Dried Fruit on the Staq Vertical Smoker

Instructions

• Step 1: Wash and slice all fruit evenly for consistent drying. Slice Thickness Apples/Pears: 1/8 inch, Bananas: 1/8 inch, Pineapple/Mango: 1/4 inch, Strawberries: halved. Optional: Toss apples or bananas in lemon juice to prevent browning.
• Step 2: Preheat the Staq to: 160°F–180°F using Ultimate Blend Pellets, Apple Pellets, or Cherry Pellets.
• Step 3: Flavor Variations: For Cinnamon Apple Chips: Season the apple slices with cinnamon, brown sugar, and a tiny pinch of cayenne. Chili Lime Pineapple: Season the pineapple with Tajín and fresh lime zest. Bourbon Peach Candy: Lightly brush the peaches with bourbon and honey before cooking.
• Step 4: Place fruit slices directly on: Mesh Cooking Mats or Cooling Racks. Leave space between slices for airflow.
• Step 5: Dehydrate on low and slow until fruit is: dry to the touch, flexible, slightly chewy, and has no visible moisture.
• Step 6: Approximate times for dehydration: Apples 4–6 hours, Strawberries 4–5 hours, Pineapple 6–8 hours, Mango 6–8 hours, Bananas 5–7 hours, Citrus 5–8 hours.
• Step 7: Allow fruit to cool completely before storing in mason jars, vacuum bags, or an airtight container.