How to Dehydrate Strawberries (Fresh and Frozen!)

Save and Share!

If you’ve ever opened a store-bought bag of dried strawberries and wondered, “Why do these taste like candy and not fruit?” you’re in the right place. I’ll show you everything you need to know about how to dehydrate strawberries from fresh or frozen strawberries. Dehydrating strawberries at home not only keeps them bursting with their natural flavor but also lets you skip the additives and extra sugar. Plus, they’re the perfect way to preserve strawberry season all year long!

Why Dehydrate Strawberries

Preserving strawberries goes beyond just making jam or freezing them. Dehydrating locks in their sweet-tart goodness while extending their shelf life. They’re great for snacking, trail mix, baking, and even a sprinkle of strawberry powder to fancy up your morning oatmeal. Dehydrated strawberries store beautifully and are ready to toss into your baked goods, granola, or hiking snack bag whenever the craving strikes. I’ll share some of my favorite ways to use dehydrated strawberries below.

Tools You’ll Need

Dehydrator (or oven, see below for instructions)

I would love a “fancy” dehydrator like this Excalibur. In fact, it is on my wishlist as soon as my current dehydrator kicks the bucket! But I am not the kind to throw away a perfectly useful appliance, and my trusty old (and super inexpensive) Presto dehydrator has been a workhorse for over 8 years.

Plastic or silicone mats

My presto dehydrator came with these fruit rolls sheets that I always use if I am dehyrating frozen strawberry slices. I don’t bother with any extra sheets when I dehydrate fresh.

A sharp knife or slicer

A mandolin slicer (this is the one I own) will make quick work of cutting even slices of strawberries. A knife does the same job, just be sure to cut the slices as evenly as possible.

Storage containers (glass jars or vacuum seal bags)

Depending on how many strawberries you dehydrate (or rather how quickly your family and friends devour them) determines the best solution for storing. If we are going to be eating the strawberries immediately, I throw them in a snack container like this one. For long term storage, I vacuum seal in half-gallon mason jars using this handy tool or in mylar bags.

How to Dehydrate Fresh Strawberries

Fresh strawberries are the obvious star here, but not all strawberries are created equal. Look for berries that are firm, ripe, and free from bruises.

1. Wash and Hull: Give your berries a good rinse, then remove the tops.
2. Slice Evenly: Aim for slices about ¼-inch thick. Uniform slices ensure even drying.
3. Arrange on Trays: Lay the slices on your dehydrator trays in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. They can be touching though, so make sure to use up all the space.
4. Set and Dry: In a dehydrator, set the temperature to 135°F and let the strawberries dry for 6–10 hours. Your strawberries are ready when they’re dry but still pliable, like fruit chews! They crisp up as the cool, so make sure to keep an eye on them.

Can You Dehydrate Frozen Strawberries?

Yes, and it’s surprisingly easy! If you’re like me and love shortcuts, bagged and pre-sliced frozen strawberries are a perfect option. No thawing needed—just grab them straight from the freezer.

1. Prep Your Dehydrator: Line your dehydrator trays with silicone mats or plastic mats (I use these.) A tray or mat underneath will catch any drips as the strawberries release moisture during drying.
2. Arrange the Slices: Spread the frozen slices in a single layer. No overlapping, but they can be touching.
3. Set the Temperature: Dehydrate at 135°F. Frozen strawberries may take a little longer than fresh ones—anywhere from 8–14 hours—depending on your machine and the thickness of the slices. The result? Perfectly chewy, flavorful slices without all the fuss of defrosting!

How to Dehydrate Strawberries in the Oven

No dehydrator? No problem. The oven can achieve almost identical results, though it takes a bit more babysitting to make sure nothing get burnt.

1. Prep Your Berries: Wash, and cut the tops off, then and slice as you would for dehyrating fresh strawberries.
2. Line Your Tray: Use parchment paper to keep everything neat.
3. Low and Slow: Set your oven to the lowest temperature (around 170°F if possible) and prop the door open slightly to let steam escape. Dehyrate the strawberries for 4 to 6 hours, flipping the slices halfway through for even drying.

Creative Ways to Use Dehydrated Strawberries

Dehydrated strawberries are incredibly versatile.

• Snack on them as-is or mix into this homemade granola recipe
• Chop them into scones, muffins, pancakes or cookies (one of my favorite uses)
• Add strawberry powder to your smoothies, yogurt or chia seed pudding.
• Make strawberries and cream overnight oats using this recipe as your base, or add them to simple stovetop oatmeal.

How to Make Strawberry Powder

This is where things get fancy. Think bakery-level strawberry flavors without the artificial extras.

1. Once your strawberries are dried and crispy, pop them into a blender or spice grinder and blend into a fine powder.
2. For an ultra-smooth result, sift through a fine-mesh strainer.
3. Store the powder in an airtight container, and use it to elevate your smoothies, oatmeal, or frosting. A little goes a long way!

How to store dehydrated strawberries

Once your strawberries are fully dehydrated, store them in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags. Toss in a food-grade silica pack to absorb extra moisture if you’re storing them long-term. Dehydrated strawberries can last up to a year when stored in a cool, dark place—if you don’t snack through them first!