Master the Art of Dehydrating Lemons at Home!

Lemons and other citrus fruits are a staple in my kitchen. Not only are they packed with vitamin C and other nutrients, but they also add a bright and tangy flavor to dishes. But what do you do when you have too many of them? Or you want to preserve lemons for use all year long?  One solution is to dehydrate them. Dehydrating lemons, limes, and oranges can be done in several ways including in the oven, the dehydrator, and even in an air fryer. (While it is, in theory, possible to dry lemons in the sun, unless you live in a very dry place and can protect them from bugs and wildlife, this will be challenging.)

I am going to share a few quick and easy tips for dehydrating lemons.  This is a great way to save money since you can buy them when they are on sale and preserve them for use later in the year.  Dehydrated lemons are great to use in potpourri, your next cup of tea, as a garnish on desserts, in many lemon recipes, or even in arts and crafts.  It’s a great way to prevent food waste and extend the shelf life of your citrus fruit.

What is dehydrating and how does it work?

Dehydrating is the process of removing moisture from food, which helps to extend its shelf life and concentrate its flavors. Dehydrated lemons are easy to store and will stay good almost indefinitely since you have removed the water from them.  This process works by using low heat and increased airflow to slowly dry out the food, leaving behind a preserved version of its original self.

Start with the freshest fruit

When preserving lemons, the key is to buy fruit at the peak of freshness. Choosing ripe lemons involves using all your senses to assess their quality. Here’s a guide to help you pick the best lemons for drying:

• Color: Look for vibrant, bright yellow lemons.  
• Texture: The skin should be smooth and slightly glossy. Avoid fruit with blemishes, bruises, or soft spots.
• Weight: Pick up the fruit—it should feel heavy for its size, which indicates juiciness.
• Firmness: Squeeze the fruit gently. It should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not feel mushy or too soft.
• Smell: Citrus fruits should have a fresh, citrusy aroma. If it smells overly sour or fermented, it may be overripe.
• Size: Generally, larger citrus fruits tend to have thicker skins. These sometimes hold up better in the dehydration process.
• Variety: Most lemons are considered in season from late winter to mid-spring or early summer but generally, they are available year-round here in the U.S.

By combining these factors, you can choose citrus fruits that are ripe, flavorful, and ready to be dehydrated.

How to Dehydrate Lemons

Drying lemons (or limes, oranges or any other citrus fruit)  is a pretty straightforward procedure but let’s break it down into a few steps:

Preparing the Fruit

Before you start making dehydrated lemons, there are a few steps you need to take to ensure they turn out perfectly:

• Wash and dry the fruits thoroughly: Rinse the fruits under cool running water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. This will remove any dirt or residue from the surface. Buying organic is a great choice if you plan to use your dried lemons in tea or as a dessert garnish.
• Slice the fruits evenly: Using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer, cut the fruits into thin and even slices. This will ensure that they dehydrate evenly.
• Remove the seeds: Some citrus fruits, like lemons and oranges, have seeds that you will need to remove before dehydrating. Simply use a knife or your fingers to remove the seeds from each slice.

Once your fruit is prepared, it’s time to start the dehydration process. This can be done in a dehydrator, the oven, or an air fryer.

How to dehydrate lemons in a dehydrator

To dry lemons in a dehydrator, arrange the slices on a dehydrating tray. Place the slices in a single layer and make sure they are not touching each other to ensure even airflow.

Next, set the temperature. The ideal temperature for dehydrating citrus fruits is between 125-135 degrees Fahrenheit. This low heat will help preserve the nutrients and flavors of the fruits.

Dehydrate the lemon slices for 8-12 hours. The time it takes for your citrus fruits to dehydrate will depend on their thickness and water content. Check on them periodically, and once they are fully dehydrated, they should be dry and slightly brittle. We upgraded to a Cosori food dehydrator several years ago and it has been worth every penny we spent on it.  

How to dry lemons in the oven

Preheat your oven to the lowest temperature setting, usually around 170-200 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the lemon slices in a single layer.

Place the baking sheet in the oven and prop open the door slightly to allow for air circulation. Depending on the thickness of your slices, it can take anywhere from 2-6 hours for them to fully dehydrate.

How to dry lemons in an air fryer

To dehydrate lemons in the air fryer, preheat it to 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the lemon slices in a single layer on the air fryer tray or basket. Dehydrate them for approximately 4-6 hours, checking periodically until they are fully dried.

How to store dried lemon slices

Once your fruits are fully dehydrated, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 6 months.  

Using Dehydrated Citrus Fruits

Now that you have successfully dehydrated your citrus fruits, it’s time to put them to good use! What can you do with dried lemons? Here are some ways you can incorporate them into your cooking:

• Add them as a topping for salads or homemade soup. 
• Use them as a garnish for cocktails or mocktails.
• Grind them into a powder and sprinkle over seafood or chicken dishes. 
• Infuse them into hot tea for a refreshing citrus flavor.
• Use them as an ingredient in homemade spice blends.  You can make your own lemon thyme sea salt with it for use on seafood.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to using dehydrated lemon slices. Get creative and experiment with different methods of incorporating them into your meals.
Dehydrating lemons and other citrus fruits is an easy and practical way to preserve their flavors and extend their shelf life. With just a few simple steps, you can have a stash of dried lemon slices ready to use in all sorts of dishes.

If you love the idea of preserving food, check out my posts on how to preserve hot peppers or how to preserve fresh herbs.

More food waste tips

Dehydrating lemons before they go bad on your counter is a good way to reduce food waste.  Here are a few more posts you might enjoy on the topic:

• 5 easy things to do with food scraps.  Great tips on using up food before it goes to waste. 
• Check out my tips on how to use food scraps in the garden if you love growing your own food. 
• Learn all about restaurant food waste and the problems it poses for our planet.