Dehydrated watermelon jerky is an easy sweet and fruity treat that you don't have to feel bad about eating! This dried watermelon jerky is a bit less chewy than taffy and comes out sweet, almost like watermelon jolly ranchers (but better)! If you don't have a dehydrator, don't worry, you can also make them in the oven!
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Instructions
First, line your dehydrator with parchment paper or fruit leather sheets. Then, slice your watermelon into large wedges and remove the rind with your knife.
Now, slice the wedges of watermelon into smaller strips or pieces. The thinner, the better.
Add the watermelon pieces to your prepared dehydrator and close the door. *You can sprinkle optional salt, sugar, Tajin, or fresh chopped mint after arranging the watermelon on your trays or rings.
If your dehydrator has settings, set it to 'fruit' or about 135°F (57°C). Set your timer for 12 hours and let the dehydrator do its thing.
This could take up to 24 hours, so check your jerky at the 12 hour mark and pop it back in if it needs to go longer. Your watermelon jerky is done when it is completely dry and breaks if you bend it. Enjoy!
Notes
When looking for a ripe watermelon, you want it to have a creamy yellow underbelly. This means the fruit sat in the field long enough to ripen in the sun. It should feel heavy for its size (when watermelon is at its peak it is 92% water). Avoid any melons with blemishes, dents, or bruises.
If possible, grab a seedless watermelon. You will have to pick out the black seeds because they are hard, but the white seeds are fine.
My miniature watermelon (sugar baby variety) filled 3 Excalibur dehydrator sheets, or 4 of the rings in my countertop vertical flow dehydrator.
If you want watermelon jerky but don't have a dehydrator, you can make it in the oven. Set your oven to the lowest temperature (200°F or lower). Place the watermelon pieces on a wire cooling rack that is set on top of a rimmed baking sheet and pop it in the oven. Depending on the temperature, this could take anywhere from 12 to 24 hours, so after the 12 hour mark check it every hour or so.
Keep in mind that the dehydrating time is relative and depends on many factors like temperature, the size of your watermelon pieces, and your dehydrator. Check frequently and use your best judgment.
To store: Keep watermelon jerky in an airtight container for up to 3 months. *I store mine in jars if I know that I'll be eating or using the watermelon soon, or vacuum sealed into mylar bags for longer storing.