How To Make Dried Orange Slices: Tips & Tricks (2022)

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Over the years, I’ve enjoyed drying all types of flowers and herbs. It was only a matter of time before I turned to citrus fruit. In this easy tutorial, I’m sharing tips on how to make dried orange slices for crafts, decor, and recipes. You’re bound to fall in love with these vibrant citrus slices.

This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. For more information, please see my disclosures.

Note: This post was originally published in 2021 and has been updated after thoroughly testing new drying temperatures, methods, orange varieties, and preparation techniques.

Table of Contents

• Watch This Tutorial
• The Tradition of Dried Orange Slices
• How to Dry Orange Slices
  • Supplies
  • Step 1: Cut the oranges into wheels
  • Step 2: Sprinkle a light coat of sugar on the slices (optional)
  • Step 3: Dehydrate the orange slices
  • Option 1: Drying Orange Slices Naturally (Without an Oven)
  • Option 2: Drying Oranges in the Oven
  • Option 3: Drying Orange Slices with a Food Dehydrator
• What is the best method for drying orange slices?
• Decorating Ideas for Dried Orange Slices
• Tips for Drying Orange Slices
  • Tip #1: Don't slice the oranges too thin
  • Tip #2: Always remove excess moisture
  • Tip #3: Flip the orange slices every 1-2 hours
  • Tip #4: Experiment with different citrus varieties
  • Tip #5: For a culinary treat, add other spices
• What To Do with Dried Orange Slices
• Home Decor Ideas with Dried Orange Slices
  • Table Decor Centerpiece
  • Place Setting Accent
  • Dried Orange Garland
  • Citrus Themed Wreath
  • Tiered Tray Decor
  • Potpourri Accent
  • Simmer Pot Ingredient
  • DIY Christmas Ornament
  • Holiday Gift Wrap with Dried Orange Slices
• Culinary Uses for Dried Orange Slices
• How to store dehydrated oranges
• FAQs
  • How long do dried oranges last? Do dried oranges go bad?
  • How do I keep my oranges from turning brown?
  • Why are my dried orange slices sticky?
• Pin it for later!
• How to Make Dried Orange Slices
• You Might Also Like…

Watch This Tutorial

The Tradition of Dried Orange Slices

Before glass ornaments became popular, natural elements like oranges were used to adorn Christmas trees. Even garlands originally consisted of dried fruits and popcorn.

The practice of drying fruits and vegetables (as a matter of food preservation) dates back to ancient times, but in modern times, dried orange slices have made a resurgence in home decor and mixology.

I’ve tested various drying methods to help you create your orange wheels at home and join in the trend!

How to Dry Orange Slices

Dehydrated orange slices have many culinary uses and look beautiful as a decor accent.

How you prepare your orange slices depends on how you plan to use them.

For drink garnishes or sweet treats, you may opt to add sugar. However, I’d skip that step for home decor use. I’ll share more details on the results below.

Supplies

• Oranges (Navel, Cara Cara, Valencia, or other citrus varieties)
• Sharp knife or mandolin
• Confectioners’ sugar or granulated sugar (optional)
• Wire racks
• Oven or food dehydrator (optional)

Step 1: Cut the oranges into wheels

To begin, wash and dry the oranges. Then use a mandolin or sharp knife to slice the oranges into wheels about ¼ to ⅜-inch thick.

Pat the slices dry with a paper towel before spreading them in a single layer on a baking tray. Finally, proceed with one of the drying methods below.

For a completely different spin on drying oranges, see my tutorial on how to dry orange pomander balls.

Step 2: Sprinkle a light coat of sugar on the slices (optional)

If you plan to use dried orange slices for cocktails or edible treats, you can sprinkle a light coat of confectioners’ sugar or granulated sugar on top.

Sugar sometimes gives the orange slices a glassy appearance, but I found little difference when I dried two oranges (Navel and Cara Cara) with and without sugar. See the results below.

The sugar also tended to leave a slightly tacky texture to the orange slices, perhaps due to the high humidity in our climate.

The bottom line is I would not go through the trouble of adding sugar to orange slices for decorative uses. I’m not keen on inviting ants to taste my dried orange ornaments during the winter months either.

Step 3: Dehydrate the orange slices

Luckily, you have many options for drying orange slices. You can use the air-dry method, oven-drying method, or dehydrator method. Each has its pros and cons.

Option 1: Drying Orange Slices Naturally (Without an Oven)

The air-dry method requires the fewest tools. Simply run a piece of jute cord or baking twine through the tops of your orange slices, and hang them in a cool, dry place. You can also spread the oranges out on a wire rack to dry.

Much like drying flowers, you’ll need to wait a week or more for the orange slices to dry completely. You may want to turn them every day or two to prevent warping.

The downside of drying oranges naturally is that you run the risk of developing mold or attracting pests like fruit flies and ants. It’s not my preferred technique, but it’s worth a try if you don’t own an oven.

Option 2: Drying Oranges in the Oven

Oven-drying is the most convenient method for drying citrus. You’ll need several hours to monitor your orange slices in the oven, but the quality is fairly consistent.

I tested the oven method at two temperatures: 170°F and 200°F. Either is fine, but slower and lower is better. (Keep in mind that the aim is to dehydrate the oranges rather than “bake” or “cook” them.)

The orange slices I dehydrated at 170°F had better color and texture, though I did have to exercise some patience waiting for them to finish.

It can take up to 6 hours drying orange slices in the oven at 170°F, while the slightly higher temperature takes closer to 4 hours. If your slices are very thin, you may be done within 4 hours at the lower temperature.

I find using a baking rack with parchment paper underneath helpful to dehydrate the slices more evenly and prevent the baking sheet from getting sticky.

Option 3: Drying Orange Slices with a Food Dehydrator

I recently purchased a food dehydrator in my quest to make dehydrated oranges with the best results possible. If you own a dehydrator, you’ll want to go this route when drying oranges.

My dehydrator includes a temperature adjustment feature that helps preserve nutrients in the fruit. I ran tests at 135°F for 8 hours and 145°F for 6 hours (per the manufacturer’s suggestion). The difference was hardly worth noting.

After dehydration, let the orange slices cool for at least 30 minutes to an hour before storing.

What is the best method for drying orange slices?

The best method for drying orange slices is using a food dehydrator since it can dehydrate oranges at temperatures below the range of standard ovens.

The lower temperature retains an orange’s color and texture, avoids browning, and gives more consistent results.

Below are the results comparing the oven method and dehydrator method for a Cara Cara orange.

You can rest assured that either method will give great results, so investing in a food dehydrator is not necessary unless you plan to use it for dehydrating other foods.

Decorating Ideas for Dried Orange Slices

Watch this YouTube video to learn about 5 ways you can decorate with dried orange slices.

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Tips for Drying Orange Slices

Tip #1: Don’t slice the oranges too thin

Use a sharp knife when slicing your oranges, and avoid going too thin. You’ll want the slices to have roughly the same thickness so they will dry evenly.

While I originally thought thinner was better, I achieved the best results when my slices were closer to ⅜-inch thick rather than 1/4-inch thick. The thinner slices tended to curl around the edges.

A mandolin is a useful tool to ensure even thickness when slicing fruit. Just slice off one end of the orange to create an even surface before continuing with the mandolin.

Tip #2: Always remove excess moisture

Dabbing each side of the orange slices before placing them in the oven or dehydrator gives the fruit a head start on dehydrating. Don’t skip this important step.

Tip #3: Flip the orange slices every 1-2 hours

When drying your oranges, set a timer to remember to flip the slices every hour or so. This helps the oranges to dry evenly and retain a flat shape rather than curling.

Checking the slices each hour can also help you judge when they are dry enough.

Tip #4: Experiment with different citrus varieties

Navel oranges (available in winter) and sub-varieties like Cara Cara (available in summer) are readily available in grocery stores.

Each variety brings its unique character and color to the mix. Navel oranges look most like traditional dried orange slices, in my opinion, while Cara Cara oranges resemble blood oranges with their bright pink flesh.

While I loved the petite size of the Valencia oranges, they tended to have larger seeds that left holes in the dried oranges.

Try adding grapefruit, lemons, or limes to the mix too. Part of the fun is experimenting to find a combination you love!

Tip #5: For a culinary treat, add other spices

If you’d like to use your orange slices as a garnish for a cocktail or in a holiday punch, try sprinkling cinnamon, ginger, or other spices on top in addition to sugar. This will result in a caramelized slice that makes a great treat.

I once had a sugared orange slice served with my sangria while on vacation. The taste was heavenly, and it looked fancy too!

What To Do with Dried Orange Slices

Dried orange slices can serve as both a beautiful decor accent and a delicious treat. You can store them for the season to decorate your home and add flair to your culinary adventures.

Home Decor Ideas with Dried Orange Slices

Once I learned how to dry orange slices for decoration, I started adding them as accents from fall through Christmas. You’ll see a peek at my fall table decor below.

Here are a few ways to use dehydrated orange slices to create stunning vignettes around your home.

Table Decor Centerpiece

Place a few dried orange slices in a dough bowl with pumpkins and greenery for fall.

You can also swap out the pumpkins for oversized ornaments to transition into the Christmas season.

Place Setting Accent

A single dried orange slice can look beautiful as a place setting accent with a sprig of fresh herbs or faux stems.

See the fall dining room tour

Dried Orange Garland

Dried orange slices are all the rage when it comes to wreaths and garlands. You can add them to a cypress, pine, spruce, or fir garland to add a pop of color to Christmas decor.

Citrus Themed Wreath

I also love the look of orange slices for fall or Christmas wreaths. You can coordinate cinnamon sticks, pinecones, or seed pods to compliment your dried orange slices.

Tiered Tray Decor

A few pops of orange slices add great texture and contrast to a tiered tray, too!

Note: I use this tiered tray for every season, and I absolutely love it!

Potpourri Accent

When making DIY potpourri with dried florals, try including dried orange slices for a more interesting blend. Simply add a few drops of home fragrance oil or essential oil to enhance the aroma.

Simmer Pot Ingredient

Dried orange slices also make a nice addition to a stovetop simmer pot.

Combine them with spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, vanilla, and apples to make your home smell amazing.

DIY Christmas Ornament

Add a pretty holiday ribbon or cinnamon sticks and greenery to your dried orange slices for unique Christmas tree ornaments. What a great handmade gift idea!

Holiday Gift Wrap with Dried Orange Slices

For an extra special touch, tie an orange slice onto your gift wrapping with a sprig of greenery and a pretty satin ribbon.

Culinary Uses for Dried Orange Slices

Dehydrated fruit tends to have a concentration of flavor and sweetness. Dried orange slices make a great ingredient for baked goods, cocktail garnishes, and other snacks.

Try chopping dried orange wheels to add small chunks to frosting, cakes, butter, or cereal. You can even add a slice as a garnish for a cup of tea or cider.

Dried citrus also adds a surprising burst of color and texture to a grazing board or charcuterie board, especially when served with a sweet dip like yogurt, chocolate, or caramel.

How to store dehydrated oranges

Once the dried orange slices reach room temperature, place them in a clear glass jar with a tight-fitting lid to “condition” them before storage.

Check the jar daily for moisture, and jostle the orange slices to release any moisture pockets. If you see moisture in the jar, return the slices to the oven or dehydrator for additional drying.

After a week without signs of moisture, you can safely store the dried orange slices in an airtight container, like a mason jar or vacuum-sealed bag (depending on your intended use).

FAQs

1. How long do dried oranges last? Do dried oranges go bad?

   You can store dried fruit for up to one year in the refrigerator or freezer if you plan to consume them. Discard the entire batch if you see signs of mold.Otherwise, you can use dried orange slices for decorative purposes for several years depending on the color retention. Typically, they will start to darken after 1-2 years based on my past experience.

2. How do I keep my oranges from turning brown?

   If your orange slices turn brown when drying, try adjusting the temperature lower and increasing the drying time. Fresher oranges will also have prettier results.To prevent dried oranges from browning over time, store them in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. You can also add a small amount of desiccant to the container (like silica gel) as long as you don’t plan to use the slices for culinary purposes.

3. Why are my dried orange slices sticky?

   If the flesh of the dried oranges feels tacky or pliable, they are likely not fully dry. Try dehydrating them again in short intervals.

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How to Make Dried Orange Slices

Author: firstdayofhome.com Learn how to make dried orange slices with this simple tutorial. Use your dried oranges to decorate for fall and Christmas or create fun crafts you can give as gifts. Dried orange slices are trending for wreaths, garlands, centerpieces, and more. You'll love how easy they are to make! 5 from 3 votes Print Pin Rate Prep Time 10 minutes minsActive Time 6 hours hrsTotal Time 6 hours hrs 10 minutes mins Project Type Arts & Crafts Cost (US$)10 Yield 16 slices

Equipment

• ▢ Baking rack
• ▢ Cookie sheet
• ▢ Mandolin (optional)

Supplies

• ▢ 2 medium oranges
• ▢ parchment paper

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 170-175°F (80°C).
• Wash and dry the oranges.
• Cut the oranges into slices 1/4-inch to 3/8-inch thick. A mandolin works well for this purpose.
• Pat the slices dry with a paper towel.
• Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Then spread the orange slices out in a single layer on a baking rack placed on the cookie sheet. Space them evenly to prevent sticking.
• Dehydrate the slices in the oven for about 6 hours or until dry. Flip the slices each hour to help the oranges dry evenly.
• Remove the slices from the oven once the centers look dry and not glossy. Let the slices finish air-drying, if necessary, rather than overbaking.

Notes

For a faster drying time, you can increase the oven temperature to 200°F (93°C) and bake for about 4 hours. Watch the slices closely near the end to prevent overbaking. Tried this project?Mention @firstdayofhome or tag #firstdayofhome!

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