In Vietnam, mangoes are loved by everyone from small family gardens to large farms, this tropical fruit is grown abundantly from North to South. Rich in vitamins, low in calories, and packed with natural sweetness, mangoes are not only delicious when fresh but also irresistible when dried. Soft dried mango has become a favorite healthy snack for many. In this article, Nafoods Store will share 4 simple methods on how to make dried mango at home that are both tasty and easy to follow.
What Is Soft Dried Mango?
Soft dried mango is a unique processing method in which fresh mangoes are gently dehydrated to remove moisture while preserving their natural sweetness, aroma, and chewy texture. The result is a delicious, convenient snack that retains the essence of ripe mangoes, perfect for those who love healthy treats but lead busy lives.
Soft dried mango not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides essential vitamins and nutrients for the body. Compact and easy to carry, it’s an ideal on-the-go snack. Moreover, this treat contains beneficial nutrients such as Vitamin A, Calcium, and Iron. Although the Vitamin C content in dried mango is lower than in fresh mango, it still offers a sufficient amount to support overall health.
How to Make Dried Mango at Home – Irresistibly Delicious and Easy!
How to Make Dried Mango Using an Air Fryer
If you already own an air fryer, don’t hesitate try making soft dried mango right at home! It’s simple, quick, and guarantees a naturally sweet and chewy result.
Ingredients:
-
3–5 ripe mangoes
-
Sugar and coarse salt
-
1/4 lemon (for juice)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the mangoes
-
Peel the mangoes and slice them into thin, even pieces about 0.3 cm thick.
-
Make sure all slices are uniform so they dry evenly.
-
Mix 2 teaspoons of salt with 300 ml of filtered water, then soak the mango slices for 5–7 minutes. Remove and let them drain completely.
Step 2: Coat the mango with sugar (optional)
-
Mix the sliced mango with 500 g of granulated sugar and let it rest for 4–5 hours until the sugar dissolves and forms a syrup.
-
Pour the syrup into a pan, add the juice of 1/4 lemon, and simmer over low heat until slightly thickened.
-
Add the mango slices to the pan and stir gently for about 3 minutes over low heat.
💡 Tip: If you prefer a less sweet version, you can skip this step and go straight to drying the mango.
Step 3: Dry the mango in an air fryer
-
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (392°F) for 5 minutes.
-
Arrange the mango slices evenly in the basket and set the temperature to 120°C (248°F) for 40 minutes.
-
Once done, remove the mango slices, let them cool completely, and store them in an airtight container.
How to Make Dried Mango Using a Rice Cooker
This is a rather unique and lesser-known method that not many people have tried before. Learning how to make dried mango with a rice cooker requires a bit of patience and finesse, but the result deliciously chewy and fragrant mango slices is absolutely worth it. If you love experimenting with creative cooking methods, this one’s for you!
Ingredients:
-
Ripe mangoes (not overripe or damaged)
-
A stainless steel steaming rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the mango
Just like in other methods, wash, peel, and slice the mango into thin, even pieces in any shape you prefer. Since a rice cooker has limited space, 1–2 mangoes are usually enough for one batch.
Step 2: Arrange the mango slices
Place the stainless steel steaming rack inside the rice cooker, then neatly arrange the mango slices on top. Be sure not to overlap the slices, they need enough airflow to release moisture evenly while drying.
Step 3: Start the drying process
Plug in the rice cooker and keep it on “Keep Warm” mode, not “Cook.” Because mangoes contain a lot of water, the drying process can take quite a while around 8–12 hours for partially dried mango, or up to 20 hours if you want perfectly chewy dried mango.
How to Make Dried Mango Using an Oven or Microwave
If you don’t have an air fryer or food dehydrator, don’t worry, you can still learn how to make dried mango easily using your oven or even a microwave. This method helps you achieve a perfectly chewy and fragrant result right in your kitchen.
Ingredients
-
2 kg ripe mangoes (choose evenly ripened ones)
-
Coarse salt
-
2 tablespoons alum (optional)
-
2 tablespoons slaked lime (calcium hydroxide)
-
700–900 g white sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the mango
-
Mix the slaked lime with filtered water, let it sit until the lime settles, then use only the clear water on top.
-
Wash the mangoes, dry them with a clean towel, peel, and cut into even slices about 2 cm thick, lengthwise along the fruit.
-
Soak the mango slices in the clear lime water for about 5 hours, then rinse thoroughly several times with clean water.
💡 Tip: You can also blanch the mango in a mixture of alum and a pinch of salt, then rinse again this helps maintain the mango’s natural color and firmness.
Step 2: Soak and caramelize the mango
This step is similar to the one used in the air fryer method marinate the mango with sugar, let it rest until the syrup forms, and lightly simmer it with a bit of lemon juice.
Step 3: Dry the mango
-
Using an oven: Arrange the mango slices on a baking rack. Set the oven to 100°C (212°F) and dry for about 50 minutes.
-
Using a microwave: Lay the slices evenly on a tray and dry at 60–65°C (140–150°F) for 5–6 hours.
How to Make Dried Mango by Sun-Drying
If you love traditional methods, this is the perfect way to learn how to make dried mango naturally no oven, no air fryer, and no special tools required. Though it takes more time and patience, this old-fashioned sun-drying method is energy-efficient, simple, and gives your dried mango a rich, authentic flavor.
Ingredients
-
1 kg ripe mangoes (evenly ripened and not overripe)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the mango
You can follow the same preparation steps as in the previous methods wash, peel, and slice the mango into even, thin pieces.
Step 2: Set up for sun-drying
The success of sun-drying depends largely on the weather, so keep these key points in mind:
-
Check the weather forecast and choose a few days with consistent sunlight and gentle wind. Ideally, the temperature should be at least 30°C (86°F) for effective drying.
-
Select a clean, open area with direct sunlight away from dust, smoke, and animals.
-
Use a drying tray made of stainless steel or food-grade plastic. Avoid aluminum or copper trays, as they can cause the mango’s color and nutrients (especially Vitamin C) to deteriorate.
Step 3: Sun-dry the mango slices
-
Place the trays about 1 meter above the ground to allow good airflow and faster drying.
-
Cover the mango lightly with a thin mesh or cloth to protect it from insects and dust.
-
Bring the trays indoors at sunset — never leave them outside overnight, as cool evening air can cause the mango to absorb moisture again.
🌞 Pro Tip: The perfect drying time is around 4–5 days, but it may vary depending on sunlight intensity. Keep an eye on the texture your dried mango is ready when it’s chewy, golden, and slightly sticky to the touch.
Important Tips for Making Soft Dried Mango at Home
Before you start learning how to make dried mango at home, here are a few essential tips to help you achieve the best flavor and texture and avoid common beginner mistakes!
-
Choose fresh, seasonal mangoes: Always pick ripe, in-season mangoes. This is when they’re most flavorful and affordable a true “mango master” knows timing is everything!
-
Pick the right ripeness: The perfect mango for drying should be just ripe not too green, not too soft. Avoid bruised or watery ones. A quick tip: soak the mango briefly in salted water to remove surface residues, then rinse thoroughly before slicing.
-
Slice with care: Slicing is an art! Thin, evenly cut slices will dry faster, look better, and taste more consistent. Aim for slices that are similar in thickness to ensure an even texture and golden color after drying.
-
Store it properly: If you’re not eating all the dried mango right away, make sure to store it correctly. Keep it in an airtight container or zip-lock bag, preferably in a cool, dry place to maintain its soft, chewy texture for days.
Readmore:
How to make irresistibly delicious young mango shake with spicy chili salt
Final Thoughts
Awesome! You’ve just explored several simple and fun ways to make soft dried mango at home together with Khô bò CALI. It might take a bit of time, but spending your free moments creating a delicious homemade snack can be surprisingly rewarding and tasty too!
And if you’re a snack lover who’s always on the go and can’t squeeze in kitchen time, no worries, just stop by KHO BO CALI’s dried mango collection for a ready-to-enjoy, chewy tropical treat!
📞 Order now: +1 (714) 452-7679 / +1 (714) 234-6899
🌐 Shop online at: Khobocali.com
