How to Dehydrate Marshmallows in a Dehydrator

On this page (7 sections)

1. How do you dehydrate marshmallows in a dehydrator?
2. What temperature and drying time should you use?
3. What happens to marshmallows in a dehydrator?
4. How should you store dried marshmallows?
5. What can you do with dehydrated marshmallows?
6. Which dehydrator resources can help you get started?
7. How do you get crunchy marshmallow pieces?

To dehydrate marshmallows, spread them in a single layer and dry them at a low, steady temperature until crisp. Check often, because size, humidity, and airflow affect how long they take.

Use plain marshmallows and a clean, dry dehydrator. The finished pieces can be eaten as crunchy snacks or added to drinks and desserts.

How do you dehydrate marshmallows in a dehydrator?

Arrange marshmallows with space between them, then dry them on a low setting until crisp. Check your dehydrator manual for its temperature guidance and keep an eye on the pieces as they change shape.

1. Make sure the trays and dehydrator are clean and dry.
2. Place marshmallows in one layer, with room around each piece.
3. Set the machine to a low temperature allowed by its manual.
4. Check the pieces periodically and rotate trays if your manual recommends it.
5. Test a cooled piece for crispness before deciding they are done.
6. Cool the batch completely before packing it away.

Small marshmallows may dry more quickly than large ones. If you want consistent results, use pieces of a similar size on the same tray.

Should you cut marshmallows before drying?

You can dry marshmallows whole or cut larger ones into smaller pieces. Smaller pieces expose more surface area and may dry more evenly, but they can also become sticky or puff during drying.

Use clean kitchen shears or a knife, and space the pieces apart. If cutting makes them tacky, try whole marshmallows on a later batch.

What temperature and drying time should you use?

Follow the temperature range in your dehydrator manual and start at the lower end if it gives a range. Machines vary, so check for texture rather than relying on a universal time.

A fan helps move air through a dehydrator, which can affect how evenly food dries. See does a dehydrator need a fan for a plain explanation of fan and airflow basics.

Check pieces as they dry, especially if the marshmallows are small or your machine has a strong fan. If some trays dry faster than others, move them only as the manual allows.

A long drying cycle uses electricity, though the exact amount depends on the appliance and how long it runs. Our guide to how much electricity a dehydrator uses explains the factors that affect energy use.

How can you tell when marshmallows are done?

Let a test piece cool, then check whether it is crisp through the center. Warm food can feel softer, so don't judge the full batch straight from the machine.

If a cooled piece bends or feels chewy inside, continue drying and check again later. If it is crisp but tastes toasted or has darkened, reduce the heat for the next batch.

What happens to marshmallows in a dehydrator?

Marshmallows can puff, shrink, or change shape as they lose moisture. Leave room between them so pieces don't touch if they expand.

Use a liner only if your dehydrator manual allows one and it doesn't block airflow. Don't pile marshmallows on top of each other.

If you want to compare another method, read how to dehydrate marshmallows in an oven. Oven heat and airflow differ from a dehydrator, so follow the guidance for that appliance.

How should you store dried marshmallows?

Cool the pieces fully, then seal them in an airtight container and store it in a dry cupboard. Warm marshmallows can release moisture inside the container, softening the batch.

Check the container after storage for condensation or pieces that have turned chewy. If moisture appears, dry the marshmallows again before storing them in a clean, dry container.

Don't rely on a specific shelf life unless you have a tested storage process. Make smaller batches if you expect to use them soon.

What can you do with dehydrated marshmallows?

Use crisp marshmallow pieces as a snack or add them to hot drinks and desserts. Try a small portion first to see how the texture works in your recipe.

Dehydrating other foods calls for different prep and drying checks. For fruit ideas, see how to dehydrate lemon slices, how to dehydrate citrus slices, how to dehydrate kiwi fruit, or dehydrate plums on a dehydrator.

For greens, read how to dehydrate spinach leaves.

Which dehydrator resources can help you get started?

A guide with prep steps, temperatures, and times for many foods can help you plan future batches. For a leafy herb, see how to dehydrate parsley.

The Ultimate Dehydrator Cookbook includes those topics along with recipes that use dehydrated ingredients.

A cookbook is useful if you plan to dry foods beyond marshmallows. For a leafy herb, see how to dehydrate thyme.

Use your dehydrator manual for appliance-specific temperature and tray instructions.

How do you get crunchy marshmallow pieces?

Use a low setting, space the pieces apart, and confirm crispness after cooling. Choose whole or cut marshmallows based on the texture and size you want, then check the batch as it dries.

If you want the simplest method, start with small marshmallows and dry a test batch. If you want broader dehydrating guidance, the Ultimate Dehydrator Cookbook includes food preparation and drying information.

Frequently asked questions

Can you dehydrate marshmallows?

Yes, marshmallows can be dried in a food dehydrator until their outside and center feel crisp. A dehydrator may make them puff or change shape, so leave space between pieces and check a few as they dry.

Cool them fully before sealing them in a dry, airtight container.

What temperature should I use to dehydrate marshmallows?

Use a low setting and follow your dehydrator manual, since machines vary in their heat and airflow. If the manual allows a range, begin at its lower end and check the marshmallows as they dry.

Avoid assuming one temperature or time works for every size and machine.

How long does it take to dehydrate marshmallows?

Drying time depends on marshmallow size, room humidity, tray spacing, and the dehydrator's airflow and temperature. Check pieces periodically instead of relying on a fixed time.

They should feel crisp through the center after cooling, since warm pieces can seem softer than they will once fully cool.

How should I store dehydrated marshmallows?

Cool the marshmallows completely, then seal them in a clean, dry, airtight container. Keep the container in a cool, dry cupboard and check for moisture or softening before eating.

If condensation appears, the pieces were warm when packed or moisture entered, so dry them again before storing.