Marshmallows are little sweet clouds enjoyed by so many of us! One of the best things about these treats is that they can be dehydrated into crunchy snacks that can also double as toppings!
So, how can you dehydrate marshmallows? Well, there are so many methods to do so! Let’s discuss six easy methods to dehydrate marshmallows at home.
Yes! You can dehydrate marshmallows. Just put them in a single layer on a dehydrator tray with equal spaces in between. Set the dehydrator to 120-125 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 to 12 hours until the marshmallows turn hard.
Once you dehydrate your marshmallows, they’ll last you even longer.
How do you dehydrate marshmallows?
There are multiple ways to dehydrate marshmallows using different appliances. You can dehydrate marshmallows using a dehydrator, an oven, a microwave, and even an air fryer. Let’s walk you through all the methods!
Important tips for dehydrating marshmallows
- If your marshmallows are big, you should cut them into small pieces to speed up the process.
- It’s impossible to over dehydrate marshmallows. The drier they are, the crunchier.
- Before you test them, let them sit till they reach room temperature.
How do you dehydrate marshmallows in a dehydrator?
Using a dehydrator is the best and most hassle-free way to dehydrate marshmallows.
Step 1: Put the marshmallows on the dehydrator rack in a single layer
Avoid putting marshmallows in clumps. Putting them at a distance will ensure equal dehydration.
Step 2: Temperature is key
Set the dehydrator temperature at 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 3: Give the process time
You should keep the marshmallows in the dehydrator for at least 2 hours. However, the time duration varies according to the size and number of marshmallows.
Step 4: Let the marshmallows cool
Give your marshmallows some time to cool after taking them out. Then, chew them to test for your desired crunchiness. If they are crunchy and not raw on the inside, then remove the rest of your marshmallows.
Step 5: Store and enjoy
Make sure your marshmallows have completely cooled. Once cool, store them in an airtight container for later.
How do you dehydrate marshmallows in an oven?
No dehydrator? No problem! Use an oven.
Step 1: Arrange the marshmallows
Put the marshmallows on the over tray in single layers. Make sure to use a baking sheet to avoid sticking.
Step 2: Set the temperature and preheat
The best temperature to dehydrate marshmallows in the oven is under 200 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you can also set it at 200 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 3: Put the marshmallows in the oven
Make sure the marshmallows are arranged with space between them for even dehydration.
Step 4: Toss and turn
After you put the marshmallows in the preheated oven, toss them with a spatula. Do this every 20 minutes to ensure the marshmallows are equally dehydrated by the end.
Step 5: Let them dehydrate
Keep the marshmallows in the oven for around 1 to 2 hours until they turn crunchy. If your temperature is higher than 200 degrees Fahrenheit, then it might take less time.
Step 6: Take them out
When the marshmallows are wrinkled and crispy, it’s a sign that they are done.
Step 7: Cooling time
Let them cool and give them a taste test. If they are at your desired dehydration level, store them in an airtight container to munch on later.
How do you dehydrate marshmallows in a microwave?
You can dehydrate marshmallows in a microwave, but it is not the best way. They can turn out to be either perfect or just okay.
Note: Take large miniature marshmallows as this method shrinks the marshmallows more than the other methods.
Step 1: Place the marshmallows on a plate
Put the marshmallows on a microwave-safe plate in a single layer. Avoid clumps at all costs.
Step 2: Heat the marshmallows
Set the microwave on high and heat the marshmallows for 1 minute. You’ll see them expand as they heat up.
Step 3: Let them cool
Let the marshmallows de-puff, then take them out of the microwave, and toss and turn them.
Step 4: Repeat the process
Now, put the marshmallows back in the microwave and heat them for another 1 minute.
Step 5: Keep repeating until desired crispiness is reached
Repeat the heating and turning process until the marshmallows reach your desired crunchiness.
Note: Try to avoid heating the marshmallows for too long as it might cause them to turn dark due to sugar crystallization.
How do you dehydrate marshmallows in an air fryer?
Dehydrating marshmallows in an air fryer sounds unconventional, but it provides the same results as an oven or a dehydrator. To top that off, dehydrating in an air fryer is quicker too!
Step 1: Arrange your marshmallows
Place your marshmallows on the rack or basket of the air fryer. Make sure you don’t put too many at a time.
Step 2: Set the temperature
Now, set your air fryer’s temperature at 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 3: Let them dry
If you have mini marshmallows, let them stay in the air fryer for an hour. If you have large marshmallows, then keep them a little longer.
Step 4: Time to test
Before testing, take some marshmallows out and let them cool for a bit. After that, chew and check if they are crispy enough to be considered done. If so, take the entire batch out and store it!
How do you freeze-dry marshmallows?
Freeze drying marshmallows takes more time than other methods, but you can definitely get results.
Step 1: Arrange your marshmallows
Put your marshmallows atop the freeze dryer sheet. Make sure not to pile them up! Leave a little space between the marshmallows.
Step 2: Set the freeze dryer
Choose the “Not Frozen” option.
Step 3: Follow the instructions
Now, focus on the screen prompts and follow them.
Step 4: Give them time to dry
Keep your marshmallows in the freeze dryer for 12 hours. After 12 hours, they will be completely hard.
How do you air dry marshmallows (under the sun)?
Air drying your marshmallows will take longer than the other methods. However, if you don’t have any of the aforementioned appliances, this method is super useful!
Step 1: Put your marshmallows on a tray
Spread your marshmallows on a tray with a non-stick sheet on it. Make sure to lay them in a single layer to get quick results and even dehydration.
Step 2: Set them outside
Go out on a sunny day and lay the tray directly under the sun.
Step 3: Moment of truth
Now, keep checking them until they reach the desired level of dehydration.
How do you store dehydrated marshmallows?
You can store dehydrated marshmallows in a ziplock bag or a fully airtight container. The marshmallows will last longer if maximum air is pushed out of the container/ziplock bag before it’s locked up. You can use a vacuum sealer for this purpose too.
Moreover, you can double bag your dehydrated marshmallows using a freezer zip top bag. Of course, using zip top bags will not keep your dehydrated marshmallows good for a long time. To get the most time out of them, you can use smaller zip top bags and put them in an airtight container.
Also read this article on how you can dehydrate jello!
How do you rehydrate marshmallows?
You can rehydrate marshmallows using two methods to make them soft again.
Put your dried marshmallows in a bowl. Fill a cup with water and place the cup next to the bowl in a microwave. Heat it for 10 seconds; the moisture from the cup of water will restore your marshmallows.
You can also put your marshmallows in a bag and put the bag in a bowl of hot water. Make sure that the water is not boiling hot. Keep the bag there until it starts to float, then you are good to go.
How long will dehydrated marshmallows last?
Dehydrated marshmallows will last you for 12 months If they are properly dehydrated and stored in an airtight container.
If you store the dehydrated marshmallows incorrectly, they might regain moisture. In this case, you can choose to either dehydrate them again or toss them in the trash.
A pro tip is to always use white marshmallows. If you use white ones, it will be easier to indicate if they have gone stale. When they turn yellow, it’s a sign to discard them.
Related FAQs to dehydrating marshmallows!
What can you do with freeze-dried marshmallows?
There are so many things made yummier with freeze-dried marshmallows! They make a great snack and an amazing topping for hot cocoa (to add extra sweetness). You can also add them to your trail mix for a sweet surprise! Moreover, you can top your brownies with freeze-dried marshmallows while baking for extra gooeyness.
Do dehydrated marshmallows have gelatin?
Yes, dehydrated marshmallows do have gelatin and are not vegan. Dehydrated marshmallows, even in the form of Lucky Charms, contain gelatin.
Are Lucky Charms marshmallows dehydrated?
Yes! Lucky Charms marshmallows are dehydrated, hence the crunchiness. If marshmallows have moisture, they tend to be completely soft and not crunchy on the outside. This is not the case with Lucky Charms.
Concluding our thoughts on dehydrating marshmallows!
Marshmallows are widely enjoyed clouds of joy that become even more special when made crunchy. Dehydrated marshmallows are easy to prepare at home. Using a dehydrator will give you the most effective and quickest result. Now that you know that you can dehydrate marshmallows and how to do so, you’re all set! You can use any method you desire and add them as a topping on your hot cocoa or add them to your trail mix! Have fun munching!