You can dehydrate baby bananas using either an oven or a food dehydrator. Here's how:
Oven Dehydration
- Prepare the bananas: Peel the baby bananas and slice them into even pieces, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Place the banana slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking.
- Set oven temperature: Set your oven to its lowest possible temperature, ideally between 175°F and 200°F (80°C and 93°C). If your oven doesn't go this low, prop the door open slightly with a wooden spoon to allow moisture to escape.
- Bake: Bake for approximately 3-6 hours, or until the banana slices are leathery and no longer sticky to the touch. Flip the slices halfway through to ensure even drying. Note that the exact time will depend on the thickness of the slices and your oven's temperature.
- Cool: Allow the bananas to cool completely on the baking sheet before storing.
Dehydrator Dehydration
- Prepare the bananas: Peel and slice the baby bananas into even slices, around 1/4 inch thick.
- Arrange on dehydrator trays: Arrange the banana slices in a single layer on the dehydrator trays, ensuring they aren't touching.
- Set dehydrator temperature: Set the dehydrator to 135°F (57°C).
- Dehydrate: Dehydrate for 6 to 12 hours, or until the banana slices are leathery and no longer sticky. The exact time will depend on your dehydrator and the humidity.
- Cool: Let the bananas cool completely before storing.
Storing Dehydrated Bananas
- Cool Completely: Before storing, ensure the bananas are completely cooled to prevent condensation and mold growth.
- Airtight Container: Store the dehydrated baby bananas in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
- Cool, Dark Place: Keep the container in a cool, dark, and dry place.
- Shelf Life: Properly dehydrated and stored bananas can last for several months.