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I normally make dehydrated orange slices every Christmas for decoration. I usually do this in the oven, but this year I thought I’m going to try the air fryer, since for the past few years I make all fried things in my air fryer. It saves time, money and the food is healthier as it’s not deep fried in oil. You could say, I’m a fully converted air fryer user. I do love it, indeed. So let’s see how to how to dehydrate oranges in the air fryer!
Why dehydrate fruit?
Dehydrating oranges can be a new way to enjoy healthy, fruit snacks, all-natural food decoration or use it for anything Christmassy: crafts, decoration and more. You can try most fruits, not just oranges. You can use them in various recipes, from baking to adding flavor to beverages. Moreover, dehydrating oranges retains their nutrients while intensifying their flavor.
Can you put fresh fruit in an air fryer?
Yes, you can put fresh fruit in an air fryer!
Whilst this innovative kitchen gadget is typically associated with savory foods and a replacement for deep frying, it can also be used to create delicious fruit snacks. When air frying fresh fruit, it’s important to cut them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
Some fruits that can be air fried includes:
- apples,
- bananas,
- peaches
Toss them lightly in a bit of oil and your favorite seasonings or sweeteners. Be mindful of the cooking time—most fruits take just a few minutes to achieve a nice, caramelized texture. Enjoy your healthy, air-fried fruit as a snack or dessert!
Can I use air fryer to dehydrate orange slices?
The good news is that yes, you can dehydrate oranges in an air fryer! Here’s my complete guide on how to do it:
Prepare the oranges
1. Choose the right oranges:
Start with fresh, ripe oranges. Look for fruits that are firm (old oranges are too juicy and the skin goes soft, so it will take longer to dehydrate and harder to cut them nice and thin) and free from blemishes.
2. Wash and slice:
Rinse the oranges under cold water to remove any dirt or pesticides, you can give them a bicarbonate of soda wash if you eat them. Soda bicarbonate is the best to remove pesticides. I use it for washing citrus fruit all the time.
To achieve even dehydration, slice the oranges into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. This size allows for better air circulation and quicker drying.
Dehydrating process using your air fryer
1. Set up the air fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to a low temperature, typically around 150°F (65°C). This low and slow method is essential for effective dehydration without cooking the fruit.
2. Arrange the oranges:
Place the orange slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Ensure that the slices do not overlap to allow for even airflow and drying. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Mine has a rack that goes above the bottom rack, so I was able to work with 3 oranges at the time.
3. Start dehydrating:
Cook the oranges for about 1 to 3 hours. Keep in mind that times may vary based on the thickness of the slices and the specific model of your air fryer. Check the oranges every 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even drying. Halfway you can also raise the temperature a little bit by 10-20 Celsius.
When are the oranges done?
The oranges are done when they are dry and leathery but still slightly pliable. They should not feel sticky or wet. For the best results, test a piece; it should be chewy but not soft or moist.
Cooling and Storing
Once dehydrated, let the orange slices cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in a cool and dark place. Properly dehydrated and stored oranges can last up to several months.