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Dehydrated Jalapenos

Whether you prefer them as a smoky powder or crunchy flakes, dehydrated jalapenos add a new dimension to a wide range of dishes – from salsas and dressings to meats and vegetables.

dried jalapenos scattered about.


 

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Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the 
recipe card at the bottom of the post. 
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.

By removing the moisture from these fiery green peppers, we intensify their natural heat and concentrate their robust flavors.

Dehydrated fruits and vegetables are a great way to preserve those extra goodies overflowing your garden this year. Enjoy more treats by trying my Homemade Dehydrated Limes and sweet Dehydrated Strawberries.

Jar of dehydrated jalapenos.

Ingredients

  • Fresh Jalapenos– Choose fresh jalapeños that are firm and free from any signs of wilting or soft spots. Fresh jalapeños will have better flavor and maintain their color during the drying process.
Whole jalapenos.

Tools needed for this recipe

  • Dehydrator
  • (optional) Air Fryer
  • (optional) Oven

How To Make Dehydrated Jalapenos

Begin by washing the jalapeños thoroughly under running water. After washing, dry them completely using a clean towel or paper towel.

Fresh jalapenos cut into slices on a cutting board.

Once dried, put on a pair of gloves to protect your skin from the spicy jalapeño juice. Slice the jalapeños into thin rounds, about 1/8th to 1/4th of an inch thick. If you prefer less heat, feel free to remove the seeds.

Sliced jalapenos spread around on a dehydrator.

Dehydrator Instructions: If using a dehydrator, place the jalapeño slices on the trays without overlapping. Set your dehydrator to 135°F (57°C). Dehydrate the jalapeños for 8-12 hours or until completely dry and brittle.

Sliced jalapenos spread around on a dehydrator.

Air Fryer Instructions

  1. Using the dehydrator functions, set the temperature to 135 degrees Fahrenheit (57°C) and place the jalapeño slices in the air basket.
  2. Dehydrate at 135°F for 4-6 hours. Take note that the air fryer won’t hold as many jalapeño slices. Follow your air fryer’s instructions for the best dehydrator temps and times.
  3. Once the jalapeños are fully dehydrated, let them cool completely. After cooling, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Properly stored, they should last for several months.

Oven Instructions

  1. If you’re using an oven, preheat it to its lowest setting, which is usually around 175°F (79°C). Arrange the sliced jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they don’t overlap.
  2. Place the baking sheet in the oven, and prop the oven door open slightly to allow moisture to escape. This helps prevent the jalapeños from cooking instead of dehydrating.
  3. Dehydrate the jalapeños for 3-4 hours or until completely dry and brittle. Make sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

Instructions for Jalapeño Powder

Before you start, I highly suggest using a mask, gloves, and goggles as the smell of grinding dried jalapeños can be overpowering.

  • Place your dehydrated jalapeños into a spice grinder or a high-powered blender.
  • Grind the peppers until they become a fine powder. You will still have some larger pieces.
  • Pour the powder through a sieve.
  • The pieces remaining in the sieve can be used as jalapeño flakes while the powder can be used as jalapeño powder. Store your jalapeño powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain its freshness. 
Dried jalapenos diced in a bowl and made into a powder.

Expert Tips

  • Uniform Slicing: Slice the jalapeños evenly to promote consistent drying. Thin slices will dehydrate more quickly and evenly than thicker ones.
  • Seed Removal: If you want milder dehydrated jalapeños, remove the seeds and membranes, as they contain most of the pepper’s heat. Alternatively, if you want spicier dried jalapeños, leave the seeds in.
  • Thick-Walled: Jalapeños with thicker walls are better suited for dehydration as they will hold their shape and texture better during the drying process.
  • Color: Choose jalapeños that have a vibrant green color. Avoid those with yellowing or blemishes, as they may not dehydrate well or could develop off-flavors.

How To Store Dehydrated Jalapenos

To store dehydrated jalapeños, place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Store the container in a cool, dry, and dark place to maintain its flavor and shelf life. When stored properly, they can last for several months.

FAQ’s

What are dehydrated jalapeños used for?

Dehydrated jalapeños can be used in various dishes to add a mild to medium level of spiciness and a concentrated pepper flavor. They are commonly used as a topping for pizzas, salads, soups, and tacos. You can also crush or grind them to make homemade jalapeño powder or flakes for seasoning and spice blends.

Can I dehydrate other pepper varieties using the same method?

Yes, the same method can be used for dehydrating other pepper varieties like serrano peppers, cayenne peppers, or bell peppers. Adjust the drying time according to the thickness of the slices and the pepper’s moisture content.

Can I dehydrate jalapeños without a dehydrator or oven?

Yes, you can air-dry jalapeños in a sunny, dry, and well-ventilated area. Simply string the sliced jalapeños on a thread or use a food dehydrator tray with holes to let air circulate around them. This method will take a longer time compared to using a dehydrator or oven.

Notes

  • These dehydrated jalapeños will be even spicier than fresh ones. To use them, you can rehydrate them by soaking them in water, or grind them up to use as a spicy powder in your recipes.

Looking for more dehydrated recipes? Try these out:

 If you have tried this recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

dried jalapenos scattered about.
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Dehydrated Jalapeños

Whether you prefer them as a smoky powder or crunchy flakes, dehydrated jalapeños add a new dimension to a wide range of dishes – from salsas and dressings to meats and vegetables.
Course Condiment, Seasoning, Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword dehydrated jalapenos
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings 2 cups
Calories 66kcal
Author Tanya

Ingredients

  • 1 lb jalapenos

Instructions

  • Begin by washing the jalapeños thoroughly under running water. After washing, dry them completely using a clean towel or paper towel.
  • Once dried, put on a pair of gloves to protect your skin from the spicy jalapeño juice. Slice the jalapeños into thin rounds, about 1/8th to 1/4th of an inch thick. If you prefer less heat, feel free to remove the seeds.
  • Dehydrator Instructions: If using a dehydrator, place the jalapeño slices on the trays without overlapping. Set your dehydrator to 135°F (57°C). Dehydrate the jalapeños for 8-12 hours or until completely dry and brittle.

Oven Instructions

  • If you’re using an oven, preheat it to its lowest setting, which is usually around 175°F (79°C). Arrange the sliced jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they don’t overlap. Place the baking sheet in the oven, and prop the oven door open slightly to allow moisture to escape. This helps prevent the jalapeños from cooking instead of dehydrating. Dehydrate the jalapeños for 3-4 hours or until completely dry and brittle. Make sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

Air Fryer Instructions

  • Using the dehydrator functions, set the temperature to 135 degrees Fahrenheit (57°C) and place the jalapeño slices in the air basket. Dehydrate at 135°F for 4-6 hours. Take note that the air fryer won’t hold as many jalapeño slices. Follow your air fryer’s instructions for the best dehydrator temps and times.
  • Once the jalapeños are fully dehydrated, let them cool completely. After cooling, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Properly stored, they should last for several months.

Notes

These dehydrated jalapeños will be even spicier than fresh ones. To use them, you can rehydrate them by soaking in water, or grind them up to use as a spicy powder in your recipes.
Instructions for Jalapeño Powder: Before you start, I highly suggest using a mask, gloves, and goggles as the smell of grinding dried jalapeños can be overpowering. Place your dehydrated jalapeños into a spice grinder or a high-powered blender. Grind the peppers until they become a fine powder. You will still have some larger pieces. Pour the powder through a sieve. The pieces remaining in the sieve can be used as jalapeño flakes while the powder can be used as jalapeño powder. Store your jalapeño powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain its freshness. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 66kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 7mg | Potassium: 562mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 2445IU | Vitamin C: 269mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg
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Although myforkinglife.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures should be considered estimates. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased, natural fluctuations in fresh produce, and the way ingredients are processed change the effective nutritional information in any given recipe. Under no circumstances will myforkinglife.com be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information.
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