Air Fryer Magic: Drying Orange Slices

Dried orange slices are a versatile treat that can be used for cooking, baking, decorating, and snacking. They are easy to make and only require oranges and an air fryer. The air fryer dehydrates the oranges, removing the moisture from the fruit and intensifying the flavours while preserving the fruit. The result is a delicious snack that can be stored for up to two weeks.

How to prepare oranges for dehydration

Preparing oranges for dehydration is a simple process, but it does require some time and attention to detail. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare oranges for dehydration:

Select the Right Oranges: Choose oranges that are firm, seedless, and small or medium-sized. Seedless oranges are easier to slice, and smaller oranges will fit better in your dehydrator or oven. Navel oranges are a popular choice as they are sweet and juicy.

Wash and Dry the Oranges: Before slicing, make sure to wash the oranges thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue. Then, use a kitchen towel or paper towel to dry them completely.

Slice the Oranges: Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, cut the oranges into thin, even slices. The recommended thickness ranges from 1/8" to 1/4". The thinner the slices, the faster they will dehydrate. If using a knife, aim for uniformity in thickness to ensure even drying.

Remove Excess Moisture: Oranges tend to be juicy, so it's a good idea to gently pat the slices with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step will help reduce the drying time and prevent sogginess.

Add Sweetness (Optional): If you want to enhance the sweetness of the oranges, you can sprinkle some sugar and your favorite spices onto the slices. Coconut sugar, brown sugar, or granulated sugar substitutes are commonly used. You can also experiment with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or allspice.

Arrange the Slices: Place the orange slices in a single layer on the dehydrator trays or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between the slices to allow for proper air circulation during dehydration.

Dehydrate or Bake: Follow the instructions for your specific dehydrator or oven. For dehydration, set the temperature to 135°F (60°C) and dehydrate for 5-7 hours. In an oven, bake at a low temperature (around 200°F or lower) for 3-4 hours. Flip the slices every 30 minutes to ensure even drying.

Cool and Store: Allow the dehydrated orange slices to cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container, such as a mason jar or a Ziploc bag, and store them in a cool, dry place. Properly dehydrated and stored orange slices can last for years.

How to dehydrate oranges in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Oranges
• Air fryer
• Air fryer parchment paper (optional)
• Paper towels or tea towels (optional)
• Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
• Airtight container for storage

Method

• Wash and dry your oranges.
• Thinly slice the oranges. The thinner the slices, the quicker they will dehydrate. Aim for slices between 1/8" and 1/4" thick.
• Blot the orange slices with kitchen paper to absorb any excess juice.
• Place the orange slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping and are not overcrowded, as this will prevent proper air circulation. You may need to work in batches.
• Set your air fryer to its lowest temperature setting, around 165-180°F (75-80°C).
• Air fry the orange slices for 1-1.5 hours, checking regularly to ensure they do not burn. Some air fryers have a dehydrate setting, which you can use instead.
• Halfway through the cooking time, flip the orange slices to ensure even drying.
• Once the oranges are done to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and leave them to cool completely. They will continue to harden as they cool.
• Store the dehydrated orange slices in an airtight container. You can include a paper towel in the container to absorb any remaining moisture.

Top Tips

• Look for oranges that are firm with thin skin. Navel oranges are a popular choice as they are sweet and juicy.
• The thinner you slice the oranges, the quicker they will dehydrate.
• If your dehydrated orange slices turn out sticky, they are not fully dry. Place them back in the air fryer and continue drying in 30-minute increments until done.
• Dehydrated oranges can be used for decoration, snacking, tea, cocktails, baking, and more!

How long to dehydrate oranges

Dehydrating oranges in an air fryer is a simple process, but the time it takes can vary depending on several factors, such as the moisture content of the oranges, the thickness of the slices, and the temperature setting of the air fryer. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you understand the dehydration process and the approximate time required.

Factors Affecting Dehydration Time:

• Moisture Content: Oranges with higher moisture content will take longer to dehydrate. The water content can vary depending on the type of orange and its freshness.
• Thickness of Slices: The thickness of the orange slices plays a crucial role in dehydration time. Thinner slices will dehydrate faster than thicker ones. Aim for a consistent thickness between 1/4" to 1/8" (approximately 3-5 mm).
• Air Fryer Temperature: The temperature setting of your air fryer will impact the dehydration time. Lower temperatures, such as 165°F (75°C) or the lowest setting available, are typically recommended for dehydrating oranges. Higher temperatures may require shorter cooking times but could risk browning or uneven drying.

Dehydrating Process:

Before placing the oranges in the air fryer, it is essential to wash and thoroughly dry them. Remove any dirt or residue, as this can affect the dehydration process and the final product's quality. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer to cut the oranges into uniform slices. The key is to ensure that the slices are thin and consistent in thickness.

Once sliced, blot the oranges gently with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial, as it will help reduce the overall dehydration time and prevent sogginess.

Dehydrating Time in the Air Fryer:

Place the orange slices in a single layer on the air fryer rack or basket. Ensure they are not overlapping to allow for proper air circulation. Set the air fryer to a low temperature, ideally between 165°F and 180°F (75°C to 80°C). You can also use the "dehydrate" setting if your air fryer has one.

The dehydration time can range from 1 hour to 3 hours or even longer, depending on the factors mentioned above. It is important to monitor the oranges during the process and adjust the time accordingly. Check the oranges every 30 minutes to ensure even drying and to prevent burning.

How to Know When Oranges Are Fully Dehydrated:

After the specified time, remove the oranges from the air fryer and allow them to cool for about 10 minutes. During this time, the oranges may still feel soft and pliable due to the residual heat. Once they cool down completely, they will become firmer and easier to assess.

Fully dehydrated oranges should have a dry surface without any stickiness or glossiness. They should also feel slightly pliable but not moist to the touch. If the oranges still feel sticky, return them to the air fryer and continue dehydrating for another 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Storing Dehydrated Oranges:

Once your oranges are fully dehydrated and cooled, you can store them in an airtight container, such as a glass jar or mason jar. Ensure the oranges are completely dry before storing, as any remaining moisture can lead to mold growth. Store the container in a cool, dry place, and your dehydrated oranges will last for several months or even years if properly dehydrated and stored.

Uses of dehydrated oranges

Dehydrated oranges are a versatile ingredient that can be used in various ways, from snacks to decorations. Here are some ideas on how to use them:

Snacks and Food

• Eat them as a snack: Dehydrated oranges are a tasty and healthy snack option. You can even dip them in chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Add to tea: Place a dehydrated orange slice in a warm cup of tea for a burst of flavour.
• Use in cocktails and drinks: Dehydrated oranges make a beautiful and colourful garnish for cocktails and other drinks.
• Use in baking: Decorate cakes, cupcakes, and other baked goods with dehydrated orange slices for a touch of elegance.
• Charcuterie boards and share platters: Use dehydrated orange slices as a garnish on charcuterie boards or share platters to add a touch of colour and flavour.
• Potpourri: Throw dehydrated orange slices into a bowl with star anise and cinnamon sticks to create a natural potpourri that fills your home with a delightful aroma.
• Flavouring food: Add dehydrated orange slices to stews, soups, oatmeal, granola, or even smoothies for a hint of citrus. You can even grind them into a powder and use it as a seasoning or rub for meats or fish.

Decorations and Crafts

• Garlands and ornaments: Create a festive garland by threading dehydrated orange slices onto a string and hanging them around your home or on your Christmas tree. You can also use them as ornaments by poking a hole near the rind and threading a string through.
• Wreaths: Add dehydrated orange slices to a wreath for a pop of colour and a citrusy fragrance.
• Gift tags: Tie a dehydrated orange slice to a gift tag for a unique and aromatic touch.
• Bowls and candles: Place dehydrated orange slices in a bowl as potpourri or use them to decorate candles and packages.

How to store dehydrated oranges

Once your orange slices are dehydrated, you'll want to store them in an airtight container, like a glass jar, in a cool, dry place. You can also use zip-lock bags, but jars with two-piece lids work best for storage and look beautiful on the shelf!

Make sure there is zero moisture inside the jar. If you're able to do this, they'll be good to go next year (although it's not recommended to eat them after this length of time). If they get damp, they may start to go mouldy.

Dried orange slices can be stored for years if dehydrated and stored properly. To ensure they don't get mouldy, check the jar throughout the week to make sure the orange slices stay crisp and dry. If they begin to get soft or stick together, they need to be dried further.

You can also vacuum seal dehydrated orange slices or compost them after use.

Frequently asked questions