Dehydrated Orange Slices

Dehydrated Orange Slices

Dehydrating oranges is an easy way to capture their essence and enjoy their flavor beyond their season. I couldn’t believe how straightforward creating these sweet snacks in my oven was!

I use these for SO many things, from garnishing food to making crafts; I always have them on hand. They are great in trail mix, perfect for topping desserts like my orange ricotta cake, as mulling spice, or as a cocktail garnish. 

Not to mention, these slices are especially great for the holiday season, too. You can make garlands and ornaments out of them.

Dehydrated Orange Slice Ingredients

When I dehydrate oranges, my go-to ingredient list is delightfully simple. The beauty of this process is its accessibility; any orange can be used, be it navel, blood oranges, or even clementines. I like to use organic oranges because they ensure my dried orange slices are free of unwanted chemicals.

Oranges: I prefer using seedless oranges for convenience, and firm oranges ensure they hold up better during dehydration. I usually slice the fresh oranges using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for uniform thickness, which is crucial for even drying.

Safety tip: I always handle my mandoline carefully, as it’s pretty sharp.

Sugar (Optional): Occasionally, I like adding sparkle to my dehydrated oranges. Dipping the slices in granulated sugar gives them a shimmering, candied look, while coconut sugar adds a richer hue. Of course, skipping the sugar works, too, especially if you want a more natural flavor profile.

How to Dehydrate Orange Slices

What I love about this method is that it’s easy to make; it requires just a bit of my attention at the start, and then it’s all hands-off. It’s a delightful way to preserve the sunny essence of oranges!

Clean oranges well – Ensure the oranges are clean by washing and patting them dry.

Slice – Use your trusty mandoline slicer to cut the oranges into even slices, aiming for about 1/4″ thickness. You can also do this with a very sharp knife. Uniformity is essential here; it affects how they’ll dry. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Spread on baking sheet – Line baking trays with parchment paper (aluminum foil isn’t recommended) to prevent sticking. Arrange the orange slices in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.

Bake – Set the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and let the oranges dehydrate peacefully for about 4-5 hours, flipping every hour. Using a food dehydrator would work, too, if I had one. The drying process takes patience—rushing this step won’t do!

What to Do With Dehydrated Orange Slices

I love finding creative ways to use dried citrus slices. Beyond their vibrant appearance, these citrus treats add flavor to various dishes and settings. Here are some of my favorite uses:

Cocktail Garnishes – Adding one dried orange to a cocktail adds charm, color, and a beautiful presentation. These would go great with any of my orange juice cocktails, and you can use them to jazz up a mocktail!

Christmas Tree Decor – Traditionally, families would add a string through the orange slice and hang it on the 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 incredible 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, 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.

I use them as a charming garnish on our cheese and fruit platters!

Dehydrate Oranges as Gifts

This fun citrus DIY project makes a beautiful gift! Even though they are beyond easy to make, they still take time to dehydrate, which makes them into a simple yet thoughtful gift. 

Place them in a mason jar with a ribbon and a little tag. You can write suggestions for using them in cocktails, food garnishes, or garlands and tie them to the jar.

They’re perfect for fall or as holiday gifts. There is nothing like the rustic charm of dried citrus slices on a Christmas tree!