How to Dry Orange Slices for Decorations and Crafts
Orange slices aren’t just for snacking; they’re a DIY lover’s dream for home decor and crafts! Whether you’re looking to create a rustic holiday garland, add a pop of color to a wreath, or make your potpourri blend more visually appealing, dried orange slices bring natural beauty and versatility to any project.
The best part? Drying orange slices is an easy and cost-effective way to add handmade charm to your home.
I feel like everyone and their mother has dehydrated oranges before, so it’s super silly for me to even share this information. But I had never done it before a few weeks ago, and when I shared a little video on my Instagram, I got several questions about how to do it!
So, here I am with the easiest tutorial ever, but after some trial and error, I think I’ve got the perfect guide for you to make the prettiest homemade dried orange slices!
This guide will teach you how to dry orange slices step-by-step, share tips for achieving perfectly preserved slices, and inspire you with creative ways to use them. Let’s get started!
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. See my full disclosure policy.
Want to Save This?
Enter your email below and I’ll send it directly to your inbox!
Why Dry Orange Slices?
Before we dig into the how-to, here’s why dehydrated orange slices are so popular among DIYers and home decorators:
They’re Pretty
Of course! The vibrant orange color and translucent glow of dried slices make them visually stunning, especially when displayed against natural light or on a Christmas tree with Christmas lights! 😉 Their rustic allure pairs perfectly with boho, farmhouse, country, cottage and holiday-inspired decor themes.
Cost-Effectiveness
Compared to expensive store-bought decorations, dried oranges are an affordable option. A few fresh oranges will give you a stash of beautiful dried slices for a fraction of the cost. And if done right, they will last you many years!
Eco-Friendly
Say goodbye to artificial decor and hello to sustainable alternatives! Dried orange slices are biodegradable, making them a greener option for your next crafting project.
Versatility
From festive garlands to scented ornaments or even drink garnishes, orange slices can do it all. Plus, they work for all seasons—not just the holidays.
Now that you know why they’re amazing, grab some fresh oranges, and let’s dry them!
How to Dry Orange Slices
Drying orange slices at home is as simple as gathering your materials, slicing the oranges, and baking them. Easy, peasy! Here are the instructions for everything you need to know.
Materials Needed:
Gather these ingredients to get started.
- Fresh oranges (larger, harder varieties like navel oranges or blood oranges slice best)
- Sharp knife (the sharpest, serrated knife you own)
- Cutting board
- Baking tray (I love THESE!)
- Parchment paper
- Oven (or dehydrator)
- Paper towels
- Cooling rack
Steps for How to Make Dried Orange Slices in the Oven
1. Preheat the Oven
Start with a low temperature like 170 degrees F. I increased the temperature every hour while drying the oranges, but you’ll start really low and increase as needed. A low and steady heat prevents the oranges from burning while allowing them to dry out evenly.
2. Slice the Oranges
Using the sharpest, serrated knife you own, slice the oranges in 1/4-inch or less slices. If they are too thick, it’s hard to get them dry, and if too thin, they will curl up on the edges and possibly burn.
You can also use a mandolin slicer for slicing the oranges evenly, just watch those fingers!
3. Remove as Much Moisture as Possible
Here’s the KEY for drying oranges, which I didn’t do the first time I tried this! You must remove as much moisture from the oranges as possible by gently blotting any excess moisture from the orange slices.
I triple-lined the backing sheet with papers towels. And then pressed on them with another triple-stack of paper towels.
I also blotted them when I turned them over while drying, so keep those paper towels handy!
Quick Tip
Sprinkle Some Sugar
- Sprinkle some powdered sugar on top of the orange slices for a brighter color and a glossy finish once done drying!
- I experimented with half of my oranges this way and half not. The outcomes were not substantially different, but I do think the color was slightly brighter and I could definitely detect a sheen.
- If you are making these for garnishes or snacks, they will have a sweeter taste!
4. Arrange Oranges on the Baking Tray
Place the parchment paper on your baking tray to prevent sticking. Lay the orange slices flat in a single layer with space between them. Overlapping slices could lead to uneven drying.
Note: The first time I attempted this DIY project, I used an oven-safe cooling rack over the baking sheet, thinking that would help them dry faster. But I found that not to be the case. The parchment paper on the baking sheet helped to wick the moisture away much more efficiently!
5. Bake Low and Slow & Flip Often
Bake the orange slices for 3-4 hours or more! Flip them every 30 minutes to ensure even drying on both sides. Blot any excess moisture with paper towels after each flip.
Increase the temperature 10 degrees every hour, but don’t exceed 200 degree F.
I ended up baking some of my oranges for 5+ hours. There’s no time limit, just keep flipping and checking them until they are done. Keep an extra close eye on them toward the end to prevent any burning.
You will know they are finishing drying when you drop them on the counter and they “thunk” and the flesh is completely hardened. If they are even a little bit soft, keep them in the oven.
Some slices will dry more quickly than others, so remove them as they finish and return the rest to the oven for more drying time!
6. Cool and Cure
Once the slices are dry to the touch and slightly translucent, remove them from the oven. Place them on a wire rack to air dry for about 24 hours. This allows them to firm up and ensures any remaining moisture evaporates.
Alternate Method using a Dehydrator
If you own a dehydrator, set it to 135°F (57°C) and lay the slices flat on the trays. Dehydrating can take 6-12 hours depending on the humidity.
Pro Tips for Perfectly Dried Orange Slices
Even Sizing: Keep slices a uniform thickness to avoid under- or over-drying.
Watch Oven Temperature: Every oven varies, so check your slices frequently to prevent burning.
Add Variety: Mix up your dried citrus fruit decor by adding slices of lemons, limes, and grapefruits for extra color and charm.
Enhance the Aroma: Sprinkle ground cinnamon or cloves on the slices before drying for festive, fragrant decor. Add essential oils, like cinnamon bark or orange to the slices after drying as an alternative.
Creative Ways to Use Orange Slices
Now that you have a batch of dried orange slices, here are some fun and creative ways to use them:
1. Holiday Garland
String dried slices onto twine or ribbon to create a festive dried orange garland for your mantel or Christmas tree. Add cinnamon sticks and star anise for an extra holiday touch.
2. Home Decor
Arrange slices in a glass vase for a simple centerpiece or add them to a wreath for seasonal flair. You can also hot glue them onto gifts for elegant wrapping ideas.
3. Potpourri or Stovetop Simmer Pot
Add dried orange slices to a mix of dried flowers, cinnamon sticks, and essential oils for a natural potpourri blend that smells amazing. Combine cranberries, dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star of anise, rosemary sprigs or other greenery and cloves in a pot of boiling water on the stove for an aromatic delight!
4. Drink Garnishes
Use dried orange slices to garnish cocktails, teas, holiday drink recipes or mulled wine. They add a touch of elegance and a burst of citrus aroma.
5. Scented Ornaments
Thread some ribbon through an orange slice and hang it on your tree. Bonus points if you add cloves for an old-fashioned holiday feel.
How to Store Dried Orange Slices
To keep your dried orange slices looking and smelling their best, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. They can last for several months if stored properly, though their vibrant color may fade over time.
If you’re using them for food or drinks, store them separately in a food-safe container and avoid exposure to moisture.
Add a Rustic Charm to Your Projects Today
Drying orange slices is a fun, simple, and sustainable DIY project that anyone can try. Whether you’re creating holiday garlands or garnishing cocktails or eating them as snacks, these vibrant slices are sure to impress. Why not give it a go this weekend and add a touch of natural beauty to your home decor?
Do you have tips or creative ideas for dried orange slices? Share them with us in the comments below!
More Posts You Will Love:
