How to Dehydrate Pickle Chips

If you love the salty tart flavor of dill pickles you are going to want to see just how easy it is to make dehydrated pickle chips. This unique food dehydrator recipe is a nifty way to savor the flavor of tangy dill pickles beyond the brine-by dehydrating them into crunchy, savory pickle chips.

Dehydrated dill pickle chips boast a concentrated flavor and a satisfying crunch, making them an irresistible snack.

I love to make my own dehydrated snacks like Watermelon Chips, Dried Cherries and Chili Lime Mango. My dehydrator works overtime during the summer as I preserve as much seasonal dehydrated fruit, vegetables and herbs as possible.

How do you eat dehydrated pickles?

They are a perfect standalone snack or can be used as a zesty addition to recipes like creamy cucumber dill dip or you can make dill pickle dip with them. Use them any way you might enjoy adding the tart flavor of pickles.

Beyond their role as a delicious treat, dried pickles can also be ground into a powder for seasonings, offering an innovative way to inject that distinct pickle flavor into any dish. Or use the pickle powder to rim cocktail glasses.

The tart flavor of dried pickle slices pairs well with a variety of dishes, adding a tangy twist.

Preserving the Crunch

For the home cook, gardener, food storage enthusiast, or the adventurous soul who loves to hike or camp, dehydrating pickles offers an excellent method to preserve this beloved sandwich topper.

Add a few slices to the top of a burger or sandwich and you have the combination crunch of a potato chip with the tart flavor of a pickle.

Dehydrating not only extends the shelf life of pickles but also concentrates their flavor, making them a versatile ingredient for cooking. They all so shrink down in the process making them so much easier to store in a mason jar or a mylar bag.

Whether you’re looking to minimize waste, save space in your pantry, or prepare for your next outdoor adventure, dehydrating pickles is a smart, flavorful solution.

New to dehydrating and need more info? Grab my FREE Dehydrating Quick Guide.

Dehydrating Equipment

Dehydrating can be accomplished using a variety of appliances, from conventional ovens to air fryers. However, for the best results and ease of use, a high-quality food dehydrator is the way to go.

Unlike other methods that may unevenly dry or require constant monitoring, a good dehydrator provides consistent airflow and temperature control, making it my preferred choice for drying fruits and vegetables to perfection.

• High-quality food dehydrator
• Mandolin slicer or sharp knife and cutting mat or board
• Air-tight storage containers to keep your dried pickles crisp and

Below is a quick look at the ingredients and directions. You can find the entire ingredient amounts and step by step directions in the recipe card below. P. S. You can also save your favorite recipes to your personal recipe box! ⬇️

Ingredients Needed

List the recipe ingredients without amounts and include info about them.

Ingredients:

• Large Dill Pickles: I bought a huge gallon jar of Mt. Olive jumbo pickles at Walmart. (affiliate link)

Equipment:

• Sharp paring knife
• Cutting Mat
• Colander and a bowl
• Food Dehydrator
• Dehydrator Mesh Tray Liners
• Airtight containers for storage

Using the right tools is just as important as using the right ingredients. Make sure your recipes turn out perfect every time.

 

👇See the detailed step by step directions in the recipe card below!

You can find the temperature and how long it took to properly dehydrate in the recipe card.

Recipe Prep

• Thinly slice the pickles into ¼ inch rounds. I used a small sharp paring knife.
• Drain the sliced pickles in a colander to remove as much pickle juice as possible.

Step by Step Directions

• Step 1: Properly slicing and draining is an important step. Evenly ¼ inch sliced and drained pickles will dry properly and not take as long to reach the perfect brittle stage of dryness.

• Step 2 Dehydrating the Pickles: Load the dehydrator with the trays and turn it on.

• Step 3 How long to dehydrate pickles: Dehydrating times vary. It can take approximately 6-8 hours to dehydrate ¼ inch thick pickle chips if you drain them the way I did. If the slices are extra moist it will take longer. It is worth the extra step of draining them in a colander which removed 1 ½ cups of the pickle juice for me.

Drying Times

The humidity in your home environment will play a big role in the amount of time it takes to dehydrate foods. Low humidity areas will take about half the time compared to a high humidity area.

Check every few hours to see how dry the foods are. Most vegetables should bend and snap when done. The crisper they are the better it is because crispy dried foods have been dried very well.

How to store dehydrated foods

• Glass jars with tight-fitting lids are an excellent option for storing dried pickle chips. These containers are airtight and keep moisture, light, and pests out. I like to use Ball canning jars and vacuum seal the flat lids to extend the storage times.
• Vacuum-sealed bags or canisters also work well for long-term storage of dehydrated pickles. Removing all the air from the container helps to maintain the crunchiness of the chips.
• Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers are another popular option for storing dehydrated pickles. These bags have a barrier layer that prevents moisture and light from entering, keeping the chips fresh for an extended period.

Serving Suggestions

Dehydrated pickles, with their unique combination of tang and crunch, offer surprising versatility in the culinary world. Here are a few creative ways to incorporate them into your meals:

• Sandwiches and Wraps: Top off with a handful of crunchy pickle chips.
• Zesty Seasoning: Grind dehydrated pickles into a fine powder to create a zesty seasoning for popcorn, French fries, or homemade chips.
• Flavorful Breading: Crush them into coarse crumbs and mix with breadcrumbs to coat chicken, fish, or vegetables before frying or baking for an added tang.
• Innovative Garnishes: Use whole or chopped dehydrated pickle chips as a crunchy garnish on burgers, hot dogs, or tacos to introduce a burst of flavor and texture.
• Savory Trail Mix: Combine with nuts, seeds, and other dehydrated vegetables for a savory twist on the traditional trail mix.
• Snackable Chips: Simply enjoy them as a tangy, low-calorie snack that satisfies the craving for something crispy and flavorful.

These are just a few possibilities to explore with dehydrated pickles, proving that this pantry staple can go far beyond its humble beginnings.

Optional Dehydrating Tools

📌Dehydration Do’s and Don’ts:

• Slice evenly for uniform drying. ¼ inch slices are recommended.
• Avoid overlapping slices in the dehydrator. They will not dry properly and may stick together.
• Condition your vegetables to equalize moisture. This step should not be skipped because the dried foods can get moldy. Conditioning is a good way to check and make sure the food has been properly dehydrated.
• Store in a cool, dark place.
• Check regularly for crispiness. Properly stored dried foods will stay crisp.
• Experiment with seasoning after dehydration for added flavor.
• Keep in mind machines that run at a fixed temperature run at a higher temperature appliances with a temperature dial. Read the manual. You will need to keep a closer eye on the pickles. They will dry much faster and could over cook if your not careful.

The Joy of Preserving Vegetables

Capturing the essence of fresh produce through dehydration opens up a world of culinary creativity. Not only does it provide a satisfying way to enjoy your favorite flavors year-round, but it also offers the convenience of having a stockpile of ready-to-use ingredients at your fingertips.

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