Dehydrating Mangoes: Air Fryer Settings And Timing

Dehydrating mangoes in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy this delicious fruit all year round. Air frying is a great way to dehydrate mangoes, and it is much quicker than using an oven. In just a few minutes, your mangoes will be ready to eat! Dehydrating mangoes in an air fryer will take around 3 hours, but this can vary depending on the brand and size of your air fryer, as well as the thickness and juiciness of your mango slices.

Choosing the right mangoes

When selecting mangoes, don't worry too much about the colour of the skin, as this is not a reliable indicator of ripeness. Instead, use the squeeze test to determine ripeness. A ripe mango will have a little give when gently squeezed, and you may detect a slight fruity aroma. An unripe mango will be very firm, and it will continue to ripen after being picked, so wait a day or two before dehydrating it. If you need to speed up the ripening process, place the mango in a paper bag at room temperature.

It's important to avoid overripe mangoes, as they will be challenging to cut into clean slices. If you cut into a mango and discover it's overripe, you may still be able to salvage it for mango fruit leather. However, if the mango has excessive brown spots, discard it, as this indicates a high potential for mould growth.

When preparing mangoes for dehydration, wash each fruit under cold water to remove any dirt or insects. Then, cut the mango into halves or quarters by slicing along the sides of the pit. Remove the skin using a thin paring knife, and cut the mango into uniform slices or strips, approximately 1/4 inch thick. Thicker slices will take longer to dry, so try to keep the pieces as even as possible for even drying.

How to cut mangoes

Dehydrating mangoes in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy this delicious fruit all year round. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cut mangoes:

Step 1: Identify the Pit/Seed

The first step is to identify the seed, which lies right under the hard stem end. The mango contains an oblong, hard seed in the middle, so the goal is to cut around this seed/pit and separate the flesh.

Step 2: Wash and Prepare the Mango

Always use a clean knife and cutting board. Sanitize your hands, work area, utensils, and cutting board before handling the mango, especially if you’ve handled any type of meat or seafood. Always wash the mango before cutting. Cut off the stem end first to create a "foot" for the mango to balance on while you continue to remove the flesh from the seed.

Step 3: Cut the Mango

Stand the mango upright on a cutting board with the stem/pit side down. This will help stabilize the mango. Position the knife about ¼ inch away from the midline and cut along the sides of the pit using a slight, angled motion to separate the "cheek". Turn the mango around and repeat on the other side. You should now have three pieces - two cheeks and the middle segment containing the pit. Now cut the two thin sides from the pit to remove the remaining flesh from the seed. You should have four pieces of mango flesh - two large and two small.

Step 4: Remove the Flesh

Continue to trim the flesh away from the seed. You can use a spoon to scoop out the flesh, which is a convenient and mess-free way to enjoy the mango. Alternatively, use a knife to make lengthwise cuts in the mango half, being careful not to cut through the skin. Then, use a large spoon to scoop out the fruit, getting as close to the skin as possible.

Step 5: Slice or Cube the Mango

To cut mango slices, position the mango cheek flat side down on the cutting board. Make long slits lengthwise, parallel to each other, to your desired thickness. To cut mango cubes, take the sliced mango flesh and make crosswise cuts in it to form cubes. Be careful not to cut through the skin. Hold the scored mango cheek in your hand and use a large spoon to scoop out the fruit.

Step 6: Peel the Mango (Optional)

Peeling the mango is not necessary, but if desired, use a vegetable peeler to peel away the skin, starting at the pit side. Be careful, as the bare flesh can be very slippery.

Now that you know how to cut a mango, you can dehydrate your mango slices in an air fryer! Set your air fryer to 135°F for about 4-6 hours, or until the mango is no longer sticky to the touch and feels slightly firm on the outside.

Air fryer settings

Temperature Settings:

Set your air fryer to a low temperature, typically between 130°F to 160°F (55°C to 71°C). The ideal temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, but it's essential to keep the temperature low to dehydrate the mangoes without cooking them.

Timing:

The dehydration process will take several hours, usually ranging from 3 to 6 hours. However, it's important to monitor your mangoes during this time. Check for doneness starting at the 3-hour mark or earlier, as some air fryers may dehydrate the mangoes faster. The mangoes are ready when they are no longer sticky to the touch and have a slightly firm texture.

Air Circulation:

Ensure proper air circulation by arranging the mango slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer to allow for even dehydration. The air fryer's hot air circulation is critical to removing moisture from the fruit.

Thickness of Mango Slices:

The thickness of your mango slices will impact the dehydration time. Aim for slices between 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick. Thinner slices will dehydrate faster, while thicker slices may require a longer dehydration time. Uniformity in slice thickness is essential to ensure even dehydration.

Air Fryer Model:

Not all air fryers have the same capabilities. Before starting, ensure your air fryer can reach the required low temperatures for dehydration. Some air fryers have a specific dehydrating function, which can be useful. Refer to your air fryer's instructions to determine the optimal settings for dehydration.

Preheating:

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature before placing the mango slices inside. This helps ensure consistent dehydration from the beginning.

Spacing:

When placing the mango slices in the air fryer basket, ensure they are not overlapping or stacked on top of one another. Proper spacing allows for adequate air circulation and even dehydration.

Adjustments:

Depending on your air fryer model and the moisture content of your mangoes, you may need to make adjustments. If your air fryer has adjustable shelves or racks, you can utilize them to maximize the space and dehydrate more mangoes at once.

Monitoring:

Keep an eye on your mangoes during the dehydration process. Check them periodically to ensure they are drying evenly and not burning or overcooking. This is especially important if you are using an air fryer model for the first time for dehydration.

Trial and Error:

Dehydrating mangoes in an air fryer may involve some experimentation. Don't be afraid to make adjustments to the temperature or timing based on your observations. Each batch may teach you something new about your air fryer's performance and the ideal settings for dehydration.

How to store dehydrated mangoes

Dehydrating mangoes is a great way to preserve them and enjoy them as a snack throughout the year. Here are some tips on how to store dehydrated mangoes to keep them fresh and tasty:

Choosing the Right Container

Use airtight containers to store dehydrated mangoes. This could include plastic containers, glass jars, or zip-lock bags. Ensure that the containers are clean and dry before adding the mangoes. It is crucial to keep the dehydrated mangoes away from moisture, so make sure the seal is tight.

Vacuum Sealing

If you plan to store the dehydrated mangoes for a prolonged period, consider vacuum sealing. This method removes all the air from the container, reducing the chance of spoilage. Vacuum sealing can extend the shelf life of dehydrated mangoes, allowing them to stay fresh for more extended periods.

Storage Location

Store the containers of dehydrated mangoes in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or heat sources, as this can affect their quality. The ideal storage temperature is room temperature or slightly cooler.

Oxygen Absorbers

Consider using oxygen absorbers, which are small packets that can be placed inside the containers to absorb any remaining oxygen. This helps to prevent the growth of bacteria and mould, further extending the shelf life of the dehydrated mangoes.

Moisture Control

Before storing, ensure that the dehydrated mangoes are completely dry. Any remaining moisture can lead to the development of mould or bacteria. You can test for moisture by placing a small sample of the dehydrated mangoes in a sealed bag; if condensation forms, they need further drying.

Shelf Life

Properly stored dehydrated mangoes can last up to six months. However, for extended storage, consider vacuum sealing and storing in the refrigerator, which can increase the shelf life to a year or more. Regularly check the mangoes for any signs of spoilage, and discard any that appear discoloured or develop an off odour.

The health benefits of dehydrated mangoes

Dehydrated mangoes are a tasty treat, but they also offer a range of health benefits. Firstly, they are a good source of vitamins and antioxidants. Dehydrated mangoes contain vitamin C, vitamin A, and folate, which promote healthy skin and a strong immune system. The vitamin A and folate content also support eye health and DNA synthesis.

Secondly, dehydrated mangoes can aid digestion. The dietary fibre in mangoes helps to stimulate peristaltic motion and can alleviate constipation and diarrhoea, as well as balancing gut bacteria.

Thirdly, dehydrated mangoes may help improve bone density. The vitamins and minerals in dried mangoes can increase bone mineral density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

In addition, dehydrated mangoes are a good source of iron, which can help to boost circulation and soothe symptoms of anaemia.

Lastly, dehydrated mangoes may aid weight loss. While the dehydration process makes mangoes less filling, they are still a good source of dietary fibre and concentrated carbohydrates, which can help to quickly satisfy your appetite.

However, it is important to note that dehydrated mangoes are high in calories and natural sugars, so they should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions