Dried lemon slices are a simple yet elegant way to elevate your cooking and baking. These versatile slices can be used to add a burst of citrus flavor to soups, stews they can serve as a beautiful garnish for your favorite drinks.

What makes dried lemon slices even more appealing is that they require no dehydrator and are incredibly easy to make!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Natural & Healthy: There are no added preservatives or sugars in dried lemon slices—just pure lemons! This makes them a healthier alternative to store-bought dried fruit options that often contain preservatives.

Hands-Off: While the process takes several hours, there is very little preparation required. Simply slice the lemons and let the oven do the work for you.

Adaptable: While this recipe uses lemons, feel free to substitute with other citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, or limes. The process works just as well with other fruits, allowing you to customize your dried citrus collection

Long Shelf Life: Dried lemons can be stored for a long time, making them an excellent way to preserve extra fruit. By drying your lemons, you not only reduce food waste but also create a lasting ingredient for your future culinary adventures.

Airdd Dried Lemon Slices

Video by Airdd

How to Make Dried Lemon Slices

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Place a wire rack over a baking sheet. Slice the lemons into approximately ¼-inch thick rounds using a sharp tool or mandoline for even slices. Consistency in thickness is important to ensure even drying throughout.

Step 2: Arrange the lemon slices on the wire rack, ensuring they don’t overlap. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the lemon slices for about 3 hours.

Drying Time for Other Citrus Fruits

When drying other citrus fruits, drying times can vary depending on the fruit's moisture content and slice thickness. Here’s a general guide to help adjust drying times:

Lemon slices: Approximately 3 hours at 200°F (93°C)

Lime slices: Around 2-3 hours at 200°F (93°C)

Navel orange slices: About 4-5 hours at 200°F (93°C)

Cara Cara orange slices: 4-5 hours at 200°F (93°C)

Blood orange slices: Approximately 4-5 hours at 200°F (93°C)

Grapefruit slices: Around 5-6 hours at 200°F (93°C)

Dear Lykkers, these times are approximate and can vary based on the thickness of the slices and the moisture level of the fruit. It’s always a good idea to check periodically as the drying time nears completion.

How to Use Dried Lemon Slices

There are countless ways to incorporate dried lemon slices into your culinary creations. Here are some fun ideas to get you started:

Tea: Add a dried lemon slice to green or black tea for a refreshing citrus infusion. Alternatively, crush the dried lemon slices and mix with dried herbs to create your own custom tea blend.

Mocktails: Use dried lemon slices as a garnish or flavor enhancer in mocktails. They offer a subtle citrus kick without the added liquid that fresh lemon slices contribute.

Baked Goods: Garnish cakes, cookies, or pastries with a dried lemon slice for a decorative touch. They can also be added to cakes like a vegan olive oil cake for an extra burst of flavor.

Chocolate-Dipped: For a sweet twist, dip dried lemon slices in melted dark chocolate. Once coated, let them dry on a parchment-lined tray for a delicious treat.

Savory Dishes: Add crushed dried lemon slices to stews, soups, or grain-based dishes like quinoa or rice for a tangy flavor boost. They work especially well in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and North African cuisines.

Storage

To store your dried lemon slices, let them cool completely to ensure no moisture is trapped. Keep the dried slices in an airtight container or bag and store them in a dark, cool place like a pantry or cupboard. Exposure to light and heat can cause the dried lemons to lose their flavor and texture over time.

For those living in humid environments, storing dried lemon slices in the fridge or freezer is a good idea to maintain their crispness. Always check for any signs of moisture or mold, and if the slices feel less crisp, briefly re-dry them in the oven.

With these tips and instructions, you’ll be able to create beautiful, flavorful dried lemon slices that will enhance a variety of dishes and drinks!