Homemade Dried Lemons - How To Make Lemon Slices

These homemade dried lemons (or dehydrated lemons) are SUCH a great addition to bakes, drinks & even gift wrap!

Diet Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 4

Total Time 4 15

Servings slices

Calories 5kcal

Author Tajda Ferko

Equipment

Sharp knife
Cutting board
Parchment paper
Large baking sheet
Cooling rack optional
Airtight containers or jars

Ingredients

3-4 whole lemons

Instructions

Before you start, preheat the oven to the lowest possible temperature, preferably 170°F (75°C), and use the convection oven setting (also called fan oven).
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the lemon slices from sticking together and make cleanup a breeze.
With your sharp knife, slice the lemons into thin and even rounds. You can also use a mandolin slicer. Discard the ends. Aim for slices around ⅛ to ¼ inch (0.3 to 0.6 cm) thick.
Lay the lemon slices on the parchment paper in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. This allows for proper air circulation and even drying. Place in the oven for anywhere between 4 to 6 hours depending on the size of the slices.
You'll need to keep an eye out and gently flip the lemons halfway through baking. They should have lost a lot of the moisture by now. Return to the oven.
When done, the slices should be firm, slightly translucent, and dry to the touch. They shouldn't feel sticky or soft at all.
Remove the slices from the oven and transfer them to a wire cooling rack. This will help them cool faster & dry them out a little bit more.

Notes

Tip 1: Aim for consistency in slice thickness.
Tip 2: Slice your lemons into rounds that are similar in size.
Tip 3: Don't increase the oven temperature in an attempt to speed things up.

Serving & Uses - Add them to drinks or use them as toppings in desserts. Slice them up and add to soups & stews. Or use them as holiday decor and gift wrap.

Storage - Keep in an airtight container at room temperature. They can be kept for up to 6 months if stored correctly.

Other citrus? This method also works for other citrus fruits like oranges, limes, grapefruit, tangerines, etc. Baking time depends on the size of the fruit.

Nutrition