Want that sun-ripened peach flavor to stick around long after summer fades? Dehydrating peaches is one of my favorite ways to preserve that juicy sweetness—no canning gear needed. Whether you’ve got a haul of fresh-picked fruit, a bag of frozen slices, or even canned peaches from the back of the pantry, drying them is straightforward and seriously satisfying.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to dehydrate peaches using methods backed by extension services and real-world experience—no fluff, just what works.
By the end, you’ll have leathery, chewy peach slices packed with flavor—perfect for snacking, tossing in trail mix, baking into recipes, or just eating straight out of the jar.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Dehydrating doesn’t require fancy tools. Here’s what you’ll want on hand:
- A food dehydrator (with temperature control is best)
- Ripe peaches – fresh, frozen, or canned
- Lemon juice – helps prevent browning (optional but recommended for fresh peaches)
- Sharp knife & cutting board
- Large pot & ice bath (for peeling fresh peaches, optional)
- Mesh dehydrator trays
- Airtight storage jars or containers
Step-by-Step: How to Dehydrate Peaches
Step 1: Choose & Prep Your Peaches
➤ Fresh Peaches:
Choose peaches that are ripe but firm. Overripe fruit tends to turn mushy when sliced and may not dehydrate evenly.
To peel (optional):
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
- Score a shallow “X” on the bottom of each peach with a paring knife.
- Boil peaches for 1 minute, then plunge into ice water.
- Peel skin where the “X” was scored—skins should slip off easily.
Then:
- Cut peaches in half, remove pits, and slice into ¼-inch pieces.
- Soak slices in anti-browning solution (4 cups water + ¼ cup lemon juice) for 10 minutes.
- Drain and gently pat dry.
➤ Frozen Peaches:
Let them thaw partially so they’re easy to slice (if needed). Pat dry thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
➤ Canned Peaches:
Drain completely and slice to desired thickness. Look for peaches canned in juice—not syrup—for best results.
Step 2: Load Up Your Dehydrator
- Place peach slices in a single layer on mesh dehydrator trays.
- Leave space between slices so air can circulate freely—don’t let them touch.
- Avoid slicing too thin; ¼ inch is the sweet spot. Thinner slices tend to stick and tear.
Step 3: Dry at the Right Temperature
- Set dehydrator to 135°F (57°C).
- Dry for 8 to 12 hours, depending on peach thickness, humidity, and your dehydrator model.
- Rotate trays and check at 6 hours to gauge progress.
How to know they’re done:
- Peaches should feel leathery and pliable, not sticky.
- Tear one open—no wetness inside means they’re ready.
- As they cool, they’ll firm up slightly.
Step 4: Cool & Condition Before Storage
Don’t rush storage—this step is essential for long shelf life.
- Let peaches cool on trays for at least 2 hours to room temperature.
- Transfer to clean glass jars or airtight containers.
- Over the next 7 days, “condition” them:
- Shake jars daily.
- Watch for condensation or clumping.
If moisture appears, pop them back in the dehydrator for another hour or two.
How to Use Dehydrated Peaches
Dried peaches aren’t just for trail snacks. Here are some favorite ways to use them:
- Toss in oatmeal or overnight oats for natural sweetness
- Add to homemade granola or trail mix
- Bake into muffins, breads, or cookies
- Soak and blend into smoothies or sauces
- Rehydrate in warm water for pie or cobbler fillings
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
- Too sticky? Likely under-dried—return to the dehydrator.
- Crispy slices? They’re over-dried. Still usable, especially for grinding into peach powder.
- Uneven drying? Rotate trays and make sure slices are uniform in size.
- No dehydrator? You can use an oven set to its lowest temperature, but you’ll need to check often and leave the door slightly open for air circulation.
Recommended Gear (Affiliate Links)
Want reliable results? These tools make dehydration easier:
- Excalibur 9-Tray Dehydrator – spacious, consistent results (Affiliate link)
- Mandoline Slicer – for perfectly even slices every time (Affiliate link)
- Wide-Mouth Mason Jars – ideal for storing dehydrated peaches (Affiliate link)
Let’s Make Peach Season Last All Year
Dehydrating peaches is one of the simplest, most satisfying ways to lock in summer sweetness. Whether you’re packing snacks for a backpacking trip or stocking your pantry with homemade fruit, the payoff is worth the wait.
And once you’ve mastered peaches? Try nectarines, apples, or even strawberries next.
Got a favorite way to use dried peaches? Share your recipe or tip in the comments below!
