How to Dry Orange Slices in the Oven – The Best Way!
Learn how to dry orange slices in the oven the best way to use for DIY décor and homemade Christmas crafts during the holiday season!
When it comes to decorating for Christmas I like simple touches here and there. Preferably something I can make with my girls. Making decorations ourselves, we get to enjoy the process and make memories together.
Homemade decorations are budget friendly and don’t have to be stored after Christmas! Yep, I said it, we just toss the decorations at the end of the season and make them again next year!
Last year we made a wooden bead garland, paper bag stars and dried orange slices strung in a garland. Our home looked so pretty and the kids got to admire their crafty creations hanging up throughout the house!
If you’ve ever wondered how to dry orange slices in the oven, its really easy! Just a few steps and takes a few hours, and as an added bonus, your house will smell deliciously clean during the process.
why you’ll like making dried orange slices in the oven:
What You Need To Dry Orange Slices in the Oven:
Oranges – Just look for oranges that are firm and have as few imperfections as possible. Oranges with thicker peels look prettier dried since the whites of the oranges add nice contrast between the peel and the orange middles.
Cookie Sheets – Depending on the size of your oven, you might be able to fit two cookie sheets of orange slices in the oven at once.
Parchment Paper – To bake the sliced oranges on, so that they don’t stick to the cookie sheets. I like to use this type.
Very Sharp Knife – You need a very sharp long knife to get even slices of oranges. If the knife is too dull, the orange will get some juice squeezed out and won’t look as pretty dried.
Cooling Racks – To make sure the orange slices don’t get too dark in the oven, its best to let them finish drying on cooling racks on the counter.
How To Dry Orange Slices in the Oven:
Prep – Preheat the oven to 200 degrees and position the baking rack to the middle. Line baking sheet(s) with parchment paper.
Slice – Carefully slice the oranges in 1/4 inch slices with a very sharp knife. Pat the slices very carefully with a paper towel to remove a bit of the moisture.
Arrange – Lay the orange slices so that they aren’t touching each other.
Bake – Bake the orange slices for 3 hours. 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.
Tips for success:
To Use – Use as decorations, in foods and drinks, in handmade gifts etc. Don’t toss the ends out, they are perfect for potpourri.
Store – Never store dried oranges in an airtight container since they will mold. They can be stored in a bowl, or lidless container for years.
Variations – Other types of citrus can be dried as well. Grapefruits, lemons, limes and blood oranges look beautiful dehydrated.
FAQ about drying orange slices in the oven:
How Long Does It Take To Dry Orange Slices in the Oven?
It takes about 3-4 hours to dry 1/4 inch thick orange slices in the oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit. 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.
How Do You Dry Oranges in a Dehydrator?
You can dry orange slices in a dehydrator, and the color of the oranges will actually be more vibrant than they will after drying in the oven. Here is a great tutorial for dehydrated orange slices.
Can You Dry Other Types of Citrus?
Yes! You can dry any kind of citrus. Baking times may vary depending on the size of the fruit but the process is the same. Grapefruits, limes, different varieties of oranges and lemons look beautiful dried.
Grapefruits take longer to dry, but shouldn’t be in the oven for more than 3.5 hours or they start to turn brown. Finish the drying process on wire baking racks on the counter.
Where Can You Buy Dried Orange Slices?
If you don’t have time to dry orange slices or need them in a rush, natural food stores sometimes carry them. These dried oranges from Amazon are excellent quality.
Can You Eat Oven Dried Orange Slices?
Yes, of course! You can use dried orange slices in holiday drinks like cocktails, hot cider. As a garnish, and even ground up to flavor baked goods. You can even eat dried orange slices, just make sure to dry them a little less so they are more easy to chew.
If you plan to eat the orange slices, wash them thoroughly and store them loosely covered but not completely sealed or they will mold.
What Can I Do With Dried Oranges?
There are so many ways to use dried oranges around the holidays!
For Decoration:
- strung on a garland
- hung as ornaments on the Christmas tree
- as additions to your evergreen garland or swag
- on your Christmas wreath
In Foods:
- add them to spiced cider
- as a garnish
- grind them up to use to flavor baked goods
- in cocktails
- to flavor ice water
For Gifting:
- in homemade potpourri
- to dress up wrapped gifts
More Holiday Posts on the Blog:
If you liked this tutorial, I think you’ll really enjoy these other Christmas posts on the blog!
- Homemade Gingerbread Body Lotion
- Homemade Cocoa Mix Without Powdered Milk
- Old Fashioned Hot Apple Cider Recipe
- Homemade Healthy Marshmallows
- DIY Wood Bead Garland, Christmas Decoration
I hope you have fun making dried orange slices in the oven. Let me know down below what you use dried oranges for at your house!
Pin these steps to try later. Tag @athomeontheprairie on Instagram to share what you’ve made with us!
How To Dry Orange Slices in the Oven
Dried orange garlands are a simple way to add a old fashioned Christmas touch to your home. This tutorial will show how to dry orange slices in the oven to use for crafts, décor and even to add to homemade potpourri. Its easy, and only costs a few dollars to make a beautiful orange garland.
Materials
- oranges
Tools
- sharp knife
- cookie sheets
- parchment paper
Instructions
- Prep - Preheat the oven to 200 degrees and position the baking rack to the middle. Line the baking sheet(s) with parchment paper.
- Slice - Carefully slice the oranges in 1/4 inch slices with a very sharp knife. Pat the slices very carefully with a paper towel to remove a bit of the moisture.
- Arrange - Lay the orange slices so that they aren't touching each other.
- Bake - Bake the orange slices for 3 hours. 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.
Notes
To Use - Use as decorations, in foods and drinks, in handmade gifts etc. Don't toss the ends out, they are perfect for potpourri.
Store - Never store dried oranges in an airtight container since they will mold. They can be stored in a bowl, or lidless container for years.
Variations - Other types of citrus can be dried as well. Grapefruits, lemons, limes and blood oranges look beautiful dehydrated.
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I meant to try these last year and didn’t! So this year is the year! These are beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
So beautiful! I’ve been wanting to make an orange garland for the holidays and just haven’t gotten around to it, but you’ve inspired me to do it this year! Thanks for sharing
So fun!! I love this project!! They’re so beautiful in the winter time. I love the idea of grapefruit, we’ll have to try that this year
I’ve been wanting to make these!! I’ll definitely refer back to your post! Your photos look beautiful too!
I want to make these with my kids. I think they’ll love it. Thanks.
Definitely adding this to my to-do list! Love it!!
Can’t wait to do this for our Christmas tree this year!
I love this! Last year I strung popcorn and cranberries, definitely going to be doing orange slices this year too, thanks to you! 🙂
These look so beautiful! I’d love to use dried oranges to decorate for the holidays this year. Thank you for the simple tutorial! You make it look easy and super simple.