There are few treats as popular as marshmallows around the world. S’mores are made from them and some people enjoy these squishy treats on their own.
But marshmallows can be dehydrated as well, which is another option.
Where can I find dehydrated marshmallows? Food dehydrators, ovens, and air fryers can all be used to dehydrate marshmallows. If your marshmallows are larger, you may have to dehydrate them for longer. Dehydrating marshmallows at 160°F will allow them to completely dry out and prevent them from burning or caramelizing.
Dehydrating marshmallows is explained in detail in this article. Read on for tips on how to dehydrate marshmallows using different methods, as well as how to use dehydrated marshmallows.
What Are Marshmallows?
Almost everyone loves marshmallows. These fluffy candy candies are a joy to eat plain, toasted, or in baking.
Many people enjoy these squishy treats, but not all are aware of what goes into them.
Incredibly, marshmallows are composed of just a few simple ingredients – sugar, corn syrup, water, and gelatin.
In order to create marshmallows, the mixture of sugar, water, and corn syrup must be boiled. A gelatin powder is added to the marshmallow mixture to give it a distinct texture.
For marshmallows to be fluffy and soft, however, you must add one key ingredient. Various shapes are formed out of the marshmallow mixture after it is ready.
Homemade marshmallows are also possible. Marshmallows made at home have a different texture than those made in a commercial factory.
Can You Dehydrate Marshmallows?
As with fruits and vegetables, marshmallows can be dehydrated. However, dehydrated marshmallows are less healthy than dehydrated fresh produce, but they are definitely more fun.
Various dehydrating methods can be used to dehydrate marshmallows.
What Does Dehydrating Do To Marshmallows?
Foods like marshmallows can be kept longer by dehydrating them. Due to the lower moisture content, dehydrated marshmallows are less likely to spoil.
Regular marshmallows and dehydrated marshmallows differ primarily in their texture. The texture of dehydrated marshmallows is hard and crispy, rather than soft and squishy like regular marshmallows.
You can see from the outside of a fresh marshmallow that it is raw, somewhat moist, and resembles a sponge. However, dehydrating preserves the spongy appearance of a marshmallow while making the inside dry.
Marshmallows don’t lose their flavor when they’re dehydrated. Despite being sweet and flavored, they do not lose their taste.
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What You Should Know Before Dehydrating Marshmallows
The process of dehydrating marshmallows seems simple enough. Dehydrating these candies, however, comes with a few risks.
Marshmallows Don’t Shrink When You Dehydrate Them
Moisture causes food to shrink. When marshmallows are dehydrated, they shrink, which is why a lot of people expect them to get smaller.
If you wait for the marshmallows to shrink, you’ll burn them because they puff up slightly when dehydrated, unlike other foods.
The Larger The Marshmallow The Longer It Takes To Dry
A marshmallow can be mini, regular, or jumbo. All sizes of marshmallows can be dehydrated. It will, however, take longer for marshmallows to dry if they are thick.
Marshmallows of all sizes and sizes can be dehydrated. You may want to first cut them into smaller pieces in order to facilitate the dehydration process.
Cut the marshmallows instead of waiting for the jumbo marshmallows to completely dry for hours.
The center of the marshmallows can be left soft and squishy even with jumbo marshmallows.
The second advantage of small marshmallows is that they are more versatile. A large marshmallow should be cut first due to this reason.
Do not cut the marshmallows once they are fully dry since they will crumble.
Determining When The Marshmallows Are Fully Dry
The recipe contains detailed instructions for dehydrating marshmallows, including the right temperatures and the recommended baking times.
The marshmallows will remain soft and chewy, though. What causes this to happen?
There are differences in how ovens operate. Although they may, the room’s humidity is also important. If your area is too humid, it will take longer for the marshmallows to completely dry out.
Dehydrated marshmallows need to be able to be determined when they are done.
Testing a marshmallow, while it is in the oven or being dehydrated, is the best way to determine its dryness.
Take out all of the marshmallows once they become crunchy and hard. Before checking if the marshmallow is done, it is imperative that it has cooled.
The marshmallow can also be crumbled. Dehydrated marshmallows crumble if they are properly dehydrated. You may need to let the marshmallows dehydrate for longer if it is not crumbling and looks raw inside.
When you are using a dehydrator, you should know one thing. Even after they’ve been dehydrated, marshmallows feel squishy when they are removed from the dehydrator. When you dry marshmallows in a dehydrator, you may notice this.
If you want to determine if the marshmallows are completely dry, leave them for around 15 minutes.
Take a few marshmallows out of the dehydrator and let them cool down if it’s your first time using it so you’ll know how long it takes.
You can also take out the rest of the marshmallows if they become crispy.
How To Dehydrate Marshmallows
You can dehydrate marshmallows in several ways. Dehydrating marshmallows makes sense if you have a dehydrator.
Dehydrators are now readily available. If you want to dehydrate marshmallows, you can use your oven or an air fryer.
Three different methods of dehydrating marshmallows are described here.
Dehydrating Marshmallows In The Oven
Kitchens all have ovens. Dehydrating marshmallows at home is therefore possible for everyone. The following instructions will show you how to dehydrate marshmallows at home using an oven.
- Prepare the oven by preheating it. Make it as low as possible. Ovens should not be set higher than 200°F. It will burn or caramelize if it is higher.
- On a parchment-lined baking sheet, place the marshmallows. One marshmallow should be layered over another.
- Every 20 minutes throw the marshmallows. Marshmallows will dehydrate and heat from all sides if you do this.
- Test a few marshmallows after they have cooled in the oven. Take the rest of the marshmallows out of the oven if they are dry and crumbly.
In a hot oven, marshmallows need to be dehydrated for 2-3 hours. A darkened or burned marshmallow will result if not treated correctly. It produces comparable results to those produced by a food dehydrator, nonetheless.
Dehydrating Marshmallows In A Dehydrator
Healthy foods can be preserved for longer by using food dehydrators. How about using it to make marshmallows and other sweet treats?
You can make fluffy candies in a food dehydrator if you have one at home. The best results can be achieved with a dehydrator with minimal effort. A dehydrator can be used to dehydrate marshmallows.
- Lay the marshmallows on a dehydrator rack in a single layer. Do not let marshmallows clump together. In order to ensure even dehydration, space should be left between marshmallows.
- The dehydrator’s temperature should be set at 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
- At least 2 hours are required for marshmallows to dehydrate. There is a connection between marshmallow size and how many you have in your dehydrator.
- Let the marshmallow cool for around 2 hours. If the marshmallow is crisp after cooling, it is ready to eat. You can remove the remaining marshmallows from the dehydrator if they are crispy and not raw inside. Let them cool, and store them in an airtight container.
You might experience marshmallow-sticking issues. It takes place when the marshmallow’s internal sticky part is exposed to heat.
In this case, wait until the marshmallows are completely cool before attempting to remove them from the racks. Quite easily, the marshmallows should be able to come off the racks once they have cooled.
Dehydrating Marshmallows In An Air Fryer
An air fryer is also a great tool for dehydrating marshmallows. By using an air fryer, you can achieve the same results as using a toaster or dehydrator while taking up a fraction of the space.
In an air fryer, dehydrate marshmallows by following these steps.
- Place the marshmallows in the air fryer’s rack or the basket.
- The marshmallows need space between them so that air can flow and dehydration can occur.
- 160 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal temperature for air fryers.
- The air fryer should be set for 60 minutes to dehydrate mini marshmallows. The drying process may take longer for larger marshmallows.
- Take a few marshmallows out after 1 hour to test. You may remove the whole batch after cooling down if they become dry and crispy.
According to the air fryer, marshmallows dehydrate at different rates. As you use your dehydrator, you’ll learn how long different marshmallow sizes take.
Can You Dehydrate Marshmallows In The Microwave?
By heating food in the microwave and allowing it to evaporate, marshmallows can be dehydrated.
You may or may not have a positive experience. If you have never dried marshmallows before, we recommend trying dehydrating a small batch.
Put the marshmallows on a microwave-safe plate in a single layer to dehydrate them in the microwave. 60 seconds on high in the microwave. As they cook, marshmallows will puff up.
Microwave the marshmallows for another minute after the puffiness subdues.
All marshmallows must be dry and crispy after repeating these steps.
Can You Air Dry Marshmallows?
It has also been suggested to air dry marshmallows in order to dehydrate them. There is, however, a difference between dehydrating marshmallows and warming them. Furthermore, there are two major problems with it.
A marshmallow dehydrated in an oven, a dehydrator, or an air fryer will have a different texture than one that has been air dried.
A second problem is that air drying marshmallows is time-consuming. The marshmallows may dehydrate by air drying over a period of weeks or months.
It is certainly possible to air dry marshmallows to see if they turn out well after dehydrating. The marshmallows should be left in an open bag to do so.
It is okay to keep them in their plastic bags. Make it airy by cutting it open.
Dry and cool the marshmallows. As they dry out, they will harden. You won’t be able to make marshmallows as ‘fluffy’ as ones dehydrated in an oven.
In hot beverages, air-dried marshmallows are best.
How Long Does It Take For The Marshmallows To Dehydrate?
A marshmallow’s duration of dehydration depends on many factors, including their size, how humid the climate is where you live, and what appliance you are using.
To dehydrate mini marshmallows in a dehydrator, for example, it will take around 2-3 hours.
The marshmallows will take around 1 hour longer to fully dry if the temperature of the dehydrator is lower than 160°F.
How To Store Dehydrated Marshmallows
Dehydrated marshmallows last longer, so we know that. However, only if they are stored correctly.
In a sealed container or bag, store dehydrated marshmallows. In addition, you can use zip-top bags or mason jars to store the products.
Check that the marshmallows are dry before transferring them. After each use, firmly shut the container.
To make marshmallows crisp again if they become too soft, dehydrate them once again.
How Long Do Dehydrated Marshmallows Last?
Depending on the manufacturer and storage conditions, marshmallows in an unopened bag can be stored for up to 8 months. The marshmallows should be eaten as soon as possible after opening the bag.
Because marshmallows contain sugar, over time, the sugar will either make them sticky or cause them to harden as they come into contact with air.
Dehydrating marshmallows is certainly a good option if you have used some of them and you still have the rest remaining. Marshmallows should be dehydrated as fresh as possible for best results.
Ensure the marshmallows are properly dehydrated before storing them in their original packaging.
Proper storage conditions may cause the dehydrated marshmallows to soften again. This situation may require them to be dehydrated again or they may have to be discarded.
Additionally, when white marshmallows turn light yellow, they should be thrown out. It is clear that the marshmallows are stale from their color change.
How To Use Dehydrated Marshmallows
Snack on some dehydrated marshmallows – they’re sweet and crunchy. However, they can be used for much more than that. You can use dehydrated crispy marshmallows in the following ways.
- Top hot chocolate. In addition to being widely used as a hot chocolate topping, dehydrated marshmallows have other uses as well. In order to make hot chocolate kits, it is a good idea to use dehydrated marshmallows since they last longer and don’t get sticky.
- Use in cereal. The texture and flavor of dehydrated marshmallows can be added to the cereal mix. You may even be unable to mix mini marshmallows into your cereal mix. You can reduce the size of the marshmallow pieces before you use dehydrated ones in this manner.
- Mix into Rice Krispies. Another crunchy treat can be made by mixing crispy marshmallows. You can enhance the texture and flavor of Rice Krispies by adding dehydrated marshmallows.
- Use for baking. Dehydrated marshmallows can be added to cookie and brownie batters, as well as used to decorate cakes.
- Make granola bars. Adding dehydrated marshmallows may not be the most healthful option, but it helps make the granola bar tastier. The granola treat will be sweetened and will have a crunchy texture.
Are Dehydrated Marshmallows Better For Hot Chocolate?
Marshmallows become gooey when you mix them with hot chocolate. Also, the beverage is cooled, allowing you to drink it earlier.
Yet why are so many sources advising people to dehydrate marshmallows for hot chocolate? What are the benefits of dehydrating marshmallows?
After soaking up the liquid, dehydrated marshmallows will look like regular marshmallows. It is more enjoyable to drink hot chocolate, however, since they take longer to dissolve.
Further, dehydrating a bag of mini marshmallows and storing them in an airtight jar will ensure that you will always have a tasty topping for hot chocolate on hand.
4 Tips For Dehydrating Marshmallows
The process of dehydrating marshmallows isn’t very complicated. However, knowing some tricks and tips to make it easier is always helpful.
1. Use Powdered Sugar When Cutting Large Marshmallows
Using powdered sugar to dust your knives or scissors while cutting up large or jumbo marshmallows is recommended. As a result, your tools will not stick to marshmallows.
Along with the powdered sugar, you will also need a wet cloth to keep the scissors and knife clean as you will need to do so periodically.
Besides dusting your cutting tool with powdered sugar, you can also cover the cut marshmallows with it. Using powdered sugar and cornstarch, in this case, will work well.
To prevent the marshmallows from sticking to each other, coat them with this mixture once they have been cut.
2. Keep The Marshmallows Away From Each Other When Dehydrating
Make sure you keep the marshmallows separated when you transfer them to a baking tray to dehydrate.
A single layer of marshmallows is also important. In order to dry marshmallows quickly and efficiently, you should provide them with plenty of airflow.
Keeping mini and tiny marshmallows from touching each other may seem like a difficult task. By doing so, however, you’ll reduce the amount of dehydrating time you spend and achieve better results.
3. Let The Marshmallows Sit For 24 Hours
To store the dehydrated marshmallows, place them in an airtight container or bag after 24 hours on the baking tray.
To store marshmallows for long periods of time, this step ensures they are completely dry.
I particularly recommend this tip to anyone who is dehydrating marshmallows for the first time and is uncertain if they are completely dried or not.
4. Make Marshmallow Powder
Make marshmallow powder if you are not familiar with how to utilize dehydrated marshmallows. In some recipes, marshmallow powder can replace sugar in place of powdered dehydrated marshmallows.
It is very easy to make marshmallow powder. The dehydrated marshmallows need to be blended or processed in a food processor until they reach a powder texture.
To sweeten coffee, tea, and other hot drinks, place the marshmallow powder in a tightly sealed dry container. Sugar can also be substituted with this powder in some baking recipes.