Everything you need to know on how to dehydrate oranges. We’re sharing the easiest way to create perfect dehydrated oranges in the oven and you won’t believe how simple it is!
Oranges are consistently one of the most popular fruits in the United States, and people around the globe look for ways to preserve their sweet, tart flavor to enjoy year-round. There are so many things you can do with citrus fruits and dehydrating them is one of our favorite ways to use them.
Dried orange slices can be used for so many things and are actually an easy-to-make, satisfying snack. They are great in trail mix, as mulling spice, or as a cocktail garnish.
If you are ready to learn the best way to dehydrate oranges at home, keep reading for the 4 easy steps to make them perfectly and ways to use them!
Ingredients
This easy recipe can be made with ingredients you likely already have! If not, these two simple things are sure to be found at any local grocery store. There are only two ingredients needed to dehydrate oranges:
Fresh Oranges – Really this is the only ingredient you actually need to make these dried oranges. You can use any type of orange you want! Any color, size, or variety. We especially love blood oranges when they’re in season.
Sugar – This is optional, but if you want to add a darker color to the oranges you can dip them in coconut sugar. If you want to add a candied orange slice with a little shimmer then dip them in granulated sugar.
Again, this is totally optional and you can make these without sugar.
Any type of orange and sugar will work just fine. Naval oranges, blood oranges, clementines, or any other type of citrus fruit will work great. Any type of sugar you have on hand should work.
How to Dehydrate Oranges in 4 Steps
There are just five easy steps needed to dehydrate oranges! The entire preparation process should take under five minutes, and the actual cooking process is hands-off, making this one of the easiest recipes in the book.
The full recipe is in the recipe card below.
1. Wash – Begin by washing your oranges thoroughly. After washing, pat dry with paper towels.
2. Slice – Using a mandoline slicer, chef’s knife, a serrated knife, or just a sharp knife slice the oranges into about 1/4″ slices. You can adjust the thickness of your orange slices by preference, but keep all the slices even.
Approximately 1/8″ to 1/4″ in thickness is a good place to start. These are pretty thin slices, but not too thin. The thickness of the orange slices will affect the amount of time they need to dehydrate in the oven
3. Prepare – Add parchment paper over a baking sheet. It’s important to use parchment paper so the oranges won’t stick. Lay the oranges flat on the baking sheet. They can be closer together, just not fully touching.
4. Dehydrating – Now, it is time to dehydrate! This step uses low heat over several hours to fully remove all liquid from the citrus slices. Set the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and allow them to bake for 4-5 hours. The orange slices will slowly be dehydrated at low temperatures.
How To Store Dehydrated Orange Slices
Once fully dried, store your dehydrated orange slices in an airtight container or mason jar. Keep them in a cool, dry area and store them at room temperature.
Dehydrated Oranges Coated in Sugar
If you want to add sweetness to these orange pieces, dip them in then sugar. You can use granulated sugar or for a darker orange slice use coconut sugar.
In a shallow dish, create a layer of sugar. Dip the sliced oranges into the sugar and coat them on all sides. Ensure that the slices are fully coated in the sugar.
What to Do With Dehydrated Oranges Slices
Wondering what you can do with dehydrated citrus fruit? There are many ways you can use these festive dried oranges, Here are some of our favorite ways:
Cocktail Garnishes – Just adding one dried orange to a cocktail adds charm, color, and a beautiful presentation.
Christmas Tree Decor – Traditionally families would add a string through the orange slice and hang them on the Christmas tree. You can also add them to a wreath for extra color.
Garland – A festive garland is another way to use dried orange slices. They made great holiday decorations. Add them to strings of popcorn garland too!
Homemade Potpourri – If you’ve seen fall or holiday potpourri before, you may have noticed there are always orange slices. Add them into a mason jar with cinnamon sticks and other spices and essential oils.
Entertaining – Use them to add color and charm when entertaining. We incorporated them into our fall harvest party and they looked gorgeous. They’re perfect for place settings too and they’re great for garden parties.
We even use them as a charming garnish on our cheese platters and fruit platter!
Dehydrate Oranges as Gifts
This fun citrus DIY project makes a wonderful gift! Even though they are beyond easy to make, they still take time to dehydrate, and thus gifting them makes a simple, thoughtful gift.
Place them in a mason jar with a ribbon and a little tag. You can write suggestions down on how to use them, in cocktails, food garnishes, or garlands and tie it to the jar.
They make wonderful gifts for the fall season or for the holidays.
More Citrus Fruits to Dehydrate
Limes – Dehydrated limes come out really beautiful. They’re smaller than oranges but a great garnish for margaritas!
Lemons – Dehydrated lemons are also wonderful and would be nice in a summer cocktail or garland.
Grapefruit – Dehydrated grapefruit is also very pretty. These slices are larger but would be great as a garland.
Blood Oranges – These vibrant, red oranges are perfect for making pink dehydrated slices. You can find blood oranges at the Famers Market and some grocery stores a few times a year. They look gorgeous in cocktails!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Dehydrate Oranges in an Air Fryer?
Yes! As long as your air fryer has a dehydrator function, you should be good to go.
Place your sugared slices on food dehydrator trays. Place the trays in a preheated food dehydrator and let the orange juice fully dehydrate.
The drying process typically takes most of the afternoon, but it is well worth it. Depending on the thickness of your slices, check on your oranges every few hours until fully dry, about 5-10 hours.
If you do not have a dehydrator, a traditional oven works just fine! On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, place your sugared orange slices in a single layer. We actually think this is an easier way to make them.
You want to dry the oranges in low heat over several hours. Check on your oranges every hour until fully dehydrated.
For the dehydrator method, about 135º-140º works best.
For the traditional oven method, you do not want to set your temperature higher than 200º F.
The finished oranges will be translucent and will snap when bent. Be sure that the oranges are fully dehydrated. Any lingering moisture in the slices is a breeding ground for bacteria.
Yes! Sliced oranges keep excellently once dried. Be sure they are kept in a cool, dry location for the best results.
How Long do Dried Orange Peels Last?
As long as all of the moisture has been removed, dried oranges will last a very long time. You can expect slices to be fresh for at least a year and a half. It may be time to make a fresh batch if the slices stop snapping when bent.
Can You Eat Dehydrated Oranges?
Yes! Dehydrated oranges make a great snack! You can throw them in recipes the same way you would other dried fruits, or try dipping them in melted chocolate for a sweet snack.
Dehydrated oranges also make an excellent drink garnish.
How Long to Dehydrate Oranges
When dehydrating oranges in the oven, you will slowly bake them at a low temperature for about 4 hours. This will also depend on the thickness of the orange slices. If they’re thicker they will take longer.
Cocktails with Dried Orange Slices
We use these for many of our cocktails. Here are recipes that we used dehydrated orange slices:
Also, if you love this easy recipe DIY, then check out how to make pineapple flowers. They are so charming and perfect for desserts!
How Will You Enjoy Your Dehydrated Oranges?
Dehydrated oranges are a versatile and tasty snack for all seasons! Now that you know how to dehydrate oranges, the only thing left is to enjoy them!
Whether you enjoy them dipped in melted chocolate, in trail mix, or on their own, dehydrated oranges are sure to please.
Let us know if you make these by leaving a comment and review below.
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How to Dehydrate Oranges
Ingredients
- 5 large oranges
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar, optional, if you want the darker candied dried oranges.
Instructions
- Begin by washing your oranges thoroughly. After washing, pat dry with paper towels.
- Using a sharp knife slice the oranges into about 1/4″ slices. You can adjust the thickness of your orange slices by preference, but keep all the slices even. Approximately 1/8″ to 1/4″ in thickness is a good place to start.
- Add parchment paper to the cookie sheets
- Set the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and allow them to bake for 4-5 hours, until they are fully dried in the center.
- Let them cool and then store them in an airtight container.
Notes
Nutrition
I had never thought to use coconut sugar for this and I’m so glad I tried it! It made these oranges PERFECT! Thank you!
This was exactly what I was looking for. Super helpful, thank you!
This is great! Love the idea of using home dehydrated oranges and other citrus in all sorts of recipes and potpourri! Super easy instructions. Love it!