Toss Leftover Lemon Peels In The Air Fryer For A Zesty Lemon Powder

Making and using your magical powder

To create lemon powder, you'll need an air fryer equipped with a dehydrate function. It's important to thoroughly clean your lemon peels, as they may have a thin wax coating that helps extend their shelf life. You can do this by pouring boiling water over the peels or by spraying them with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water, then wiping them down with a clean cloth. It's easiest to clean the lemons while they are still whole.

When you place the peels in the air fryer, be sure not to overcrowd them to allow for even drying. Depending on your air fryer model and the moisture content and size of the peels, the drying process can take anywhere from about three hours at 130 degrees Fahrenheit to 10 or 12 hours at 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The peels are ready when they are brittle enough to snap in half. Once dried, blend them until you achieve your desired texture. Store the powder in an airtight container until you're ready to use it.

There are plenty of creative ways to utilize this powder. Mix it with salt to season vegetables or seafood, or combine it with sugar for baking cookies or cakes. You can make homemade lemon pepper seasoning, stir it into hot water with honey for a comforting drink, or sprinkle it over ice cream for a zesty topping. You can also experiment with other citrus fruits to create your own unique blends. Regardless of how you choose to use it, this simple process results in a vibrant and versatile culinary ingredient.