Making dehydrated orange slices, or any dehydrated citrus, is one of the simplest and most satisfying projects for winter. Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons ripen just in time for the holiday season and make the perfect addition to all your holiday gifts, decorations, and recipes this time of year (did I mention, they will also make your home smell fantastic in the process?). Dehydrating orange slices allows you to safely store them for years or use them in holiday decor like Christmas wreaths, orange slice garlands for a Christmas tree, and more. Whether it's the holiday season or just any time of year and you happen to have some extra fruit, drying them will prove to be a handy skill to have in your pocket. I have no doubt it'll become one of your favorite ways to use fresh oranges.
Types of Citrus to dry
You can dry any citrus using the same process outlined here, but there are a few varieties that are especially beautiful to work with because of their color and size. My favorite citrus to dry are cara cara oranges, blood oranges, navel oranges, lemons, and grapefruits. Whichever form you dry will develop a color that's about 30% darker than the fresh fruit. This is fun to work with when crafting because you can mix and match to create lots of different combinations and variety.
Tools you'll need to dry orange slices
If you're using an oven:
Cookie sheet
Silicone baking mat or parchment paper
If you're using a food dehydrator or an air fryer:
You won't need any additional tools
Detailed instructions (3 different methods)
Making dried orange slices is very simple.
Wash and dry whole oranges or other citrus you are using
Use a sharp knife to cut your fresh oranges into thin slices, less than a quarter inch thick. You can also use a mandoline slicer if you have one.
Lay out your orange slices in a single layer on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Or, if you're using a food dehydrator, lay out your oranges in a single layer on each tray or wire rack. Make sure to leave a small gap between the slices to allow for good air circulation.
Once you have your slices laid out, dab them with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture (this will help speed up your drying times)
Set your oven to its lowest temperature. This is typically around 200F. If using a food dehydrator, set the temperature to 145F. If using an air fryer, set the temperature to175F.
Depending on the juice content and the thickness of the orange slices, your baking time will vary. In the oven, bake your fruit for 4.5 hours and then check it for moisture. In the air fryer, bake your fruit for 3.5 hours and check it. And in a food dehydrator, set the timer for 8-9 hours and then check. Thick slices will take longer to bake in any method.
The easiest way to tell if your oranges are done is by gently pressing on the center. If they still feel soft and gooey to the touch, you'll need to put them in for longer, add another 1-2 hours to your timer. In the oven or air fryer, you'll want to be careful not to bake for too long as it will start to burn and discolor your fruit. However, if your fruit is not fully dried to the touch, it will not store properly and could mold.
Once your slices are dry to the touch, remove them from the cookie sheet, baking tray, or dehydrator and store them in an airtight container or ziploc bag at room temperature in a dark, dry place. If crafting, you can use them immediately.
Ways to use your dried orange slices
Dried orange slices can be used many different ways, but here are a few of my favorites:
Make a wreath!
Add a lovely garnish in hot tea or as a cocktail garnish for an added flavor and a beautiful aesthetic
Make Christmas ornaments. There's something really special about seeing bright, cheerful orange slices adorning a tree
Make a dried orange slice garland. These only take a few other materials and make the perfect addition to fireplace mantle or Christmas tree. Add cinnamon sticks or pine cones for a nice pop.
As a healthy snack! They taste like candy!
Or dip them in dark chocolate and add them to charcuterie boards
In a simmer pot blend to make the house smell amazing! Add 2-3 to a sauce pan with an inch or two of water, and add cinnamon sticks, apple peels, star anise, and other herbs and spices to make your home smell like the holidays.
Common questions:
How long will they last?
If you have properly dehydrated your fruit, it will last for a long time. Store your dried orange slices in an airtight container or ziploc bag in a dark, dry place at room temperature.
Will they mold?
If all moisture content is removed, your oranges will not rot or mold. If you're worried about mold, you can also dust cinnamon on your slices which has natural anti-fungal properties.
Does the color change when I dehydrate them?
Yes, the color of your citrus will darken about 30% when you dry them. Over time, your dried oranges will also naturally darken while in storage.
Can you still eat them?
Yes! In fact, they taste delicious! I like to eat them as they are, but you can also use them as a garnish in hot teas, cocktails, and other beverages. You can eat the rind, if you like, or some people will candy the whole thing. I've found the orange is sweet enough on its own so I skip the additional sugar.
So the next time you find yourself with a few extra fresh oranges and you're not going to eat them in time, consider this easy project. I have no doubt you'll come up with lots of creative uses for your dried oranges and before long this will become a yearly tradition in your home too.
The Purple Coop 2024
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