Dried oranges are pretty and decorative, and they make a great garnish. They're also a superb way to impress your friends with your culinary prowess. They may seem like something best left to fancy chefs, but in fact, they're quite easy to make at home. Just follow these tips.
How to dry out orange slices
Work with about two oranges at a time. If you use too many, you'll overcrowd your oven, and the slices won't dry properly.
Preheat your oven to 120°C.
If you're using waxed oranges, scrub the skins thoroughly under hot water.
Slice the oranges as thinly as you can, around one or two mm thick. Arrange the slices in a single layer on a tin lined with baking paper.
Bake for 45 minutes to an hour, turning once halfway through. You'll know they're dry when the flesh turns translucent.
Leave the slices on the paper to cool completely.
To make decorations for your Christmas celebrations, stud the orange slices with cloves and tie some of them with natural twine or ribbon to cinnamon sticks.
Top tip: You can dry apples in the same way. Just make sure to slice them very thinly, ideally with a mandolin.
How to dry orange slices in the air fryer
To save electricity, people often wonder how to dry orange slices without an oven. It's possible to dry them in an air fryer — although, unlike most air fryer recipes, you won't save time this way.
Follow the steps of the basic recipe, slicing your oranges into rounds that are one to two mm thick. Then dry them in your air fryer, set to defrost, with the highest convection setting. It will usually take 60 to 90 minutes.
How to dry orange slices in the microwave
If your microwave has a defrost setting, you can use it to dry orange slices. Line a microwave-safe plate with a double layer of paper towels, then place the orange slices on top, making sure they don't overlap. Cover with two more layers of paper towels and microwave on defrost for seven minutes. Remove the towels and microwave again for another seven minutes.
If they're not done after this time, return the slices to the microwave and continue to microwave on defrost for bursts of two minutes at a time. As this is a faster cooking method, you may even want to get the kids involved. Youngsters will really enjoy seeing how the oranges change as they dry out.
Storing dried orange slices
Completely dry orange slices can last indefinitely, but they should be stored in an airtight container. Keep them out of direct sunlight. Thicker, dried orange slices are harder to dehydrate thoroughly, so they won't last as long.
Over time, dried orange slices will become wrinkled and darker in colour. This doesn't mean that they are spoiled, but it makes them less attractive. If you're using them for Christmas decorations, you might want to make a new batch every year.
What to do with dried orange slices
Many people use dried orange slices for fun, natural Christmas decorations. Try adding them to a wreath or even hanging them from your tree. A circle of dried orange slices, slightly overlapping, makes a simple but elegant topping for a Christmas cake.
Dried orange slices are a fabulous way to decorate your home for the festive season, but they also look great on a plate. Add a couple of slices to a dish like this candied orange pilaf with roasted pumpkin for instant elegance. You could even use them for savoury dishes, as long as there's some orange involved. The classic seared duck à l’orange will look vibrant and exciting with a dried orange slice for garnish.
Take a cue from cocktail bars and use slices of dried oranges to garnish your favourite drinks, too. Try adding a slice to mulled wine or sangria — or, if you're on a health kick, garnish a glass of orange and ginger juice with a slice and perk up your morning. You could even toss a few dried citrus wheels from a fruit box into a jug of iced water for a natural citrus boost.
Of course, you can also eat dried oranges as a snack. Remember that they will be very dry, so you may want to moisten them first. Try dipping them in your juice and enjoy the nice contrast that the crunchy texture makes.
Dried Orange Slices FAQs
What is the best way to dry orange slices?
The best way to dry orange slices is by baking them in the oven. You'll need to set it to a very low heat, or they'll burn long before they dry.
How long will dried orange slices keep?
This depends on how well you have dried them. If you have dehydrated them thoroughly, removing all the moisture, dried orange slices can keep for years. However, they will get wrinkled and less attractive as they age.
Can you dry orange slices in the microwave?
Yes. You'll need to slice the oranges thinly and microwave them on the defrost setting until they are dry.
Do dried orange slices go mouldy?
If they are dried properly, orange slices won't go mouldy. However, if they are not thoroughly dry, they can attract mould.
How can you keep dried orange slices from turning brown?
Keep the temperature low when you dry your orange slices. Older oranges are more likely to turn brown. Use fresh oranges to prevent discolouration.
Whether you’re decorating your tree, garnishing a fancy porterhouse steak & cranberry and orange salad, or just getting creative in the kitchen, dried oranges are a simple way to add flair to your meals. Browse our full range of meat-based meals or stock up on quality meal kits and make something beautiful today.