How to Make Dried Orange Slices in an Air Fryer + Orange Slice and Popcorn Garlands

There’s something so warm and nostalgic about making holiday decorations from scratch, and these dried orange slices with popcorn garlands are as charming as they are easy to create. Air-drying oranges is a wonderfully simple process, especially when you use the air fryer’s dehydrate function! Follow along for a festive, eco-friendly craft that’s perfect for a cozy Christmas at home.

Step 1: Choose and Prep Your Oranges

For the best results, choose firm, fresh oranges. You’ll want to avoid overly soft or old oranges, as they may be too juicy to dry evenly.

Instructions:

1. Gather your materials: You’ll need fresh oranges, a sharp knife, paper towels, and an air fryer with a dehydrate function.

2. Slice the oranges: Cut the oranges into thin slices, about 1/4-inch thick. Try to keep the slices even so they dehydrate at the same rate.

3. Pat dry: Use paper towels to gently pat each orange slice, removing excess moisture. This helps the oranges dehydrate faster.

Step 2: Dehydrate the Orange Slices in the Air Fryer

Instructions:

1. Set up the air fryer: Place the orange slices on the air fryer rack in a single layer. Try to avoid overlapping so that each slice dries evenly.

2. Dehydrate: Set the air fryer to the dehydrate setting at 135°F (57°C). If your air fryer doesn’t have a dehydrate setting, use the lowest heat setting possible.

3. Timing: Dehydrate the orange slices for 4–6 hours, checking every hour or so. Rotate the slices if needed to ensure they’re drying evenly. They’re ready when they feel dry to the touch but are still slightly pliable.

4. Cool down: Once dried, let the orange slices cool completely. This helps them firm up and get ready for stringing!

Step 3: Stringing Your Orange and Popcorn Garland

Now that you have your beautiful dried orange slices, it’s time to make a garland! This is a wonderful, mindful activity that’s fun to do with the whole family—and it makes a beautiful, natural addition to your Christmas decor.

What You’ll Need:

• Dried orange slices

• Popcorn (preferably air-popped for less oil)

• A large needle

• Sturdy thread or twine

Instructions:

1. Pop the popcorn: Pop your popcorn and let it cool completely before using. If possible, choose a plain popcorn that isn’t buttered or salted—this keeps it looking fresh and doesn’t add grease to your garland.

2. Thread the needle: Cut a long piece of thread (around 5–6 feet) or your preferred length, depending on where you’ll be hanging the garland.

3. Start stringing: Begin by threading a piece of popcorn, followed by an orange slice, and continue alternating. You can create a pattern (e.g., three popcorn pieces, one orange slice) or make it random for a more rustic look.

4. Leave space: Leave a small gap between each item, around 1/4 inch, to help the garland drape nicely.

5. Secure the ends: Once you reach the end, tie a secure knot at each end of the garland to hold everything in place.

Step 4: Decorate with Your Garland

Now for the fun part—decorating! Hang your garland on your Christmas tree, across a mantel, or along a window frame for a festive, natural touch. These garlands bring a cozy, country charm to any space, with the oranges adding a pop of color and the popcorn creating a bit of texture.

Extra Tips for Garland Success

• Storage: If you want to keep the garland for next year, store it in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.

• Layer the Fragrance: For a touch of extra holiday scent, you could add a few dried cinnamon sticks or bay leaves along the garland.

• Mind the Pets: If you have pets, make sure the garland is hung out of reach, as they might be tempted by the popcorn!

Final Thoughts

This dried orange and popcorn garland is such a simple, charming way to bring a little bit of the outdoors inside for the holidays. The oranges add a lovely, subtle fragrance and a vibrant pop of color, while the popcorn gives that cozy, old-fashioned feel that’s perfect for the season. Plus, it’s eco-friendly and low-cost—what’s not to love?

We’d love to see how your garlands turn out! Share your creations with us by tagging @OurLittleHouseInTheCountry on Instagram, and let’s fill our homes with these cozy, homemade touches this Christmas.

Enjoy!

Ciara xox