If you’re looking for a cozy, crafty project that smells like sunshine and adds rustic charm to your home, an orange garland is the way to go. But here’s the question: should you use your air fryer or your oven? I tested both methods so you don’t have to—and spoiler alert, they each have their superpowers.
Why Make an Orange Garland?
Orange garlands are perfect for holiday decorating, autumn vibes, or even a boho year-round look. They add a pop of color, smell amazing while you’re making them, and are a fun, sustainable way to decorate.
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What You’ll Need:
- 2-3 navel oranges per batch (or blood oranges for a deeper hue)
- Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
- Paper towels
- Air fryer OR oven
- Twine, jute, or string
- Large needle or small skewer
- Scissors
- Cooling Racks
- Optional: cinnamon sticks, rosemary sprigs, star anise for extra flair
Air Fryer vs. Oven
Air Fryer Method
Temperature: 160-170°F (lowest setting)
Time: 30-45 minutes
Capacity: 6-10 slices per batch (depending on basket size)
Pros:
- Superior color retention – Your oranges stay bright and vibrant
- Faster drying time
- Less energy consumption
- Easy to monitor and flip slices
- Minimal preheating needed
Cons:
- Small batch sizes mean more rounds if you’re making a long garland
- Requires frequent flipping (every 10 minutes)
- Not all air fryers go low enough in temperature
- Takes up counter space during multiple batches
Oven Method
Temperature: 200°F
Time: 2-4 hours
Capacity: 20-30+ slices per batch (depending on baking sheet size)
Pros:
- Make way more at once – perfect for large projects or multiple garlands
- Set it and forget it (mostly)
- More even heat distribution across large batches
- Can do several sheet pans at once
Cons:
- Color can fade or brown more easily
- Longer drying time
- Uses more energy for extended periods
- Requires occasional rotation of pans and flipping
My Verdict
Choose the air fryer if: You’re making a small to medium garland and want those vibrant, Instagram-worthy orange slices with minimal fuss.
Choose the oven if: You’re batch-making multiple garlands, decorating for a party, or gifting them to friends. The volume capacity can’t be beaten.
Pro tip: Use both! Start a batch in the oven while rotating smaller batches through the air fryer for the best color. This is what I did and then mixed them when I made them into garlands. The color variation was actually really nice!
Step-by-Step Instructions (Both Methods):
1. Slice the Oranges
Slice your oranges into even rounds, about 1/8″ to 1/4″ thick. Try to keep them uniform so they dry evenly. A mandoline slicer is your friend here!
2. Blot Excess Juice
Use paper towels to gently press out some of the juice from the slices. This helps speed up the drying process and prevents sticking.
3. Choose Your Method
For Air Fryer:
- Preheat to 160-170°F (or lowest setting)
- Place slices in a single layer in the basket
- Air fry for 30-45 minutes, flipping every 10 minutes
- Watch for dry, slightly translucent slices (not brown or burnt)
For Oven:
- Preheat to 200°F
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper
- Arrange slices in a single layer
- Bake for 2-4 hours, flipping every 30-45 minutes
- Rotate pans if using multiple racks
4. Cool and Cure
Lay the dried slices on a wire rack or parchment paper to finish air drying for a few hours (or overnight). This ensures they’re completely moisture-free and prevents mold.
5. Assemble Your Garland
Thread your string through the orange slices using a needle or skewer. You can tie knots to keep them spaced out or layer them close together. Add in extras like cinnamon sticks or herbs for a festive touch.
How to Style It:
- Mantel Decor: Hang your garland across the mantel for a holiday-ready look
- Window Garland: Let the sunlight shine through the dried slices for a gorgeous glow
- Table Runner Accent: Lay it down the center of your table for a rustic centerpiece
- Christmas Tree Ornaments: Hang them individually with some pretty ribbon for natural, colorful ornaments! The orange is a great pop against the green
Storage & Longevity Tips:
- Store your garland in a dry, cool spot if you want to reuse it year after year
- Avoid humidity to prevent mold
- Store them with desiccant packs (like silica gel packets) to keep them extra dry
- Properly dried garlands can last 2-3 years with good storage
- Add cloves to your slices before drying for a traditional clove-orange potpourri scent
The Bottom Line
Both methods work beautifully—it just depends on what matters most to you. Want show-stopping color? Go air fryer. Need to crank out garlands by the yard? Fire up that oven. Either way, you’re ending up with a gorgeous handmade decoration that’ll make your space smell amazing.
This project is simple, sustainable, and a great way to bring some handmade love into your space. If you make these, let me know which method you tried! I’d love to see them!
Until next time,
Happy DIY-ing!
xoxo,
Selene