Air Fryer Dried Orange Slices: A Quick, Easy Guide

Dried orange slices are a versatile treat that can be used for snacking, decorating, or as an ingredient in both sweet and savoury dishes. They are easy to make and don't require a dehydrator. Here is a simple guide on how to make dried orange slices using an air fryer.

Choosing the right oranges

First, look for oranges that are fresh and preferably organic, with no spray treatments. Choose oranges with minimal seeds, such as navel oranges, blood oranges, or Valencia oranges. These varieties tend to have fewer seeds, making them ideal for slicing and drying.

When selecting oranges, opt for those that are firm and have thin skin. The thickness of the skin can impact the drying time and the overall appearance of the dried slices. Navel oranges, in particular, are a popular choice for drying due to their sweetness and juicy nature.

The size of the oranges is also important. Try to choose oranges that are of similar size or cut them to a uniform size before drying. This ensures even drying and prevents smaller pieces from over-drying or larger pieces from remaining undercooked.

Before slicing, wash the oranges thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue. You can use a produce wash or simply rinse them under running water. Completely drying the oranges before slicing is crucial, especially if you plan to use the dried slices for snacking or as a food garnish.

Once you've selected and prepared the oranges, use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer to cut them into thin, even slices. The recommended thickness varies between 1/8" to 1/4" thick slices. Thinner slices will reduce the drying time in the air fryer, but be careful not to cut them too thin to avoid breakage.

Remember, the key to choosing the right oranges for air frying is freshness, minimal seeds, firm texture, and thin skin. By selecting the right oranges and preparing them properly, you'll end up with beautiful and tasty dried orange slices.

Slicing the oranges

Firstly, select firm oranges with thin skin, such as navel oranges, which are sweet and juicy. You can also use other types of oranges or even other citrus fruits, such as grapefruit, lemon, lime, or blood oranges.

Before slicing, wash and dry the oranges thoroughly. This step is important to remove any dirt or residue from the surface of the fruit.

When slicing the oranges, aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch (or between 3-5 mm). You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer to achieve even slices. The key is to cut the oranges into similar-sized slices so that they dry evenly. Try to make the slices as thin as possible, as this will reduce the drying time in the air fryer. However, be careful not to cut them too thin, as you don't want the orange slices to break.

It is recommended to cut more orange slices than you need, as you can discard any broken pieces or ends. You can also save the ends for making citrus powder.

Once you have sliced the oranges, place them on kitchen paper to absorb any excess juice. This step will help reduce the moisture content of the slices before placing them in the air fryer.

Remember to pat both sides of the orange slices with a paper towel to remove any remaining moisture. This step will help ensure that the slices dry properly and evenly.

Finally, arrange the orange slices in a single layer on the air fryer racks or basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded, as proper air circulation is essential for even drying. If needed, you can work in batches to ensure each slice has enough space.

Preparing the air fryer

Before you begin, ensure your air fryer is clean and dry. If you have a multi-shelf air fryer, you can dehydrate multiple batches of orange slices at once. If you're using an air fryer oven, you can opt for a small or large batch.

Line your air fryer basket or rack with air fryer parchment paper. This step is crucial, as it will prevent the orange slices from sticking to the surface. If you don't have parchment paper, you can use a wire cooling rack placed on a large baking tray. However, keep in mind that parchment paper is preferable as it helps prevent the slices from browning or burning as quickly.

Set your air fryer to its lowest temperature setting. If you have a Cosori Air Fryer 4.7L, set the temperature to 100ºC / about 212ºF. If you're using a Power Air Fryer Oven, you'll need to press the "fruit" button, adjust the temperature to 55ºC/130ºF, and then adjust the cook time. For other air fryer models, preheat the air fryer to 180ºF or as close to this temperature as possible.

Thinly slice your oranges. The ideal thickness is between 1/8" and 1/4". You can use a sharp, serrated knife or a mandoline slicer to achieve even slices. The thinner the slices, the faster they will dehydrate. Aim for similar-sized slices so they dry uniformly. You may need to discard the ends of the oranges, as they may not dry properly.

Place the orange slices on the prepared air fryer racks or basket. Ensure the slices are arranged in a single layer and do not overlap. This arrangement ensures proper air circulation and even drying. If you have a lot of oranges, you may need to work in batches.

If your orange slices are very juicy, gently pat them with a paper towel to remove excess moisture before placing them in the air fryer. This step will help prevent sogginess and promote even drying.

Air-frying the oranges

Preparation:

First, you'll need to gather your oranges and some equipment. Any type of orange will work, but navel oranges are a popular choice as they are sweet and juicy. You'll also need a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer to cut the oranges, and some parchment paper or paper towels to line the air fryer basket.

When you're ready to begin, start by washing and drying your oranges. Then, use your knife or mandoline to cut the oranges into thin, even slices. The ideal thickness will be around 1/4-inch to 1/8-inch (or 3-5mm), but the key is to ensure that all the slices are of a similar thickness so they dry evenly.

Air-Frying:

Preheat your air fryer to its lowest temperature setting, ideally somewhere between 175-180°F (80°C). If your air fryer has a dehydrator setting, use that.

Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. If you don't have parchment paper, you can use paper towels, but be sure to pat the orange slices with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture first.

Arrange the orange slices in a single layer on the lined air fryer basket. Make sure the slices don't overlap, as this will prevent proper air circulation and result in uneven drying. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches.

Place the air fryer basket into the air fryer and let the oranges dry for about an hour. Halfway through the drying process (after about 30 minutes), remove the basket and gently flip each slice to ensure even drying and prevent sticking or burning.

After an hour, check on your orange slices. They should be perfectly crispy and dry. If they still seem a bit soft or sticky, don't worry—they will continue to harden as they cool.

Tips:

• The thinner you slice the oranges, the less time they will take to dehydrate.
• Look for oranges with firm flesh and thin skin.
• During the drying process, flip the orange slices at least once to ensure even drying and to prevent sticking.
• If you have a lot of oranges to dry, cook them in batches to ensure proper air circulation and even drying.

Storage:

Once your orange slices are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool completely. You can then store them in an airtight container. It's a good idea to place some kitchen roll or paper towels in the container to absorb any remaining moisture.

Dried orange slices will last for at least a year if stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Storing the dried orange slices

Once your orange slices are ready, it's important to store them properly so they can be enjoyed later or used for decoration. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store your dried orange slices:

First, allow the orange slices to cool completely at room temperature. This is important because if they are stored while still warm, condensation can form and affect the quality of the dried oranges.

Next, place the dried orange slices in an airtight container. Glass jars, such as mason jars, work great for this purpose. You can also use other airtight containers like locking glass containers or Ziploc bags. It's important to ensure that the container is completely dry and free of any moisture to prevent the growth of mould. You can also add a food-safe silicone packet to the jar to absorb any moisture.

If you plan to use the dried orange slices for food, it is recommended to store them in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard. This will help extend their shelf life. With proper storage, dried orange slices can last for at least a year, and up to two years if well packaged.

If you are using the dried orange slices for decoration, you can leave them out in the open to dry further. However, make sure they are not placed in a damp area, as this may cause mould to form.

Once the dried orange slices are fully dried and stored properly, they can be enjoyed as a healthy snack or used for various decorative purposes, such as garlands, wreaths, or ornaments.

Frequently asked questions