• Eco-friendly deep eutectic solvents (DESs) were used for pectin extraction from mango peels for the first time. • Two eco-friendly solvents extracted higher pectin yields than conventional hydrochloric acid. • Process parameters for pectin extraction with two DESs were further optimized by response surface methodology. • Ultrasound treatment significantly improved the yields of pectin/low-ester pectin. • Solvents and ultrasound varied the structural and physicochemical properties of pectins.