Lykkers, right now is the perfect season to enjoy juicy, golden pineapples. Their tangy-sweet taste makes them a refreshing treat, but fresh pineapples don't last long—especially in warm weather.

Often, we buy a big pineapple, eat a few slices, and then struggle to finish it before it spoils. So, what should we do with extra pineapple?

Instead of letting it go to waste, we can transform it into pineapple chips, a chewy and flavorful snack that lasts much longer.

Why Pineapple Chips?

Pineapple chips are more than just a way to preserve fruit. They become a treat that's convenient to carry, fun to munch on, and just sweet enough to satisfy our cravings without feeling heavy. Unlike store-bought dried fruit, homemade pineapple chips are fresh, natural, and free from unnecessary additives.

Plus, making them is surprisingly simple once we know the steps.

What We Need

To prepare pineapple chips, we don't need a long list of ingredients. Just two essentials: one ripe pineapple and a little salt. As for equipment, the main tool is a food dehydrator. If we don't have one, an oven with low-temperature settings can also work. The key is to dry the pineapple slices evenly until they reach that chewy, golden perfection.

How Is The Step

Step 1: Preparing the Pineapple

First, we need a good-quality pineapple. When buying, it helps to choose one that smells sweet at the base and has a bright, golden color. We can ask the seller to peel it for us to save time. Once peeled, we cut off both the top and the bottom, keeping only the juicy middle part. This ensures that our chips come out even in taste and texture.

Step 2: Slicing It Right

Next, we slice the pineapple into pieces about 3 millimeters thick. They shouldn't be paper-thin, or they'll turn too crisp and break easily. But they also shouldn't be too thick, or they'll take forever to dry. Aim for slices with a little bite, somewhere in between.

Don't worry about being exact—it's enough to keep them fairly even so they all dry at the same pace.

Step 3: Soaking in Salt Water

Here comes a small but important trick. We soak the pineapple slices in a bowl of clean water with a pinch of salt. This step prevents the fruit from browning, helps keep its vibrant color, and enhances the natural sweetness. Let the slices rest in the water for about 15 minutes before draining. Then, pat them dry gently with a clean cloth or paper towel.

Step 4: Laying Them Out

Once dry, we spread the slices evenly on the dehydrator racks. Make sure they don't overlap, or some pieces will end up chewy while others stay too moist. Spacing them out allows warm air to circulate and dry them evenly. If using an oven, place the slices on parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Drying to Perfection

Now it's time for the machine to do the work. We set the dehydrator to a low temperature (around 135°F / 57°C is ideal). Depending on the machine, it usually takes 8–12 hours for the slices to dry properly. In an oven, we should use the lowest heat setting, leave the door slightly open to let moisture escape, and check the slices from time to time.

The chips are ready when they look golden and slightly resemble delicate snowflakes.

Extra Tips for Better Results

1. Want a quick drink? Drop a few pineapple chips into hot water with rock sugar, and we get a soothing pineapple tea.

2. Always read the dehydrator instructions before use—knowing the right settings helps us avoid over-drying or burning the slices.

3. Fresh pineapples work best. The fresher they are, the more vibrant and flavorful the chips turn out.

4. Don't rush the process. Drying takes time, but the chewy sweetness at the end is worth the wait.

Sweet Ending

Lykkers, making pineapple chips is not just about saving fruit—it's about enjoying pineapple in a whole new way. We turn something simple into a fun snack that's perfect for travel, work, or sharing with friends. Next time we have a pineapple at home, let's give this method a try and enjoy the sweet reward.

Who's ready to make their own chewy pineapple chips with us?

How to dehydrate Pineapple - Easy Dried Pineapple Recipe

Video by Ma Recipes