**Food dehydrators cost $50-300, but you don't need one.** Your car dashboard, oven, or even open air can preserve fruits, vegetables, and herbs for months. These free methods have been used for millennia, and they work just as well as expensive machines.

Dehydrating Food Without a Dehydrator: 4 Free Methods That Work

Dehydrating is one of the oldest and most effective methods of food preservation. By removing moisture, you can extend the shelf life of fruits, vegetables, and herbs for months, creating a lightweight, nutrient-dense addition to your emergency food supply. While commercial food dehydrators are convenient, they can be expensive.

The good news is that you can achieve excellent results without any special equipment. This guide will explore four free and effective methods for dehydrating food at home using resources you already have.

The Basics of Dehydration

Successful dehydration relies on a simple principle: low heat and good air circulation. The goal is to slowly remove water from the food without cooking it. [1] Regardless of the method you choose, the preparation is the same:

1. Wash and Dry: Thoroughly wash and pat dry your produce.
2. Slice Thinly and Uniformly: Cut the food into thin, uniform slices, no more than 1/4-inch thick. The thinner and more consistent the slices, the faster and more evenly they will dry.
3. Pre-treat (Optional for Fruits): To prevent browning, you can pre-treat fruits by dipping them in a solution of equal parts lemon juice and water.

Method 1: Sun Drying

Sun drying is the oldest method of food preservation and works best in hot, dry, and breezy climates. You need several consecutive days with temperatures above 85°F (29°C) and low humidity. [2]

How to Do It:

1. Arrange on Racks: Place your prepared food slices on drying racks. Old window screens, cooling racks, or even a clean bedsheet stretched over a frame will work. Ensure there is space between the slices for air to circulate.
2. Cover the Food: Cover the racks with a layer of cheesecloth or fine mesh to protect the food from insects. Prop the cover up so it doesn't touch the food.
3. Place in Direct Sunlight: Find a spot that gets full sun for most of the day. A driveway, a south-facing balcony, or a rooftop are all good options.
4. Turn Regularly: Turn the food slices over every few hours to ensure even drying.
5. Bring Inside at Night: To prevent moisture from re-condensing on the food, bring your racks inside at night.

Best For: Fruits (especially high-sugar fruits like apricots, figs, and dates), some vegetables like tomatoes and peppers.

Method 2: Oven Drying

If you don't have the right climate for sun drying, your oven is the next best option. This method is faster and more reliable than sun drying, but it requires careful temperature control.

How to Do It:

1. Set Your Oven to the Lowest Temperature: Your oven needs to be able to maintain a temperature between 140-150°F (60-65°C). If your oven's lowest setting is higher than this, you can prop the door open with a wooden spoon to allow heat to escape. [3]
2. Arrange on Racks: Place your food slices on oven-safe cooling racks or directly on the oven racks. Do not place them on solid baking sheets, as this will block air circulation.
3. Ensure Airflow: If your oven has a convection setting, use it. If not, propping the door open will help circulate air.
4. Dry and Check: Drying times will vary from 4 to 12 hours depending on the food. Check the food every couple of hours and rotate the racks for even drying.

Best For: Most fruits and vegetables, making jerky (with proper curing), and herbs.

Method 3: Air Drying (for Herbs)

Air drying is the simplest method and is perfect for preserving herbs. It requires no heat and very little effort.

How to Do It:

1. Bundle the Herbs: Gather a small bunch of herbs and tie the stems together with string.
2. Hang in a Ventilated Area: Hang the bundles upside down in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. A kitchen, attic, or a covered porch can work well.
3. Cover with a Paper Bag: To protect the herbs from dust, you can place a paper bag with holes punched in it over each bundle.
4. Wait: The herbs will be fully dry in 1-3 weeks, or when the leaves are crispy and crumble easily.

Best For: Herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, and mint.

Method 4: Car Dashboard Drying

On a hot, sunny day, the inside of your car can act as a surprisingly effective solar dehydrator. This method is a great alternative to sun drying if you are concerned about insects or dust.

How to Do It:

1. Prepare Trays: Arrange your food slices on a clean baking sheet or tray lined with parchment paper.
2. Place on Dashboard: Place the tray on the dashboard of your car, in direct sunlight.
3. Crack the Windows: Leave the car windows cracked slightly to allow moisture to escape.
4. Check and Turn: Check the food every few hours and turn as needed. Drying times will be similar to sun drying.

Best For: Fruits and vegetables on hot, sunny days.

How to Tell When Food is Properly Dehydrated

• Fruits: Should be leathery and pliable, with no pockets of moisture.
• Vegetables: Should be brittle or crispy.
• Herbs: Should be dry and crumble easily.

To test for doneness, let a few pieces cool completely. If they are still soft or moist, they need more time.

Storing Your Dehydrated Food

Proper storage is key to preserving your dehydrated food. Let the food cool completely before storing it in airtight containers like glass jars, vacuum-sealed bags, or Mylar bags. Store in a cool, dark, and dry place. Properly dehydrated and stored food can last for 6-12 months or longer. [4]

The Bottom Line

Dehydrating food is a simple, effective, and budget-friendly way to build your emergency food supply. You don't need an expensive dehydrator to get started. By using your oven, the sun, or even your car, you can preserve a wide variety of foods for long-term storage, ensuring you have a healthy and lightweight source of nutrition when you need it most.

References

[1] University of Minnesota Extension. "How to dry food at home." Accessed December 17, 2025. https://extension.umn.edu/preserving-and-preparing/drying-food [2] National Center for Home Food Preservation. "Sun Drying." Accessed December 17, 2025. https://nchfp.uga.edu/how/dry/drying-general/sun-drying/ [3] Voyageur Tripper. "How to Dehydrate Food for Camping Meals (without a dehydrator)." Accessed December 17, 2025. https://www.voyageurtripper.com/how-to-dehydrate-food-for-camping/ [4] Utah State University Extension. "Home Drying Foods." Accessed December 17, 2025. https://extension.usu.edu/preserve-the-harvest/research/drying-methods