Dehydrating Jalapeno Peppers: Easy Step-by-step Instructions
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Last Updated on December 7, 2023
Dehydrating jalapenos is super easy! Having dried jalapeno peppers on hand at all times means you never have to miss out on adding a kick of spice to your dishes. Learn how to make dehydrated jalapenos, jalapeno powder and even jalapeno salt with our easy, step-by-step instructions.
Dehydrating Jalapeños
My family loves spicy food! Unfortunately, I cannot eat nightshade foods, but I sure do miss peppers. When you have dehydrated jalapeno peppers on-hand, it’s so easy to add a nice zesty punch to any recipe. Although they are typically enjoyed fresh, making dried jalapeno peppers is a great way to preserve their flavor and extend their shelf life.
Have you ever considered making your own dehydrated jalapeño peppers? It’s easier than you think, and I will walk you through it step-by-step, as provide you with helpful tips and ideas for using your dehydrated peppers.
Dehydrated Jalapenos
Dehydrated jalapenos, also known as dried jalapenos, can be used in numerous recipes. They have a concentrated heat and flavor that adds nice fiery flavor to any dish. Dehydrating jalapenos is a simple process that involves removing the moisture from the peppers, resulting in a shelf-stable product that can be stored for long periods of time.
What You Need to Make Dried Jalapenos
To dehydrate jalapenos, you will need the following:
- 4-5 fresh jalapenos
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Disposable gloves (optional)
- Oven
- Glass jars or a Mason jar for storage
Ways to Dry Jalapenos
There are different methods you can use to dry jalapeno peppers. The two most common methods are using a food dehydrator or drying them in the oven. Whichever method you choose, the steps involved are relatively straightforward.
We prefer drying jalapenos in the oven, because waiting for them to dry on dehydrator trays can take a long time. The oven is quick and easy, and we’ll teach you how to do it.
How to Dry Jalapenos in Oven
Here’s how to make dried jalapenos using the oven. Be sure to wear gloves! You can print these instructions using the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Wash and pat the peppers dry with a paper towel. Any excess moisture can make the dehydrating process take longer.
- Preheat the oven to 200ºF.
- Using gloves, cut the stem of your peppers and slice the jalapenos into ⅛-inch slices.
- Place the jalapeno slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 2 hours or until hard, dried and brittle to the touch.
Note: I use fresh green jalapenos, but they start to turn red as they ripen with time. Red jalapenos are also fine to use (I had a partially red one when I made this, as you’ll see in the pics).
Best Tips for Dehydrating Jalapeños
Here are some hel[ful tips to help you achieve the best results when dehydrating jalapenos:
- Choose fresh peppers for the best flavor and heat.
- If you prefer a milder heat, remove the seeds and the white pith before drying the jalapenos.
- Be sure the size of your slices are even so they dry at the same rate.
- Experiment with different drying times to achieve the desired texture. Some people prefer their jalapenos slightly pliable, while others prefer them crispy.
- Label your containers with the date of drying to ensure that you use the oldest peppers first.
- Wearing gloves can protect your skin from the potent heat.
- Always wash your hands after handling peppers and be sure to avoid touching your face or eyes!
Dehydrating Other Types of Peppers
While we focus on drying jalapeno peppers, the process of dehydrating other types of hot peppers is similar. Whether you have poblano peppers, habanero peppers, or bell peppers, you can follow the same steps to dehydrate them and enjoy their flavors all year round.
You can even mix some spicy peppers with less spicy ones for a nice variation!
Variations to Dehydrated Jalapenos
There are several variations you can try when dehydrating jalapenos to add different flavors and textures:
- Smoked Jalapenos: You can achieve a smoky flavor by smoking the jalapenos before dehydrating them. This adds a rich and complex taste that pairs well with barbecue dishes.
- Sweet and Spicy Jalapenos: If you enjoy a little sweetness with your heat, try sprinkling the fresh jalapenos with a natural sweetener before drying them. This creates a sweet and spicy flavor combination that is perfect for snacking.
- Seasoned Jalapenos: Experiment with different seasonings to add depth to your dried jalapenos. Some popular options include granulated garlic, onion powder, and cumin.
Making Jalapeno Powder
One popular use for dried jalapenos is making jalapeno powder. Jalapeno powder is a versatile spice that can be used in rubs, marinades, and seasoning blends. Here’s how you can make your own:
- Grind the dried jalapenos in a spice grinder or coffee grinder until they reach a fine powder consistency.
- Store the jalapeno powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
- Use it as a seasoning in your favorite dishes or sprinkle it over popcorn for a peppery punch.
Making Jalapeno Salt
To make jalapeno salt from dried peppers, follow these steps:
- Start by gathering the ingredients: dried jalapeno peppers and sea salt.
- Using a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle, grind the dried jalapeno peppers into a fine powder. Make sure to remove any seeds or stems before grinding.
- In a bowl, combine the ground jalapeno powder with an equal amount of sea salt. You can adjust the ratio of jalapeno powder to salt based on your preference for spiciness.
- Mix the jalapeno powder and salt thoroughly until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture into a glass container with an airtight lid. It is important to use a glass container as it will help preserve the flavor and freshness of the jalapeno salt.
How to Store Dehydrated Jalapenos
Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality of your dehydrated jalapenos. Here are some tips to help you store them correctly:
- Ensure that the jalapenos are completely dry before storing them. Any remaining moisture can cause them to spoil.
- Store the dried jalapenos in an airtight container, such as a glass jar or a zip-top bag.
- Keep the container in a cool, dark place to maintain the color, flavor, and heat of the jalapenos.
- Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as the moisture in the fridge can compromise their quality.
When stored properly in a glass container with an airtight lid, dried jalapenos can last for up to 1 year. The key is to keep them in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and moisture. This will help maintain their flavor and prevent them from becoming stale or moldy.
Ways to Use Dehydrated Jalapenos
Dehydrated jalapenos can be used in a wide range of dishes to add a spicy kick. Here are some ideas to get you started:
-
- Add them to soups and stews for an extra burst of heat.
- Sprinkle them over eggs or omelets for a spicy breakfast.
- Use them as a topping for nachos, tacos, or pizza.
- Mix them into homemade salsa or guacamole for added flavor.
- Crush them and use them as a spicy seasoning for popcorn or roasted nuts.
Rehydrating Jalapeno Peppers
If you prefer the texture and flavor of fresh jalapenos, you can rehydrate the dried jalapenos before using them. To rehydrate jalapeno peppers, simply soak them in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes until they become soft and plump. Drain the excess water and use the rehydrated jalapenos in your favorite recipes.
Nutrition Info for Dried Jalapenos
Not only are dehydrated jalapenos a delicious addition to your meals, but they also offer health benefits. Dried jalapenos retain their nutritional value even after dehydration, making them a healthy choice for adding spice to your meals.
Jalapenos are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as capsaicin, a compound that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. So, by adding dehydrated jalapenos to your dishes, you’re not only adding flavor but also a boost of nutrients.
One ounce (28 grams) of dried jalapenos contains the following nutrients:
- Calories: 99
- Protein: 4 grams
- Fat: 1 gram
- Carbohydrates: 21 grams
- Fiber: 10 grams
- Vitamin C: 291% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin A: 18% of the DV
What Do Dried Jalapenos Taste Like?
Dried jalapenos have a concentrated heat and smoky flavor. They retain the characteristic taste of fresh jalapenos, but with a more intense flavor profile. The drying process enhances the sweetness and richness of the peppers.
Can I Freeze Dried Jalapenos?
Yes, you can freeze dried jalapenos for long-term storage. Simply place the dried jalapeno slices or powder in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer. Frozen dried jalapenos can last for up to a year without any loss in quality.
What’s The Difference Between Dried Jalapenos And Chipotle Peppers?
Dried jalapenos and chipotle peppers are two different types of dried peppers. While dried jalapenos are simply dehydrated fresh jalapenos, chipotle peppers are smoke-dried jalapenos. The smoking process gives chipotle peppers a distinct smoky flavor, making them a popular ingredient in Mexican cuisine.
How Long Are Dried Jalapenos Good For?
When stored properly, dried jalapenos can retain their quality for up to two years. However, it is recommended to use them within one year for the best flavor and potency. Always check for any signs of spoilage, such as mold or off-putting odors, before using them in your recipes.
Now that you know how to dehydrate jalapeno peppers, you can enjoy their spicy kick and flavor all year round. Whether you choose to make dried jalapeno slices or jalapeno powder, you’ll have a versatile ingredient that can enhance a wide range of dishes. So put on your gloves, grab some fresh jalapenos, and start dehydrating!
PrintDehydrated Jalapeno Peppers
Ingredients
What You Need to Make Dried Jalapenos
- 4–5 fresh jalapenos
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Disposable gloves (optional)
- Oven
- Glass jars or a Mason jar for storage
Instructions
How to Dry Jalapenos in Oven
- Wash and pat the peppers dry with a paper towel. Any excess moisture can make the dehydrating process take longer.
- Preheat the oven to 200ºF.
- Using gloves, cut the stem of your peppers and slice the jalapenos into ⅛-inch slices.
- Place the jalapeno slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 2 hours or until hard, dried and brittle to the touch.
Notes
See our post for instructions on making jalapeno powder and jalapeno salt with your dried jalapenos.
