How to Dehydrate Oranges in The Oven

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 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): 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!

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.