Air Fryer Orange Slices Candied

Bright citrus and a delicate sweet finish come together in these air fryer orange slices candied to perfection. Whether you use them for snacking, as a cocktail garnish, or to dress up cakes, this delicious recipe delivers classic candied flavor with a fraction of the time and fuss.

I made these first for a winter brunch and was amazed at how easy it was to get that classic candied texture using nothing more than my air fryer. My friends immediately asked for the recipe and now I always keep a few slices on hand for sweet emergencies.

Ingredients

• Large oranges: look for fruit with firm skin and heavy feel which means juicy flesh
• Sugar: classic granulated sugar creates the shiny syrupy coating and preserves the orange flavor
• Water: helps dissolve the sugar and gently cooks the orange slices without burning them

Instructions

Slice the Oranges:

Cut your oranges into thin rounds about one eighth inch thick. The thinner the slices the more evenly and quickly they candy. Try to keep the slices uniform so they all cook at the same rate.

Make the Syrup:

In a medium pot combine the sugar and water. Heat over medium stirring frequently until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is clear. This forms a simple syrup that will coat and preserve your orange slices.

Simmer the Slices:

Carefully add your orange rounds to the pot making sure each one is submerged in the syrup. Simmer gently for about ten minutes. This step infuses the oranges and keeps them glossy but soft.

Remove and Cool:

Using a slotted spoon or tongs transfer the orange slices to a wire rack or parchment—lined tray. Let them cool until they are just tacky but not wet to the touch. This makes them easier to handle and prevents sticking.

Air Fry the Oranges:

Arrange the cooled orange slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Set the temperature to three hundred degrees Fahrenheit. Cook for fifteen minutes flipping each slice carefully halfway through so both sides crisp and caramelize evenly.

Final Cool Down:

Take the slices out and lay them flat to cool completely. They firm up and take on that irresistible chewy tangy candy texture as they cool. If you want them even crisper you can leave them in the air fryer a few more minutes watching carefully so they do not burn.

My favorite part of this recipe is the intense citrus aroma that perfumes the whole kitchen as the slices cook. It reminds me of orange season at my grandmother’s house when every surface held a jar of homemade marmalade or candied peel.

Storage Tips

Store cooled candied orange slices in a single layer between parchment in an airtight container. They stay chewy and bright for up to a week at room temperature though in humid weather keep them in the fridge. If they get sticky a quick dust of extra sugar brings back their sparkle.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try blood oranges for a dramatic color and note that mandarins work well for a sweeter milder flavor. A pinch of cinnamon or a drop of vanilla stirred into the syrup adds a festive twist. For more tartness use grapefruit slices instead.

Serving Suggestions

These orange slices look stunning on top of frosted cakes cupcakes or even pancakes. I love setting them out with chocolate bark or tucking them onto cheese boards. They also shine as a vibrant garnish for cocktails or homemade lemonade.

Cultural Context

Candied citrus has a long tradition in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern desserts. Making them in the air fryer is a modern twist that preserves this classic treat and brings it home without hours of slow simmering or oven drying.

Seasonal Adaptations

Use blood oranges or cara cara oranges in winter for bold color. Sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt before serving for contrast. Dip cooled slices in dark chocolate for a decadent finish.

Success Stories

A friend told me she made these slices for holiday gifts and they disappeared faster than she could package them. Another time I brought a batch to a book club and no one believed they were homemade.

Freezer Meal Conversion

If you have a big haul of oranges you can freeze candied slices in a single layer on a parchment lined tray then store in a zip top bag for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge and enjoy straight from the freezer or let them come to room temp.

These candied orange slices are simple to make and sure to impress for any occasion. Enjoy the burst of citrus sweetness whenever a craving strikes.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can other citrus fruits be used?

Yes, lemons or blood oranges work well and offer varied flavors and colors.

→ How thin should the slices be?

Slice oranges about 1/8 inch thick for the best texture and even candying.

→ Do I need to peel the oranges first?

No, keep the peels on for extra flavor and attractive appearance.

→ How do I store candied orange slices?

Cool completely and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ What is the best way to serve these?

Enjoy as a sweet snack, gift, or garnish for desserts and cocktails.