Here you’ll find everything you need to know about making dehydrated orange slices in the oven. You won’t believe how simple it is! These little citrus wheels are perfect for garnishing cocktails, topping desserts, and so much more!
For more edible garnishes, check out our dried pineapple flowers and edible sugared flowers. You can also learn about all the edible flowers from this edible flower list and chart!
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!
Storage
To store your dried oranges, place them in an airtight mason jar. Store the jar in the pantry or another dry place to preserve their shelf life.
If stored properly, dehydrated oranges will keep for 1-3 years! Just be sure to throw them away if you notice any mold.
Dehydrated Orange Slices with 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: 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. 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!
More Citrus Fruits to Dehydrate
You can 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 your local 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.
Can You Eat Dehydrated Oranges?
Of course! They make a chewy and flavorful snack and are the perfect edible garnish for a cocktail or dessert.
For safety, make sure the oranges are thoroughly dried to prevent mold growth.
How Long Do Dried Orange Peels Last?
If properly stored in an airtight container, they can last for up to 3 years! For the best flavor, I recommend using them within the first year.
Dehydrated Orange slices in a Dehydrator
A traditional dehydrator is an especially handy tool for dehydrating oranges. The process will take longer than it does in the oven, but these appliances use less energy than the oven, and won’t heat up your whole kitchen.
To use the dehydrator, thinly slice your oranges as you would for preparing them in the oven. Set the dehydrator to 135 and dehydrate for 6 to 12 hours, checking periodically.
Dehydrated Orange Slices in an Air Fryer
Dehydrating orange slices in an air fryer works just like ti does in the oven or in a food dehydrator. Be sure to cut thin, uniform slices and lay them in a single layer.
Be sure not to crowd the slices in the air fryer, since it needs proper air flow for even cooking.
Cocktails with Dried Orange Slices
I often use dried orange slices as a garnish to add a zesty flair to various cocktails. Here are some of my favorite cocktails that would be perfect for using all those orange slices:
- Rum and Orange Juice: A tropical mix perfect for any gathering.
- Sparkling Prosecco Cocktail: Ideal for a festive toast.
- Apple Harvest Punch: A delightful blend with a hint of autumn.
- Whiskey and Orange Juice: A classic duo with a twist.
- Vodka and Orange Juice: A simple yet refreshing choice.
Feeling creative? Try making charming pineapple flowers as another garnish option!
Let me know if you make these beautiful citrus slices. I want to see your creations, so tag @sugarandcharm on social!
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Dehydrated Orange Slices
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.
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!