Go Back Email Link
+ servings
Dehydrated Watermelon triangles on a food dehydrator tray

Dehydrated Watermelon

Arlene Mobley - Flour On My Face
Dehydrated Watermelon makes a sweet treat. Whether you're calling it watermelon candy or dried watermelon jerky dehydrated watermelon is a summertime treat everyone will love. Great for camping or hiking dried fruit snacks.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 11 hours
Total Time 11 hours 20 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 16 Servings
Calories 84 kcal

Ingredients  

  • 1 medium seedless watermelon
  • water
Follow Flour On My Face on Pinterest

Instructions 

  • Wash the outside of the watermelon with cold water.
  • Carefully cut the whole watermelon into quarters which will be easier to manage. Cut each quarter into smaller pieces. 
  • Use a sharp knife to remove the rind and all of the white leaving just the red flesh of the watermelon.  If you will be using a vegetable mandoline slice the watermelon pieces so they will fit on the mandolin you are using. 
  • If using a knife to slice the watermelon you can cut the pieces of the watermelon into any size you like. The size of the pieces of melon you cut and then dehydrate will determine how large the snack pieces of dried watermelon you will end up with. Keep in mind dehydrated fruit shrinks about 50% during the dehydrating process.
  • As you slice the watermelon place the slices in a colander over a bowl so the watermelon juice will drain. Once the watermelon has drained a few minutes arrange the pieces in a single layer on a dehydrator tray that has been lined with a fine mesh screen. Place the tray once filled on a cookie sheet or in the sink until you have filled all of the dehydrator trays. This is so the juice does not pool in the bottom of the dehydrator as you work.
  • Once the watermelon has drained a few minutes arrange the pieces in a single layer on a dehydrator tray that has been lined with a fine mesh screen. Place the tray once filled on a cookie sheet or in the sink until you have filled all of the dehydrator trays. This is so the juice does not pool in the bottom of the dehydrator as you work.
  • Once all of the trays are filled place the lid on the top tray and turn the dehydrator on. 
  • Dehydrate the fruit for 8 to 11 hours or until the watermelon pieces are evenly dried. The watermelon will be tacky and flexible once dried completely.
  • Allow the dehydrated fruit to cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container.
  • Store the dried watermelon in zip lock bags or air tight container.

Video

Recipe Expert Tips

Tools needed to make dehydrated watermelon

  • Dehydrator: Use whichever dehydrator you have or you can buy an inexpensive one on Amazon.
  • Mesh Screens: Some dehydrators come with a couple of fine mesh screens. I bought extras because I prefer using them to line the dehydrator trays for all of the fruits and vegetables I dehydrate.
  • Plastic cutting mats: I always use an inexpensive plastic cutting mat when I am slicing or dicing fruits or vegetables.
  • Sharp knives or a vegetable mandolin: I always use a mandolin to slice my fruits and vegetables when drying into ¼ inch slices. A sharp knife can be used if you don't have one. 
  • Makes: Half of a medium watermelon will make about 1-quart jar of dehydrated watermelon pieces.

Dehydrating Mistakes To Avoid

  • Drying method: Use a proper dehydrator should be used when possible. The oven set on a low temperature can be used for dehydrated food that will not be stored for an extended period of time. The heat of the oven may not go low enough to allow the optimal dried fruit or vegetable texture.
  • The cut: properly cutting the fruit is one of the most important steps when it comes to dehydrating. Fruit or vegetables cut too thick might dry unevenly or not dry completely. Too thick and it will take way longer to dehydrate.
  • Drying temperature: The recommended drying temperature for fruit is 135 F. degrees.
  • Dehydrating time: The average drying time for ¼ inch thick slices of fruit like watermelon is about 8 to 12 hours. Drying times are variable because the thickness of the fruit pieces, the evenness of the slices, the humidity in your home, and the air temperature all play a part when it comes to dehydrating. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 84kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 2gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 3mgPotassium: 315mgFiber: 1gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 1600IUVitamin C: 23mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Share a picture on Instagram and tag @flouronmyface2