Spicy Air Fryer Dehydrated Mango

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Spicy Air Fryer Dehydrated Mango is a healthy snack recipe made with just two ingredients and no refined sugar! You’ll want a stash of this easy dried mango on hand to satisfy that mid-afternoon snack craving!

This recipe is the perfect mix of sweet and spicy. You get to enjoy the natural sweetness of mango with a spicy kick from the Tajin seasoning - like in this grilled mango.

I’ve been enjoying a few pieces as a grab and go snack lately, and we’ve also been loving it as a tasty addition to trail mixes and on charcuterie boards.

It's also great for gifting, just like this homemade candied ginger recipe, dehydrated apricots or these candied orange peels.

Did you know you can use your air fryer to dehydrate fruit? Dehydrating fruit is a great way to preserve it, especially if you buy it in bulk (or have a plethora of peaches make make dehydrated peaches too).

Since dehydrators use air circulation to remove moisture from fruit, the air fryer is a great substitute as it also requires air circulation to cook food. You just need to use an ultra low temperature to make sure the fruit dries out and doesn’t cook.

If you love dehydrated fruit but haven’t wanted to invest the money (or counter space) into a dehydrator, you’ll love this easy recipe for dehydrating mango in the air fryer.

What is an Air Fryer?

The Air Fryer is a healthier alternative to frying foods. It's basically a small, powerful convection oven that sits on your countertop.

It circulates hot air around the food you're cooking, which is what gives it that crisp texture that mimics fried food (without all the grease).

Read more about the health benefits of using an air fryer.

I personally use this Ninja MAX XL Air Fryer because it hold 5.5 quarts, which is more than most. It has worked great so far and we just love how easy it is to use!

Why this recipe works

Super easy. You only need 2 ingredients and the prep time is minimal. Just slice and season your mango, and the air fryer does the rest.
Healthy snack. The recipe is oil-free and refined sugar-free. Since mango is naturally sweet, there’s no need to add any sugar.
It saves money! Dried mango is on the pricey side, so making your own is a great way to save a little cash.

What is Tajin seasoning?

Tajin is a mild Mexican spice blend of chili lime flavor. It’s made with simple ingredients - ground chili peppers, lime and sea salt. It pairs nicely with sweet and juicy fruit because of the spicy kick it adds, but it also works well as a seasoning for vegetables and meats.

Ingredients

There are just two ingredients for this dehydrated mango recipe.

You’ll need one mango that has been peeled and cut into thin slices (about ¼ - ½ inch slices). For the best sweet flavor, make sure your mango is fully ripe.

Since the Tajin seasoning is not extremely spicy, we’re going to toss the mango with 2 teaspoons of it. You can reduce the amount, if you prefer, or leave it out altogether for plain dehydrated mango.

Even if you’re not a fan of spicy food, I highly recommend adding just a little Tajin seasoning to the mango to experience the sweet and spicy flavor contrast.

Step by step instructions

Peel and cut your mango into slices (about ¼ - ½ inch thick).

In a large bowl, add the mango slices and Tajin seasoning and toss to coat.

Arrange the mango in the air fryer basket in a single layer (no oil required) and set the temperature to 135F degrees for 6 hours.

Start checking at 4 hours for doneness. Some air fryers will dehydrate the mango slightly faster.

The mango is done when it's no longer sticky to the touch and feels slightly firm on the outside. It won't be crunchy!

Expert tips

Make sure your air fryer can go as low as 135F degrees or has a dehydrating function. Some air fryers do not have a temperature setting low enough to dehydrate food.
For the best results, make sure your mango is fresh and ripe. This will result in the best flavor (not bitter, sour or too sweet) and extend the life of your dried mango.
If your mango is a little soft and juicy, it might be difficult to cut, so just be careful with the knife.
An extra juicy mango also means the air fryer will need to draw more moisture out, so it may take longer to dehydrate.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. You want air to circulate around the mango slices so keep them in a single layer.
The thinner the slices, the quicker the mango will dehydrate. To make sure all the pieces dehydrate at the same rate, cut the mango pieces roughly the same thickness.
Make sure the mango is fully dehydrated before storing it. Any moisture left may cause bacteria or mold to grow. So, if you’re in doubt, just leave it in the air fryer a little longer.

More seasoning options

Use homemade garam masala for a warm spice coating.
Kick it up a notch with this homemade cajun seasoning.
Keep it on the sweeter side with some cinnamon, ginger or cardamom.
For a smokey flavor add some cumin or smoked paprika.

Common questions

Is dehydrated mango healthy?

Some store-bought dried mango has added sugar, so in comparison to store-bought, this recipe is healthier as it is refined sugar-free. With that said, dried mango still has natural sugars, so I would suggest enjoying it in moderation.

How do you cut mangoes for dehydrating?

The thicker the mango slices, the longer they will take to dehydrate, so you don’t want to cut them too thick. Between ¼ and ½ inch is usually a good size. You can also cut them into pieces instead of slices. Just make sure they’re all the same thickness so they dehydrate at the same rate.

What temperature should you set your air fryer for dehydrating mango?

You’ll want to set your air fryer to 135F degrees for this recipe. The air that is circulating should be warm enough to dry out the mango but not cook it.

How long does it take to dehydrate mangoes in an air fryer?

At 135F degrees, it will take about 6 hours. I suggest checking the mango after 4 hours. Depending on the brand and size of your air fryer, it may dehydrate quicker. How quickly it dehydrates also depends on the size of your mango slices and how juicy they are. The more moisture they contain, the longer they will take to dehydrate.

How do you store dehydrated mango?

Once the mango is fully cooled, place the pieces in an airtight container or sealable bag and store in a cool, dark place.

How long will dried mango last?

If dehydrated and stored properly, it should last for up to 6 months. To keep it longer, you can also store it in the fridge.

Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out!