How to Dry Oranges, Plus 8 Ways to Use Them

Author Pauline Keller

Posted Mar 10, 2023

Reads 6.5K

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Dry oranges are a festive bright addition to any home during the holiday season. Oh-so-zesty dried oranges are not only a beautiful decoration but also incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Whether you're using them as crunchy fruit crisps or as an ingredient in baking, perfectly dried oranges can add a burst of flavor to any dish.

To make dry oranges, all you need to do is slice them into thin slices and place them in the oven on low heat until they're completely dry. These make excellent garnishes to freshen up your cocktails, or you can even use them to decorate your christmas tree! But the fun doesn't stop there - we've compiled 8 creative ways to use dry oranges that will elevate your cooking game and impress your guests.

How to Get Perfectly Dried Oranges in No Time!

Have you ever tasted dry oranges? They're a delicious and healthy snack that can be made at home easily. To start, ingredient gather medium-sized oranges. Ideally choose sweet seedless or organic oranges to ensure that there's no bitterness in the dried fruit. Also, when using organic oranges, you won't inadvertently eat trace amounts of any chemicals used during cultivation.

Next, preheat your oven to 175 degrees fahrenheit. Slice the oranges into thin slices or thicker slices if preferred. Seeds remove from each slice and pat them dry with a paper towel. On baking paper spread out the slices in a single layer so that they dehydrate evenly.

Place baking trays into the oven briefly for around half an hour before removing them to check on progress. Continue baking until completely dry, which may take up to three and a half hours depending on how thinly sliced the oranges are and how humid your kitchen is. Total baking time will depend on these factors as well as how often you open the oven door - try not to keep the oven running for too long or open it too frequently as this will affect drying time! If it's a cold day outside, this is a great activity to warm up the kitchen and make your house smell amazing on a chilly autumn afternoon.

Revitalize Your Snacks: Air Fryer for Drying Oranges

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Drying oranges is easier than you think! An air fryer can function as a dehydrator by circulating heated air throughout the cooking chamber. It works quickly and effectively, making it an ideal kitchen appliance for drying fruits like orange slices.

To dry orange slices in an air fryer, use the dehydrate setting or the lowest temperature available, usually around 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on your air fryer, it may take around 30 minutes to dry orange slices properly. I checked mine after 20 minutes and they were pretty jelly with some moisture left, so I put them back in the air fryer basket for another 10 minutes.

Once you have dried your orange slices to your desired texture, place them on a wire rack to cool down completely before storing them in an airtight container. Dried oranges make for a healthy snack that is perfect for on-the-go or as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal. With the help of an air fryer, you can revitalize your snacks and make them more interesting and nutritious!

Effortlessly Dry Orange Slices with Your Oven

Dry oranges are a great snack for anyone who loves a sweet and tangy treat. Making dry orange slices is easier than you might think, and all you need is an oven, cookie sheet, and parchment paper. Preheat your oven to 200 degrees, then line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Next, prep your orange slices by cutting them into thin pieces. Lay them out on the cookie sheet in a single layer, making sure they don't touch each other. Don't skip the step of using parchment paper because if you put the orange slices directly on the pan, they'll shrink and stick to it.

Let the orange slices dry in the oven for about 4 hours, taking them out every hour or so to check on them. Once they're done, let them cool on a wire rack before enjoying them as a snack or adding them to baked goods like muffins or bread. Now that you know how easy it is to make dry oranges with your oven, you're ready to try it yourself!

Discover the Secret Behind Using Dried Oranges in Your Diet

Dried oranges are not only a traditional Christmas decoration but also an excellent addition to your diet. The use of dried fruit as a common Christmas decoration dates back to the mid-1800s during the Victorian era. Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert, helped popularize the traditional Christmas decor in Great Britain. At Windsor Castle, they decorated their tree with dried fruit, including oranges.

Adding dried oranges to your diet is a great way to boost your nutrient intake. Dried orange slices are not only delicious but also high in fiber, vitamins A and C, calcium, and potassium. They make an excellent snack on their own or can be added to salads, oatmeal, or yogurt for extra flavor and nutrition.

Dry orange slices can also be used to make homemade Christmas decor that smells heavenly. It made sense for people in Victorian times to use dried fruit as decorations because it was readily available and lasted longer than fresh fruit. So why not carry on this tradition by making your own holiday decorations? Adding dried oranges to wreaths or garlands will give your home a festive and cozy feel while filling it with a delicious scent that will get you into the holiday spirit!

Frequently Asked Questions

How thin should dried orange slices be?

Dried orange slices should be sliced thinly, around 1/8 inch thick, to ensure they dry evenly and retain their flavor.

How do you cook oranges in the microwave?

To cook oranges in the microwave, simply pierce them with a fork a few times, place them on a microwave-safe dish, and heat them on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute. The warmth will make them sweeter and juicier, making them perfect for salads, desserts, or garnishing dishes.

How to air Fry oranges?

To air fry oranges, simply slice the oranges into wedges, brush them with a little bit of oil, and place them in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes at 375°F until they are crispy and golden brown. Enjoy as a healthy snack or use them as a topping for salads or desserts!

How do you dry orange slices in the oven?

To dry orange slices in the oven, preheat it to 200°F, slice the oranges into thin rounds, and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 2-3 hours until they are completely dried out, then let them cool before storing in an airtight container.

What is the best way to dry oranges?

The best way to dry oranges is to slice them thinly, arrange them on a baking sheet, and bake at a low temperature for several hours until they are fully dehydrated.

Pauline Keller

Content Writer

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Pauline Keller is a passionate blogger who loves to write about various topics, including health and wellness, travel, and lifestyle. She has been sharing her thoughts and experiences with readers for several years on her blog, which has gained a loyal following. Pauline's writing style is engaging and informative, making her posts a joy to read.

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