Hey y'all! Get ready to fall in love with these Naturally Gorgeous Dried Orange Slices with No Sugar Added. They’re bursting with vibrant citrus flavor and make for the prettiest (and tastiest) homemade snacks, festive garnishes, or decorative touches for any occasion. Whether you’re prepping for holiday drinks, gifting, or just craving a wholesome treat, these bright orange beauties are sure to brighten up your day. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Naturally Gorgeous Dried Orange Slices Recipe
- No added sugar—just pure, zesty citrus goodness.
- Perfect as a healthy snack, cocktail garnish, or decorative treat.
- Simple prep and effortless, hands-off drying process.
- Beautiful, jewel-toned slices elevate any occasion.
- Long shelf life makes them ideal for meal prep or gifting.
Ingredients for Naturally Gorgeous Dried Orange Slices with No Sugar Added
- 4 large navel oranges (or blood oranges, Cara Cara, or mandarins)
How to Make Naturally Gorgeous Dried Orange Slices with No Sugar Added
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup and even drying.
Step 2: Slice the Oranges
Using a sharp knife or mandoline, cut the oranges into thin, even slices—about ⅛ inch thick is ideal for crisp yet chewy texture.
Step 3: Arrange & Blot
Lay the orange slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Gently blot them with a paper towel to remove surface moisture, which helps them dry faster.
Step 4: Slow Dry in the Oven
Place the baking sheets in the oven. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, flipping the slices halfway through. Check every 30 minutes after the 2-hour mark for desired dryness—a slightly chewy center or crispy throughout, your choice! Keep an eye out to avoid browning.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
When the slices feel dry and no longer tacky, remove from the oven and let cool completely. Enjoy as a snack or use as edible décor!
Notes & Tips for Perfect Naturally Gorgeous Dried Orange Slices
- For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon before baking!
- If you love citrus, experiment with a mix of oranges, lemons, and limes—learn more about citrus varieties.
- Dehydrator fans: This recipe works brilliantly in a food dehydrator as well—set to 135°F and dry for 7-8 hours.
Three Tasty Variations for Dried Orange Slices
- Spiced Orange Slices: Add a dash of ground cinnamon and ginger before baking.
- Dipped Orange Slices: Once dried, dip half of each slice in dark chocolate and let set on parchment.
- Citrus Medley: Combine orange slices with thinly sliced lemons and limes for a colorful mix.
Required Equipment for Naturally Gorgeous Dried Orange Slices with No Sugar Added
- Sharp knife or mandoline
- Cutting board
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Paper towels
- Oven
How to Store Your Naturally Gorgeous Dried Orange Slices
Store your cooled dried orange slices in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 1 month. For longer shelf life, read about food storage best practices.
Serving Ideas & Pairings for Dried Orange Slices
- Add to herbal teas, cocktails, or seltzer for vibrant citrus flair.
- Top cakes, quick breads, or desserts as an edible decoration.
- Serve on cheese boards for a refreshing sweet-tart bite.
Pro Tips for Crazy-Good Naturally Gorgeous Dried Orange Slices
- Pat slices dry before baking to speed up dehydration and prevent stickiness.
- Check for doneness often after 2 hours—some slices may finish faster than others.
- Try different orange varieties (like blood oranges) for unique color and flavor; find options via this guide.
Frequently Asked Questions about Naturally Gorgeous Dried Orange Slices with No Sugar Added
- Can I make these dried orange slices in an air fryer?
- Yes! Use a low temperature (around 175°F/80°C) and dry in batches for 1-2 hours, flipping halfway through.
- Do I need to peel the oranges?
- Nope—leave the peel on for gorgeous color, flavor, and extra fiber!
- Can I use other types of citrus fruit?
- Absolutely! Lemons, limes, and even grapefruits work beautifully; just adjust drying time for thinner or thicker slices.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 2.5 to 3 hours
Ingredients
- 4 medium oranges, washed and dried
- 1 lemon, sliced (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Parchment paper
- Water for rinsing
- Nonstick cooking spray (optional)
- Cooling rack
Instructions
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1Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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2Wash and thoroughly dry the oranges. Slice them crosswise into thin rounds, about ⅛-inch thick, discarding seeds.
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3Lightly pat orange slices with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
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4Arrange the orange slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Optionally, sprinkle with ground cinnamon or place rosemary sprigs and lemon slices among the oranges for extra flavor.
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5Bake in the preheated oven for about 2.5 to 3 hours, flipping slices halfway through, until the oranges are dried and slightly crisp. Check for doneness after 2.5 hours.
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6Transfer dried orange slices to a cooling rack and let cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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