces or slices, remove the stems of the peppers/chilies and remove the seeds.
- Cut in into pieces/slices about 1/2 inches thick
- Arrange the peppers on your dehydrator so that there is space around each piece/slice, and they are not touching.
- Set your dehydrator to the "fruit/vegetables" setting (or 135˚F degrees).
- Rotate trays every few hours.
- Peppers/chilies are ready when pieces break or snap instead of bend. If your pieces are thinner, they will feel brittle when ready. (8-12 hours depending on conditions)
Notes
- If possible, move your dehydrator outside to a safe covered space. The smell of drying peppers can be overwhelming to many people.
- Dried peppers are 3-4 times stronger than fresh.
- Dried peppers/chilies will rehydrate to ~80% of the original size when soaked in hot water for ~10-15 minutes.
- To safely air dry your peppers/chilies, you’ll need 3-4 days of favorable weather. The daytime temps should reach 90˚F or above, and the humidity levels should be no higher than 55-60%.
- You can slice the peppers/chilies or dry them whole.
- Place peppers/chilies on food-safe screens – OR – use a large needle and thread to string the peppers together through the stem.
- Place outside until fully dried. You should cover them with a clean towel/pillowcase/muslin overnight and bring them inside at night if nighttime critters will mess with them.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
