How to Dehydrate Mushrooms with a Dehydrator (Step-by-Step Guide)

Fresh mushrooms are amazing, but they don’t last long. Within just a few days they can soften, spoil, and lose flavor. When I first started growing, I didn’t even have a dehydrator — I’d balance a metal screen over an inline duct fan, blowing air upward with another screen on top to keep the mushrooms from flying away. It worked for a while, but it was slow and a total hassle.

Eventually, I picked up a cheap dehydrator, and it completely changed the game. It’s still the easiest and most reliable way to preserve mushrooms for months — even years — while keeping most of their flavor and nutrition.

Whether you’re growing your own or just stocking up from the store, here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to dehydrate mushrooms the right way.

Why Dehydrate Mushrooms?

• Long shelf life – store for 6–12 months or longer with vacuum sealing.

• Save money – no wasted mushrooms going slimy in the fridge.

• Convenient – ready to throw into soups, stir-fries, backpacking meals.

• Prepping bonus – light, compact, and lasts without refrigeration.

Best Mushrooms to Dehydrate

Almost any edible mushroom can be dried, but some work better than others:

• Oysters – easy, quick drying, great texture when rehydrated.

• Shiitake – classic for soups and broths.

• Button & Cremini – cheap and widely available.

• Maitake / Hen of the Woods – adds rich flavor to dishes.

Step 1: Harvest & Prep

1. Harvest at the right stage – caps fully open but not soggy.

2. Clean gently – brush off dirt or wipe with a damp cloth. Avoid soaking in water, they’ll just absorb it.

3. Slice evenly – aim for about ¼ inch thickness. The more consistent, the more evenly they dry.

   • Pro tip: with oysters, you can simply tear them into strips by hand.

Step 2: Load the Dehydrator

• Lay pieces in a single layer, no overlap.

• Don’t cram the trays – airflow is key.

• Rotate trays halfway through for even drying.

• Save smaller stems – they dry faster and are great for soups.

Step 3: Temperature & Time

Set dehydrator to 110–120°F (43–49°C).

• Small mushrooms/slices: 6–8 hours.

• Oysters: 6–10 hours.

• Shiitake or thicker slices: 8–12 hours.

How to test: pick up a piece and snap it. If it bends, it needs more time. If it snaps clean, it’s ready.

Step 4: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Common Problems When Dehydrating Mushrooms

• Not drying long enough – leathery mushrooms will re-soften and mold in storage.

• Stacking too thick – slows airflow and causes uneven drying.

• Too hot – cooks mushrooms instead of drying them, changing the flavor.

• Not checking regularly – mushrooms can overdry and crumble if left too long.

• Larger mushrooms blocking the lid – big caps or thick stems can sometimes keep the dehydrator lid from closing all the way. It’s not a big deal — they’ll still dry fine — but if it’s happening often, you can slice them thinner or upgrade to a larger dehydrator later on.

Step 5: Storing Your Dried Mushrooms

Once crisp and fully dried:

• Store in clean glass jars with tight lids.

• Add a silica packet for extra insurance.

• Label jars with the date and type of mushroom.

• Keep in a cool, dark place.

Shelf life:

• Mason jar: 6–12 months.

• Vacuum sealed: 1–2+ years.

• Freezer storage: optional for extra security.

Step 6: How to Use Later

• Rehydrate: soak in warm water for 10–20 minutes.

• Use the soak water: adds deep mushroom flavor to soups and sauces.

• Grind into powder: makes an amazing seasoning for pasta, eggs, or meat.

• Backpacking meals: lightweight and easy to pack.

Recommended Dehydrators

You don’t need a huge setup to start drying mushrooms. Here are a few options (affiliate links):

• Beginner friendly: Elite Gourmet – affordable, easy to use.

• Mid-tier: Presto Dehydrator – solid build, adjustable thermostat.

• Heavy use: Excalibur Dehydrator – more expensive, but built for serious growers.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click and buy through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use or trust.

Final Thoughts

Dehydrating mushrooms with a dehydrator is the easiest way to preserve your harvest and enjoy mushrooms all year. It only takes a few hours of drying and some jars for storage.

💡 No power? No problem. If you ever need to dry mushrooms off-grid or during a power outage, check out my guide on how to dry mushrooms without electricity.

Looking for a deeper dive? I put together a complete SHTF Mushroom Growing Guide that shows how to grow with minimal gear, plus the tools I recommend. See the guide here