Microwave assisted air drying of osmotically treated pineapple with variable power programmes

► Variable microwave power combined with air drying was studied on pineapple pieces. ► The combination drying resulted in a fast drying process without significant charring. ► Microwave power was effective mostly in the first hour to 1.5 h of processing. ► Early on, low air temperature (30-50 °C) was beneficial with high microwave energy.