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Air Fryer Watermelon Jerky

Air Fryer Watermelon Jerky: Sweet, Chewy, and Easy to Make

Discover how to make Air Fryer Watermelon Jerky, a sweet and chewy snack that captures the essence of summer.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Cooling Time 24 minutes
Total Time 5 hours 39 minutes
Servings: 4 pieces
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: American
Calories: 50
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Jerky
  • 1 Seedless Watermelon Use small or a half of a large watermelon for best results.
  • 1 lime Fresh Lime Optional, zest and juice both for maximum impact.
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder or Tajín Optional, for a spicy kick.
  • 1 pinch Sea Salt Optional, enhances sweetness and balances flavors.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Optional, adds a dessert-like flavor.
  • 1 spray Cooking Spray or Neutral Oil Prevents sticking.
  • 1 sheet Parchment Paper Optional, simplifies cleanup.

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare Air Fryer: Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper and gently spray it with cooking oil.
  2. Slice Watermelon: Carefully slice the seedless watermelon into 1/4 inch thick pieces, removing the rind and seeds.
  3. Season the Slices (optional): Toss the watermelon slices with lime juice, zest, chili powder or Tajín, sea salt, or vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
  4. Arrange Slices in Air Fryer: Lay the seasoned watermelon slices in a single layer without overlapping them.
  5. Set Temperature: Preheat your air fryer to a low temperature setting between 135–150°F (57–66°C).
  6. Air Dry the Watermelon: Cook the watermelon slices for approximately 3–6 hours, flipping every 45–60 minutes.
  7. Check for Doneness: Ensure the jerky is dry, leathery, and bends easily without cracking.
  8. Conditioning the Jerky: Allow the jerky to cool completely before storing it in a jar for 24 hours to balance moisture.
  9. Store Your Jerky: Store the cooled jerky in an airtight container for maximum freshness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pieceCalories: 50kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 1gSodium: 5mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Experiment with different seasonings to suit your taste. Ensure you store the jerky properly to maintain freshness.

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