Air-Fryer Orange Slices: A Healthy, Tasty Treat?

Yes, you can dehydrate orange slices in an air fryer. This is a great way to preserve oranges for later use and can be used for decoration, snacking, or as a garnish. The process is simple: wash and dry the oranges, thinly slice them, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, and cook at a low temperature for several hours. The exact temperature and time will depend on your air fryer, but it is recommended to cook at around 120-180°F for 1-4 hours. You can also add spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the oranges before cooking for extra flavor.

How to cut orange slices for air frying

To cut orange slices for air frying, you'll first want to wash the orange and then cut off the ends. You can use either a chef's knife or a paring knife for this step, but it's easier if the knife is very sharp. Next, you'll want to cut the orange into slices of your desired thickness. Some recipes recommend slices of about 1/4 inch, while others suggest thinner slices of about 1/8 inch. If you're planning to use the orange slices as a snack or garnish, you may want to cut them into wedges or wheels rather than thin slices. Once you've cut your orange slices, you can place them in the air fryer and follow your recipe's instructions for cooking time and temperature.

Air fryer temperature and timing

To dehydrate orange slices in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to a low temperature. The ideal temperature range is between 120-140°F (or 60-80°C) if your air fryer has a dehydrate function. If it doesn't, set it to its lowest setting, which is typically around 180°F (80°C).

Once preheated, place the orange slices in the air fryer. It's important to ensure the slices are in a single layer and not overcrowded, as this can affect the drying process and lead to uneven results. If you have a lot of oranges, you may need to work in batches.

The drying time can vary depending on the thickness of the slices and the specific model of your air fryer. On average, it takes about 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes to dehydrate orange slices in an air fryer, with some sources recommending a range of 60 to 90 minutes. It's a good idea to check the progress after 30 minutes and flip the slices to ensure even drying.

The slices are ready when they are firm and dry to the touch. Once cooled, they can be used for various decorative and culinary purposes, such as garnishes for cocktails or desserts, or even ground into a fine powder for seasoning.

How to store dehydrated orange slices

Once your orange slices are ready, it's important to store them properly to ensure they last as long as possible. Here are the steps you should follow for storing dehydrated orange slices:

Let Them Cool

Allow the orange slices to cool completely at room temperature before storing them. This is an important step to prevent condensation from building up inside the container and promoting mould growth.

Choose a Suitable Container

Select an airtight container for storage. Glass jars, such as mason jars, are a good option. You can also use airtight bags, such as Ziploc bags, or vacuum-sealed bags for longer-term storage.

Absorb Moisture

Place some kitchen paper or a paper towel inside the container to absorb any residual moisture. This will help keep the orange slices dry and prevent mould.

Store in a Cool, Dry Place

Store the container in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a pantry cabinet. Avoid areas with high humidity, as this can affect the shelf life of the orange slices.

Check for Moisture

If you're planning on storing the dehydrated orange slices for the long term (over a year), it's a good idea to condition them first. Place the orange slices in a transparent airtight container and check them daily for about a week. Look for any signs of moisture or condensation, and shake the container to prevent the slices from sticking together. If you notice moisture, put the orange slices back in the dehydrator or oven to dry further, unless there is mould, in which case you should discard them.

By following these steps, you can effectively store dehydrated orange slices and enjoy their versatility and flavour for an extended period.

Uses for dehydrated orange slices

Dehydrated orange slices have a variety of uses, from edible garnishes to decorative ornaments. Here are some ways to use dehydrated orange slices:

Edible Uses

Drinks

Dehydrated orange slices can be added to tea, cocktails, mulled wine, or even wine. They can also be used to flavour syrup or an elderberry shrub.

Snacks

Dehydrated orange slices can be eaten as a healthy snack on their own. They can also be ground into a powder and used to flavour soups and stews.

Desserts

The slices can be used as a topping for desserts such as ice cream or yoghurt. They can also be crushed and mixed into cookie or cake batter.

Decorative Uses

Dehydrated orange slices can be used to create festive Christmas or holiday decorations. They can be made into a garland or wreath, or used to decorate a Christmas tree. They can also be placed in a bowl and used as potpourri.

Other fruits that can be dehydrated in an air fryer

Dehydrating fruits in an air fryer is a great way to preserve them and it's much quicker than using an oven. Here are some other fruits that can be dehydrated in an air fryer:

Strawberries

Hull the strawberries and slice them into 1/4-inch-thick pieces. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and dehydrate at 175°F for about 4 hours.

Tomatoes

Slice multi-coloured grape tomatoes in half and place them cut-side up in the air fryer basket. Dehydrate at 175°F for about 4 hours.

Apples

Slice apples crosswise into 1/8-inch-thick rounds and remove the core. Soak the apple slices in a mixture of lemon juice and water for 15 minutes, then drain and pat dry. Place them in the air fryer basket and dehydrate at 175°F for about 3 hours.

Bananas

Peel the bananas and slice them diagonally into 1/8-inch-thick pieces. Brush the slices with lemon juice and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Dehydrate at 175°F for about 3 hours.

Zucchini or Yellow Squash

Slice zucchini or yellow squash into 1/4-inch-thick rounds and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Dehydrate at 175°F for about 4 hours.

Carrots

Peel the carrots and slice them into 1/8-inch-thick rounds. Blanch the carrot slices in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water. Pat the slices dry and place them in the air fryer basket. Dehydrate at 175°F for about 3 hours.

Kale

Wash and dry the kale and remove the stems. Tear the leaves into 1- to 2-inch pieces and place them in the air fryer basket. Dehydrate at 175°F for about 1 hour.

Frequently asked questions