Dehydrating onions typically takes 8 hours or longer.
Understanding Onion Dehydration Time
When dehydrating diced onions using a mesh dehydrator sheet in a single layer at a temperature of 135°F (57°C), the process generally requires a minimum of 8+ hours.
The exact duration isn't always a fixed number and can vary based on several factors:
- Room Humidity: Higher humidity levels in the surrounding air can extend drying times.
- Amount of Food: Loading the dehydrator with a large quantity of food can increase the time needed for everything to dry completely.
- Dehydrator Model: Different dehydrator models have varying efficiencies and airflow patterns, impacting how quickly food dries.
While it's okay to slightly crowd the onions initially because they shrink significantly during dehydration, ensuring they are in a single layer is crucial for even drying. You'll know the onions are fully dehydrated when they are brittle and easily shatter.
