Dehydrating Citrus With An Air Fryer: A Quick Guide

Dehydrating citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and limes is a great way to preserve them for decorative purposes or for use in cocktails, desserts, and tea. It is also a healthy snack option. Using an air fryer to dehydrate citrus fruits is a quicker alternative to using an oven, and it also prevents browning. The process is simple: thinly slice the citrus fruits, place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and dehydrate at a low temperature for around an hour, flipping the slices periodically.

How to dehydrate citrus in an air fryer

Dehydrating citrus fruits in an air fryer is a simple process and a great way to preserve them for up to two years. You can dehydrate oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit, and other citrus fruits using this method. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Citrus Fruits

Start by washing and drying the citrus fruits. Then, use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer to cut them into thin, even slices. The ideal thickness is around 1/4" to 1/8" (about 3-5 mm). The thinner the slices, the faster they'll dehydrate. Remove the ends of the fruits, as these won't be needed.

Step 2: Arrange the Slices in the Air Fryer

Place the citrus slices in a single layer in the basket of your air fryer. Make sure the slices don't overlap, but it's okay if they touch. If your air fryer is small, you may need to work in batches. You can also use air fryer racks to stack the slices and make a larger batch at once.

If your citrus fruits are very juicy, you can gently pat them with a paper towel to remove excess moisture before placing them in the air fryer. This step is especially important if you're planning to store the dehydrated slices for a long time, as excess moisture can lead to mould.

Step 3: Set the Temperature and Time

If your air fryer has a "dehydrate" setting, select that. Otherwise, set the temperature to the lowest setting, typically between 130°F to 180°F (55°C to 80°C). The lower the temperature, the longer the drying time but the better the preservation of colour. Set the timer according to the thickness of your slices; thinner slices will take around one hour, while thicker slices can take up to four hours.

Step 4: Dehydrate the Citrus Slices

Place the air fryer basket inside the air fryer and let it work its magic! During the dehydration process, it's a good idea to flip the slices halfway through to ensure even drying and prevent sticking or burning. Simply remove the basket, flip each slice, and return it to the air fryer.

Step 5: Check for Doneness and Cool

Your citrus slices are ready when the pulp is transparent and resembles stained glass. The slices should be dry to the touch, with no stickiness or glossiness on the surface. If they're still soft and pliable, let them cool for about ten minutes before testing again. Once they're cooled, they'll firm up.

Step 6: Store the Dehydrated Citrus

Once your citrus slices are fully dehydrated and cooled, store them in an airtight container. They should last for at least a year, if not more, especially if you've removed most of the moisture. You can also string the slices into a garland for decorative purposes, which can last up to two years.

Tips and Tricks:

• The drying time depends entirely on the thickness of your slices. Thicker slices will take longer to dehydrate.
• If you want to preserve the colour of lemons and limes, use a lower temperature setting and a longer drying time.
• You can dehydrate other fruits using this method, such as apples and pears.
• Dehydrated citrus slices have a variety of uses, including garnishes for cocktails and desserts, additions to tea, and decorations for cakes and holiday garlands.

How to store dehydrated citrus

Storing dehydrated citrus is an important step in the preservation process. If stored correctly, dehydrated citrus slices can last for a very long time. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store your dehydrated oranges, lemons, or other citrus fruits:

Cooling:

Firstly, it is important to let your dehydrated citrus slices cool down completely before storing them. This helps to ensure that all moisture is gone and prevents mould from forming.

Containers:

Once cooled, place your dehydrated citrus slices in an airtight container or glass jar. You can line the container with kitchen roll to absorb any excess moisture.

Storage Conditions:

Store your dehydrated citrus in a cool, dry, and dark place. Avoid exposing the slices to direct sunlight or heat, as this can affect their colour and flavour over time.

Conditioning:

Even after the slices have cooled, it is important to check for any remaining moisture. Place the slices in a jar and fill it only two-thirds full. Seal the jar and shake it a couple of times a day for about a week. If you notice any moisture in the jar, return the citrus slices to the dehydrator for further drying. Once fully conditioned, you can fill the jar completely.

Shelf Life:

Properly dehydrated and stored citrus slices can last for a very long time. Some sources say they can last for at least two years, while others claim they can be stored indefinitely. However, it is important to periodically check your dehydrated citrus for any signs of moisture or a strong smell, as this may indicate that it is time to discard and replace them with a fresh batch.

How to use dehydrated citrus in cocktails

Dehydrated citrus slices can be used in cocktails in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas:

As a Garnish

Add a dehydrated slice of grapefruit, lime, lemon, or orange to a cocktail for a pop of colour and a tangy kick. Dehydrated citrus slices can be floated elegantly on top of a craft cocktail or used as a cocktail topper. They can also be used as a garnish for seafood dishes.

In Tea

Place a dehydrated citrus slice in a warm cup of tea for extra flavour.

In a Sugar Rim

Dehydrated citrus sugar can be used as a garnish around the rim of cocktails. To make dehydrated citrus sugar, simply blend the dried citrus slices into a fine powder and use it to enhance the flavour of various drinks.

In Syrups

Dehydrated citrus slices can be used to make simple syrups for cocktails.

In a Dry Spice Rub

Dehydrated citrus slices can be used in dry spice rub mixtures for meats and seafood.

In a Citrus Garland

Create a citrus garland by threading a needle with twine and poking a hole near the rind of the dehydrated citrus slices. You can also thread in rosemary, other greens, or cinnamon sticks.

How to use dehydrated citrus in cooking

Dehydrated citrus slices can be used in a variety of ways to add a burst of flavour and colour to your culinary creations. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Drinks

Dehydrated citrus slices can be added to both hot and cold drinks, such as tea, to infuse a zesty flavour. They also make excellent cocktail garnishes, adding a touch of elegance to your craft cocktails. Simply float a slice on top of your drink or stick it vertically into the glass for a stylish presentation.

Baking and Cooking

Use dehydrated citrus slices as decorations on cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts. You can also crush the slices and mix them into your cookie or cake batter for a subtle citrusy flavour in every bite. For a savoury dish, add a few slices to a hearty stew or roasted chicken to elevate the flavour.

Powder and Seasoning

Make your own citrus powder by grinding the dried slices into a fine powder. This powder can be used as a versatile seasoning to enhance the flavour of various dishes. Sprinkle it over grilled vegetables, roasted meats, or even popcorn for a burst of citrusy flavour.

Snacking

Dehydrated citrus slices can be eaten as a healthy snack. They have a crispy texture and a natural sweetness that makes them a delightful treat. However, they may be a bit chewy, so some people prefer to use them for decorative or garnish purposes.

Decorations

Dehydrated citrus slices can be used to create festive Christmas or holiday decorations. You can make a DIY citrus garland by threading the slices onto a string, along with cinnamon sticks and other greenery. These decorations can last for up to two years if properly dried and stored.

How to use dehydrated citrus for decoration

Dehydrated citrus slices are a versatile decoration that can be used in many ways, including:

• Potpourri – Place the dried fruit in a bowl to create a natural air freshener for your home.
• Garlands – String dehydrated citrus slices together with cinnamon sticks and other dried fruits, such as cranberries, to create a festive garland. Hang these garlands as decorations on your fireplace, windows, or Christmas tree.
• Table Decorations – Place the dehydrated slices in a bowl or scatter them on a table for a pop of colour.
• Centrepieces – Combine dehydrated citrus slices with fresh or dried herbs, such as rosemary, and other whole spices like cinnamon sticks, to create a fragrant and decorative centrepiece.
• Bowl or Vase Filler – Fill a clear vase or bowl with dehydrated citrus slices and place it on a table or shelf as a decorative accent.
• Place Settings – Place a dehydrated citrus slice on top of each plate or napkin to add a decorative touch to your table setting.
• Candles – Adorn candles with dehydrated citrus slices by gently pressing them onto the sides of pillar candles or gluing them to the outside of jar candles.
• Soaps – Embed dehydrated citrus slices into homemade soaps for a decorative and fragrant touch.
• Wreaths – Create a citrus wreath by gluing dehydrated slices to a wreath form. This can be hung on a door or wall as a decorative accent.
• Gift Wrapping – Use dehydrated citrus slices as a unique gift-topper or tie them with a ribbon around a package for a fragrant and decorative touch.
• Greeting Cards – Glue dehydrated citrus slices to the front of a greeting card or create a citrus-themed collage.

Frequently asked questions