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Top down view of dehydrated watermelon on a pink plate over top a larger blue plate. A dehydrator tray with dehydrated watermelon is above the plate to the left.

Dehydrated Watermelon

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN
Dehydrated Watermelon, also known as watermelon jerky or watermelon candy, tastes like watermelon jolly ranchers!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 day
cooling time 3 hours
Total Time 1 day 3 hours 15 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 8 serving
Calories 169 kcal

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

Calories: 169kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 3gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gSodium: 6mgPotassium: 630mgFiber: 2gSugar: 35gVitamin A: 3201IUVitamin C: 46mgCalcium: 39mgIron: 1mg
Keyword colorful food, dessert, snack
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