How to Dehydrate Fruit in Your Oven: Easy DIY for Cocktails & Crafts

Today, I’m sharing a simple tutorial on how to dehydrate fruit at home. Whether you need elegant cocktail garnishes or are crafting a beautiful holiday wreath, dehydrating fruit is surprisingly easy. And the best part? You don’t need a fancy dehydrator—just your oven (and a few hours)!

What is Dehydrated Fruit (and Why Make It Yourself)?

Dehydrated fruit is simply fruit with most of its water content removed. Think of the dried fruit you find in trail mix. It’s also perfect for decorative projects like holiday wreaths. Properly stored dehydrated fruit can last for up to 6 months in an airtight container.

I recently needed some dehydrated fruit for cocktail garnishes. When I saw the price tag of $20 at the store, I knew there had to be a better way. That’s when I decided to try dehydrating fruit in my oven.

How to Dehydrate Fruit in Your Oven: A Step-by-Step Guide

I’m dehydrating lemons, limes, mandarins, and apples in this tutorial. The ideal setup is an oven-safe cooling rack nested inside a baking sheet (here’s the one I use and love!). If you only have a baking sheet, that works too—just use parchment paper.

Dehydrating Fruit: Supplies You’ll Need:

• Your chosen fruit (lemons, limes, mandarins, apples, etc.)
• Oven-safe cooling rack (optional, but recommended)
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper (if not using a cooling rack)
• Sharp knife

Dehydrating Fruit: Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C).
2. Slice the fruit into ¼-inch thick pieces. Thicker slices will take longer to dehydrate.
3. Arrange the fruit: If using a cooling rack, place the slices directly on the rack, which is then placed on the baking sheet to catch any drips. If using only a baking sheet, line it with parchment paper and arrange the fruit slices in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap.
4. Bake for 2-6 hours. If you’re not using a cooling rack, flip the slices every 30-60 minutes to ensure even drying. The total time depends on the type of fruit and the thickness of the slices.
5. Monitor the fruit closely. It may not need the full 4-6 hours. My limes, lemons, and mandarins were done in about 2-3 hours.
6. Check for doneness: The fruit is ready when it starts to brown and is no longer juicy. It should still be pliable but not sticky.
7. Cool completely: Once you remove the fruit from the oven, let it cool completely on the rack or parchment paper. This is when it will firm up.
8. Store properly: Once completely cooled, store the dehydrated fruit in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Check periodically for any signs of spoilage.

Uses for Dehydrated Fruit: Beyond Trail Mix

Dehydrated fruit is incredibly versatile. Here are just a few ideas:

• Cocktail Garnishes: Add a touch of elegance to your cocktails.
• Crafting Projects: Create beautiful holiday wreaths, ornaments, or potpourri.
• Trail Mix: A healthy and convenient snack.
• Infused Water: Add flavor to your water.
• Baking: Incorporate dehydrated fruit into muffins, breads, or cookies.

What fruits have you tried dehydrating? What are your favorite ways to use dehydrated fruit? Share your tips and ideas in the comments below!