A new approach of ultrasound-assisted convective drying was tested in this study using a screen as product support and sound transmitting surface. Red bell pepper and apple cubes were dried at 70 degrees C in a laboratory scale hot-air drying oven. In addition to continuous ultrasound used for both products, intermittent ultrasound was applied for apple drying reducing net sonication time to 50% and 10%. Significant improvements of drying characteristics were observed for continuous sonication and intermittent ultrasound at 50% net sonication time. Experimental data were fitted with eight models, among which the Midilli model resulted in the best fit with R-2 > 0.9988 and reduced chi(2) <= 0.0002. The influence of ultrasound on drying time to reach 20% and 30% residual moisture content as well as on effective moisture diffusivities and drying periods is discussed. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.