Here are our go-to methods for drying the orange slices that we use for holiday decor. Dried oranges are really versatile and can be used for so many things during the holiday season. Best of all, at the end of the season you can throw them into a simmer pot or use them as potpourri before composting them. These methods for drying can also be used for other types of citrus such as grapefruit, limes and blood oranges. Make sure that you look for varieties that are seedless and choose fruit that are firm and round. You’ll find instructions for drying in both an oven and dehydrator below. We own a dehydrator so that’s my preferred method these days, but if I’m short on time the oven is always a good option!
Instructions to dry oranges
Slice your oranges to 1/8″ thick using a sharp knife. Try to cut all of your slices a consistent thickness, especially if you’re drying them in the oven. Thinner areas tend to burn otherwise. Place slices on a clean tea towel and gently pat dry with another towel. Repeat if necessary.
Arrange orange slices on a baking sheet with parchment paper and bake at 200 degrees F for several hours until dry. Flip every 30 minutes to prevent edges from curling excessively. It should take anywhere from 3-5 hours depending on how thick your slices are. Keep a close eye on them towards the second half.
Set your dehydrator to 130 degrees F and dehydrate for about 12-14 hours, flipping every hour or so. Dehydrating results in slices that are more uniform looking and you don’t run the risk of them burning. The dry time varies greatly depending on your dehydrator so you’ll need to experiment with this.
– Making sure your slices are cut in a consistent thickness can help to prevent burning if you’re oven drying, since it’s the thinner areas that tend to burn.
– Give your orange slices a really good pat down in between clean towels before drying, regardless of which method you are using. This makes a big difference in cutting down overall drying time.
– You’ll be able to tell when your orange slices are dry because they will truly look and feel dry, meaning that there’re will be no sticky or soft areas. If your oranges are on the brink of burning in the oven, you can remove them early and let them air dry for a day or so.
– string them up as a garland for easy DIY holiday decor
– for decorating gifts
– as tree ornaments
– in simmer pots and potpourri
– as a co*cktail garnish
FAQs
Bake at 200 degrees F for several hours until dry, flipping every 30 minutes to prevent edges from curling. It should take anywhere from 3-5 hours. - To dehydrate: Set your dehydrator to 130 degrees for about 12-14 hours, flipping every hour or so.
Is it better to dehydrate oranges in the oven or dehydrator? ›
Probably the most popular way to dry oranges is in the oven. This is so easy! Put the wire rack on a parchment paper lined rimmed baking sheet and dry (bake) them in a low oven, turning often, until they dehydrate.
How do you know when oven dried oranges are done? ›
Place on parchment paper lined baking sheets (single layers, but they can touch). Bake for 4-6 hours (depending on your oven and thickness of slices). FLIP oranges every one hour. Oranges should be semi transparent and not wet to the touch when they are done!
How to dry whole oranges in the oven? ›
Place the whole orange on parchment paper or aluminum foil on a baking tray and bake for about 12-24 hours or until they are dry. The larger the orange- the longer it takes. I have also done this same thing with small tangerines, limes and lemons, etc. for a different look.
Why use dehydrator instead of oven? ›
But instead of cooking with heat, dehydrators draw moisture out of foods so they dry out and can be enjoyed for a long time. Most ovens do not offer the same low temperatures that a dehydrator does.
How do you dehydrate oranges perfectly? ›
Arrange orange slices on a baking sheet with parchment paper and bake at 200 degrees F for several hours until dry. Flip every 30 minutes to prevent edges from curling excessively. It should take anywhere from 3-5 hours depending on how thick your slices are. Keep a close eye on them towards the second half.
How long will dried orange slices keep? ›
If you dry and store your oranges properly, the slices should be good for at least two years, and often much longer and they'll be ready for Christmas porch decor ideas and Christmas patio ideas. To store, place them in a completely dry airtight container until the next holiday season.
Can you eat dehydrated orange slices? ›
Here we'll answer some frequently asked questions on using dried orange slices. Can you eat dried orange slices? Yes. They're delicious.
Why are my dried oranges turning brown? ›
Dry orange slices may also turn more brown over time, as their natural colors fade over the years. However, keep in mind that the lower the temp, the longer they'll take to dry. To speed things up, you can experiment with turning your oven higher than the lowest setting, but keep an eye on them as you go.
Can you dehydrate oranges without an oven? ›
Dried orange slices make a classic decoration for trees and wreaths during the holiday season. They're also a tasty treat! After cutting an orange into 1 cm (0.39 in) slices, dry them using an oven, a microwave, a food dehydrator, or even natural sunlight.
Slice citrus fruit into ¼” (or thinner) rounds and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 170ºF for 4-6 hours, turning the slices over every 2 hours, or until fully dried out.
How do you dry orange and apple slices in the oven? ›
Heat oven to 140C/120C fan/gas 1 and line 2 baking sheets with baking parchment. Slice the oranges and apples very thinly, using a mandolin for the apples, if you have one. Arrange the slices on the trays, then bake for 45 mins-1 hr, turning halfway through cooking, until completely dried out. Leave to cool.
Does a dehydrator use more electricity than an oven? ›
Since dehydrators use less electricity than a traditional oven, they can also save you on energy costs.
What fruits are best to dehydrate in oven? ›
Apples are ideal for oven drying - in fact, all fresh fruit can be dried in the oven.
Is a dehydrator cheaper to run than an oven? ›
An oven is likely to cost significantly more to run because it has a far higher power rating. It also has a larger space to heat and has to maintain that heat with its door ajar while it's dehydrating food.
Can you dehydrate citrus in the oven? ›
Slice citrus fruit into ¼” (or thinner) rounds and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 170ºF for 4-6 hours, turning the slices over every 2 hours, or until fully dried out. Use dehydrated citrus to garnish your favorite beverages.
