Everything you need to know on how to dehydrate oranges. The easiest way to create perfect dehydrated oranges in the oven and you won’t believe how simple it is!
Dehydrating oranges is a delightful 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! Fresh oranges’ vibrant, tangy taste can easily be transformed into a handy and versatile treat, making them a fantastic addition to various dishes and décor.
Dried orange slices can be used for so many things and are an easy-to-make, satisfying snack. They are great in trail mix, as mulling spice, or as a cocktail garnish.Â
I’ve discovered that these dried orange slices aren’t just tasty on their own; they have several creative uses, from adding a zesty punch to trail mix to serving as an aromatic embellishment for a warm, inviting cocktail.
Not to mention, these slices are especially great for the holiday season, too. You can make garlands and ornaments out of them.
Shopping List and Ingredient Notes
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:Â I prefer using seedless oranges for convenience, and firm oranges ensure they hold up better during dehydration. I usually slice them 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):Â 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 I go for a more natural flavor profile.
How to Dehydrate Oranges in 4 Steps
1. Ensure the oranges are clean by washing and patting them dry.
2. Remove your trusty mandoline slicer and cut the oranges into even slices, aiming for about 1/4″ thickness. Uniformity is essential here; it affects how they’ll dry. Pat them dry with a paper towel. You can also do this with a very sharp knife.
3. Line baking trays with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Arrange the orange slices in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. It’s like laying out tiny citrus sunbathers on their own little towels!
4. Set the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and let the oranges dehydrate peacefully for about 4-5 hours. Using a food dehydrator would work, too, if I had one. The drying process takes patience—rushing this step won’t do!
During this low and slow process, aluminum foil isn’t recommended, as parchment paper does the job best.
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!
How To Store Dehydrated Orange Slices
- Place dehydrated oranges in a mason jar or glass jar, ensuring it’s airtight.
- Store the jar in the pantry, away from moisture, to preserve their shelf life.
Dehydrated Oranges Coated in Sugar
I often enhance my dehydrated orange slices by coating them in Sugar for extra sweetness. Here’s my quick method:
- Prepare Sugar: Lay a bed of granulated Sugar or coconut sugar in a dish.
- Coat the Oranges: Each slice gets a generous dip, ensuring an even coat.
- Flavor Twist:Â Occasionally, I’ll sprinkle a pinch of sea salt for contrast.
How Long to Dehydrate Oranges
When dehydrating oranges in the oven, 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.
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.
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, 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 on using them in cocktails, food garnishes, or garlands and tie them to the jar.
They’re perfect for fall or as holiday gifts. The rustic charm of these citrus decorations caresses the Christmas tree with hints of nature’s allure.
More Citrus Fruits to Dehydrate
You make dehydrated citrus fruits out of any citrus! Here are some ideas:
- Blood Oranges: I adore these for their unique dark pink hues—perfect for a splash of color in drinks. Find them at the Farmers Market.
- Limes: After dehydration, they are stunning. They’re a fabulous garnish, especially for margaritas.
- Lemons: Offering a hint of summer, these make cocktails and garlands look and taste refreshing.
- Grapefruit: Their larger slices dry beautifully, making excellent garlands.
- Cara Cara Oranges: Their distinctive flavor is fantastic when dehydrated.
- Mandarin Oranges: Small and sweet, ideal for a light snack.
- Navel Oranges: A classic choice with a robust flavor.
- Tangerines: Their easy peel and vibrant color are great for decorative purposes.
- Tangelos: A delightful hybrid with a unique taste profile, making them a special dehydrated treat.
Frequently Asked QuestionsÂ
Preheat oven: Set to the lowest temperature, around 200°F (93°C).
Prepare oranges:Â Slice oranges thinly and arrange on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Drying time:Â Bake for 2-4 hours, flipping every hour until fully dehydrated.
Direct consumption:Â They can be eaten as is, providing a chewy and flavorful snack.
Food safety:Â Make sure oranges are thoroughly dried to prevent mold growth.
Storage:Â Store in an airtight container.
Shelf life:Â Properly stored, they can last up to 3 years but are best used within a year for optimal flavor.
Yes! You should be ready if your air fryer has a dehydrator function.
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.Â
If you do not have a dehydrator, a traditional oven works fine! Place your sugared orange slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 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.Â
Air fryer setting:Â Use the dehydrate function if available.
Temperature: Set it to around 130-180°F (54-82 °C).
Timing:Â Check every 15-30 minutes until fully dehydrated.
Thin slices:Â Cut oranges thin to ensure even dehydration.
Avoid overlap:Â Place slices in a single layer without overlapping.
Airflow:Â Ensure sufficient space for air circulation for even drying.
Slice oranges Thinly for even drying.
Arrange slices: On dehydrator trays without overlapping.
Temperature: Set dehydrator to 135°F (57°C).
Duration: Dehydrate for 6 to 12 hours, checking periodically.
How can I best utilize my dehydrated oranges in recipes or as decorations?
- Garnish: Enhance cocktails or decorate cakes.
- Flavoring: Grind into powder for a zesty seasoning.
- Decoration: String slices into a garland or used as Christmas ornaments.
Do I need to remove the peel from the oranges before dehydrating them?
- Peel on: No need to remove; peel adds flavor and aesthetic appeal.
- Consideration: If you prefer, remove the peel for a different texture and appearance in the final product.
Is it possible to dehydrate orange slices without any special equipment?
- Air-drying: Place thinly sliced oranges on a mesh screen and cover with cheesecloth.
- Location: Choose a warm, dry area with good airflow.
- Time: It can take several days to fully dehydrate without equipment.
Cocktails with Dried Orange Slices
I often use dried orange slices as a garnish to add a zesty flair to various cocktails. Here’s a quick list showcasing a few favorites:
- Rum and Orange Juice: A tropical mix perfect for any gathering.Â
- Sparkling Prosecco Cocktail: Ideal for a festive toast.
- Apple Harvest Punch: A delightful blend with a hint of autumn.Â
- Whiskey and Orange Juice: A classic duo with a twist.Â
- Vodka and Orange Juice: A simple yet refreshing choice.Â
Feeling creative? Try making charming pineapple flowers as another garnish option!c
Let me know if you make these beautiful citrus slices. I want to see your creations, so tag @sugarandcharm on social!Â
You can also FOLLOW US on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more delicious recipes, cocktails, desserts, and parties!
want to save this?
Enter your email below and I’ll send it directly to your inbox!
How to Dehydrate Oranges
Ingredients
- 5 large oranges, sliced
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar, optional, if you want the darker candied dried oranges.
Instructions
- I make sure to thoroughly wash my oranges before starting. Once they're clean, I pat them dry with paper towels.
- Slice the oranges to about 1/4″ thickness, ensuring that all slices are even. This can vary slightly based on preference, from 1/8″ to 1/4″.
- Next, I line my cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and then arrange the slices on the prepared sheets.
- The slices must bake in the center for 4-5 hours until fully dehydrated.
- After baking, I let them cool before transferring them to an airtight container for storage.
Notes
- Dried oranges have a long shelf life; they stay fresh for at least a year and a half.
- These can be created for use in cocktails or as decorations.
- Experimenting with blood oranges, limes, or lemons can yield tasty results.
- It’s essential to store them at room temperature in a sealed container for up to a year.
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!