Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Making Banana Chips without a Food Dehydrator

I have wanted a food dehydrator for a few years now. I'd love to make dried apples, bananas, even try making beef jerkey for Hubby to enjoy. (I think I'll be asking for one for Christmas!)

I ran across a post somewhere last week, I'm sorry I can't remember where I saw it. It gave simple instructions on how to dry bananas without a food dehydrator. I was so excited! I knew I had to try this. And I took pictures, so this is my very first tutorial post - just for y'all to enjoy!

First, peel your banana and make thin slices. Not too thin or they will wither into nothingness. Not too thick or they will take too long to dry.
Next, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. I'm using a small rectangular baking stone that fits perfectly in my toaster oven. One banana fits on this baking stone, with just a few slices left over.
Then, place them in a 200 degree oven. Check on them after an hour. Then every fifteen minutes or so, to make sure you don't burn them. This batch took exactly two hours.
Immediately remove them from the baking sheet to a cooling rack. They do not take long to cool, but they will probably stick to the baking sheet if you let them cool on it.

Voila! Banana chips!

I would suggest that you store your banana chips in an airtight container, but ours didn't even last the afternoon. They were enjoyed by the toddler, my Hubby, and myself!

I found that these were very sweet and did not need any sugar. If you don't want them to brown, I guess you could dip them in lemon juice before baking. Don't soak them, or your drying time will be longer.

For more great kitchen tips, visit Lisa at Blessed with Grace for Tempt My Tummy Tuesday.

7 comments:

ohAmanda said...

Yummy! I think I could even do that!

Sherrie said...

Hi!
Wonderful Idea! Thanks for sharing. Have a great day!!

Sherrie

Tracey said...

This is perfect - I have bananas I need to use up, so will try this very soon!! Thanks for sharing!

SnoWhite said...

I love drying fruit. One day I hope to have a dehydrator, but for now, I use the oven... we do peaches, pineapple, apples and even tried blueberries last week!

Lisa@BlessedwithGrace said...

This is great!! Grace just LOVES bananas. I am sure LB is a fan, as well. I will be trying this... maye tomorrow. Glad you could join us for TMTT today.

Lynn said...

These look wonderful! I've dried tomatoes and pears in the oven, but never thought to try bananas. Thanks for sharing. Great tutorial :)

Unknown said...

Hello,

Indeed a good post, And I believe having a Food Dehydrator at our home is very important as it helps dehydrating food,, so we need the best food dehydrators, that's why I have recently purchased one of the top food dehydrators available, because i want to make best food with food dehydrator.
By the way, Keep up the good work.