This delightful How to Make DIY Dried Orange Slices: Simple Oven Recipe comes together in about 3 hours and is done in your oven for an effortlessly fun project that your family will love! Switch up the type of citrus you use, or mix in other fruit slices to suit your taste or to make this a great way to clean out the fridge! Trust me, this is a treat you won’t want to miss!
Ingredients for DIY Dried Orange Slices
3 Navel Oranges
Oranges are the star of the show here! I chose navel oranges for their sweetness and juicy flesh, they’re typically bursting with flavor. You could also use blood oranges for a pop of color, or Cara Cara oranges for their stunning contrast in sweetness and tang. Just try to pick oranges that are firm, this usually indicates more juice and flavor.
Optional Flavorings (Cinnamon, Cloves, or Sugar)
Hey, this is all about making it your own! If you wanna jazz things up a bit (and I’m all here for the jazz), sprinkle a little cinnamon or cloves onto the slices before drying. You can also dust them with a tiny bit of sugar to sweeten the deal, especially if your oranges are more tart. Experimentation is totally encouraged!
Parchment Paper
You’ll need some parchment paper for this simple recipe. It keeps the orange slices from sticking to your baking sheets, which is a small but mighty tip to keep things hassle-free when cleaning up. Plus, it makes flipping the slices way easier!
Let’s Get Cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, friends, here we go! This is my favorite part, let’s dive into how we make these gorgeous dried orange slices!
Preheat your oven to 175°F. Seriously, this is the low-and-slow method that really works best for dehydrating our oranges.
Line those baking sheets! Grab two large baking pans and line each with parchment paper. Then, place a wire rack on top of each trust me, this makes for uniform drying.
Slice those oranges! Using a sharp knife, slice your three navel oranges into even, thin rounds. Go for about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick that sort of thickness allows them to dry nice and evenly. Don’t forget to chop off the ends, they’re mostly pith and won’t look as pretty.
Pat and press! Lay the slices out between layers of paper towels and press them gently to absorb as much juice as possible. You don’t want them swimming in juice when they hit the oven, it’ll just prolong the drying time.
Bake, bake, bake! Arrange those orange slices on the wire racks in a single layer. Stick them in the oven and bake for 1 hour. The smell? Oh my goodness, like an orange grove wafting through your kitchen!
Flip and repeat! After the first hour, flip the slices over and bake for another 1 hour. By now, you’ll see them starting to dry out, and that’s super satisfying!
Final flip, one more time! Flip them once again and keep baking for 1 more hour for a total of 3 hours.
Check for dryness! After 3 hours, start checking the slices. If they’re looking nice and dried out, tough and no longer way too soft, they’re ready to go! For those that still look a bit plump or sticky, flip one more time and return them to the oven for another 30 minutes. Just keep checking back until they’re all done!
Let’s transfer! Once they’re all dried and gorgeous, transfer the finished orange slices to a plate or a wire rack to cool completely before storing.
Reasons I Adore This Recipe!
So, just to share a bit about why this is my go-to recipe. I mean, it’s comfort food that adds such a lovely touch to every dish! I love how you can customize it based on what’s in season. Plus, these fragrant little slices can be used in so many ways: garnish for cocktails, sprinkled atop salads, or just as a delightful snack on their own.
The best part? It’s not just kid-friendly; it’s also a beautiful way to get kids involved in the kitchen. They’ll love putting their spin on flavors, and I promise, the taste experience together will be so rewarding for your family!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This recipe is a breeze! With about 3 hours in total (during which you can be doing other things, of course), your kitchen will smell divine!
Customizable
The beauty of this recipe is that you get to control flavors. Thinking of adding lemon or grapefruit slices? Go for it! Mix flavors together and create a burst of citrusy magic that’s all your own.
Make-Ahead Friendly
These dried orange slices work great for meal prep! Make a batch on a quiet Sunday, and you’ll have fruit that keeps well for up to a month when stored right. That’s a little golden nugget of citrus goodness waiting to happen!
Budget-Friendly
Let’s be real, shopping for navel oranges is like a hug for your wallet. And the taste? You can’t beat the freshness, especially if you’ve got a friend with a home tree!
Versatile Uses
From tossing them into cocktails and salads, or decorating for parties to even using them in holiday bakes, these dried orange slices are absolutely delightful! They truly are a great way to add festive flair!
Serving & Storage Tips
How to Serve This Citrus Delight
Okay folks, these DIY dried orange slices can freshen up your kitchen aesthetic, but they work magic when it comes to amazing decor for special occasions or even holiday parties! Try hanging them on a tree, or even tossing them into rustic centerpieces this holiday season. They look stunning, and they smell incredible.
Storage
Once they’re cool, place the slices in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in a cool, dry place. Honestly, I’ve found they last up to a month, if they last that long in your home!
Reheating Instructions
No need to reheat them, as they’re already dried! But if you’d like to enjoy them a bit more pliable, you can soak in warm water for a bit before using.
Freezer Friendly?
You can not freeze them as such, but if you want to extend their life, consider vacuum sealing and popping them in the freezer for a few more months!
If you loved these DIY dried orange slices, be sure to check out my Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball, my Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs, or my Crab Cake Egg Rolls! You’ll find even more delicious recipes waiting for you!
With all that said, I really hope you give these dried orange slices a try. They’re so flavorful that you’ll want to make them again and again. Happy cooking! Follow LunaChef on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration and air fryer cooking tips.
DIY Dried Orange Slices
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 175°F.
- Line two large baking pans with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top of each.
- Slice the navel oranges into even, thin rounds, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
- Pat and press the orange slices between paper towels to absorb excess juice.
- Arrange the orange slices on the wire racks in a single layer and bake for 1 hour.
- After 1 hour, flip the slices over and bake for another hour.
- Once more, flip the slices and continue baking for an additional hour, totaling 3 hours.
- Check for dryness. If still plump or sticky, flip and bake for another 30 minutes.
- Transfer dried orange slices to a plate or rack to cool.