Learn how to make Dehydrated Oranges that you can use for a healthy snack, a cocktail garnish, in desserts, and more! You can make these easy treats with any orange variety you like.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Dehydrated Oranges are such a delicious treat and there are so many ways you can use them. They are also really easy to make, just like the foods on my list of 22 Dehydrator Recipes!
You can make them in a dehydrator or your oven. And, if stored properly, they will stay good for a long time. By the way, you can use this recipe to make dehydrated lemons and dehydrated limes too!
How to Make Dehydrated Oranges
Step 1: Wash and dry the oranges, then slice into ¼" rounds using a mandoline or sharp knife. Pat slices dry and place on a dehydrator rack with space between each for even drying.
Step 2: Place the lid on the dehydrator and set it to 135º. It will take anywhere from 6-10 hours for the oranges to dehydrate fully. Start checking them around 6 hours.
How to Dehydrate Oranges in the Oven
After cleaning and slicing the oranges, arrange them on a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake at 200º for 3-4 hours, flipping once or twice while baking.
What Kind of Oranges to Use for Dehydrating
As you can see in my photos, I used blood oranges in my latest batch of dehydrated oranges. I chose them more for their color than anything but they also have a slight berry flavor which I enjoy.
Seedless varieties are also a good choice because there are fewer holes in your pretty dehydrated fruit. Naval oranges are the sweetest variety and will work great for dehydrating. Mandarins are another variety to consider.
If you happen to have sour oranges or are only using these for decoration or potpourri, those will work as well. I wouldn't recommend a sour or bitter orange for eating.
You can add extra flavor with spices or chocolate
If you want these to be more like a sweet treat or candied orange peels, sprinkle on some sugar before dehydrating. Other options to consider are cinnamon, cardamom, or pumpkin pie spice. You can dip these dried orange slices in melted chocolate for a decadent dessert!
What to do with Dehydrated Oranges
Here are some ideas on how to enjoy these dehydrated treats:
- Eat them plain for a delicious healthy snack
- Use them as a cocktail garnish
- Add to your favorite sangria or mulled wine recipe
- Place on top of baked goods
- Cut up into small pieces and put inside baked goods
- Use them as a cupcake topper
- Put them in tea
- Use them for an awesome homemade marmalade
- Add them to stews or soups
- Use them to flavor water or iced tea
- Use in potpourri
- Make decorations for the holidays
What Dehydrator I Use to Make These Dried Orange Slices
I have a Nesco dehydrator that I use all the time. I've had it for quite a few years and it has lasted a long time. I like it because it's light and easy to clean.
The only negative I can think of is that it does take up some space because it's bulky. There are quite a few options for dehydrators out there, some are even bigger if you want to dehydrate a ton of food at once. The one shown below is a great beginner option.
If you get a chance to make these Dehydrated Oranges, tag me on Instagram or Facebook and show me, or leave a review below! You can also follow me on Pinterest and sign up for my e-mail list to receive more fun and delicious recipes in your inbox.
Dehydrated Oranges
Equipment
- mandoline or sharp knife
- paper towels or clean kitchen towel
Ingredients
- 6-8 oranges (any type)
- ground cinnamon, sugar, melted chocolate (optional added flavor)
Instructions
- Wash and dry the oranges. Slice each orange into slices about ¼" thick using a mandoline or a sharp knife You want the slices to be as similar in thickness as possible so that they all dry at the same rate.
- Once you have all of your oranges sliced, place them on a paper towel and gently pat the top to remove some of the juice. The dryer the oranges are, the better they will dehydrate! Place each piece on the dehydrator rack until the entire level is full. Fill all of the levels with your orange slices, making sure to leave room around each slice so that the air can circulate them.
- Place the lid on the dehydrator and set it to 135º. It will take anywhere from 6-10 hours for the oranges to fully dehydrate. Start checking them around 6 hours. I found that 8 hours was perfect for my slices.
- Store in a sealable container, like a canning jar, in a cool dark place.
Notes
- Times will vary depending on how thin the slices are, the climate, the outside and inside temperature at the time, and your dehydrator.
- Always read the manual for your dehydrator and follow all safety recommendations.
Nutrition
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Karen F says
Beautiful and delicious garnish for an Old Fashioned! They stay crunchy till the end of the drink, and contain less calories than the usual Luxardo cherries in syrup. Guests are impressed with the look too! I used a mandolin set on 3/16”. I didn’t bother trying to remove any juice, and they crisped up fine in the oven for 4 hours. Thanks for publishing this recipe.
Emily says
Thanks for the review, Karen. I bet these were perfect for your Old Fashioned. Cheers!
Mama Maggie's Kitchen says
Oh my! I need this in my life. Must print your recipe. Thanks for sharing."
Emily says
You're welcome!
Jessica says
Great recipe and great ideas!
Kechi says
Such an easy to follow instructions on dehydrating oranges! Thank you so much for sharing.
Emily says
You are very welcome!
Kalu says
Love this idea. These will make such great treats.
Emily says
They are the best treats, my son loves them!
Sue says
I love these! But I have to stop dipping them in chocolate so I have enough to use for cocktails!! LOL
Emily says
LOL, I had a similar issue. Next time I'm making a double batch!
Toni says
Thank you so much for this recipe! My kids really loved it!!
Emily says
You are so welcome!
Dannii says
These would be great in a glass of gin. I can't wait to give them a try.
Emily says
Yes they are, I hope you try it soon!
Angela says
A great addition to my cocktails!
Emily says
They look so pretty in cocktails!
Carrie says
I am loving the idea of dipping these in chocolate! Yum! 🙂
Emily says
Carrie, it is so delicious. Anytime I make these dehydrated oranges at least half of them are going in chocolate, LOL!
Naomi Andres says
This is such a great tutorial! I love all of your ideas for how to use them!
Emily says
Thanks, Naomi. Who knew a dehydrated orange could do so many things?!?