Make Delicious Dried Mango In Your Air Fryer

Making dried mango in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to turn fresh mangoes into a delicious and nutritious treat. It is also a great way to use up any excess fruit. Air frying is much quicker than using an oven, and you can enjoy your dried mangoes in just a few minutes. Dried mangoes are a healthy snack, perfect for people on the go. They are made from fresh mangoes that have been peeled, sliced, and dried, resulting in a nutrient-rich treat high in fibre, antioxidants, and vitamins.

Choosing the right mangoes

First, look for ripe mangoes that are slightly soft to the touch. They should have a deep orange colour, indicating their sweetness and ripeness. Avoid mangoes that are too soft, as they will be difficult to slice and can cause you to cut yourself. Instead, opt for mangoes that are slightly firmer, as they will be easier to work with.

Secondly, consider the variety of mangoes you choose. While any variety of mango can be used for dehydration, some popular options include Ataulfo and Alphonso mangoes. These varieties are known for their sweet flavour and firm texture, making them ideal for drying.

When selecting your mangoes, it is important to ensure they are not overripe. The mangoes should be ripe but still firm, with a slight give when pressed. This will ensure that they have the right texture and sweetness for dehydration. Avoid mangoes that are too hard or unripe, as they may not have the desired flavour and sweetness.

Additionally, pay attention to the size and thickness of the mangoes. For even drying, it is best to choose mangoes that are similar in size. The thickness of the mango slices will also impact the dehydration process. Aim for slices that are about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Thinner slices may become crisp and brittle, while thicker slices will take longer to dehydrate.

Lastly, consider the quantity of mangoes you will need. For dehydration, you will typically need between 4 and 6 mangoes, depending on their size. This will ensure you have enough mango slices to fill your air fryer basket and create a delicious batch of dried mangoes.

Preparing the mangoes

Once you have your mangoes, you'll need to peel them. You can then pit the mangoes if you have a mango deseeder. Next, you'll want to slice the mangoes. Aim for slices that are about 1/4 inch thick, as this will help ensure even drying. Be sure to remove any excess juice from your chopping board, as this will speed up the drying process.

If you want to add a little extra flavour to your dried mangoes, now is the time to do it. You could try tossing the mango slices in a large bowl with a mild Mexican spice blend such as Tajin seasoning. This will give your mangoes a sweet and spicy kick. However, if you'd prefer plain dehydrated mango, you can simply skip this step.

And that's it! Your mangoes are now ready to be placed in the air fryer.

Air fryer settings

To make dried mango in an air fryer, you will need to use the dehydrator setting on your air fryer. Set your air fryer to a low temperature to ensure the fruit dries out and doesn't cook. Aim for a temperature of around 135°F (57°C).

The duration of the dehydration process will depend on the thickness of your mango slices and the moisture content of the fruit. On average, it takes between 3 to 6 hours to dehydrate mangoes in an air fryer. However, it is important to keep an eye on the mangoes and adjust the timing as needed. Check the mangoes periodically to ensure they are drying evenly and thoroughly.

Some air fryers may not have a temperature setting low enough for effective dehydration. In such cases, you may need to consider using a different method or investing in a dehydrator.

Drying time

The drying time can range from 3 to 6 hours, with some recipes specifying a drying time of 4-6 hours and others suggesting checking the mangoes after 3 hours and adding more time if needed. It is recommended to set your air fryer to a low temperature, typically between 130-135°F (55-57°C), to dehydrate the mangoes effectively.

It is important to note that the drying time may vary depending on the moisture content of your mangoes. If your mangoes are particularly juicy, they may take longer to dehydrate. Therefore, it is a good idea to check on your mangoes periodically to ensure they are drying evenly and are not becoming burnt.

Once the mangoes are done, they should no longer feel sticky to the touch and should have a slightly firm texture. It is crucial to ensure that the mangoes are fully dehydrated before storing them to prevent the growth of bacteria or mold.

Storing dried mangoes

The best place to store your dried mangoes is somewhere cool and dark, like a pantry or cupboard. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can store them in the refrigerator.

Properly stored, dried mangoes can last up to one to two years. However, their flavour is best preserved if consumed within six months.

Frequently asked questions