This post may contain affiliate links, my full disclosure can be read here. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Dehydrating oranges is a great way to preserve them and it’s easy too! Learn how to dehydrate orange slices for delicious snacks and rustic decorations for the holiday season.
Oranges are one of my favorite fruits but they can be so expensive depending on the time of year. So in the winter when they are in season I love preserving oranges to use in recipes throughout the year.
Drying and dehydrating orange slices is such an easy way to enjoy oranges all year. You can add them to soups, teas, fruit drinks, or simply enjoy them as a snack.
They are also so cute when used as Christmas ornaments during the holidays or on packaging.
I prefer to use my dehydrator to dry orange slices but don’t worry if you don’t have one you can also dry oranges in the oven Or in an air fryer that has a dehydrating setting.
Ingredient Notes
Oranges – If possible use seedless oranges for dehydrating. They are much easier to slice and the final dried orange slices look prettier and won’t have holes from where the seeds were.
As long as they are fresh oranges you can use any type including blood oranges, and navel oranges.
Equipment
- Food Dehydrator or oven
- Baking tray (if using the oven method)
- Parchment paper (if using the oven method)
- Sharpe knife or mandoline slicer
- Glass jars or other airtight container
How To Make Dehydrated Orange Slices
Wash your oranges well even if using organic oranges. Citrus can have a lot of wax and residue on the skin.
I like to soak the oranges in a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water for 10 to 15 minutes. Then lightly scrub the skin and rinse them off.
Slice the oranges with a knife or mandoline so they are 1/4 inch in thickness. You want nice thin slices the thinner your orange slices are the faster they will dehydrate.
But it is personal preference if you really want thicker slices they will dry it will just take a lot longer.
Place the orange slices onto your dehydrator trays leaving a little space between each slice. This will help with air circulation so they dry faster.
Set the dehydrator temperature between 95F and 135F.
Drying oranges at a higher temperature can cause them to turn a darker color. At a low temperature the brighter your oranges will stay but it will add more time to the drying process.
How long it will take for the orange slices to dry depends on the thickness of your slices, the temperature of your dehydrator, and how humid the weather is where you live.
Using the higher fruit temperatures (135F) slices can dry in 3 to 7 hours.
If you use 125F or lower oranges can take 18-36 hours or longer to fully dry.
You’ll know they are done when they snap in half after fully cooling and don’t see any signs of moisture.
How To Dehydrate Orange Slices In The Oven
- Cut oranges into 1/4-inch slices using a mandolin or sharp knife.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the orange slices onto the baking sheet in a single layer.
- Turn your oven on to the lowest temperature setting, 170F or below if possible.
- Turn the oranges over after 2 to 3 hours.
- Leave them in the oven until they are completely dry. This usually takes 3-5 hours on low heat.
How To Store Dehydrated Orange Slices
Before storing you’ll want to condition them. Place the dried orange slices into a mason jar but only fill the jar halfway. Cover it and place it out of direct sunlight but in a place you will see it easily. Every day for 7 to 10 days give the jar a shake and check it for moisture. If you see any condensation inside the jar the oranges aren’t fully dry and need to be placed back into the dehydrator.
Once you know the orange slices are fully dry you can package them up for storage. Mason jars are my favorite storage option but you can also use mylar bags.
Store your dried oranges in airtight containers, out of direct sunlight. A cool, dry, dark place is best for long-term storage.
Exposure to sunlight can cause the oranges to turn darker in color over time but doesn’t affect the oranges otherwise.
How To Use Dried Orange Slices
- Add to water or tea to add flavor.
- Place dried orange slices in a jar of sugar to make orange-flavored sugar for baking.
- Use when roasting chicken, lay the chicken on top of the orange slices or add some slices to the cavity.
- Make chocolate-covered oranges. Dip in melted chocolate and store in the fridge to use up in a few days.
- Make a simmer pot using dried oranges, cinnamon sticks, and rosemary.
- Use dried oranges as Christmas decorations. String twine through them to make a pretty garland for your Christmas tree, window, or mantle. Or hang them individually and make a classic Christmas tree with rustic decorations.
How To Dehydrate Orange Slices
Ingredients
- 3 Navel Oranges
Instructions
Food Dehydrator Method
- Soak oranges in a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water for 15 minutes, lightly scrub the peel and rinse.
- Slice the oranges into 1/4 inch slices and place onto your dehydrator trays making sure to leave a little space between them.
- Set the dehydrator between 95F and 135F and place the dehydrator trays into it.
- Drying time will range from 3-7 hours on the quick end to 18-36 hours when using a lower temperature.
- You’ll know they are done drying when they snap in half after cooling and no moisture is seen.
- When done allow the orange slices to cool and then place into a mason jar filling it halfway to condition. Check the jar every day for 7 to 10 days for moisture if you see any return the slices to the dehydrator to finish drying.
- When you know they are fully dry store in airtight containers such as mason jars in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight.
How To Dehydrate Orange Slices In The Oven
- Wash and prepare the oranges as shared above.
- Cut oranges into 1/4-inch slices using a mandolin or sharp knife.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the orange slices onto the baking sheet in a single layer.
- Turn your oven on to the lowest temperature setting, 170F or below if possible.
- Turn the oranges over after 2 to 3 hours.
- Leave them in the oven until they are completely dry. This usually takes 3-5 hours on low heat.
Notes
- The temperature you use to dehydrate your orange slices is personal preference. A higher temperature will dry the oranges faster but you may have darker colored slices. A lower temperature will take much longer to dry but will be a brighter color.
- You should get 30 to 40 orange slices from a large navel orange depending on how thick you slice them.
Nutrition
Nutrition information isn’t always accurate, this information is for informational purposes only please consult a nutritionist for more information and guidance.
Connect With Homestead Acres!
Be sure to follow me on social media, so you never miss a post!
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Twitter
Visit my Amazon store to find all my favorite gardening, homesteading tools, and gadgets plus all of my printed garden books and journals!
Kim Mills is a homeschooling mom of 6 and lives on an urban homestead in Ontario, Canada. Blogging at Homestead Acres she enjoys sharing tips to help you save money, grow and preserve your own food.