How To Make Cucumber Chips
Cucumber Chips are so fun to make while also being nutritious and delicious. They are a fun low-carb snack and a good use of lots of leftover cucumbers from those cucumber plants you might have bustling with backyard cucumbers!
I recently purchased a food dehydrator to make my MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) for backpacking and camping adventures. I have been having a blast making my MREs, but also other food items like watermelon jerky, dried cherries (it’s cherry season), and now dehydrated cucumbers!
Now it is time to make dehydrated cucumber chips!
Quick Question, Can I Put Cucumbers in a Dehydrator?
Yes! Dehydrated cucumbers are an excellent chip replacement, a fun new salad topper, or ground up into a healthy seasoning. The flavor of the fresh cucumbers is intensified with the use of the dehydrator which makes for refreshing and flavorful chips.
Why I Made This Recipe
Jacob and I enjoy backpacking and camping and I love to make my homemade MREs. While it is easy to find minute rice at the store, items like dehydrated vegetables, beans, and lentils are a bit harder to find and can be a bit pricy.
Not only is my dehydrator used for MRE making but I am also preserving fruits and veggies from my garden and the local foods purchased from nearby farms.
I also enjoy making this recipe when I have an abundance of cucumbers in my garden!
What to do with Dehydrated Cucumbers
- Serve as vegetable chips, a lovely potato chips replacement. Try them dipped in ranch or sour cream.
- A Crunchy salad, grain bowl, salad topper
- Pulverize into cucumber powder and add to onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, garlic salt or sea salt, and pepper. Use this seasoning mix with meat or other proteins
- Whisk into a vinaigrette with citrus or vinegar and olive oil.
Ingredients
English Cucumber: Use any other cucumber you might have, and cut it into thin slices.
Salt (optional)
Equipment
Dehydrator – a great investment for making your own camping and backpacking meals.
A sharp knife or a mandoline slicer – this is one of those kitchen gadgets I don’t use often but when I need it I’m so happy I have it. I like to slice the cucumbers on the thinnest setting.
How to Make This Recipe
Prep The Cucumbers
Wash the cucumbers. You may leave the skin on or peel it depending on your preference. Slice the cucumber into thin, even slices. You may use a mandolin or a sharp knife to achieve consistent thickness. Aim for slices 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. At this time, you have the option to add salt to the “chips” for flavor.
Dehydrate the Cucumbers
Arrange the cucumber slices in the dehydrator. Lay the cucumbers out in a single layer so they are not overlapping.
Set the dehydrator temperature to around 130°F. Let the dehydrator run for 8-10 hours. The exact time depends on the thickness of the cucumber slices, humidity, and dehydrator model.
The cucumber chips are ready when they are completely dry and crisp. They should easily snap when bent. If they still feel pliable, dehydrate for longer.
Once fully dehydrated let the cucumber chips cool down to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container. They should stay fresh for several weeks if properly stored.
FAQ (Ask a Dietitian?)
How long do dehydrated cucumbers last?
When stored in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag in a cool, dry, and dark place. Dehydrated cucumbers can remain fresh and retain their quality for several months. The excess moisture from the chips in the dehydration process.
Are dehydrated cucumbers good?
Dehydrated cucumbers are good. They have a crunchy texture, and intense flavor, and are a healthy snack with a refreshing crispy texture. However, taste preferences are individualized and while some individuals enjoy them others may not.
How do you prep cucumbers for dehydration?
To prepare cucumbers for dehydration you must keep three things in mind.
Choose: Choose fresh firm cucumbers with smooth skin. Avoid cucumbers that are overripe, bruised, or have soft spots.
Wash: Rinse the cucumbers under cool running water to remove dirt or residue. You have the option to use a vegetable brush to gently scrub the skin if planning on keeping the skin on.
Slice: Using a mandolin slicer or a sharp knife, slice the cucumbers. Each slice should be about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick. The uniform thickness of the slices ensures even dehydration.
What else can I use a dehydrator for?
You can make homemade fruit roll-ups, crunchy snacks like apple chips, strawberry chips, and of course cucumber chips, and you can make your backpacking meals! I love to make backpacking meals with leftover veggies and fruit from the farmer’s market or my garden.
Like This Dehydrated Cucumber Recipe? Try These Too!
Dehydrated Watermelon (AKA Watermelon Jerky)
Dehydrated Cucumbers
Equipment
- 1 dehydrator
Ingredients
- 2 large english cucumbers
- kosher salt optional for seasoning
Instructions
Prep The Cucumbers
- Wash the cucumbers. You may leave the skin on or peel it depending on your preference.
- Slice the cucumber into thin, even slices. You may use a mandolin or a sharp knife to achieve consistent thickness. Aim for slices 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
- Optional to add salt a this time to the "chips" to season.
Dehydrate the Cucumbers
- Arrange the cucumber slices in the dehydrator. Lay the cucumber out in a single layer so they are not overlapping.
- Set the dehydrator temperature to around 130°F. Let the dehydrator run for 6 to 10 hours. The exact time depends on the thickness of the cucumber slices, humidity, and dehydrator model.
- The cucumber chips are ready when they are completely dry and crisp. The should easily snap when bent. If they still feel pliable, dehydrate for longer.
- Once fully dehydrated let the cucumber chips cool down to room temperature, then store in an airtight container. They should stay fresh for several weeks if properly stored.
Nutrition
Hi, I’m Sarah Harper, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist passionate about cooking, eating, and sharing all things food! At The Addy Bean, you’ll find a variety of flexitarian recipes designed to inspire and empower you to explore the delicious world of plant-based eating. My mission is to make plant-forward meals approachable, enjoyable, and part of your everyday life!
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