Aroma AFD-815B - Food Dehydrator Manual

Parts Identification

Controls/Functions

Power Switch
Turns the dehydrator on and off.

Temperature Control Knob
Manually adjusts dehydrating temperature from 95°F-155°F.

Before First Use

1. Read all instructions and important safeguards.
2. Remove all packaging materials and check that all items have been received in good condition.
3. Tear up all plastic bags and dispose of properly as they can pose a risk to children.
4. Wash the removable front cover, drying trays, mesh inserts, and drip tray in warm, soapy water. Dry thoroughly.
5. Wipe the surface of the body with a wet cloth. Do not wash the fan or heating element at the back of the unit.
6. After cleaning and reassembling, adjust the temperature knob to 155°F then flip the power switch to On.
7. The red indicator light will illuminate to signify the beginning of the dehydration cycle.
8. Run the dehydration cycle without any food inside for 30 minutes. Any smoke or smells produced during this time frame are normal.
9. After 30 minutes have elapsed, flip the power switch to Off.
10. Rinse and dry all removable parts then reassemble for next use. Let the unit cool for at least 2 hours before operating again.

Do not immerse the food dehydrator base, cord or plug in water at any time.

Please ensure sufficient ventilation of the room and that at least an inch of clearance on all sides of the food dehydrator is available.

Do not operate the dehydrator for more than 20 hours in one single use.

To Clean

1. Wash the removable front cover, drying trays, mesh tray inserts, and drip tray in warm, soapy water.
2. Use a soft brush to remove any food sticking to the trays.
3. Wipe the surface of the body with a wet cloth. Do not wash the fan or heating element at the back of the unit.
4. Dry all parts thoroughly. Reassemble for next use.

Note:

• Do not wash parts in a dishwasher, as heat may cause the parts to warp or deform.
• Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.
• Running the dehydration cycle for 30 minutes with no food inside is only necessary before first use.

Dehydrating

1. Place pre-treated ingredients onto the drying trays. Do not overload the trays or allow ingredients to overlap.
2. Slide the loaded trays into the food dehydrator. Ensure that the drip tray is in place at the bottom of the unit.
3. Slide on the front cover.
4. Ensure at least an inch of clearance on all sides of the food dehydrator for ventilation.
5. Plug the power cord into an available 120V.
6. Adjust the temperature control knob to the desired temperature then flip the power switch to On.
7. The red indicator light will illuminate to signify the beginning of the dehydration cycle.
8. Allow the dehydrator to operate for the desired amount of time, checking the status of the food periodically.
9. When finished, flip the power switch to Off then unplug the power cord.
10. Allow the dehydrated food to cool before serving.

Note:

• For smaller ingredients, fit the mesh insert onto a drying tray to prevent pieces from falling through the holes.
• For best results, set a lower temperature for thinner/smaller pieces of food or for smaller loads, and a higher temperature for thicker/ larger pieces and larger loads. The temperature control knob can also be used to decrease the temperature as the food nears the end of its drying cycle to allow more control over the final moisture level.

Temperature Setting

Recommendations

*Cook meat/poultry to 160-165°F prior to dehydrating.

Rehydrating

• Previously dehydrated food can be rehydrated by soaking the food in water or by pouring hot water over it. Do not add any seasonings during this process as they may change the flavor of the food as a result. Typically, 1 cup of water is appropriate for 1 cup of dehydrated food.
• For stewed fruits, add 2 cups of water and simmer until tender.
• Dehydrated fruits and vegetables can be soaked in cold water using a 1:1 water/dried food ratio for 2 to 6 hours in the refrigerator. Room temperature may create an environment for harmful bacteria to grow. They can alternatively be immersed in boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes or until they reach the desired consistency.

Once rehydrated, food must be consumed quickly or stored in the refrigerator to prevent spoiling.

Useful Tips

Apples
Wash and peel (if desired) then core and slice into ¼" slices or rounds. You may wish to soak the fruits in lemon juice for 2-3 minutes prior to dehydrating to keep them from darkening in color. Dry approximately 7-15 hours. Apples should be slightly crisp. If you wish to rehydrate, soak in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes.

Apricots
Wash, half and remove the pits. Pretreatment is not necessary. Dry approximately 10-18 hours. Apricots should be pliable with no pockets of moisture. To rehydrate, soak in hot water for 15 minutes.

Bananas
Avoid using overripe bananas. Peel and slice. You may wish to pretreat by soaking in lemon juice for 1-2 minutes to prevent darkening. Dehydrate approximately 6-10 hours or until crisp. To rehydrate, soak in hot water for about 10 minutes.

Berries
Remove stems, wash and shake dry. Pretreatment is not necessary. Drying time is approximately 10-15 hours. Rehydrate by soaking in hot water for about 15 minutes. Drain well before using.

Helpful Hints:
To keep foods from sticking, brush a light coat of vegetable oil on the drying tray. It will make removing food and cleaning easier.

Food Labeling
Labeling each container helps to remind you of the contents, date of drying and original weight. Keeping records of all of this information will be of great help towards improving your drying techniques and obtaining better results.

Storage
Proper storage is essential to maintaining the quality of foods. For best results, wait until the food is cool before storing (see note). Foods can be kept longer if stored in cool, dry and dark places. Ideally, storage temperatures should be below 60°F or 16°C (the lower the better).

Storage Containers
Place dried food in plastic freezer bags before storing in metal or glass containers. Avoid containers that "breathe" or have weak seals. Fill the container with as much as possible. Remember, air can destroy food. Squeeze air out if using plastic bags or boiling pouches.

Moisture Check
Check the moisture of your dehydrated food on a regular basis. If you notice moisture inside, dehydrate it for a longer time.

Recipes

Cinnamon Apple Chips

3-4 apples
1/2 tbsp. lemon juice
- cinnamon

Cut apples into 1/8"-1/4" thick slices and place in a bowl of water with the lemon juice to prevent browning. Arrange evenly on each tray, sprinkle with cinnamon and dry at 145°F for 7-8 hours until apples are completely dry to the touch.

Mango Chili Fruit Leather

32 oz. mango chunks
- chili powder

Line 4 trays with parchment paper. Add mango to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Spread 1/4 of the puree onto each tray and spread into a thin layer roughly 1/4" thick. Sprinkle evenly with chili powder. Dry at 135°F for 6-8 hours until leather is no longer sticky to the touch. Cut into strips or pieces and enjoy.

Berry Green Fruit Leather

1 cup fresh strawberries
1 cup fresh blueberries
3/4 cup applesauce
1/4 cup kale, finely minced

Wash strawberries and blueberries. Remove the stem from the strawberries. Place strawberries and berries in a blender or food processor to make a puree. Add applesauce to mixture and blend for 5 seconds. Add kale to the mixture and stir in with a spatula. Pour mixture onto tray lined with wax paper. Layer should be about a ¼" thick. Dry at 135°F for 8 hours or until leathery. Let leather cool and remove with spatula. Wrap rolls in cellophane and store in an airtight container.

For additional recipes, visit us at www.AromaCo.com or at www.AromaTestKitchen.com

Service & Support

In the event of a warranty claim, or if service is required for this product, please contact Aroma^® customer service toll-free at:
1-800-276-6286
M-F, 8:30am-4:30pm, Pacific Time

Or we can be reached online at:
CustomerService@AromaCo.com

Aroma Housewares Company
6469 Flanders Drive, San Diego, CA 92121, U.S.A.
1-800-276-6286
www.AromaCo.com
M-F, 8:30am – 4:30pm, Pacific Time

Questions or concerns about your Aroma product? www.AromaCo.com/Support
1-800-276-6286

Stay connected for more recipe ideas and monthly giveaways!

www.AromaTestKitchen.com

/AromaHousewares

Documents / Resources

References

• Rice Cooker Recipes - Slow Cook, Steam and Grill - Aroma Housewares
• Kitchen Countertop Cooking Products - Aroma Housewares
• Rice Cooker Recipes - Slow Cook, Steam and Grill - Aroma Housewares
• Kitchen Countertop Cooking Products - Aroma Housewares
• FAQs - Kitchen Appliance FAQs - Aroma Housewares

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