I love drying oranges for the holidays. They can be used in so many ways to decorate your home for a cozy traditional winter feel. I must admit, I have had many attempts at drying oranges and I failed a few times. So I have the experience and tips on how to NOT dry orange slices and how to dry them for the perfect outcome.
How to use Dried Orange Slices
As I mentioned there are so many ways to use dried oranges for decorating, but I also love to use them in my homemade gifts. For decorating you can create a garland to hand in your window or add them to an existing garland for a rustic feel. Also, try adding them to your wreaths!
For gifting around the holidays, adding them to a mason jar paired with other simmer pot ingredients is a wonderful gift to have on hand for friends, hosts, and teachers. You can see my homemade simmer pot potpourri here. They also add a beautiful touch to your gift wrapping tied with a simple bow or twine.
Since dried sliced oranges are basically an orange that how now been dehydrated, they work wonderfully in holiday cocktails too!
Tips for the Perfect Dry Orange Slices
- Preheat your oven to the LOWEST setting possible. My oven’s lowest setting is 170 degrees F, but my other oven only went down to 200 degrees F. I have had a lot more success drying oranges in my oven at a low temperature. If your oven only goes down to 200 degrees F, be mindful to watch for burning around the edges and shorten your drying time.
- Use a mandoline to slice your oranges. If you don’t already have a mandoline, you are missing out. Not only is this handy device great for slicing oranges, but it is also great for slicing ANYTHING you need very thin. I recommend this one from Amazon, it is budget-friendly and a quality piece.
- Slice oranges thin! This is where the mandoline comes in handy. To dry oranges like your see all over the internet, the key is to slice them as thin as possible. A few millimeters thicker than a chip is the perfect thickness in my opinion.
- Extend your drying time. If you can, let your oranges completely cool on the trays before removing them. I like to leave the oranges on the counter for a few hours after drying to ensure all the moisture has been removed.
How Long Does it Take to Dry Orange Slices?
It takes about 4-5 hours to dry thin orange slices in the oven at 170 degrees F. If the oranges are still a bit wet to the touch after 3 hours, finish the drying process by letting them dry on cooling racks on the counter.
Can You Dry Other Types Of Citrus?
Yes! You can dry any kind of citrus. The drying times may vary depending on the size of the fruit but the process is the same. Grapefruits, limes, lemons different varieties of oranges look beautifully dried.
Grapefruit can take longer to dry, but it shouldn’t be in the oven for more than 3.5 hours or it will start to turn brown. Finish the drying process on a baking rack on the counter.
How to Dry Orange Slices In The Oven
- Preheat the oven to 170 degrees F (or your lowest setting) and position the baking rack in the middle. Remember to line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Carefully slice the oranges in 1/4 inch slices or smaller with a very sharp knife or a mandoline. Pat the slices very gently with a paper towel to remove a bit of moisture.
- Lay the orange slices on the baking sheet and make sure they aren’t touching each other.
- Bake the orange slices for 4-5 hours at 170 degrees F. If you are drying at a higher temperature check on the oranges around the 3-hour mark. Flip them over every hour or so to make sure they dry evenly. If they are still a bit wet to the touch after 3 hours, let them finish drying on wire baking racks.
How to Store Dried Orange Slices
Try not to store dried oranges in an airtight container since they will mold. They can be stored in a bowl, or breathable container for years.