How to Dry Orange Slices in a Dehydrator

There is something so vintage and nostalgic about dried orange slices. They are perfect for cottage core Christmas, rustic Christmas, farmhouse Christmas, vintage Christmas, and natural Christmas decor themes. They are also very inexpensive to make.

This simple method for drying orange slices in a dehydrator keeps their color bright and their edges smooth without needing to run the oven for hours. The dehydrator gives you the best results with evenly dried slices that last for months and keep that pretty translucent glow when held up to the light.

This tutorial uses a dehydrator and a mandoline. A mandoline makes it easy to quickly create identical orange slices with equal thickness, but you can use a sharp knife instead if that’s what you have on hand.

You will need:

Choosing Oranges and Slice Size

I often see dried oranges at craft fairs, but I never bought any as I found them rather small and to be honest, a little shriveled looking. When making these, I started with nice, firm 3-inch navel oranges from the USA.

Slice the oranges into even rounds about 1/4 inch thick. Thinner slices dry faster but can turn brittle, while thicker slices take longer and may not dry evenly. A consistent 1/4 inch gives you brightly colored translucent slices that hold their shape and color well.

Cutting the Oranges

You can use a sharp knife to cut all your oranges, but I am fortunate to have a mandoline. It makes slicing the oranges very quick, and each one ends up exactly the same thickness. Consistent slices help them dry evenly and keep that pretty glow once they are dried.

How to Dry Orange Slices in a Dehydrator

Step 1 – Prepare the Oranges

Gather about three firm navel oranges. Set up your cutting area with your equipment. I sliced mine over parchment paper to keep cleanup easy.

Step 2 – Blot the Oranges

Lay a strip of paper towel on your work surface and place an orange slice on top. Fold the paper towel over and press gently to absorb the extra moisture. Repeat with the next orange slice, replacing the paper towel as needed.

Step 3 – Arrange on Dehydrator Trays

Place the orange slices in a single layer on your dehydrator trays, keeping the centers open for airflow.

Set the dehydrator to 135°F, the setting for fruits and vegetables.

Step 4 – Dry the Oranges

Plan for 9 to 11 hours. After six hours, I checked the oranges and noticed they were already quite dry on top. They looked almost the same as when I started, but felt much firmer and slightly leathery to the touch. If yours dry this quickly on top, flip them a little earlier next time so both sides dry evenly.

Mine were ready after about nine hours. The orange slices should feel dry and leathery but not brittle.

Step 5 – Cool and Store

Let the slices cool for about 10 minutes. Once cool, wrap them in small bundles separated with parchment, and store in an airtight container until ready to use.

Why Not Use the Oven

You can certainly dry orange slices in the oven, but it takes longer and the results are often uneven. Even on the lowest temperature setting, ovens can run too hot and cause the oranges to curl, brown, or lose their color. They also tie up the oven for hours when you could be baking something else. My new oven has a hidden bottom burner so it tends to heat unevenly,

A dehydrator circulates warm air evenly at a steady temperature, which helps the slices dry slowly and keep their bright color. It also lets you make several trays at once without heating the kitchen.

Note: Air fryers can work for a few slices in a pinch, but most run too hot and small for good color. The dehydrator gives the prettiest, most even results.

Ways to Use Dried Orange Slices

Dried oranges pair with cinnamon sticks like chocolate goes with peanut butter. If you’re wondering how to use them, start with that combination. Add a bit of ribbon and a small piece of faux greenery and you’ve got a project that is almost done.

Here are a few simple ways I’ve been using dried oranges this season. I combined assorted dried orange slices with cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, and anise seeds, then strung them onto wire to tuck into garlands and hang in different spots around our home.

Over the next month, I am using mine in simmer pots, adding them to a cinnamon salt dough garland, and making a few simple Christmas tree ornaments.

You can also use dried orange slices for wall decor, wreaths, cone trees, table scatters, and gift wrapping.

They keep well for months, so you can make a batch ahead and have them ready for holiday projects.

If you enjoyed this idea, make sure to save it to your Christmas Crafts or Natural Christmas Décor board on Pinterest. Dried orange slices are one of those simple projects that always look beautiful. They add color, texture, scent, and that cozy, handmade Christmas feeling we all love.

Drying orange slices is one of those little Christmas projects that feels timeless and cozy. It’s an easy way to add something natural and homemade to your holiday decorating without spending much at all. Once you start making them, you’ll find all sorts of ways to use them around the house. I hope this tutorial inspires you to make a few for your own home this year.

Happy Crafting

Leanna

I’ll be sharing how I used these dried oranges in simmer pot jars and lace-wrapped decorations soon.