The Instant Pot air fryer is a popular multi-use appliance that can be used for air frying, roasting, broiling, baking, reheating and dehydrating foods. One common question people have is what temperature setting to use when using the dehydrator function on the Instant Pot air fryer.
When using the dehydrator on the Instant Pot air fryer, there are a range of temperatures you can select from 95°F to 175°F (35°C to 80°C). The specific temperature to use depends on the food you are dehydrating and your personal preference. Some foods require lower temperatures, while other foods need higher heat to dehydrate properly and evenly.
In this article, we’ll provide temperature guidelines for dehydrating common foods in the Instant Pot air fryer. We’ll also discuss factors that impact dehydrating temperature and tips for achieving the best results.
Typical Dehydrating Temperatures
Here are some general Instant Pot air fryer dehydrator temperature settings for common foods:
Fruits and Vegetables
- Fruit leathers: 135°F (57°C)
- Herbs: 125°F (52°C)
- Root veggies: 135°F (57°C)
- Mushrooms: 130°F (55°C)
- Tomatoes: 130-135°F (55-57°C)
- Peppers: 130-135°F (55-57°C)
- Apples: 135°F (57°C)
- Bananas: 130-135°F (55-57°C)
- Pineapple: 135°F (57°C)
- Mango: 130-135°F (55-57°C)
Meats
- Beef jerky: 155°F (68°C)
- Chicken jerky: 160-165°F (71-74°C)
- Turkey jerky: 160-165°F (71-74°C)
- Fish jerky: 145-155°F (63-68°C)
As you can see, fruits and vegetables are generally dried at lower temperatures of 125-135°F. Meats require higher temperatures of 145°F and above to properly dehydrate and ensure food safety.
Factors That Impact Dehydrating Temperature
There are a few key factors that determine the best dehydrating temperature to use in the Instant Pot air fryer:
Type of Food
As shown above, fruits, vegetables and meats have different temperature requirements. Fruits and veggies contain more water, so they dehydrate at lower temps. Meats require higher heat to remove moisture and properly preserve.
Thickness/Size of Food
Thicker foods require higher temperatures to fully dehydrate to the center. For example, thicker apple slices need more heat than thin apple chips.
Desired Texture
Higher heat will result in crisper dried foods. Lower temperatures keep more moisture for a chewy texture. Adjust the temperature based on your preference.
Food Safety
When dehydrating meats, poultry and fish, temperatures must be high enough to eliminate harmful bacteria. Follow recommended safe temperatures.
Tips for Dehydrating in the Instant Pot Air Fryer
Follow these tips for best results when using the dehydrator function:
- Cut foods evenly for consistent drying.
- Rotate trays and shift food mid-dehydrating for even results.
- Start checking food at the shortest drying time and test for desired doneness.
- Lower the temperature if food is drying too quickly on the outside.
- Raise the temperature if food is taking too long to dry.
- Let foods cool completely before storage for maximum crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What temperature should I use to make beef jerky in the Instant Pot air fryer?
160°F (71°C) is the ideal temperature for making beef jerky in the Instant Pot air fryer. This high heat ensures the meat is properly dehydrated for preservation and eliminates harmful bacteria.
2. Can I dehydrate fruits and vegetables together?
Yes, you can dehydrate fruits and vegetables together in the Instant Pot air fryer. Choose a temperature in the middle such as 130-135°F to accommodate both. Just be sure to check each ingredient for doneness as drying times may vary.
3. What happens if the dehydrating temperature is too low or too high?
If the temperature is too low, food will take much longer to fully dehydrate. It may still be moist or supple when done. If the temperature is too high, the outside of the food can harden or scorch before the inside is dried out.
4. How long does it take to dehydrate foods in the Instant Pot air fryer?
Drying times can range from 4-12 hours depending on the food, thickness, temperature and moisture content. Fruits and veggies take 4-8 hours usually. Meats can take 6-12+ hours to fully dehydrate into jerky.
5. Should I rotate or flip food during dehydrating?
It’s a good idea to rotate trays and shuffle or flip food during dehydrating for even drying. This prevents any hot spots and ensures food dries uniformly.
Dehydrating Temperature Guidelines
For easy reference, here are general dehydrating temperature guidelines for the Instant Pot air fryer:
| Food | Temperature |
|---|---|
| Fruit leathers | 135°F (57°C) |
| Herbs | 125°F (52°C) |
| Root vegetables | 135°F (57°C) |
| Mushrooms | 130°F (55°C) |
| Tomatoes | 130-135°F (55-57°C) |
| Peppers | 130-135°F (55-57°C) |
| Apples | 135°F (57°C) |
| Bananas | 130-135°F (55-57°C) |
| Pineapple | 135°F (57°C) |
| Mango | 130-135°F (55-57°C) |
| Beef jerky | 155°F (68°C) |
| Chicken jerky | 160-165°F (71-74°C) |
| Turkey jerky | 160-165°F (71-74°C) |
| Fish jerky | 145-155°F (63-68°C) |
Keep in mind that drying times will vary based on the specific food, thickness, moisture content and the humidity levels in your environment. Monitor the progress and check for your desired texture as you go.
Conclusion
Determining the right dehydrating temperature for foods in the Instant Pot air fryer depends on several factors. Fruits and vegetables generally need lower temperatures between 125-135°F. Meats require higher heat between 145-165°F for safety and proper preservation.
Consider the specific food type, size, desired texture and safety. Allow for some trial and error as you get used to your appliance. With some experimenting, you’ll find the perfect dehydrating temperatures to make tasty homemade dried foods with your Instant Pot air fryer.
