The optimum extraction conditions for highest recovery of total phenolics content (TPC) and antioxidant capacities (AC) were analysed for Mangifera pajang peels (MPP), using response surface methodology. The effects of ethanol concentration (X(1): 20-80%), extraction temperature (X(2): 30-65 degrees C) and liquid-to-solid ratio (X(3): 20-50 mL/g) on the recovery of total phenolics (Y(1)) and antioxidant capacity (Y(2)) were investigated. A second order polynomial model produced a satisfactory fitting of the experimental data with regard to total phenolic content (R(2) = 0.9966, p < 0.0001) and antioxidant capacity (R(2) = 0.9953. p < 0.0001). The optimum extraction conditions for TPC were 68%, 55 degrees C and 32.7 mL/g, and for AC were 68%, 56 degrees C and 31.8 mL/g, respectively. Predicted values for extraction of TPC and AC agreed well with the experimental values. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry of the optimally obtained extracts from MPP revealed the major phytochemicals as mangiferin, gallic acid, catechin and epicatechin.