A higher temperature risks scorching the outside and not drying the inside.

NOTE: Wedges can take up to 12 hours to dry! Start preparing them in the morning so you don’t risk starting a fire overnight. Chips dry much more quickly. For extra crispy chips, slice the bananas into 1/8 inch rounds instead (0. 3 cm). This may be easier with a mandoline. If the bananas are mushy and difficult to slice, chill them in the fridge for 5-10 minutes to firm them up. [2] X Research source You don’t even need a knife to make wedges! Work your finger into the end of the peeled banana and it should divide into three segments. [3] X Research source It doesn’t matter if the banana breaks in the process. You’ll want it in smaller lengths anyway. For a large quantity of bananas, soaking them in lemon juice for several minutes before slicing will save you preparation time, but the additional moisture will add time to the baking stage. [4] X Research source

If you don’t mind brown chips, you can skip this step. Brushing the juice onto both sides of the bananas will also work. Pineapple juice, lime juice, or any other acidic juice will work instead. You can even use vitamin C tablets crushed in water. If you don’t like the flavor of the juice, dilute it in a 1:4 ratio with water and soak the bananas for 3-5 minutes.

The bananas should be in a single layer, not stacked atop each other. It’s fine if their edges are touching. If you don’t have a wire rack, cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper or spray it with a nonstick cooking spray. This method will be less effective at removing moisture and could take many hours longer (especially for wedges). You can mitigate this by leaving the oven door a few inches ajar to allow moisture to escape. [5] X Research source An electric fan kept next to the open oven door will also help air circulate. [6] X Research source

If using a wire rack, place the baking sheet in the oven first to catch drips, then place the rack on top of the baking sheet.

Flip the bananas over once about halfway through the baking process. This will dry each side evenly and is especially important if the bananas are placed directly on a baking sheet. The bananas will become crispier as they cool, so remove them when they’re still a little softer than you would like.

If you don’t have a wire rack, a dish-drying rack can work instead. An ordinary plate will still do in a pinch.

Peel the bananas and slice them in 1/4 inch rounds (0. 6 cm) to produce leathery chews, or slice them 1/16 to 1/8 inches thick (0. 15 to 0. 3 cm) to make crunchy chips. Chips will take up to 24 hours to dehydrate, whereas leather should be done within 12. Plan accordingly. Slices smaller than 1/4 inch (0. 6 cm) will tend to stick together when stored. Dip the pieces in lemon juice to prevent the chips from turning brown. This step is optional.

If your model of dehydrator comes with specific instructions for bananas, use the temperature and time listed there instead. Check their progress every 2-4 hours and rotate the tray to ensure even drying. If you decided not to put lemon juice on them, the caramel brown color is a good sign that they’re done or nearly done. Otherwise, you can take a sample out to taste test once it’s cooled to room temperature. If you leave your chews in too long and dislike the extra-tough texture, continue to dehydrate them and turn them into crisps. This may not work if the slices are extra thick.

You can also use a rolling pin for this. The goal is to get the bananas down to about 1/8 of an inch (0. 3 cm). If you don’t want to measure them, just make it as flat as you can!

When ready, the top should be leathery but not sticky. If the bottom is still moist, you can optionally flip them over halfway through.

Stainless steel or plastic are the best options for meshes. Do NOT use aluminum, hardware cloth, or fiberglass meshes (unless the fiberglass mesh is clearly labeled food-grade).

Peel the bananas and slice them into 1/8 inch rounds (0. 3 cm), or at least no larger than 1/4 inch (0. 6 cm). If you want to prevent browning, dip the pieces in lemon juice.

Your roof is a great high-sun option that keeps it removed from most environmental pollution. A concrete driveway will reflect the heat from the ground, drying the bananas faster.

If you’re not sure, just cut one open or bite into it to check for moisture.