How to Dehydrate Pineapple
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Dehydrated pineapple is delicious for a sweet and healthy snack, but can also be added to trail mix, granola, salads, or even be baked into cakes, cookies, or muffins.Â
Snapshot
Special Prep
none
Temperature
135°F
Time
13 hours
Mass Change
Approx 85% decrease
How to prep pineapple for dehydrating
Choose pineapples that are ripe but still firm (avoid ones that are brown or spotting). Once you have your pineapple, give it a quick rinse and trim off the crown (top) and the base (bottom) of the pineapple. Stand the pineapple upright and use a sharp knife to slice off the skin, following the curvature of the fruit. Make sure to remove all the eyes (hard and dark brown spots) from the flesh.
Choose your cut:
Decide whether you want to dehydrate pineapple slices, chunks, or rings.
- For slices, cut the pineapple lengthwise into thin slices, about ¼ inch thick (cut around and discard the core)
- For chunks, cut the pineapple into thin slices, about ¼ inch thick (cut around and discard the core), and then cut into smaller chunks
- For rings, core the pineapple and then cut the pineapple crosswise into ¼ inch thick rounds
- Don’t have a pineapple corer? Cut the pineapple into rounds (with the core intact) then use a small circular cutter or knife to remove the core from each round
Pro tip:
Pineapple fibers run lengthwise, so cutting it into lengthwise strips (top to bottom) helps lock in the natural juices and sugars instead of letting them escape through extra cut surfaces. The result? A sweeter, more flavorful dried pineapple!
How to dehydrate pineapple
Basic Steps:
- Slice or chop pineapple into the desired size or shape (but no more than 1/4″ thick)
- Arrange on a mesh lined dehydrating tray with enough room for air to circulate between the pieces (no over lapping)
- Place in dehydrator and dehydrate at 135°F for about 13 hours
It’s that easy!
Notes:
- A mesh liner is recommended for pineapple – especially if doing chunks (otherwise they will fall through the trays)
- Dehydrating times may vary (the water content in the pineapple, as well as the humidity and altitude of where you live in impact the time)
- To learn more about dehydrating, check out our post How to Dehydrate: Learning the Basics
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How do you know when pineapple is fully dehydrated?
Pineapple will be dry to the touch and quite stiff, but somewhat flexible. No moisture should excrete when split in half and squeezed.
Jar test: If eager, you can place your pineapple in a glass jar and tightly close the lid. If you notice moisture or condensation forming in the jar within 24-48 hours (or if the pineapple become tacky) you know there is still moisture and more dehydrating time is needed.Â
Note: You technically can’t over dehydrate pineapple. If in doubt, dehydrate until you’re absolutely certain there’s no moisture left.Â
Fresh to dehydrated conversion measurements ​
90%
The mass and weight of pineapple decreases by about 85% once dehydrated.
Ex. Flesh of 1 medium pineapple (500g)
- Pre-dehydrated:Â 500g
- Dehydrated:Â 73gÂ
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How to store dehydrated pineapple:
Here are some tips to help you maximize the shelf life of your dehydrated pineapple:
- Allow to cool after dehydrating before storingÂ
- Keep stored in a sealable container or bag in a cool, dry and dark place
- Using Mylar bags or vacuum sealing can extend the shelf life by up to three times its normal duration! This is useful if you’re prepping lots for longer term use. Learn the pros and cons of each in our post: The Ultimate Guide to Long-Term Food Storage: Mylar Bags vs. Vacuum Sealing (Bags & Jars)
When dried and stored properly, pineapple should have a shelf life of several years.
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Rehydrating Dehydrated Ingredients
When & Why to Rehydrate Dehydrated Ingredients
Knowing how much water to use for rehydration is essential for getting the best texture and flavour out of your dehydrated foods. Some ingredients are best rehydrated just before use, while others can absorb enough liquid during cooking – it all depends on how you’re using them!Â
For Dehydrated Meal Prep
- When preparing dehydrated meals for outdoor adventures, understanding the water requirements for different ingredients ensures you add just the right amount, giving you confidence in your meal creativity and preparation.
Before Cooking or Baking
- If a recipe doesn’t contain much liquid – such as stir-fries or casseroles – rehydrating beforehand prevents ingredients from staying too tough
- Pre-soaking reduces cooking time, especially for hard ingredients like beans or root vegetables
- Certain dehydrated ingredients (such as whole mushrooms or tomatoes) regain a better texture and flavour if rehydrated before cooking
- Rehydrated ingredients absorb flavors more easily when cooked, making dishes more flavorful
- Baking: Ingredients like dried fruits can be rehydrated to have a softer texture and to prevent them from drawing moisture out of the dough or batter
For Eating Raw
- If you’re eating the dehydrated ingredients uncooked, but prefer a softer texture (such as using dehydrated fruits or vegetables in a salad)
Rehydrating dehydrated pineapple:
Dehydrated pineapple to water ratio is typically 1 : 1 – 1.25
 Per 1/4 cup of dehydrated pineapple:
Quick Simmer
- Add 1/4 cup water and bring to a boil
- Turn down heat, cover and simmer for 5 minutes
- Turn off or remove from heat and let sit for 2-3 minutes
Just Add Hot Water
- Add 1/4 cup boiling water and stir
- Let soak for 12-15 minutes
Add water & refrigerate
- Add 1/4 cup boiled water and stir
- Allow to cool, place in fridge and let soak for 24 hours
Note: it’s important to not let sit for more than 30 minutes in room temperature because of the risk of bacteria growth.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes, you can dehydrate canned pineapple! Whenever using canned ingredients, always check the label. Choose brands that contain only pineapple, water, and possibly some sugar, while avoiding those with syrups and additives (some additives can impact the dehydrating process).
Can I use frozen pineapple?
Yes, you can absolutely dehydrate frozen pineapple! The best part? There’s no need to thaw it beforehand. However, if the pieces are too large, you may need to let them soften slightly to cut them into uniform, dehydrator-friendly sizes.
Can I use an oven to dehydrate pineapple?
Not unless your oven can maintain a low temperature of around 135°F (57°C). Pineapple need to be dehydrated at this temperature to dry properly. If the temperature is too high, you risk either cooking the pineapple or causing “case hardening,” where the outer layer hardens, trapping moisture inside and preventing proper drying.
How to Dehydrate Pineapple
Notable Equipment
- 1 Dehydrator
Ingredients
- pineapple
Instructions
- 1. Slice pineapple into the desired size or shape (but no more than 1/4" thick) - see notes
- 2. Arrange on a mesh lined dehydrating tray with enough room for air to circulate between the pieces (no over lapping)
- 3. Place in dehydrator and dehydrate at 135°F for about 13 hours
Notes
Choose your cut:
- For slices, cut the pineapple lengthwise into thin slices, about ¼ inch thick (cut around and discard the core)
- For chunks, cut the pineapple into thin slices, about ¼ inch thick (cut around and discard the core), and then cut into smaller chunks
- For rings, core the pineapple and then cut the pineapple crosswise into ¼ inch thick rounds
- Don’t have a pineapple corer? Cut the pineapple into rounds (with the core intact) then use a small circular cutter or knife to remove the core from each round
- Pineapple fibers run lengthwise, so cutting it into lengthwise strips (top to bottom) helps lock in the natural juices and sugars instead of letting them escape through extra cut surfaces. The result? A sweeter, more flavorful dried pineapple!
- You can use canned or frozen pineapple, however, fresh pineapple is highly recommended for the best texture and flavour
- A mesh liner is recommended for pineapple - especially if doing chunks (otherwise they will fall through the trays)
- Dehydrating times may vary (the water content in the pineapple, as well as the humidity and altitude of where you live in impact the time)
- To learn more about dehydrating, check out our post How to Dehydrate: Learning the Basics
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The Foodie Behind the Screen
Hi there! I'm Bri. I'm sharing my love for cooking - and the outdoors - one recipe at a time.
