As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Dehydrating Onions is such a simple way to preserve this delicious pantry staple! Learn how to dry onions in a food dehydrator or in the oven.

an up-close image of dehydrated onions in a glass bowl

Onions are a staple in so many kitchens for a reason. This incredible ingredient adds so much flavor to all kinds of recipes. While fresh storage onions can last for a while, dehydrating onions will extend the shelf-life tenfold.

If you’re a huge onion fan (and who isn’t?), check out our posts on Instant Pot French Onion Soup, Gluten-Free French Fried Onions, and Instant Pot Caramelized Onions.

And if you don’t have a dehydrator, this tutorial on How to Freeze Onions will be right up your alley.

I have owned this dehydrator for at least a dozen years, and it has held up beautifully. I’ve added additional trays over the years and it is a workhorse in summer and fall, meaning I can dehydrate oregano, drying chives, dehydrate mint, drying rosemary, dehydrated oranges, dehydrating potatoes, drying peaches, drying peppers, dehydrate marshmallows, drying limes, dehydrate garlic, dehydrate basil, dehydrate tomatoes, dry pears, and dehydrate apples. That’s what is called a preserving win.

a before and after photo of onions on round dehydrator trays

HOW LONG DOES DEHYDRATED Onion LAST?

As long as it is stored in a cool and dry place, your dehydrated onions will be good for years. Make sure the dried onions are fully cooled before putting them into an air-tight container. As it cools it will release heat that could result in condensation and eventually cause the onion to mold.

Pro Tips/Recipe Notes

Pro Tips/Recipe Notes

  • Avoid the temptation to increase the heat on the dehydrator or oven to speed up the process. Low and slow wins in the race on this one.
  • If possible, move your dehydrator outside to a safe covered space. The smell of drying onion can be overwhelming to many people.
  • The onions are ready when pieces of it break or snap instead of bend. If your pieces are thinner, it will feel papery when ready.
  • (optional) add a bit of uncooked dried white rice to a powerful blender to make homemade onion powder. The rice will help keep the onion powder from clumping together.
  • Use onion in our Best Seasoning for Burgers blend.

More Delicious Preserving Recipes

dried onions in a glass bowl with yellow and purple onions on a white board

5 from 1 rating

Dehydrating Onions

Prep: 15 minutes
Drying Time: 12 hours
Total: 12 hours 15 minutes
an up-close image of dehydrated onions in a glass bowl
Learn how to dry onions in a food dehydrator or in the oven.

Ingredients 

  • onions

Instructions 

  • Remove the tops and skins.
  • Cut in half and then make slices ~3/8 inches thick.
  • Arrange the slices on your dehydrator so that there is space around each slice, and the slices are not touching.
  • Set your dehydrator to the "fruit/vegetables" setting (or 135 degrees F).
  • Rotate trays every few hours.
  • Onions are ready when pieces of it break or snap instead of bend. If your pieces are thinner, it will feel papery when ready. (6-12 hours depending on conditions)

Notes

  1. If possible, move your dehydrator outside to a safe covered space. The smell of drying onion can be overwhelming to many people.
  2. Dried onions are 3-4 times stronger than fresh.
  3. Dried onions will rehydrate to ~80% of the original size when soaked in water for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Oven-Drying Instructions: Follow the cutting instructions above and then place onion slices on baking drying racks set in baking sheets.
Place in the oven at the lowest temperature possible (usually 140-170 degrees F) and prop open the door with the handle of a wooden spoon. This allows condensation to escape instead of just settle back onto the onions.
 
Bake for 5-8 hours.

Additional Info

Course: How To
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Mention @sustainablecooks or tag #sustainablecooks!

Shop This Post

About Sarah

Helping you serve up budget-friendly sustainable recipes with a side of balanced living.
Come for the food. Stay for the snark.

You May Also Like:

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

1 Comment

  1. Thanks for mentioning that dehydrated onions will last years. My husband and I love to cook, but we can never seem to keep things fresh long enough to use them. I think we’re definitely going to order some dehydrated ingredients to help us with our cooking.5 stars