Dehydrated watermelon jerky- yes, you read that correctly! This little snack is a great way to enjoy watermelon on the go, even when it's no longer in season! Get ready for a whole new sweet experience. You may also want to learn how to freeze-dry bananas!
Watermelon is one of my favorite fruits, so I'm always on the hunt for watermelon-flavored snacks. Even when I freeze dry candy, I always include watermelon Jolly Ranchers, my favorite flavor. Now, there is a new way I can enjoy this delicious fruity flavor without all the added sugar!
If you can't wrap your head around dehydrating watermelon, think of it as watermelon fruit leather instead of jerky. It's basically the same thing. We're just removing the water content and leaving behind the dehydrated pulp and concentrated watermelon flavor!
So, if you are ready to make nutritious snacks, try your hand at dehydrated watermelon jerky!
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Ingredients & Substitutions
- Watermelon: All you need for this recipe is one medium, ripe watermelon. Some people prefer it with seeds, and some recommend seedless watermelon. I'll let you decide which to use. Just make sure to get one with a large yellow field spot to ensure a sweet watermelon.
- Optional: If you are feeling adventurous, you can try sprinkling a few of the slices with your favorite seasoning just to experiment with different flavors. Begin by brushing the sliced watermelon with lime juice, then sprinkle on seasoning. Think sea salt, Tajin Seasoning, chili powder, or cayenne pepper.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Dehydrated Watermelon
- Slice watermelon in half, remove rind, then slice into strips ¼"- ½" in thickness. The thicker you make the slices, the longer it will take to dehydrate them.
- Arrange watermelon strips on dehydrator trays, leaving room for air circulation. Set the temperature to 135F. Depending on the thickness, it can take anywhere from 12-24 hours; Flip halfway through.
Pro Tip: If you don't have silicone tray liners for your dehydrator, you can use parchment paper.
- When the cooled watermelon jerky snaps when it's bent, it's done. If not, continue to dehydrate unless you prefer it bendable and chewy rather than crispy.
- Allow watermelon jerky to cool completely on wire racks before storing it in airtight containers, ziplock bags, or mylar bags. Toss in an oxygen absorber.
Pro Tip: You can start and stop the dehydration process to check the texture of the cooled jerky. It's hard to gauge the texture when the jerky is still warm.
Equipment
Storage
Store your dehydrated watermelon jerky in mason jars for longer storage or in ziplock bags for quick, on-the-go snacking!
Pro Tips
- If you prefer a chewier texture, slice the watermelon into thicker slices ½" to ¾" or dehydrate the slices for less time. Keep in mind that if there is a lot of moisture remaining, the jerky won't keep as long.
- One advantage to slicing watermelon into thinner slices (¼") is that it will significantly reduce the dehydration time. I don't like to wait, do you?
- Keep in mind that smaller pieces will be done sooner than the larger ones.
- To keep the watermelon from sticking to the trays, consider using mesh screens (tray liners) or lining the trays with parchment paper.
- If you need to, you can turn off the dehydrator overnight and restart it in the morning.
- Store watermelon jerky in a cool, dark pantry in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Place dehydrated watermelon in the freezer for longer storage.
FAQ
Some swear by banging on a watermelon and picking one based on the sound it makes, while others make their choice based on size, shape, color, and webbing.
An even better way to pick a good watermelon, however, is to choose one with a large yellow field spot. The spot indicates that the watermelon was ripened in the field, which will ensure a sweet and juicy watermelon.
Like other dehydrated fruit, dehydrating a watermelon intensifies and concentrates the sweetness of the fruit. Some compare it to watermelon candy.
Watermelon can be sliced anywhere from ¼" to ¾" thick before dehydrating. However, the thicker the slices, the longer it will take to dehydrate. If you prefer a crispier texture, slice it thinner. For a softer and chewier texture, slice it thicker.
If stored properly, for example, in sealed food-saver bags or airtight containers, dehydrated watermelon does not need to be refrigerated.
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Recipe
Dehydrated Watermelon Jerky
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 medium ripe watermelon (10 lbs or less)
Instructions
- Slice watermelon in half, remove rind, then slice into strips ¼"- ½" in thickness. The thicker you make the slices, the longer it will take to dehydrate them.
- Arrange watermelon strips on dehydrator trays, leaving room for air circulation. Set the temperature to 135F. Depending on the thickness, it can take anywhere from 12-24 hours; Flip halfway through.
- When the cooled watermelon jerky snaps when it's bent, it's done. If not, continue to dehydrate unless you prefer it bendable and chewy rather than crispy.
- Allow watermelon jerky to cool completely on wire racks before storing it in airtight containers, ziplock bags, or mylar bags. Toss in an oxygen absorber.
Notes
- If you don't have silicone tray liners for your dehydrator, you can use parchment paper.
- You can start and stop the dehydration process to check the texture of the cooled jerky. It's hard to gauge the texture when the jerky is still warm.
- If you prefer a chewier texture, slice the watermelon into thicker slices ½" to ¾" or dehydrate the slices for less time. Keep in mind that if there is a lot of moisture remaining, the jerky won't keep as long.
- One advantage to slicing watermelon into thinner slices (¼") is that it will significantly reduce the dehydration time. I don't like to wait, do you?
- Keep in mind that smaller pieces will be done sooner than the larger ones.
- To keep the watermelon from sticking to the trays, consider using mesh screens (tray liners) or lining the trays with parchment paper.
- If you need to, you can turn off the dehydrator overnight and restart it in the morning.
- Store watermelon jerky in a cool, dark pantry in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Place dehydrated watermelon in the freezer for longer storage.
Hilda Sterner says
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does!
Shala Carter says
Shlama Cousin!
This looks amazing! Josh adores watermelon and can eat one in one sitting.
We love dried mango from a great online retailer.
What kind of dehydrator would you recommend for a small family who would like to do this on a countertop? Any brand recommendations? If you don't feel comfortable sharing here, then you can pm me on FB.
Hilda Sterner says
Hi Shala, I'm with Josh, I can't get enough watermelon! The one I've always used and recommended is this one: https://amzn.to/42iWxDb