How to Make Dried Citrus

Learn how to make dried citrus in the oven using your favorite citrus fruits! These beautiful dehydrated citrus wheels make the perfect garnishes for cocktails, mocktails, and your favorite desserts. Or, simply dip them in chocolate for the perfect sweet treat!

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I have a brand new tutorial for you that’s so easy and guaranteed to impress anyone around you. Have you ever ordered a cocktail or even a dessert garnished with these beautiful dried citrus fruit rounds? I think they’re SO pretty and it turns out they’re incredibly easy to make!

Here you’ll get a step-by-step tutorial to learn how to make dried citrus right at home without any fancy equipment. You’ll just need a baking sheet, a sharp knife, and an oven! Dehydrating citrus does take a number of hours but requires just a few simple steps.

You can use dehydrated citrus in so many ways, too. Take a scroll to check out the tutorial, tips, tricks, and fun ways to use it. Then be sure to come back here later this week for a brand new recipe using the citrus!

What is dehydrated citrus?

The pretty, candied-looking citrus fruit slices on desserts or in fancy cocktails have been completely dried out! The process is exactly what it sounds like — removing all of the moisture from the fruit slices so that they’re dried out and can be preserved. There are tons of ways to use dehydrated citrus and you can do it right in your oven. No dehydrator needed!

Choose your fruit

This easy method for drying citrus can be used for grapefruit, lemon, lime, and orange slices. So pick a few of your favs and get ready for some amazing ways to use them.

Beautiful dried citrus in 3 simple steps

As I mentioned, there’s no need for a dehydrator, just a baking sheet and an oven. Here’s how to do it:

Slice your fruit. Start by slicing your citrus fruit into about 1/4″ rounds. A mandoline is a great tool for making the rounds even, but if you don’t have one simply use a sharp knife.
Bake the citrus. Place the citrus slices in a single layer on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake them at 170 degrees F (yes, very low) until they’re completely dried out.
Cool & enjoy. Let the citrus rounds cool on a wire rack, then use them on desserts, in cocktails and mocktails, or even as decoration!

How long does it take to dry out citrus?

Certain citrus fruits that are less juicy, like limes, will likely take less time to dry out (closer to 4 hours). Juicier citrus fruits like grapefruits and oranges will take closer to 6 hours. You’ll know the fruit is completely dried when it has a brittle texture and no moisture comes off if you gently press a paper towel on it.

Fun ways to use dried citrus

Garnish your favorite cocktails or mocktails like this Spicy Blood Orange Margarita
Decorate beautiful cakes like this Orange Zucchini Cake
Dip the slices in melted dark chocolate for a lovely treat
Decorate a tablescape or charcuterie board to add a pop of color, or make a pretty citrus garland
Add one to your cup of tea for a boost of citrus flavor

Storing tips

Store your dry citrus fruits in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. The citrus will last for up to a year as long as it’s stored properly and the fruit is completely dehydrated. If there’s any moisture left in the fruit then it may become moldy, so remember to dry it out completely!

More helpful how-to guides

Check out all of my how-to guides here!

I hope you love this guide to making dried citrus! If you try it be sure to leave a comment and a rating below so I know how you liked it. Enjoy, xo!

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How to Make Dried Citrus

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 6

Total Time 6 5

Ingredients

1-2 citrus fruits of choice (grapefruit, lemon, lime, and orange will all work*)

Instructions

Slice citrus fruit into ¼” (or thinner) rounds and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake at 170ºF for 4-6 hours, turning the slices over every 2 hours, or until fully dried out. Use dehydrated citrus to garnish your favorite beverages.

Recipe Notes

*Certain citrus fruits that are less juicy, like limes, will likely take less time to dry out (closer to 4 hours). Juicier citrus fruits like grapefruits and oranges will take closer to 6 hours.

Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | Photography by Eat Love Eats

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