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Dehydrated Watermelon Jerky (Dried Watermelon) Recipe

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4.2 from 11 reviews

Dehydrated Watermelon Jerky is a unique and healthy snack made by drying ripe watermelon slices to create a chewy, sweet treat reminiscent of traditional jerky but made entirely from fruit. This recipe guides you through preparing watermelon for dehydration using either a dehydrator or an oven, resulting in a natural, flavorful snack perfect for on-the-go enjoyment or long-term storage.

  • Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes to 24 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 24 servings

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 1 ripe seedless watermelon
  • Tajin Seasoning, to taste (optional, for sprinkling)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Watermelon: Start by cutting the watermelon in half, then quarter each half for easier handling. To prevent sticky juice messes, place a layer of dish towels under your cutting board.
  2. Remove Skin and Rind: Slice off the thick green rind and white pith in chunks, trying to remove as much as possible to leave only the juicy red flesh.
  3. Slice the Watermelon Flesh: Cut the watermelon into slices about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick for even drying.
  4. Cut into Smaller Chunks: Halve each slice, then cut again to create smaller pieces that fit nicely on dehydrator trays or oven racks.
  5. Arrange on Dehydrator Trays: Place watermelon chunks in a single layer on dehydrator trays to ensure proper airflow around each piece.
  6. Dry in Dehydrator: If your dehydrator has no temperature control, dry the watermelon for 8-12 hours. If it has temperature settings, set it to 135°F and dry for 18-24 hours for a sweeter, better-flavored jerky due to slower drying.
  7. Monitor Drying Stages: Observe the watermelon as it dries; it will transition from fresh and juicy to dried and puffy, and finally to a chewy texture that snaps when bent, indicating it’s ready.
  8. Alternative Oven Drying Method: Place watermelon slices on a cooling rack lined with parchment paper over a cookie sheet to allow airflow and prevent burning. Bake at 170°F or the oven’s lowest setting for 4-6 hours, flipping slices halfway through. Check hourly to prevent burning.
  9. Condition the Jerky: Before storing long-term, place the dried watermelon in an airtight container for 5-7 days, checking daily for moisture. If moisture appears, return the slices to the dehydrator to dry further.
  10. Storage: Once fully dried and conditioned, store the watermelon jerky in airtight containers to maintain its chewy texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Using seedless watermelon speeds up preparation and makes eating the jerky more enjoyable.
  • Slow dehydration at a lower temperature enhances the sweetness and flavor of the watermelon jerky.
  • Ensure proper airflow when drying to prevent mold and uneven dehydration.
  • Conditioning is essential to avoid moisture buildup which can spoil the jerky.
  • Sprinkling Tajin seasoning adds a tangy, spicy kick, complementing the sweetness of the watermelon.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 to 24 hours depending on method and temperature
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Dehydrating
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Find it online: https://monicarecipes.com/dehydrated-watermelon-jerky-dried-watermelon-recipe/