The Easiest Methods to Dehydrate Citrus Slices at Home

Learn how to dehydrate citrus slices at home!

Oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, tangerines, and mandarins are just a few of the citrus fruits that you can dehydrate. You should either use your oven or a food dehydrator to dry citrus fruits.

Here is a list of all the topics I will cover in this guide. Go ahead and click on any of these links, and you’ll be taken to that specific section.

How do you dehydrate citrus slices in the oven
How to dehydrate citrus slices in a dehydrator
Can you dehydrate citrus slices in a microwave
How to dry citrus slices in an air fryer
How to store dried citrus slices
What to do with dried citrus slices
FAQ

How To Dehydrate Citrus Slices at Home

How do you dehydrate citrus slices in the oven?

Here’s how to dehydrate citrus slices in the oven.

Preheat your oven to the lowest setting (around 150 degrees Fahrenheit or less is my suggestion).
Cut the citrus fruit into thin, 1/4-inch-thick slices. To ensure that the slices dry at the same rate, make them as even as you can.
Slice the citrus fruit into 1/4-inch-thick slices that are very thin. Make the slices as even as possible to guarantee that they will dry at the same rate.
Arrange the citrus slices on the baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap.
Place the baking sheet in the oven and prop the door open a bit to allow moisture to escape.
Flip the citrus slices every two hours while dehydrating the fruit for 6–12 hours, or until it becomes leathery and dry. The size, juiciness, and thickness of the slices will determine the precise amount of time.

Once the fruit is dry, remove it from the oven and let it cool.

How to dehydrate citrus slices in a dehydrator?

Here’s how to dehydrate citrus slices in a dehydrator.

Cut the citrus fruit into thin, 1/4-inch-thick slices. To ensure that the slices dry at the same rate, make them as even as you can.
Place the fruit slices on the dehydrator tray, making sure they don’t overlap.
Set the dehydrator to a low temperature (around 135-145 degrees Fahrenheit is my suggestion).
Citrus slices should be dehydrated for 6 to 12 hours or until it becomes leathery and dry. The precise amount of time will depend on the width and thickness of the slices as well as the humidity in your dehydrator.

Once the fruit is dry, remove it from the dehydrator and let it cool.

Can you dehydrate citrus slices in a microwave?

Although it is possible, microwave dehydration of citrus slices is not the most effective or efficient technique. Because microwaves provide both heat and moisture, the fruit may become rubbery and squishy rather than dry and leathery.

If you do want to try dehydrating citrus slices in a microwave, here’s a method you can try:

Cut the citrus fruit into thin, 1/4-inch-thick slices. To ensure that the slices dry at the same rate, make them as even as you can.
Fold up to five layers of paper towel on a microwave-safe plate.
Arrange the fruit slices on a plate in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap.
Cover the slices with another five thicknesses of paper towel.
Place the plate in the microwave and set the microwave to defrost setting.
Dehydrate the fruit for 5-10 minutes, or until it is dry and leathery. The exact time will depend on the size and thickness of the slices, as well as the power of your microwave.

Once the fruit is dry, remove it from the microwave and let it cool.

How to dry citrus slices in an air fryer

Slices of citrus can be dried in an air fryer, but it might not be the most effective or efficient approach. Because hot air is circulated around the food in air fryers, fruit may become mushy and rubbery rather than dry and leathery.

If you do want to try drying citrus slices in an air fryer, here’s one method you can try:

Slice the citrus fruit into thin slices. Try to make the slices as even as possible so they dry at the same rate.
Place the fruit slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Set the air fryer to the lowest temperature setting (around 130 degrees Fahrenheit) and dry the fruit for 3-5 hours. The exact time will depend on the size, juiciness, and thickness of the slices.

Once the citrus slices are dry, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool.

Here is a great video about drying citrus slices at home.

How to store dried citrus slices

Citrus slices should be properly stored after dehydrating them in order to maintain their freshness and flavor. The following advice may help you store dried citrus slices:

Let the slices cool completely before storing them.
Place the dried citrus slices in an airtight container, such as a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid or a resealable plastic bag.
Store the container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

To extend the shelf life of the dried citrus slices, you can store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before using them, as they may become brittle when cold.

Dried citrus slices will last for up to 6 months when stored properly at room temperature, and up to a year when stored in the refrigerator or freezer. To test if the slices are still fresh, give them a sniff – if they smell fresh and citrusy, they are still good to use. If they have lost their scent or have become brittle, it’s time to discard them.

What to do with dried citrus slices?

There are many uses for dried citrus slices, both sweet and savory. Here are a few ideas:

Snack on them as is – dried citrus slices make a tasty, healthy snack on their own. You can also sprinkle them with a little sugar or salt to add a bit of extra flavor.
Add them to baked goods – dried citrus slices can be used in a variety of baked goods, such as scones, muffins, and cookies. They can also be used as a topping for cakes and bread.
Infuse them into liquids – dried citrus slices can be used to add flavor to liquids such as water, tea, and cocktails. Simply place a few slices in a jar or pitcher and let them steep for a few hours to infuse the liquid with citrus flavor.
Use them as a garnish – dried citrus slices can be used as a colorful and flavorful garnish for a variety of dishes, such as salads, soups, and main courses.
Grind them into a powder – you can grind dried citrus slices in a food processor or blender to create a flavorful powder that can be used as a seasoning or added to baked goods.

Overall, there are many ways to use dried citrus slices in your cooking and baking, and they can add a burst of flavor to a wide range of dishes.

FAQ

How long do dried citrus slices last?
Dried citrus slices will last for up to 6 months when stored properly at room temperature, and up to a year when stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Give the slices a sniff to see if they are still fresh; if they smell clean and lemony, they are still suitable for usage. It’s time to throw them away if they have grown brittle or lost their aroma.

How do you know when citrus is fully dehydrated?
To determine if citrus fruit is fully dehydrated, you can use a few different methods:

Appearance: Fully dehydrated citrus slices should be dry and leathery, with no visible moisture or stickiness. They may also be slightly shrunken in size and a bit darker in color.
Touch: Fully dehydrated citrus slices should feel dry and firm to the touch, with no soft or spongy areas.
Sound: Fully dehydrated citrus slices should make a crisp, crunchy sound when you bite into them.
Time: The exact time it takes for citrus slices to fully dehydrate will depend on the size and thickness of the slices, as well as the humidity level in your dehydrator or oven. As a general rule, it should take between 6-12 hours to fully dehydrate citrus slices.

Keep in mind that it is possible for citrus slices to become over-dehydrated, which can cause them to become hard and brittle. To prevent over-dehydration, check on the fruit regularly and remove it from the dehydrator or oven as soon as it is dry and leathery.

Do you put anything on fruit before dehydrating it?
Fruit does not require any preparation before to dehydration, but you can add a few extra touches to improve the flavor and texture of the finished product. Here are a few options:

Sugar: Sprinkling a little sugar on the fruit before dehydrating can add a touch of sweetness and help preserve the fruit’s natural color.
Spices: You can add a bit of flavor to the fruit by sprinkling it with spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice before dehydrating.
Citrus juice: Brushing the fruit with a little citrus juice before dehydrating can add extra flavor and help preserve the color.
Fruit leather: To make fruit leather, puree the fruit in a blender or food processor and spread it in a thin layer on a dehydrator tray or a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Dehydrate the fruit until it is dry and pliable, then cut it into strips or shapes.

Keep in mind that adding sugar or other ingredients to the fruit may slightly extend the drying time. Be sure to check on the fruit regularly and remove it from the dehydrator or oven as soon as it is dry and leathery.