How to Dry Peppers in the Oven: No Need for a Dehydrator!
If you’ve been following my blog, you know that we learned the general methods of drying hot peppers in a previous post. Today, however, we will focus on how to dry peppers in the oven. This method is a great alternative if you don’t own a dehydrator and is quite effective when done correctly (and doing it correctly is easy, I promise). I will share what I’ve learned through my experiences, including the dos and don’ts of drying chili peppers in the oven.
Table of Contents
- How to Dry Peppers in the Oven
- How to Dry Chili Peppers in the Oven
- Tips and Common Mistakes
- The Benefits of Drying Peppers in the Oven
- Summary
How to Dry Peppers in the Oven
Drying peppers in the oven is an easy way to preserve your chili harvest and ensure you have a supply of spicy goodness all year round. The key here is to use fresh, ripe peppers without any signs of decay or blemishes. Furthermore, if the peppers are thick, you should cut them in halves and, optionally, remove the seeds (you can grow new chili peppers later using the seeds!)
| Step | Description |
| Preparation | Cut thick-skinned peppers in half. Preheat oven to 60°C (140°F). |
| The Drying Process | Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Place peppers in a single layer, cut side down. Keep oven slightly open. Dry for 6 to 10 hours. |
How to Dry Chili Peppers in the Oven
Here are the steps to dry chili peppers in the oven:
1) Preparation
Before you start the drying process, there are a few important preparation steps to consider. If you’re drying thick-skinned peppers like poblanos, jalapeños, or serranos, it’s important to cut them in half. This helps them dry faster and more evenly. Thin-skinned peppers like Habaneros can usually be left whole, but I sometimes cut them in half to speed up the process.
Preheat your oven to a low temperature. I recommend setting it to around 60°C (140°F). This is warm enough to dry the peppers but not so hot that they will cook. I’ve learned this the hard way—setting the oven too high results in hot peppers that are cooked rather than dried, which will reduce their flavor.
2) The Drying Process
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, place the peppers in a single layer, and cut side down if halved. Alternatively, you can lay them directly on the oven grates. If you’re using whole peppers, ensure they are evenly spaced out to allow air to circulate them.
I have found that keeping the oven slightly open ensures the best results. I usually use a spatula to prop open the oven door, just a crack. This allows moisture to escape and prevents the peppers from steaming, which can also lead to a loss of flavor.
It’s important to be patient with this process. Drying peppers in the oven can take anywhere from 6 to 10 hours, depending on their size and thickness. I often start drying in the evening and let it run overnight. Just be sure to check on them periodically to avoid any mishaps.
Now that you know how to dry hot peppers in the oven, check out my post about dried chili pepper recipes for inspiration!
Tips and Common Mistakes
One of the most valuable tips I can share is to keep the oven temperature consistent. Fluctuations in temperature can result in uneven drying and even scorch the peppers. Using an oven thermometer can help you monitor the internal temperature accurately.
Another mistake I’ve made is forgetting to cut thick-skinned peppers in half. This significantly prolongs the drying time and can result in partially dried peppers, which are not ideal for storage.
The Benefits of Drying Peppers in the Oven
One of the biggest advantages of drying chili peppers in the oven is that it’s accessible to anyone with a conventional kitchen setup. Unlike a dehydrator, which can be an investment, an oven is something most of us already have. This method also allows you to dry large quantities at once, making it perfect for those of us who grow our own peppers and need an easy way to preserve them.
Summary
This guide explains how to dry peppers in the oven, an effective method for preserving your spicy harvest without a dehydrator. We discuss the importance of preparation, including cutting thick-skinned peppers and maintaining a low, consistent oven temperature. We also look at some common mistakes, such as setting the oven too high or neglecting to cut the peppers, which can negatively affect the drying process. Don’t forget to keep the oven slightly open to allow moisture to escape.
Drying chili peppers in the oven is a great way to ensure you have a supply ready for use in your favorite recipes. For more tips and ideas, remember to check out my posts on how to rehydrate chili peppers, how to make chili paste with dried peppers, and how to store dried peppers.
I’d love to hear about your experiences and tips or mistakes you’ve encountered while drying peppers in the oven. Of course, I would love to learn about other methods to dry chili peppers without a dehydrator. Please share them in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this guide with fellow chili heads!
