Method and apparatus for combined product coating and drying

摘要

An apparatus for drying and coating a food product is provided which enables a uniform coating to be sprayed on the product without adversely affecting the product moisture content. The apparatus includes a reel which includes at least one and preferably a series of perforate zones in the sidewall for circulating air around the product during passage of the product therealong. Spray nozzles are arranged at intervals along the reel to deposit sugar, salt or other food coatings in slurry form on the food product. The reel rotates during coating and drying of the product to prevent aggregation of the individual food products and uneven coating, as well as providing for uniform drying of the coated product. The invention includes a method of drying and coating a food product including the steps of introducing the food product into a reel inlet, rotating the reel and circulating air therethrough, applying a coating to the product during rotation of the reel and drying the coating on the product before discharging the coated product from the dryer.