You can do endless things with a boring jar of dill pickles by turning the pickles into something creative and incredible! But how do you do it? By dehydrating them and turning them into chips or powder seasoning, that is going to change your life!
Not only that, but the crispy dehydrated pickles can also be used as salad toppings, on sandwiches, with beef, and what not! In this article, we will be talking about 3 easy ways to dehydrate dill pickles. Keep on reading to find out how!
Yes! You can dehydrate dill pickles. You can use the dehydrator, the oven, or even freeze-dry them. You’ll know your dill pickles have dried when they snap when bent.
We will discuss three different methods of dehydrating dill pickles so that you can pick the one that suits you best.
How do you dehydrate dill pickles?
You can dehydrate dill pickles in three ways. You can either use a professional food dehydrator to make things easy. However, a food dehydrator can be a bit expensive. If you don’t have that, then you can simply opt for the oven method. That is not only easy but also achievable for everyone. You can even use a freeze drier if you have one. Let’s find out how:
How do you dehydrate dill pickles in a dehydrator?
Step 1: Slice the pickles into thin rounds
Thinly slice the pickles into ¼ or 1/8 inch thick pieces; thinner slices will dry evenly and easily. Just as we used a mandolin slicer to evenly slice sweet potatoes before dehydrating them, a mandolin slicer can be used here, too, to ensure even slices.
Step 2: Place the slices on dehydrator trays
Place the sliced pickles onto the dehydrator trays. Make sure the slices do not touch each other. This ensures an even airflow between the slices and yields better results.
Step 3: Dehydrate the pickles until dry
Dehydrate the pickles for 4 to 6 hours at 135F. The timing can vary depending on a number of factors. You can check if the pickles are done by checking them every 3 hours.
After every 3 hours, remove a slice and allow it to cool down at room temperature. Once cooled, check if it is done by bending the slice. If it bends, then it needs to go back in the dehydrator. If it snaps, then there you have it, your dill pickle perfectly dehydrated!
Step 4: Cool the pickles down at room temperature and store
Once you have achieved the crispiness you’re looking for, remove the pickles from the trays. Allow them to cool down at room temperature before storing them.
How do you dehydrate dill pickles in an oven?
Let us talk about the oven method now. Follow the steps given below to dehydrate dill pickles in an oven.
Step 1: Slice dill pickles into small even pieces
Similar to step 1 of the dehydrator method, slice the pickles into even pieces with a knife or mandolin slicer.
Step 2: Coat the slices with oil
Put the sliced dill pickles in a bowl and pour in some extra virgin olive oil to lightly coat them.
Step 3: Line pickles on a baking tray lined with parchment
Place the slicked pickles on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, ensuring the slices do not touch each other. Keep dehydrating in the oven until the slices have dried to desired crispiness.
Step 4: Set your oven at the lowest temperature and dehydrate
Place the prepared baking tray in the oven for 4-5 hours. Check every 3 hours until the slices have dried to desired crispiness.
Step 5: Cool the pickles down at room temperature and store
Remove the pickles from the trays and allow them to cool down at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How do you freeze-dry pickles?
Follow the steps below to freeze-dry pickles:
Step 1: Thinly slice the pickles
Slice the pickles into small even pieces and line them on a tray.
Step 2: Set the temperature of the freeze dryer
Set the temperature of the freeze dryer at a 9-hour freeze and 12 hours dry.
Step 3: Dry the pickles until crispy
Let the dill pickles dry until they have reached the crispiness you’re looking for.
How do you store dehydrated dill pickles?
To store dehydrated dill pickle chips or powder, you can use an airtight container. Make sure to put this container in a cool, dry place.
Apart from dill pickles, you can dry dates at home as well!
Can you rehydrate dried dill pickles?
Yes, you can! You can rehydrate dried dill pickles by simply putting them in water; however, they won’t have the intense pickle flavor anymore. If you’re looking for that flavor specifically, rehydrate them in pickle brine.
How long are dried dill pickles good for?
If stored in a cool place inside an airtight container, dill pickle chips or powder can stay well for up to 6 months.
Are dehydrated pickle chips good?
Dehydrated pickle chips are the perfect snack for you if you are a pickle lover. Their intense taste, salty flavor, and crispiness make them a great snack to munch on.
Concluding our thoughts on dehydrating dill pickles!
Dehydrated dill pickles made easy! This easy-to-follow article will make things much easier for you if you follow all the steps correctly. Use a dehydrator, a freeze drier, or even an oven; we’ve detailed everything for you.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to using dehydrated dill pickles. Eat them as a snack or make a seasoning- anything you like. Happy dehydrating!