1. Peel and remove seeds. Thinly slice papaya into 1/4" strands.*
2. Place papaya on wire rack (do not overlap strands)** in 200° F oven for 2-3 hours or until dry looking but still somewhat pliable.
3. Papaya will crisp and harden as it cools. Store in airtight container and use in recipes that require any dried fruit.
*If you're using the papaya for a recipe that needs it chopped, chop to the size needed for that recipe. Cooking in one layer is the key. Just cut drying time in half if chopping into small pieces.
**Cook without a rack on a cookie sheet sprayed with cooking spray for a crisper strand of papaya or when baking chopped pieces.
