Dehydrated Orange Slices – Sustainable Cooks

November 28, 2023

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Learn all about making dehydrated orange slices in a food dehydrator or an oven. Dehydrating oranges is a simple project for adults and kids and makes amazing additions to sweet and savory dishes and crafts.

dehydrated orange slices in a blue bowl.

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Dehydrated orange slices are a great ingredient to have on hand for sweet and savory dishes as well as homemade drinks and seasonal crafts/decor.

The best part of drying oranges yourself? The process is so simple, and you only need one ingredient – fresh oranges!

Looking for more dehydrator tutorials? Check out our posts on Dehydrating Limes, Dehydrating Apples, Dehydrating Marshmallows, Dehydrating Onions, Drying Potatoes, Drying Peaches, Drying Peppers, Drying Pears, Homemade Tomato Powder, and Dehydrating Tomatoes.

And you’ll love these drying herb tutorials: Dehydrating Oregano, Drying Chives, Dehydrating Mint, Dehydrating Garlic, How to Dry Basil, Drying Thyme, and Drying Rosemary.

HOW DO YOU MAKE DRIED Oranges AT HOME?

There are two methods you can use to dehydrate oranges and other kinds of citrus – the dehydrator and the oven. I’ll walk you through both of the options in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

If you decide that dehydrating oranges just isn’t for you, check out my tutorial on how to freeze oranges.

How to Dehydrate Oranges

*I’ll walk you through it here with some photos and tips, and you’ll also find a printable recipe card at the bottom of the post with exact measurements, etc. You can also click “jump to recipe” to skip down.

No matter which method you’re using – the dehydrator or the oven, the first step is to wash the outside of the oranges with warm soapy water. Rinse, and pat dry.

I recommend using a serrated (bread) knife for the easiest and cleanest cuts. You can also use a mandoline. You’ll want to carefully slice the oranges thinly (~1/4 in).

Dehydrating Oranges in a Dehydrator

Arrange the slices on dehydrator trays so that there is space around each slice, and the slices are not touching. Pro tip: If you want to dry a lot of oranges at a time, most dehydrator models sell additional trays for a nominal price.

Set the dehydrator to the “fruit/vegetables” setting (135˚F or 57˚C degrees) and dry for 4-12 hours. Rotate trays every few hours.

Orange slices are done when they don’t feel wet anymore (4-12 hours) and they feel brittle. Some of the slices will finish before the others on the same tray. Remove those that are done and set them aside.

4 photos showing the process of drying oranges on a dehydrator.

Drying Orange Slices in an Oven

Place orange slices on drying racks set into baking sheets.

Place in the oven at the lowest temperature possible (usually 140-170˚F degrees) and prop open the door with the handle of a wooden spoon. This allows condensation to escape instead of just settling back onto the oranges.

Bake for 3-6 hours.

HOW DO I KNOW WHEN DRIED Oranges ARE DONE?

Orange slices are done when they don’t feel wet anymore (2-12 hours) and they feel brittle. Some of the slices will finish before the others on the same tray. Remove those that are done and set them aside.

Even finished citrus might feel a bit sticky when warm. Allow the slices to fully cool for an hour and then fold a slice between two fingers.

If the cooled citrus slices aren’t sticky/tacky and they feel hard and brittle, they are done. There should be no “give” to each slice.

How long do dried orange slices last?

Dried oranges will last for 12-18 months if stored in a cool dry place.

Please make sure the orange slices are fully cooled before putting them into an air-tight container. As they cool they will release heat that could result in condensation and eventually cause the oranges to mold.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to dry orange slices in a dehydrator?

Drying conditions, methods, and thickness of the slices will determine the total drying time, but on average, it takes 4-12 hours to dry citrus in the dehydrator.

Is it better to dry orange slices in the oven or a dehydrator?

It all comes down to works best for you. If you don’t have a dehydrator but you do have an oven, use what you have!

My preference is always to use my dehydrator. It’s energy-efficient, it doesn’t heat up my house, I can dry a lot at once, and I know it will consistently dry my oranges.

What is the best way to store dried orange slices?

For long-term storage, you’ll want to use something that is air-tight to prevent condensation from accumulating in the container. A simple mason jar with a lid is my favorite container.

If you see any condensation inside the container after a day or so, the oranges were not dried long enough.

It would be best to store them in the fridge or freezer at this point or put them back in the dehydrator for another few hours.

How to use dried oranges

The possibilities for dehydrated oranges are endless! Combine the slices with sugar in a food processor to make orange sugar. Sprinkle it over these Raspberry Lemon Creme Brulees.

For other options, use them anywhere you want to punch up the orange flavor, like in Instant Pot Orange Chicken or Air Fryer Orange Chicken, Cranberry Orange Sauce, in casseroles, or stews and soups. Or, pulse in a food processor with kosher salt to make orange salt.

They’re also incredible in homemade mulling spice mixes, dried potpourri, or to garnish homemade drinks.

To rehydrate dehydrated oranges, cover dried orange slices in cool water and soak for 1-2 hours.

PRO TIPS/RECIPE NOTES

For the evenest cuts, use a mandoline or a serrated bread knife. The serrated knife works much better than a chef’s or paring knife.
Avoid the temptation to increase the heat on the dehydrator or oven to speed up the process. Low and slow wins in the race on this one.
Remove the seeds if you plan to grind the dried oranges into powder. If you’re drying them for decoration or to flavor dishes, it is fine to leave the seeds in while drying.

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