Whether you call this dehydrated watermelon, watermelon jerky, or watermelon candy it is all referring to a delicious way to enjoy the flavor of summer by concentrating the flavor. This is a one-ingredient recipe that manages to be sweet with nothing extra added for a healthy snack.
Last summer I missed out on trying Trader Joe's Watermelon Jerky. But since it was a one ingredient item, I figured this shouldn't be too terribly difficult to do at home. So if you tried it last summer and loved it then fear not, this is a solid recipe for a small seedless watermelon or for leftover watermelon slices that you might want to enjoy in a different way.
What does it taste like?
Dehydrated watermelon tastes a lot like a Fruit Roll-Up with super-concentrated watermelon flavoring that is all-natural. It has the texture of dried fruit or fruit leather.
What flavors pair well with watermelon?
There are a number of flavors that pair well with watermelon. Feel free to add them before placing them in the dehydrator. However, do so sparingly as all the flavors will taste more concentrated after being dehydrated.
The flavors that you can add here are chili powder, honey, lemon, and lime. But again, please use those flavoring sparingly.
Tips for Making This
Here are my best tips for making this:
- Knife skills are the most important aspect of being successful. Be sure to keep each slice to about ¼."
- If you don't have a dehydrator then you can use your oven on its lowest setting. Just be aware this will likely be warmer than a dehydrator, thus you'll need less time. Because an oven is warmer your end product will also be a bit browner in color because the sugars will caramelize more.
- This should last in an airtight container for up to a week. I recommend using parchment paper to separate the layers as the sugars will cause the slices to stick together.
- If you forget to remove these immediately and they stick to your tray, return them to the heat for a few minutes to loosen them from the surface.
- If you are going to add an extra flavor, do so sparingly as the dehydrator will remove much of the water content from this making the flavor you add very potent.
- Use seedless watermelon rather than a regular watermelon as the seeds make for an unpleasant experience.
Watch Me Make This (46 Seconds)
How to Make This
Step 1: Using a very sharp knife, cut the base off of a small seedless watermelon. Turn the watermelon around to cut the other side so you can see the top of the watermelon. The carefully run your knife along the outside of the watermelon to trim the rind. Rotate the watermelon until you have removed all of the rinds. Cut watermelon in half. Slice the watermelon again into ¼" thin slices.
Step 2: Place slices on dehydrator trays and dehydrate at 135 degrees F for 12 hours.
Step 3: Remove dried watermelon slices immediately and place them on parchment to cool completely. And enjoy!
Other Dessert Recipes You Might Enjoy
I hope you enjoy this Dehydrated Watermelon recipe!
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Dehydrated Watermelon
Ingredients
- 1 seedless watermelon
Instructions
- Slice watermelon starting from the ends to create a stable base. Repeat on the other side. Use your knife to remove the rind. Slice the watermelon in half. Then slice into ¼" slices.
- Set your dehydrator to 135F. If you do not have a dehydrator, then use your ovens lowest setting (check after 8 hours since 12 hours will likely be too long)
- Remove dehydrated watermelon slices immediately.
- Enjoy these immediately or place them in a single layer separated by parchment paper in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Video
Notes
- Knife skills are the most important aspect of being successful. Be sure to keep each slice to about ¼." Any larger and the slices will be to thick to dry completely. Any thinner and these will be watermelon chips when they are done.
- This recipe should leave you with dried fruit that has a leathery consistency.
- If you don't have a dehydrator then you can use your oven on its lowest setting. Just be aware this will likely be warmer than a dehydrator, thus you'll need less time. Because an oven is warmer your end product will also be a bit browner in color because the sugars will caramelize more.
- This should last in an airtight container for up to a week. I recommend using parchment paper to separate the layers as the sugars will cause the slices to stick together.
- If you forget to remove these immediately and they stick to your tray, return them to the heat for a few minutes to loosen them from the surface.
- If you are going to add an extra flavor, do so sparingly as the dehydrator will remove much of the water content from this making the flavor you add very potent.
mltrautz@yahoo.com says
Never thought to do this. I am going to try it.
Ethan says
What are the nutritional facts based off of? Thanks!
becomebetty says
Hey Ethan! On my end there is a nutritional generator where I input the amounts and it comes up with approximations of the values. If you want more information about that I'm happy to send it to you.
Angela says
Could I vacuum seal this, for longer storage? I want max length of storage.