Yes, it is possible to make dehydrated eggs in the oven. Dehydrating eggs is a great way to preserve them for longer term storage. When done properly, dehydrated eggs can last for many months or even years when stored in an airtight container.
What are the benefits of dehydrating eggs?
There are several benefits to dehydrating eggs:
- Long shelf life – Dehydrated eggs can last for months or years when properly stored, while fresh eggs only last about 3-5 weeks in the fridge.
- Space saving – Dehydrated eggs take up much less space than fresh eggs since the water has been removed.
- Lightweight – Having dehydrated eggs can be useful for situations when you need a lightweight protein source, like hiking or camping trips.
- Versatility – Rehydrated eggs can be used just like fresh eggs in many recipes.
- Emergency preparedness – Having dehydrated eggs on hand provides a good protein source in an emergency when fresh food may not be available.
What equipment do you need to dehydrate eggs in the oven?
Dehydrating eggs in the oven does not require any special equipment. The main things you will need are:
- Oven – A standard oven works well, ideally one that allows you to control the temperature.
- Baking sheets – Rimmed baking sheets work best to prevent any spills.
- Parchment paper or silicone mats – These help prevent the eggs from sticking to the baking sheet.
- Blender or egg beater – Used to beat the eggs before dehydrating.
- Spatula – For scraping the dried egg off the parchment paper.
- Airtight container – For long term storage of dried eggs.
What is the process for dehydrating eggs in the oven?
Here is a step-by-step overview of the process:
- Crack open eggs and beat well – Crack the eggs into a bowl and use an egg beater or blender to beat them until fully blended.
- Line baking sheets with parchment – Cover baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Pour eggs onto baking sheets – Pour the beaten eggs onto the prepared baking sheets, spreading evenly into a thin layer.
- Bake at a low temperature – Place sheets in the oven and bake at 125-150°F for 6-12 hours until completely dried.
- Break up and store dried eggs – Once dried, break up the egg material into smaller pieces and store in an airtight container.
Helpful tips
- The thinner the layer of eggs, the faster they will dehydrate. Aim for about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cracking eggs directly onto the baking sheets helps avoid washing extra bowls.
- Rotate baking sheets and break up eggs partway through for even drying.
- Let eggs cool completely before storage to avoid moisture building up in the container.
How long does it take to dehydrate eggs in the oven?
It typically takes 6-12 hours to fully dehydrate eggs in the oven. The drying time can vary based on several factors:
- Temperature – The lower the temperature, the longer eggs will take to dehydrate. 125°F will take longer than 150°F.
- Thickness – The thinner the layer of eggs, the faster they will dry. Aim for a 1/4 inch thickness.
- Amount of eggs – Larger batches will naturally take longer than smaller batches.
- Moisture content – The number of eggs and added liquids will affect moisture levels.
- Oven variance – All ovens run slightly differently which impacts dry times.
Here is a table with some approximate egg dehydrating times in the oven:
| Oven Temperature | Approximate Time |
|---|---|
| 125°F | 8-12 hours |
| 135°F | 6-10 hours |
| 150°F | 5-8 hours |
How can you tell when the eggs are fully dehydrated?
Here are some signs to look for when checking your eggs in the oven:
- The eggs feel very dry and brittle.
- No visible moisture remains on the eggs or parchment paper.
- The egg material can be easily broken apart into smaller pieces.
- When cut or broken into, the interior of the eggs appears dry, not moist.
- The eggs have reduced significantly in size and thickness.
It can help to remove a small piece periodically to check the interior for moisture. If in doubt, continue drying for 1-2 more hours and check again. Under-drying can lead to spoilage during storage.
How do you store dehydrated eggs?
Proper storage is key for preserving dehydrated eggs long term. Here are some tips for storage:
- Make sure eggs are completely cooled before storing.
- Store in an airtight container, like a mason jar, vacuum sealed bag, or mylar bag.
- Keep container in a cool, dark place like the pantry or fridge.
- For long term storage, consider freezing dehydrated eggs.
- Use eggs within 1 year for best quality and safety.
What not to do
- Do not store without an airtight container. This allows moisture in.
- Avoid warm areas like near appliances, which can encourage spoilage.
- Don’t keep eggs past 1 year even if stored properly.
How do you rehydrate dehydrated eggs?
Dehydrated eggs need to be rehydrated before they can be used like fresh eggs again. Here is the process:
- Take eggs from storage and measure out the desired amount.
- Place eggs in a bowl and add cool water, using a 1:1 ratio by volume.
- Let eggs sit for 15-30 minutes to rehydrate.
- Drain off any excess water not absorbed.
- Use rehydrated eggs as you would fresh eggs!
The rehydrated eggs are now ready to use in recipes like scrambles, omelets, bakes, and more. Make sure to drain off any excess water so the eggs don’t get watered down.
Conclusion
Dehydrating eggs in the oven is an easy process that can provide long term egg storage. Simply beat fresh eggs and slow-bake them at a low temperature for 5-12 hours. Look for the eggs to become brittle and dried throughout before removing from the oven. Let eggs fully cool before storing in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Rehydrate with an equal amount of water when ready to use the eggs again.
With proper dehydrating, cooling, and storage, dried eggs can keep for up to 1 year. Dehydrating eggs is a great way to preserve the protein and nutrients of fresh eggs for emergency preparedness, camping trips, and everyday kitchen use.
