This easy method will show you exactly How To Dehydrate Cherry Tomatoes using a dehydrator. Use dried cherry tomatoes in pasta salads, sandwiches, or even eat them as a snack! It’s the perfect way to use up an abundance of juicy, summer tomatoes.

Dried cherry tomatoes
With all types of tomatoes and vegetables being abundant in the summer, it’s a shame if any had to go to waste! That’s why I love using my dehydrator. I get on dehydrating kicks and all of a sudden my house is filled with dried cantaloupe chips, dried edamame, and more!
Cherry tomatoes are especially useful when they’re dried because they add tons of flavor to pasta salads, fresh green salads, and sandwiches, and they make for a simple healthy snack. That’s why I want to show you How To Dehydrate Cherry Tomatoes step by step.
For this recipe, you’ll need a food dehydrator which is basically a ventilated box that circulates dry heat in order to take the moisture out of whatever is inside the trays. The investment is so worth it as it can save you money and lower your food waste. Whether you have loads of cherry tomatoes or any other type of tomato, your dehydrator will come in handy so you aren’t letting them rot in the garden or go to waste.
The process is very simple and you barely have to lift a finger. I had a good feeling dried cherry tomatoes would taste great but I had no idea how extra delicious they would be! Plus, they filled the house with that fresh and earthy tomato garden smell while they were dehydrating. What could be better?
The best tomatoes for dehydrating
While you can dehydrate almost any tomato you desire, there are some that are better than others. It all depends on HOW you’re going to use them.
Bigger tomatoes such as beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes contain a high water content. This means they’ll take a longer time to dehydrate and the flavor won’t be as concentrated. They’re best enjoyed when mixed with other flavors, like in a burger or sandwich.
The best tomatoes for dehydrating are ones that are small and sweet. This is why I think cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes are best suited for this method. They have a fairly small water content and are much sweeter tasting, which intensifies when the moisture is removed. As you can see my daughter loves snacking on them straight from the garden. 🙂
Add the dried cherry or grape tomatoes to salads, pizza, focaccia, pasta, tomato sauce, chili, meat dishes, and more!
How to dry cherry tomatoes with a dehydrator
The process of dehydrating cherry tomatoes is no sweat at all! You just slice them up and let them dry out for a perfectly sweet and tangy snack:
Wash your cherry tomatoes and cut them in half lengthwise.
Place them on the dehydrating trays in a single layer.
Dehydrate for 9 to 10 hours or until they’re completely dried out.
What to do with dehydrated tomatoes
My favorite way to eat dehydrated tomatoes is the most simple: as a snack! They pair nicely with Mini Blueberry Muffins, added to Cornbread or Baked Spinach Chips when I’m feeling extra healthy.
You can also use them in a cold Tri-Color Italian Pasta Salad during summer or toss them in this Easy Pesto Pasta or Pea Shoots Pasta for something more comforting. When all else fails, use the dried cherry tomatoes on your favorite sandwiches, pizza and flatbread, add some on top of Chicken Parmigiana, or mix them into salads.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the best temperature when dehydrating tomatoes? The best temperature range for dehydrating tomatoes is between 125ºF-135ºF. The timing depends on how thick your tomatoes are and how well your dehydrator holds the heat.
- How to store dried cherry tomatoes? Store dried cherry tomatoes in an airtight container or jar with a lid. They can be used for up to 6 months at room temperature or for up to 1 year in the freezer.
- Can I dehydrate tomatoes without a dehydrator? It takes a bit more work, but you can dehydrate tomatoes in the oven at 225ºF. Make sure to press out as much juice as possible beforehand and flip the tomatoes regularly until the desired consistency is reached.
- Why are dried tomatoes so expensive? Dried cherry tomatoes are expensive because of the labor it takes to dry them out and package them. The best way to combat this is to make them yourself when tomatoes are in season.
More fun things you can do with tomatoes
- Make Homemade Tomato Paste
- Can Whole Peeled Tomatoes
- Grind some up for Tomato Powder
- Prepare a batch of Tomato Salsa
- Freeze Tomatoes for year-round use
- Make your own Diced Tomatoes and Fresh Tomato Soup
Pin for later:
How to Dehydrate Cherry Tomatoes
PrintIngredients
- Cherry Tomatoes
Instructions
- Cut cherry tomatoes in half and spread on dehydrator tray.
- Set your dehydrator to 125 degrees and dry for 9-10 hours. If you think you need more time after 10 hours, do intervals of 30 minutes until they're perfect.
- Store dried tomatoes in a mason jar or plastic bag. Enjoy as a snack or in a recipe.
Larry James truex says
I haven’t tried this yet I’am looking forward to trying it in the spring. What about the Dried skins do they choke you
Jacqueline says
Came out perfectly! Dried for 10 hours @ 135 degrees with my Ninja Foodie Grill
Jamie J says
When you go to use this, do you need to soak them first to re-hydrate them?
Zainuddeen Muhammad says
This is interesting. However, I would like Ty to know I can dry tomatoes and sweet pepper without the use of sophisticated machines. I mean locally.
Jan says
GOOD! and easy!
Larry says
I haven’t tried it yet but when i get enough tomato’s iam going to try it thank you larry
Lenora says
I love these recipes. I love dehydrating deffrent fruits and vegetables
Richard Orndoff says
I’m drying some in my diy solar dehydrator but some are turning black. Why? The temp stays between 115-125.
Thanks
Pamela says
Hey Richard, often if they’re sliced too thin, they will turn black. How thin are you slicing them?
ATasteOfMadness says
Too bad my boyfriend hates tomatoes. And I don’t have a dehydrator :p
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
What a fun experiment! And now I need a dehydrator. Darn it 😀
Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen says
What a great idea. Cherry tomatoes are my absolute favorite tomatoes – along with Romas! I never thought to dehydrate them, but I can totally imagine snacking on these tasty babies! Pinned!
Joanne says
i would love these in salads and pasta! Such a great way to preserve those sweet cherry tomatoes!
Mir says
I’m so jealous because I don’t have a dehydrator! And I love dried tomatoes so much. They’re the best in salads!
[email protected]'s Recipes says
I wish I had so many cherry tomatoes to dehydrate!
Anna @ shenANNAgans says
Boom diggity…. Soooo yarm!
I don’t own a dehydrator, I always do them in the oven. They are the perfect arvo snack. They never last morn than 1 sitting. Ha
Ashley says
I would have never thought about dehydrating tomatoes – but this is so so cool! And they are so pretty with that gorgeous color!
Pamela says
Thanks Ashley, I love how pretty they are too!
Kelly says
Oh my gosh, this is so fun! I have always wanted to get a dehydrator and you are definitely giving me that extra nudge 🙂 I would never have thought of dehydrated tomatoes though but it sounds amazing!!
Pamela says
It’s lots of fun.. the possibilities of drying are endless!
Nicole ~ Cooking for Keeps says
I need a dehydrator!!!! Cherry tomatoes are pretty much the only thing still growing in our garden!
Pamela says
Don’t you love how long they last for?
pam (Sidewalk Shoes) says
I always oven roast mine, next time I’ll get my dehydrator out!
Pamela says
Love me some roasted tomatoes!
Shashi @ runninsrilankan says
You make me wanna run out and buy a dehydrator!!! These dried tomatoes would be awesome to snack on – and would not last long in my house!
Pamela says
Hope you get one Shashi, it’s my new favorite kitchen toy!
[email protected] says
They look so beautiful!
Pamela says
Thanks Ela!
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
Great tutorial. I have never dehydrated my own fruit before.
Pamela says
Thanks Dannii, it’s lots of fun.. and yummy!
Lindsey @ American Heritage Cooking says
Yum! I am loving your idea of pairing them with Ricotta! These look delicious and a super healthy snack. Pinned!
Pamela says
Thanks Lindsey!