While using an oven is a great way to make Dry Orange Slices, sometimes you want results a bit faster. The air fryer is a perfect tool for this task. Because an air fryer uses a powerful fan to move hot air, it acts like a high-speed dehydrator. This speeds up the drying time and helps you stick to your zero waste goals in a fraction of the time.
Using an air fryer is one of the best food ideas for small batches. If you only have one or two oranges left in the fruit bowl, you can turn them into beautiful garnishes or snacks in about an hour. Here is exactly how to do it.
1. Prepare Your Citrus
Just like with the oven method, how you cut the fruit matters. For the air fryer, you want the slices to be very thin. This allows the air to move through the fruit fibers quickly.
- Thin Slices: Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch. If they are too thick, the outside will dry while the inside stays mushy.
- Remove Seeds: Take a moment to pop out any seeds. Seeds can become very bitter once they are heated in the air fryer.
- Pat Dry: Use a paper towel or a clean cloth to soak up any juice on the surface. This small step can save you ten minutes of cooking time.
2. Setting the Temperature
The biggest risk with an air fryer is the heat. Most air fryers are designed to cook food fast at high heat. For Dried Orange Slices, you must use the lowest setting possible.
- The Best Setting: Set your air fryer to 180°F (80°C). If your machine has a “Dehydrate” button, use that. Most dehydrate settings default to 130°F to 150°F, which is even better for keeping the color bright.
- The Rack Setup: Place the slices in a single layer. Do not stack them! If you stack the slices, the air cannot reach the middle, and they will not get crisp.
- Airflow Tip: If your air fryer has a basket, the slices might try to “fly” around because they are so light. You can place a small metal steaming rack on top of them to hold them down.
3. Timing and Flipping
Because the air is so concentrated in an air fryer, you need to keep an eye on your progress.
- The Timeline: Total drying time usually takes between 45 to 90 minutes. This is much faster than the 4 to 6 hours required in a standard oven.
- The Halfway Mark: Every 20 minutes, pull the drawer out and flip the slices over. This ensures that both sides dry at the same rate.
- Check for Done-ness: Once the edges look slightly curled and the centers are no longer sticky, they are ready. They will continue to crisp up as they cool down on the counter.
4. Avoiding Common Mistakes
To keep your zero waste project successful, watch out for these two issues:
- Burning: If you see the edges of the oranges turning dark brown or black, your air fryer is too hot. Lower the temperature immediately and check them every 5 minutes.
- Soft Centers: If the slices feel “bendy” after they have cooled, they are not done. Put them back in for another 10 minutes. If moisture stays inside, they will not last long in storage.
Conclusion
The air fryer is a game-changer for making Dried Orange Slices. It is fast, efficient, and helps you create amazing food ideas with very little effort. Once you master this method, you can have a fresh batch of citrus garnishes ready before your next dinner party or craft project. It is a simple way to make the most of your fruit and enjoy a sustainable, flavorful home.
References
- Recipe this – The Air Fryer Temperature Guide
- Firepot Food – Dehydration Technology
- The Zero Waste Chef – How to Dehydrate Apple Slices in a Solar Food Dryer
Related Articles
- Try These 8 Simple Recipes For Dried Orange Slices
- The Ultimate Guide to Oven-Drying Orange Slices
- How to Store Dried Orange Slices for Maximum Longevity