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7.3.18

Close-up of a clear glass filled with watermelon jerky
  • Close-up of a clear glass filled with watermelon jerky
  • Split photo of 3 pieces of salt-sprinkled watermelon on the left and close-up of one piece of salt-sprinkled watermelon on the right
  • Close-up of 2 strips of watermelon jerky on white background
  • Split photo of a close-up of one strip of watermelon jerky on the left and medium shot of 2 watermelon cuts on the right
  • Split photo of watermelon jerky next to a slice of watermelon on the left, and glass full of watermelon jerky on the right
  • Aerial view of 5 watermelon strips on parchment paper
  • Aerial view of 4 pieces of watermelon jerky

    This story was originally published in 2017, but we loved it so much we decided to bring it back — just in time for Independence Day. Enjoy!

    Watermelon jerky isn’t just a thing — it’s the best thing. And if you’re as obsessed with watermelon as we are, this clean, fruit-powered creation is the ultimate summer snack.

    We’ve long been fans of Sakara Life’s plant jerky, but it never occurred to us that we could whip the stuff up at home – or, in our case, at the office. Our office kitchen skills have truly evolved since bringing our Excalibur dehydrator into the mix – see our spicy brussels sprouts chips here if you need hard proof.

    These sweet, leathery strips contain all the benefits of our most loved melon and taste like candy, making them the perfect tote-along for hiking, beaching and everything in between. All it takes is a little slicing, a sprinkle of salt and a bit of patience — we promise it’s well worth the wait…

    How To Make Watermelon Jerky

    Ingredients:

    1 whole watermelon
    kosher salt (optional)
    smoked salt (optional)
    chili-lime seasoning (optional)

    Directions:

    Quarter the watermelon. Slice into 1/4 inch thick sheets. Cut off the rind and slice each sheet into strips.

    Arrange the strips on a parchment paper-lined dehydrator tray. Sprinkle kosher salt, smoked salt or chili lime seasoning across the watermelon strips.

    Dehydrate the watermelon at 170 degrees for 10 – 12 hours. If you’re using an oven, cook at 135 for 18 – 24 hours or until the watermelon is dry and crisp. Allow the slices to cool completely before removing from tray. Enjoy!

    Got a dehydrator? Work it!
    Our recipes for spicy Brussels sprout chips and dehydrated strawberry basil bites are must-trys.

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    Comments


    1. Thank you for the Watermelon jerky recipe. Do you use kosher salt, smoked salt and chili lime at the same time or is it choose one. Your photos look like you sprinkled black pepper on them.

    2. You dry at 170 degrees in an excalibur dehydrator, however the excalibur link goes to a model that only goes to 165 degrees. Just saying. Sounds great can’t wait to see taste,
      try.

      Robert fisher | 08.04.2017 | Reply
    3. Is there any way to do this without a dehydrating machine? In a dark over perhaps?

    4. I’d love to try this but I don’t want to buy a dehydrator. Can this be done in the oven?

      Donna | 08.04.2017 | Reply
    5. Surely it’s the watermelon pips….not black pepper?

      issi | 08.05.2017 | Reply
    6. Can this be done in a slow oven i don’t have a dehydrator.

      Sandra | 08.05.2017 | Reply
    7. Sounds like a lot of work for a fruit that is now available year round.I don’t have a dehydrator either and don’t think this recipe is enuff to warrant buying one.

      Rick | 08.27.2017 | Reply
    8. I have a dehydrator /jerky maker and a surplus of watermelons in the garden…can’t wait to try this!

    9. Don’t you think the sugar content would be high

      Pierina Spice | 12.07.2018 | Reply
    10. What to do if you don’t have a dehydrator and your oven only goes down to 170?

      Alexandra Colacito | 03.03.2019 | Reply
    11. I have already made this twice in the oven, with chili/ lime seasonings and just sea salt. So good. The second time I added a layer of paper towels under the parchment paper, it dried out better and perfectly in the 12 hour time frame.

      Kimberly Cook | 04.28.2019 | Reply
    12. Would you elevate the fruit on a rack if using the oven method or simply put on a sheet pan (with parchment t in each case)?

      Holli | 06.08.2019 | Reply
    13. I appreciate this post. The thought came into my mind I pondered if watermelon could be dehydrated……..
      Low and behold I found your web site and awesome recipe for just what I was looking for.
      Looks absolutely delicious.
      My dehydrator will arrive today, ordered xxtra drying trays.
      Did not order the dehydrator based upon your suggestion or recipe. I’ve got an air fryer that also works as a dehydrator. It is unfortunately too small for how much our household loves the remarkable snacks, treats that one can create with a vast variety of nature’s candy.

      All the best to you guys.

      Bom1830 | 04.11.2020 | Reply
    14. I got my Excalibur a year, it has been my best investment yet! I waste a lot less food and I’m so excited to try the watermelon recipe. I love my food dehydrator, in the past I spent money on cheap machines and there are great suggestions. I will definitely try using paper towels as suggested in these comments.

      Christine | 10.18.2021 | Reply
    15. How ti store and how long will it store for?

      Kathy | 06.06.2023 | Reply
      • Hi Kathy, we’re not sure, but guessing not too long with it’s high natural sugar content!

        The Chalkboard Editorial Team | 06.12.2023 | Reply
    16. I’ve been doing this with one of those round dehydrators for perhaps 40 years. Slice melon in rounds, remove rind, slice strips 1/4 inch thick, dry at 135°F for 18-24 hours. Keeps indefinitely in sealed mason jars.

      Steve | 07.11.2023 | Reply

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