What You’ll Need
To get started, gather the following ingredients and equipment:
- Oranges
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack
Step 1: Prep the Oranges
Start by washing the oranges thoroughly under running water. This will remove any dirt or residue on the surface. Pat dry with a clean towel.
Next, using a sharp knife, slice the oranges into thin rounds. Aim for slices that are around ¼ inch thick. Make sure to remove any seeds from the slices as well.
Step 2: Arrange the Slices
Place a sheet of parchment paper on a baking sheet. This will prevent the orange slices from sticking to the pan.
Take the orange slices and arrange them in a single layer on the parchment paper. Make sure they are evenly spaced and not overlapping.
Step 3: Preheat and Dehydrate
Preheat your oven to the lowest temperature setting, usually around 170°F (77°C). Once the oven reaches the desired temperature, place the baking sheet with the orange slices inside.
Pro tip: If your oven has a convection setting, use it for better air circulation and faster drying time.
Leave the oven door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape and promote proper dehydration. This will help the orange slices dry evenly.
Step 4: Check and Flip
After about 2 hours, check the orange slices. They should start to look slightly shrunken and dry around the edges. If they still feel moist or soft, continue dehydrating for another hour.
Carefully flip each slice using tongs to ensure both sides dry evenly. This step is important to prevent any moisture from getting trapped and causing spoilage.
Step 5: Final Dehydration and Cooling
Continue dehydrating the orange slices for another 1-2 hours, checking on them periodically. They should become crisp and completely dry, but not overly browned.
Once the slices are dehydrated to your liking, turn off the oven and gently transfer them onto a wire rack to cool. This will help them retain their crisp texture.
Step 6: Enjoy and Store
Once the dehydrated orange slices have cooled completely, it’s time to enjoy your homemade snack! They make a tasty and nutritious addition to trail mixes, granola, or can be enjoyed on their own.
To store your dehydrated oranges, place them in an airtight container or resealable bag. They can be stored at room temperature for several weeks.
Now that you know how to make dehydrated oranges, you can easily whip up a batch whenever you’re craving a healthy and satisfying snack!