In this study, response surface methodology was used for optimization of intermittent microwave-convective air drying (IMWC) parameters with employing desirability function. Optimization factors were air temperature (40-80°C), air velocity (1-2 m/sec), pulse ratio) PR ((2-6), and microwave power (200-600 W) while responses were rehydration ratio, bulk density, total phenol content (TPC), color change, and energy consumption. Minimum color change, bulk density, energy consumption, maximum rehydration ratio, and TPC were assumed as criteria for optimizing drying conditions of apple slices in IMWC. The optimum values of process variables were 1.78 m/sec air velocity, 40°C air temperature, PR 4.48, and 600 W microwave power that characterized by maximum desirability function (0.792) using Design expert 8.0. The air temperature and microwave power had significant effect on total responses, but the role of air velocity can be ignored. Generally, the results indicated that it was possible to obtain a higher desirability value if the microwave power and temperature, respectively, increase and decrease.
Keywords: Bulk density; color change; energy consumption; intermittent microwave–convective; rehydration ratiorehydration ratio.