How to Make Dried Orange Slices +10 Cool Ways to Use Them

Last Updated on December 12, 2024

Dried orange slices are a tasty and healthy snack that can be enjoyed on their own or added to a variety of dishes. If you have a surplus of fresh oranges, or you just want to enjoy them in a different way, you can make dried orange slices at home. Drying orange slices is an easy process that allows you to enjoy the bright flavor of oranges all year round.

After you’ve gotten your fill of fresh oranges (and tried some of these genius orange peel uses), try drying orange slices to use as decoration or a sweet treat. Here’s what to know about how to dry orange slices.

WHY MAKE DRIED ORANGE SLICES?

There are so many reasons to dry orange slices! As with other dehydrated fruits, drying oranges concentrates their flavor and sweetness.

Drying fruits and vegetables while they’re in season lets you preserve flavors when they’re at their peak of freshness — and at their lowest price. Drying produce at its peak lets you eat seasonally all year round.

If you’re one of the lucky folks with a citrus tree, drying oranges means being able to use more of your harvest, since few people can eat everything their fruit trees produce.

Dried orange slices are gorgeous and make lovely gifts or decorations. Dip them in chocolate at the holidays and give something different than all the cookies going around your neighborhood.

WHAT TO DO WITH DRIED ORANGE SLICES

You can use your homemade dried orange slices as decoration or enjoy them as a snack, on their own or with added spices.

• Make a garland
• Add to an easy DIY potpourri using finds from the garden or neighborhood.
• Use in a centerpiece
• Make a Christmas tree ornament
• Use to decorate your eco-friendly gifts
• Add to mulling spices for cider or wine
• Steep in hot water for orange tea (or just use the peels for orange peel tea and save your dried orange slices for something else)
• Use dried orange slices as a garnish for cocktails or cheese platters
• Dip in chocolate (a super easy homemade gift)

WHAT TYPES OF ORANGES TO USE

When making dry orange slices, you can use any type of orange, or any citrus fruit, actually. Blood oranges and cara cara oranges look especially nice mixed with classic-colored navel oranges. If you plan to eat them, thinner-skinned oranges will have less bitter peel. For decorating, some people prefer thicker-skinned oranges.

Grapefruits, lemons, and limes can also be sliced and dried following the same process.

HOW TO MAKE DRIED ORANGE SLICES IN THE OVEN OR DEHYDRATOR

You can dry orange slices in either the oven or in a dehydrator, but in general, a dehydrator works better and requires less careful attention. The advantage of a dehydrator is that you can set it at a low temperature and it will stay there consistently.

The disadvantage of a dehydrator if you don’t already have one is that it’s another appliance to buy and takes up space. I went in with a neighbor on our first dehydrator, and we shared it to put up huge amounts of summer produce from our gardens. She had extra storage space in her basement, so it generally lived there when we weren’t using it. Besides saving money and storage space, sharing lesser-used equipment is also eco-friendly, since it’s one less thing that gets made and shipped.

Ovens generally don’t have temperature settings as low as dehydrators, so it’s easier to cook or burn (rather than dry) your orange slices than if you use a dehydrator. But if you don’t own a dehydrator or don’t want to bother getting yours out for this project, you can make dry orange slices in your oven as long as you keep an eye on them.

Here’s a primer on dehydrating food (by far my favorite food preservation strategy) and lots more info about dehydrating and other ways to preserve food from the National Center for Home Food Preservation.

A metal dehydrator will last longer and keep your food off hot plastic, and some very affordable options for stainless steel dehydrators have come on the market in the last few years. Here are some options to consider.

What You Will Need to Dry Orange Slices:

• Oranges or other citrus fruit (preferably organic)
• Sharp knife or mandoline
• Cutting board
• Baking sheet
• Metal cooling racks or parchment paper or silicone baking mats

Rinse oranges thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue and dry with a clean cloth. Use a sharp knife to cut off the tops and bottoms of each orange, then slice the oranges into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick or a little less if you can.

You can blot the orange slices with a towel to remove excess juice, which should help them dry more quickly.

HOW TO DRY ORANGE SLICES IN A DEHYDRATOR

Arrange the orange slices in a single layer on each dehydrator tray and place in the dehydrator. Set to the ‘fruit’ setting or to 130 degrees.

The time it takes to fully dry orange slices will depend on how thinly you sliced them, your dehydrator, and the humidity of the room. Expect them to take 6 to 8 hours to dry completely.

If you have an air fryer with a dehydrator setting, you can use that as well, though the lower temperature settings of a dehydrator might not be possible. You will also have far less space to spread out your orange slices than in a multi-tray dehydrator, but if you only want to make a small amount, an air fryer can work.

HOW TO DRY ORANGE SLICES IN THE OVEN

Arrange orange slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, making sure they’re not touching or overlapping. If you have a cooling rack you can use, it will help air circulate on both sides of the orange slice and speed the process. The baking sheet will catch any juice that drips.

Place the baking sheet with the orange slices in the oven. You do NOT need to preheat the oven, which just wastes energy.

Set your oven to the lowest setting possible, typically 175 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Newer ovens may go lower still. You can turn off the oven and keep an eye on the temperature, turning it on again when the thermometer reads below 130.

Don’t worry about keeping the temperature perfectly constant. You’re drying oranges, not baking a cake, and even temperatures are not important.

Dry the slices for about 2 hours, then flip to allow the underside to dry. Allow to dry for 2 more hours, or until they are completely dry and no longer soft. The exact drying time will depend on the thickness of the slices and the humidity in your area.

Give the flesh of your dried orange slices a little squeeze to make certain the juice has fully evaporated. If you can feel that there’s still juice, you need to let them dry out longer. Dry orange slices will be brittle and snap when you bend them.

Thicker slices will take longer to dry completely.

Once the orange slices are fully dried, remove them from the oven and let them cool.

STORING DRIED ORANGE SLICES

Once cool, transfer the dried orange slices to an airtight container or sealable bag. They can be stored at room temperature for several weeks, or in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life.

Tips for Making the Best Dried Orange Slices

For best results, follow these guidelines when drying oranges:

• Use ripe, juicy oranges for the best flavor and texture.
• Slice the oranges as evenly as possible to ensure that they dry evenly.
• Check the orange slices regularly during the drying process to make sure they are not over-drying or burning.
• If you prefer a softer texture, you can remove your dried orange slices from the oven before they are completely dry, but you should plan to store them in the refrigerator and eat them more quickly, as the remaining moisture can cause mold.
• Experiment with adding spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, to the orange slices before drying for added flavor.

Have you tried drying orange slices before? What’s your favorite way to use them?

Want to learn more about preserving in-season produce? Be sure to check out these other delicious dehydrating recipes:

• Dehydrating Peaches and Nectarines
• How to Dehydrate Apples
• Homemade Fruit Leather with Rhubarb
• 3 Ingredient Apple-Pear Fruit Leather Recipe
• Easy Crunchy Spiced Zucchini Chips
• 12 Ways to Preserve Herbs for Winter Use

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How to make dried orange slices photo credits: Anna Khomutova