Easy Dehydrated Watermelon!
Dehydrated Watermelon is a delicious snack that tastes like a watermelon jolly rancher! A terrific snack for hiking, camping, backpacking, or just snacking at work or home!
With about 10 to 15 minutes of recipe prep time, you can set your sliced watermelon pieces on a dehydrator and forget about it until it’s time to wrap things up!
Why I Make This Recipe
Is anything sweeter than a perfectly ripe watermelon still warm from the sun’s rays? Well, I suppose dried watermelon, also known as watermelon jerky, tastes like watermelon jolly ranchers. Dehydrated watermelon is relatively simple to make; it just takes 10 to 15 minutes of prep and about 10 minutes to put everything away.
I enjoy making dehydrated watermelon as a candy alternative at home or as a lovely camping snack.
Equipment to Dehydrate Watermelon
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Dehydrator – I use the NESCO Garden Master Pro
- Parchment paper
- Air tight storage bag or container
Ingredients for Dehydrating Watermelon
- Watermelon – I prefer seedless watermelon
- (Optional) Flakey Sea Salt – Ever tried a bit of salt on watermelon? It (extra) brings out all the flavors!
How to make Dehydrated Watermelon
Prepare The Watermelon
Cut the melon in half, then cut the watermelon into long ¼ inch-thick strips removing the rind. (option to save the rind for pickled watermelon rinds!)
I like to cut the watermelon into strips but you can cut triangular slices or even cubes!
Load The Dehydrator
Pat dry to remove excess moisture. Without overlapping, place the watermelon dehydrator trays. Dehydrate at 125 to 135 degrees F for 12-24 hours or until watermelon resembles thin pieces that are pliable but not sticky.
Cool and Store Dehydrated Watermelon
Once the watermelon pieces are dried, let it rest at room temperature to cool. No need for a cooling rack, just let the watermelon sit in the dehydrator for 2 to 3 hours.
Then, when the watermelon is ready for storage, lay it on parchment paper sheets so the watermelon slices or strips are not overlapping. Roll up parchment and store in a ziploc bag or airtight container.
Place in a dry place away from direct sunlight. You may set up a parchment paper-dried watermelon station over a baking sheet or wrap things up on a clean countertop.
FAQ (Ask A Dietitian!)
Is Dehydrated watermelon good?
Yes, dehydrated watermelon is a sweet snack that can be added to trail mix or eaten alone. Dehydrated watermelon pieces are flavorful and an excellent alternative to other store-bought snacks.
What do you use dehydrated watermelon for?
I use dehydrated watermelon as a backpacking, camping, or hiking snack. It is shelf-stable and lightweight, making it an excellent food to bring in your backpack.
I also enjoy watermelon as a snack anytime. It is a great swap for candy or desserts because it is so sweet and delicious.
Is dehydrated watermelon chewy?
Yes, dehydrated watermelon is chewy. It is pliable but not sticky. It is similar to fruit leather but has just one simple ingredient, watermelon.
Enjoy this recipe?
If you enjoyed this article and recipe, you may also enjoy these!
Dehydrated Cucumbers – Because now that you have your dehydrator out, make more dehydrated foods!
Panera Mexican Street Corn Chowder: An Easy Copycat Recipe – Another Summer Fave!
Oreo Milkshake without Ice Cream – If you love jolly ranchers and Oreos, you will love this recipe.
Strawberry Smoothie Bowl [Vegan and High Protein] – My Most Popular Breakfast Recipe!
Dehydrated Watermelon
Equipment
- 1 knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 dehydrator
- parchment paper
- air tight storage containers or bags
Ingredients
- 1 watermelon
Instructions
Prepare the watermelon
- Cut the melon in half, then cut the watermelon into long ¼ inch-thick strips removing the rind. (option to save the rind for pickled watermelon rinds!)
- I like to cut the watermelon into strips but you can cut triangular slices or even cubes!
Load the dehydrator
- Pat dry to remove excess moisture. Without overlapping, place the watermelon dehydrator trays. Dehydrate at 125 to 135 degrees F for 12-24 hours or until watermelon resembles thin pieces that are pliable but not sticky.
Cool and store the dehydrated watermelon
- Once the watermelon pieces are dried, let it rest at room temperature to cool. No need for a cooling rack, just let the watermelon sit in the dehydrator for 2 to 3 hours.
- Then, when the watermelon is ready for storage, lay it on parchment paper sheets so the watermelon slices or strips are not overlapping. Roll up parchment and store in a ziploc bag or airtight container.
- Place in a dry place away from direct sunlight. You may set up a parchment paper-dried watermelon station over a baking sheet or wrap things up on a clean countertop.
Nutrition
Hi, I'm Sarah Harper. I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who loves to cook, eat, and talk about food! Here at The Addy Bean, you'll discover an array of flexitarian recipes. My mission is to inspire and encourage others to eat and explore the world of plant-based foods!
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