How To Dry Orange Slices in The Oven
I love using dried oranges throughout our home during the fall and winter months. These oven-dried orange slices are super easy to make and smell amazing. So, I thought it was about time to share how I make dried orange slices for crafting and decor. I also love to use them as a garnish for some fancy drinks.
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I know there are many options when it comes to making dried orange slices; air-dry method, oven-drying method, dehydrator and even the air fryer, however, I’m going to show you my favorite way and that’s the oven method. This is super easy to make, but it can be a little time-consuming.
Tips for Getting the Best Dried Orange Slices
You will need a sharp knife, trust me on this. My mom always used Cutco knives and she passed her collection down to me and we have added pieces throughout the years. You’ll want the slices to have roughly the same thickness so they will dry evenly. My slices were approx 1/4-inch thick.
Dab each side of the orange slices with a paper towel before placing them in the oven, this will remove any excess moisture.
If you don’t have a cooling rack, no worries, you can place the slices in a single layer on top of some parchment paper. Without the paper, the oranges will stick and fall apart. If you use a rack place that rack on a cooking sheet for the air to flow.
Set your oven on 175°F to 200°F, you do not want the slices to burn. They have the tendency to turn brown or burn more easily if your oven is set too high, the lower the temperature the better.
Carefully flip the slices about every hour so they dry evenly.
It will take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours, depending on the size of the orange slices. My oranges were a little on the smaller size so this took about 4 hours.
The slices are done when they are dry to the touch and the thickest parts of the fruit are no longer soft.
Some slices may dry more quickly, remove them as needed.
Lay the slices on a cooling rack.
What type of citrus can I use?
You can use any variety of citrus, seedless varieties will work best, so that you don’t end up with large holes in the fruit but it’s not a necessity.
Lemons
Limes
Blood Oranges
Grapefruit
How long do dried orange slices last?
If the oranges have been properly dehydrated, they will last up to 2 years!!
How to store dried orange slices?
Store in an airtight container in a dark, cool place.
They come out of the oven looking so beautiful with rich orange and brown colors, almost like a stained glass window.
Orange Slices
Equipment
- 1 Oven
Ingredients
- Oranges
- Parchment paper or oven rack
- Cookie Sheet
- Sharp knife
- Paper towels
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 175° F- 200F
- Wash and dry the oranges.
- Slice the oranges crosswise 1/4-inch thick.
- Set slices in a single layer on baking sheets topped with wire racks or parchment paper .
- Cook for 2-6 hours, until dry to the touch, flipping every hour,
- Cool completely on a oven rack.
I’ll be sharing my orange-dried garland next week, wishing you a beautiful weekend ahead!
Great information! I used to dry oranges slices in a dehydrator. your way seems a lot quicker! thanks for sharing!
Dried orange slices are so wonderful to decorate with during the holidays.
Thank you so much Kippi!