DIY Dried Orange Slices
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It’s easy to dry orange slices yourself to use as fall or Christmas decoration or to add to homemade potpourri.
I love making my own Christmas decor and I usually make these DIY Dried Orange Slices at least once a year to use as DIY Christmas ornaments, in crafts, or even as a garnish for Christmas gifts tied up with cinnamon sticks and twine or ribbon.
They are perfect for garlands or hanging on the Christmas tree-you can even use them to make your own bowl of potpourri for your home or for gifting. Here is how I dry orange slices without a dehydrator, it’s so easy!
How to Dry Orange Slices
(se the bottom of the post for detailed instructions.)
- Preheat your oven.
- Prepare your pan with nonstick spray, parchment paper or a baking mat. You can also place a rack on the cookie sheet to elevate the slices and speed up drying time.
- Slice oranges. The thinner the slices, the faster they will dry.
- Place oranges in a single layer on the prepared pan.
- Bake for up to 6 hours or until completely dry.
The key to a good result when drying fruit in the oven is using a very low temperature for a very long time. If you happen to have a food dehydrator, it will automatically do this. (You can use this method to dry other citrus fruit like lemons and limes too!)
I dry my fruit over the course of 6 hours. Don’t attempt to raise the temperature to make it faster-you risk baking them instead of drying them!
After the 6 hours remove the pan from the oven and allow to cool. Then you’re ready to use your oranges around your home!
What would you use these dried oranges for? Let me know in the comments!
FAQs
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place when not in use.
Up to two years depending on how they are stored and used.
The orange slices will mold if you do not completely dry them out in the oven.
potpourri, decorating, wreaths, garland, making homemade tea, or garnishing cocktails
Dried Orange Slices
It's easy to dry orange slices yourself to use as fall or Christmas decoration or to add to homemade potpourri.
Materials
- oranges
Tools
- baking pan
- silicone mat or parchment paper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 Celcius).
- Prepare your pan with nonstick spray or a baking mat. This helps avoid a sticky mess when it’s time to remove the oranges from the pan.
- Slice oranges into ¼″ slices or thinner. The thinner the slices, the faster they will dry.
- Place oranges in a single layer on the prepared pan, ensuring they do not touch.
- Bake for up to 6 hours or until completely dry.
How long will these keep out in the open? I’m thinking of hanging them in my car.
If they are kept in a dry environment they should last up to 2 years.
How long will these keep? (Like if I wanted to dry them in the summer and save them or a Christmas simmering potpourri.) How would you recommend storing them?
They should keep at least a year if you store them in an airtight container.
I’ve made these several times before but this year, I’m cooking the slices in the oven and they are getting grey/black spots around the edges of the skin. Any idea why that might be?
I’m making apple cider sangria for my family to enjoy as their Christmas presents. The dried orange and a cinnamon stick will be my recommended garnish.
Thank you for this! I’m making a charcuterie board for Thanksgiving and I’m going to add dried orange slices for decoration.
That’s a great idea Shelby!
I’m using mine as a topper on citrus homemade soap!
such a cute idea!
Thanks fir this. I’m presuming you are using degrees Fahrenheit and not Celsius. I’m going to dry orange slices fir hanging decorations next year.
Thanks for the easy instructions & tips! I’ll be using the oranges to make a garland for this Yuletide season! It will get me ready for the season & help me to remember the sunny warmth during these colder months.
You’re very welcome Kristin, I’m so glad you found it helpful! ~Melissa
Can this be done with clementines/cutie oranges oranges or just regular/navel oranges?
I’m making Potpourri for my friends and family at Christmas. I’ve got my fir pan of many in the oven. Thank you so very much
what about putting them in gin?
I am planning to hang them in the Christmas tree. Our cats don’t like the smell of oranges.
great idea Kimberly!! ~Melissa
This sounds easy…I hope it works. I am going to use 1/2 slices in my hot tea, to try and sweeten it naturally.
I am planning on placing dried orange slices on the plate as decoration to accompany my dessert.
Thanks for the info. Want to make orange Christmas wreaths for Christmas next year and give as gifts.
We decorate our xmas tree with dried orange slices.
THANK you! I’m gifting stovetop potpourri for teachers at my kids’ school, and for family. I wanted to dry the oranges first so I can start making them now. I appreciate the instructions!
YOu’re welcome Hannah! ~Melissa
I plan on drying orange slices and apple slices for the birds to eat during the winter months in the midwest U.S. I will probably make a garland for them to enjoy.
Great idea Sharon! ~Melissa
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Exactly the information I was looking for! Thank you! I will be using mine for in a mason jar candle. ? Thanks again!