This post will teach you How to Dry Orange Slices in the Oven so you can easily turn them into a culinary masterpiece or use them as décor for the holidays. With a few simple steps and minimal appliances, you'll have dried oranges ready in no time!
This post is a great reference point for those interested in learning how to dry orange slices in the oven. I love creating dried orange slices because they're so versatile. Use them as decorations for Christmas trees, or add them to sweet bread loaves for a pop of color.
If you're curious about other how-to's in the kitchen, check out the following posts: How to Make Homemade Strawberry Preserves, How to Cook a Spiral Ham, and How to Cook a Baked Potato in the Oven.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple – You only need to follow a few steps to have dried orange slices.
- Easy – This post on how to dry orange slices in the oven is great for those of all skill levels in the kitchen.
- 1 ingredient – All you need for this recipe is oranges of choice.
- Beginner-friendly – With only minimal tools and steps, this recipe is great for beginners in the kitchen.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Oranges: Any oranges will do when following the steps for how to dry orange slices in the oven. You can also use other citrus fruit instead, like a few limes. Lemons/limes will take less time to dehydrate since they are smaller.
Complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.
How to Make Dried Orange Slices in the Oven
Quick Overview
- Preheat the oven.
- Slice the oranges.
- Bake until dry.
Step by Step Instructions
Do not slice oranges too thick; they will take longer to dehydrate.
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees. While the oven heats up, slice the oranges using a very sharp knife or mandoline about ¼ inch thick. Pat the slices dry with a paper towel.
Step 2: Line a baking sheet(s) with parchment paper. Arrange the oranges on the lined baking sheet with some space between each slice.
Step 3: Bake for 2-4 hours, flipping every 30-45 minutes. If they begin to turn brown, the oven is too hot. Some may dry out faster than others, so remove them in batches if needed. The dehydration time will vary based on the fruit's thickness and moisture level. Allow them to cool to room temperature on the baking sheet.
Ensure you remove any slices that dry more quickly to avoid overly processing them.
How To Use Dried Orange Slices
After learning how to dry orange slices in the oven, you may wonder what to do with the dried citrus slices. Here are a few ideas:
- Use them in homemade potpourri mixes
- Toss them in sangria or mocktails/cocktails
- Add them to cakes as an edible decoration
- Put them in marinades for extra flavor
- Add them to a wreath for the holiday season
Expert Tips
- Thinly slice fresh oranges. When making dried orange slices, avoid slicing the oranges too thick, as it can cause them to take longer to dehydrate. They should be about ¼" thick when you cut them.
- Use parchment paper or a wire rack. When following the steps for how to dry orange slices in the oven, ensure you use parchment paper or a wire rack. These options help prevent the oven-dried orange slices from sticking to the baking tray. If you don't have either available, a light-tasting oil spray can be used on the baking sheet.
- Flip the oranges while they bake. Flipping the oranges about every 30 minutes or so as they dehydrate is necessary to ensure they cook evenly.
Storage & Shelf Life
Whether learning how to dry orange slices in oven for decoration or food recipes, it’s essential to properly store them once dehydrated.
- Allow the orange slices to cool fully.
- Pack dehydrated orange slices in an airtight container (mason jar or Ziplock bag).
- Store the orange slices in a cool, dark spot.
- You can eat dried orange slices and use them in recipes for up to two years. You can use them for decorations for longer (even if they turn brown).
Additions & Variations
- Dehydrator: Instead of using this recipe for how to dry orange slices in the oven, you can use a dehydrator. After slicing the oranges thinly, dehydrate them for 4-6 hours at 135F degrees. Ensure you check them every 45 minutes.
Recipe FAQs
One of the best ways to dry oranges is by slicing them thinly, patting them dry, and spreading them on a tray. Then, bake them in the oven at 250F for about three hours.
Preheat the oven to 250F (or the oven's lowest temperature). Then, follow the above steps. Ensure you flip the orange slices over every 30 minutes as they dry.
If you’re wondering, “How to dry orange slices (without oven)?" consider making them in the microwave. Lay out two pieces of paper towels on a microwave-safe dish. Then, place the thin slices of oranges in a single layer. Use the defrost setting for seven minutes to create dried orange slices.
Once you have sliced the oranges, place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 175F and cook for about 3.5 hours.
Once you’ve followed the steps for how to dry orange slices in the oven, you can use them for quite a few recipes. Use dried oranges as a garnish for cocktails, tea, or cakes. Bake with them. Add them to a wreath or Christmas tree. The options are endless.
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How to Dry Orange Slices in the Oven
Ingredients:
- 2-4 navel oranges*
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees. While the oven heats up, slice the oranges using a very sharp knife or mandoline about ¼ inch thick. Pat the slices dry with a paper towel.2-4 navel oranges*
- Line a baking sheet(s) with parchment paper. Arrange the oranges on the lined baking sheet with some space between each slice.
- Bake for 2-4 hours, flipping every 30-45 minutes. If they begin to turn brown, the oven is too hot. Some may dry out faster than others, so remove them in batches if needed. The dehydration time will vary based on the fruit's thickness and moisture level. Allow them to cool to room temperature on the baking sheet.
Notes:
- Oranges: Any oranges will do when following the steps for how to dry orange slices in the oven. You can also use other citrus fruit instead, like a few limes. Lemons/limes will take less time to dehydrate since they are smaller.
- Thinly slice fresh oranges. When making dried orange slices, avoid slicing the oranges too thick, as it can cause them to take longer to dehydrate. They should be about ¼" thick when you cut them.
- Use parchment paper or a wire rack. When following the steps for how to dry orange slices in the oven, ensure you use parchment paper or a wire rack. These options help prevent the oven-dried orange slices from sticking to the baking tray. If you don't have either available, a light-tasting oil spray can be used on the baking sheet.
- Flip the oranges while they bake. Flipping the oranges about every 30 minutes or so as they dehydrate is necessary to ensure they cook evenly.
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