Dried Orange Slices

Simple, dried orange slices you can make at home in a low oven.

introduction

Dried orange slices are thin rounds of orange that keep their bright color and sweet smell. You can use them for snacks, drinks, gifts, or decorations. They take a few hours in a low oven and then dry as they cool.

why make this recipe

• It uses simple fruit you already have.
• Dried oranges last a long time.
• They add color and scent to drinks, gifts, and home decor.
• You do not need special tools.

how to make Dried Orange Slices

1. Preheat the oven to 225°F.
2. Wash the oranges and pat them dry.
3. Thinly slice navel oranges to between 1/8 – 1/4 inch thick. Try to slice them evenly.
4. Lay the slices in a single layer on parchment-lined baking sheets.
5. Place the orange slices in the oven and bake for 2 hours. Rotate the sheets halfway through.
6. Remove the oranges from the oven and flip each slice over.
7. Return the slices to the oven and bake another 1 1/2 – 2 hours. The rinds should be slightly crisp and the centers slightly moist. The centers will finish drying as they cool.
8. Let the slices cool fully on a rack.
9. Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Ingredients :

6-8 each medium navel oranges

Directions :

Preheat the oven to 225°F. Thinly slices navel oranges, to between ⅛ – ¼ inch thick, trying to slice them as uniformly as possible. Lay, in a single layer, on parchment-lined baking sheets. Place the orange slices in the oven, and bake for 2 hours, rotating halfway through. Remove the oranges from the oven, and flip over. Return the orange slices to the oven, and bake for another 1 ½ – 2 hours, or until they are dried, and the rinds are slightly crisp, but the center is still slightly moist. The centers will fully dry as they cool. Store in an air tight container for up to 6 months.

how to serve Dried Orange Slices

• Use on top of cakes and desserts.
• Float in hot tea or mulled wine for flavor and look.
• Add to cocktails or mocktails as a garnish.
• Tie on gifts or add to wreaths and garlands.

how to store Dried Orange Slices

• Cool completely before storing.
• Place in an airtight jar or container.
• Keep in a cool, dry place out of direct sun.
• Use within 6 months for best color and taste.

tips to make Dried Orange Slices

• Slice with a sharp knife or a mandoline for even thickness.
• Try to make all slices the same thickness.
• Use parchment so slices do not stick.
• Rotate pans halfway to dry evenly.
• Do not overbake. They should feel slightly pliable in the center when warm.
• Let them cool; they will firm up as they cool.

variation (if any)

• Sprinkle a little cinnamon or sugar before drying for a sweet spice note.
• Use blood oranges or cara cara oranges for different color and flavor.
• Use a food dehydrator on low heat if you have one; follow your machine’s time guide.

FAQs

Q: Can I use other types of oranges?
A: Yes. You can use blood oranges, cara cara, or other sweet oranges. Thin slices work best.

Q: Can I dry them in a dehydrator?
A: Yes. A dehydrator works well. Dry at low heat until slightly pliable in the center.

Q: How do I know when they are done?
A: The rinds should be slightly crisp and the center still a little moist. They will finish drying as they cool.

Q: Can I sweeten or flavor them before drying?
A: Yes. Lightly dust with sugar or a spice like cinnamon before drying.

Q: Will they keep their color?
A: They will darken a bit but should keep a good color if dried slowly at low heat.

Conclusion

For more tips and methods on oven drying orange slices, see this guide: How to Dry Orange Slices in the Oven ~ Barley & Sage. If you want options for both dehydrator and oven directions, check this helpful post: Dehydrated Oranges (dehydrator and oven directions) | Hilda’s Kitchen Blog. For advice on keeping the color bright and vibrant, read this article: The best Way To Dry Oranges So They Stay Vibrant – StoneGable.