Dehydrate Pineapple
Dehydrating pineapple is a fantastic way to preserve this tropical fruit’s sweet and tangy flavor for snacking, baking, and more. Whether you have a surplus of fresh pineapples from a summer haul or a few cans of pineapple rings in your pantry, learning to dehydrate pineapple is a simple and effective method to enjoy pineapple year-round. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of how to dehydrate pineapple both fresh and canned pineapple, ensuring you get perfect, chewy, and delicious results every time.

Dehydrate Pineapple
First, let’s talk about the benefits of dehydrating pineapple. Not only does it extend the shelf life of the fruit, but it also intensifies the natural sugars, making for a delectable treat that’s perfect for on-the-go snacking or adding a burst of flavor to your favorite recipes. Dehydrated pineapple retains most of its nutrients, providing a healthy, low-calorie snack option packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Getting started is easy. For fresh pineapple, you’ll need to peel, core, and slice the fruit into uniform pieces. Canned pineapple offers a convenient alternative, as it’s already peeled and sliced, but be sure to drain the pieces thoroughly to remove any excess syrup. Once your pineapple is prepped, follow our detailed instructions to achieve perfectly dehydrated pineapple that you can enjoy anytime.
What You Will Love About Dehydrating Pineapple
Intensified Flavor: Dehydrating pineapple concentrates its natural sugars, resulting in a sweet, tangy, and flavorful snack that’s hard to resist.
Healthy Snack: Dehydrated pineapple is a nutritious option, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s a guilt-free snack that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Long Shelf Life: Unlike fresh pineapple, dehydrated pineapple has a long shelf life, making it a convenient option to have on hand for snacking, baking, or adding to various recipes.
Portability: Lightweight and non-perishable, dehydrated pineapple is easy to pack and take with you, whether you’re hiking, traveling, or simply need a quick snack at work or school.
Versatility: You can enjoy dehydrated pineapple on its own or incorporate it into trail mixes, baked goods, cereals, salads, and more, adding a burst of tropical flavor to your dishes.
How To Dehydrate Pineapple
Dehydrating Fresh Pineapple
- Select and Prepare the Pineapple: Choose a ripe, sweet pineapple. The fruit should be golden brown and slightly soft to the touch. Cut off the top and bottom, then stand the pineapple upright and slice off the skin. Remove any remaining “eyes” with a paring knife.
- Slice the Pineapple: Cut the pineapple into quarters lengthwise, then remove the core from each quarter. Slice the pineapple into thin, even pieces about 1/4 inch thick. Uniform slices ensure even drying.
- Arrange on Dehydrator Trays: Place the pineapple slices in a single layer on the dehydrator trays. Ensure the slices are not overlapping to allow for proper air circulation. You will want to use either a silicone tray or parchment paper, follow my directions on how to make perfectly fit parchement paper round liners.
- Dehydrate: Set your dehydrator to 135°F (57°C) and dehydrate the pineapple slices for 10-12 hours or however long is needed until they are completely dehydrated. The exact time may vary depending on the humidity and thickness of the slices. Check for dryness by touching and tasting; the slices should be pliable and leathery, not sticky or moist. (Let cool for 15 minutes and then test)
- Cool and Store: Once fully dehydrated, allow the pineapple slices to cool to room temperature. Store them in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags in a cool, dark place. Properly dried and stored pineapple can last for several months.
Dehydrating Canned Pineapple
- Drain the Pineapple: Open the can of pineapple and drain the juice thoroughly. Pat the pineapple rings or chunks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Slice if Necessary: If you’re using pineapple rings, you can leave them whole or cut them into smaller pieces. Chunks are ready to go as-is.
- Arrange on Dehydrator Trays: Place the pineapple pieces in a single layer on the dehydrator trays, ensuring they do not overlap.
- Dehydrate: Set your dehydrator to 135°F (57°C) and dehydrate the pineapple for 8-10 hours. Canned pineapple may dry faster than fresh due to its pre-cooked nature. Check for dryness periodically; the pieces should be leathery and slightly chewy.
I thought my pineapple rings were a fail but it turned out once they cooled down they did peel off of my parchment paper easy enough. They had a nice fruit leather type consistency and were nice and sweet.
- Cool and Store: Allow the dehydrated pineapple to cool completely before storing. Place them in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags and store in a cool, dark place. Properly dried and stored canned pineapple can also last for several months.
Tips & Tricks
- Uniform Slicing:
- Consistency is Key: Ensure that all pineapple slices are uniformly cut to about 1/4 inch thick. This helps them dehydrate evenly and prevents some pieces from drying too quickly or too slowly.
- Sugar Boost: If you prefer sweeter pineapple, you can sprinkle a bit of sugar on the slices before dehydrating. This is especially helpful for tart pineapples.
- Optimal Temperature and Time:
- Temperature Setting: Set your dehydrator to 135°F (57°C) for the best results. This temperature is ideal for preserving the flavor and nutrients.
- Check Frequently: Dehydrating times can vary based on humidity, thickness of slices, and the type of dehydrator. Start checking for dryness at the 8-hour mark and then every hour after that.
- Spacing:
- Proper Air Circulation: Arrange pineapple slices in a single layer on the dehydrator trays. Make sure they are not touching or overlapping to allow proper air circulation.
- Cooling and Storage:
- Cool Before Storing: Let the dehydrated pineapple cool completely to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can cause mold.
- Airtight Storage: Store the cooled pineapple slices in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags. Keep them in a cool, dark place to maximize shelf life.
- Testing for Doneness:
- Texture Check: Properly dehydrated pineapple should be leathery and slightly pliable but not sticky or moist. If they are still sticky, they need more time in the dehydrator.
- Reviving Dehydrated Pineapple:
- Rehydration: If you want to use your dehydrated pineapple in recipes that require fresh fruit, simply soak the dried slices in water for a few hours until they regain their moisture.
- Flavor Enhancements:
- Spices and Seasonings: Experiment with sprinkling cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a touch of chili powder on your pineapple slices before dehydrating for an extra flavor boost.
- Batch Processing:
- Efficiency: If you have a large batch of pineapples, consider dehydrating them in stages to ensure even drying and to prevent overcrowding in the dehydrator.
- Quality Matters:
- Fresh and Ripe: Always use the freshest and ripest pineapples you can find. Overripe pineapples may not dehydrate well, and underripe ones can be too tart.
FAQs
Dehydrate Pineapple
Whether you have a surplus of fresh pineapples from a summer haul or a few cans of pineapple rings in your pantry, learning to dehydrate pineapple is a simple and effective method to enjoy pineapple year-round.
Ingredients
- Fresh Pineapple Or Canned
Instructions
- To start, prepare your pineapple. For fresh pineapple, peel and core it, then cut into even slices or chunks, approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. If you're using canned pineapple, drain the slices or chunks thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
- Next, arrange the pineapple on your dehydrator trays. Place the fresh pineapple slices or chunks on the trays in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping to allow for even drying. Do the same with the drained canned pineapple pieces, keeping them in a single layer without overlap.
- Set your dehydrator to 135°F (57°C), the optimal temperature for dehydrating fruit. Place the trays in the dehydrator and let the pineapple dry for about 12-16 hours, checking periodically to ensure even drying. Note that fresh pineapple may take slightly longer than canned due to its higher moisture content.
- The pineapple is done when it is dry but still slightly pliable, not crispy. If you can bend a piece without it breaking, it is ready. Allow the dehydrated pineapple to cool completely before storing.
- Store the dried pineapple in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bags in a cool, dark place. Properly stored, it can last for several months.
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!