Can You Dehydrate Food in a Convection Oven? Here’s What You Need to Know!

How about dehydrating food in convection ovens? It’s a common question with a simple answer: Yes, you can!

While electric food dehydrators are specially designed for drying food, many people are surprised to learn you can also use a standard convection oven at home.

With its enhanced temperature control and consistent air circulation, a convection oven can effectively remove moisture from sliced fruits, vegetables, and more—concentrating flavors and textures just like a dedicated food dehydrator.

Image by Andy M. from Pixabay

With close monitoring and occasional food rotation, convection ovens are a great alternative for dehydrating various ingredients, thanks to their unique heat, airflow, and moisture-removal capabilities. Let’s dive in and explore this process in detail.

If you’re just starting out and don’t want to splurge on a dehydrator—but already own a convection oven—then I say, go for it!

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Dehydrate Food in a Convection Oven

Convection ovens are a quick and straightforward way to preserve fruits, vegetables, meats, and even seafood.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat the oven to the lowest setting (typically 125°F–135°F for fruits and vegetables).
2. Place the food on a wire rack for better air circulation.
3. Leave the oven door slightly open to let moisture escape. Use a wooden spoon to keep the door ajar.
4. Monitor the food every few hours, rotating the trays as needed.
5. Remove the food when it’s dehydrated to your desired level.

Convection Ovens vs. Regular Ovens: What’s the Difference?

How Regular Ovens Work for Dehydration

A regular oven doesn’t have a fan, so hot air can stagnate, leading to uneven cooking or drying.

Why Convection Ovens Are Better for Dehydration

Convection ovens, on the other hand, have built-in fans that circulate hot air evenly. This means faster cooking and better dehydration results. However, ensure your convection oven can be set to low temperatures (125°F–135°F); otherwise, you might end up cooking instead of drying your food.

Why Air Circulation is Key to Dehydration

How Airflow Affects Drying Times

Air circulation plays a vital role in dehydration. In regular ovens, leaving the door slightly ajar improves air circulation, allowing moisture to escape. However, this requires constant monitoring and a thermometer to maintain even temperatures.

In contrast, food dehydrators are designed to ensure consistent air circulation without requiring adjustments or monitoring. They’re specifically made to handle dehydration effectively, making them a hassle-free alternative.

Challenges of Dehydrating in a Convection Oven

One downside of convection ovens is their limited shelf space. Most ovens have only two racks, and the bars are often spaced too far apart, causing smaller pieces of food to fall through.

Remember: food shrinks significantly during dehydration!

How to Maximize Space When Dehydrating

With a dedicated food dehydrator, you’re not limited to just two racks. Some dehydrators, like the Nesco models, can handle up to 30 trays! However, that’s a lot of drying… and you might want to keep your dog’s wagging tail away from a towering stack of trays.

Should You Invest in a Food Dehydrator?

If you’re serious about dehydrating food, it might be time to invest in a food dehydrator. I recommend starting with either the Excalibur or Nesco starter models—they’re affordable and reliable.

Here are some great options on Amazon:

Dehydrators vs. Convection Ovens: Which Costs More?

Using a dehydrator costs less in the long run. Dedicated dehydrators are energy-efficient, have stackable trays for higher capacity, and are designed for consistent performance.

While convection ovens can get the job done, a dehydrator is a more economical and efficient choice for frequent use.

Get Your Free Guide to Dehydrating Food!

Don't forget to grab your free Six Simple Steps eBook! It’s packed with tips for dehydrating everything from fruits and veggies to dog treats. Get it here.