Flavorful Watermelon Jerky Chips Recipe with Spicy Tajín Dust Easy and Crispy
These crispy watermelon jerky chips are seasoned with spicy Tajín dust, offering a unique, tangy, and sweet snack that’s easy to make at home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (dehydrator) or 4 to 6 hours (oven)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes (dehydrator) or 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes (oven)
- Yield: About 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups seedless watermelon, thinly sliced (about 1 small-medium melon)
- 2 tablespoons Tajín Clásico seasoning (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- ½ teaspoon sea salt, fine grain
- Optional: ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Slice the watermelon into thin, even slices about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick using a sharp knife or mandoline.
- Lay the slices on paper towels and gently pat to remove surface moisture. Let rest for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine Tajín, sea salt, optional smoked paprika, and fresh lime juice. Stir well.
- Add watermelon slices to the seasoning bowl and toss gently until each piece is lightly coated.
- Place slices in a single layer on dehydrator trays or on a wire rack over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper if using an oven. Ensure slices do not overlap.
- For dehydrator: set temperature to 135°F (57°C) and dry for 6-8 hours, checking at 6 hours for dryness but slight pliability.
- For oven: set to lowest temperature (~170°F/77°C), prop door open slightly, dry for 4-6 hours flipping halfway through.
- After drying, let chips cool completely on trays. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate for longer storage.
Notes
Use a firm, ripe watermelon that is not overly watery to avoid soggy chips. Thin, uniform slices dry evenly. Pat slices dry before seasoning to speed drying and prevent sticking. Watch drying time carefully to avoid burning. Chips should be crisp but slightly bendable. Store in airtight container; refrigerate or freeze for longer shelf life. Reheat in low-temp oven to refresh crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 ounc
- Calories: 5060
- Sugar: 12
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 0.5
Keywords: watermelon jerky, watermelon chips, Tajín, spicy snack, dehydrated fruit, healthy snack, gluten-free, vegan