How to Dry Orange Slices
Dried orange slices are a holiday tradition for many. Learn how to dry orange slices to use as holiday decor, an orange garland, cocktail garnish, and more.
Oranges have been a Christmas symbol for ages. As a kid, Santa always left one at the bottom of our stockings. As we have many many citrus trees in our backyard, I’m always trying to come up with more ways to use them. Some past citrus favorites include: Orange Salad Dressing, Lemon Tahini Salad Dressing, Lavender Lemonade, Strawberry Lemonade, Lemony ACV Drink, Kumquat Marmalade, and the classic Aperol Spritz.
Drying orange slices for the holidays is a fun and easy project for kids to help with, and the slices can be used in many ways.
How to Dry Orange Slices
You can use any variety of citrus. Give them a good wash and dry, then cut crosswise into 1/4-1/8 inch slices. You can speed up the drying a little by patting with paper towels.
Set wire racks over large baking sheets. If you have a large air fryer or dehydrator, you can use that too. If you don’t have a rack that fits your baking sheets, line them with parchment and cook directly on the sheets, flipping the oranges halfway through. Cooking on a wire rack is best however.
The slices are done when they are dry to the touch. Don’t over cook or they will turn brown. Cool completely before using, as they will crisp up as the cool.
How to Use Dried Orange Slices
Orange Garland
Dried orange slices can threaded onto thread or twine to make individual Christmas tree ornaments or a garland. They are also a beautiful addition to holiday wreathes.
Dried Citrus Cocktail Garnish
Add a bowl of dried citrus slices to your bar cart for an easy cocktail garnish, or add color to your charcuterie boards. Try them on our Easy Mulled Wine or served with our Vegan Gingerbread Cookies.
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Orange Chips
Snack on dried orange chips. They’re fun to dip in yogurt or make a fancy treat by dipping into dark chocolate and topping with dried flowers a la Loria Stern.
Dried Orange Slices
Learn how to dry orange slices in the oven. Dried orange slices for garlands, holiday decor, cocktail garnishes, or orange chips to snack on.
Ingredients
- 4 oranges (or other citrus such as grapefruit, lemons, limes)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 175° F.
- Wash and dry the oranges, then slice crosswise ⅛-inch thick.
- Set slices in a single layer on baking sheets topped with wire racks.
- Cook for 4-6 hours, until dry to the touch, rotating every few hours for even cooking.
- Cool completely before storing or using. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one month.
Notes
Using your Dried Oranges
Use as cocktail or charcuterie board garnishes.- Snack on dried orange chips.
- Dip in melted dark chocolate and let dry.
- To make an orange garland, use a toothpick to create a hole near one edge of an orange, just below the skin and pith. Alternatively, use a needle and thread.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1/10 recipeAmount Per Serving: Calories: 46Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 2gSugar: 8gProtein: 1g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated by Nutritionix. I am not a nutritionist and cannot guarantee accuracy. If your health depends on nutrition information, please calculate again with your favorite calculator.
Curious why you say they can be stored for up to one month when most sources say they look good for 2 years? Are you referring to the time in which you can still eat them?
I tried your recipe and the orange slices came out perfectly! Thank you so much for your gorgeous pictures and easy to follow instructions. Truly inspirational! : )