How to Dehydrate Grapefruit
(Slices, Zest & Peel)

Want to enjoy grapefruit long after its season ends? Dehydrating grapefruit slices, zest, and peel lets you capture its tangy flavor and health benefits in a shelf-stable form. Whether you love ruby red, pink, or white varieties, drying grapefruit preserves its Vitamin C and transforms it into a versatile snack, garnish, or ingredient.

✅ Quick Answer: How do you dehydrate grapefruit?
Slice peeled grapefruit into thin rounds or segments, then dry in a dehydrator at 125°F–135°F for 12–30 hours until brittle. Alternatively, use an oven on its lowest setting (6–8 hours) or sun-dry in hot, dry conditions. Store sealed with oxygen absorbers for up to 1 year.

From bright cocktails to zesty trail mixes, dehydrated grapefruit is both practical and creative—ready to use whenever you need a burst of citrus flavor.

Slicing fresh pink grapefruit and arranging slices on a white round plastic dehydrator tray

Prepare your taste buds for this tart and subtly sweet fruit.

Grapefruit Nutrition: Why This Citrus Packs a Punch

VITAMINS: Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Choline, and Betaine.

MINERALS: Potassium, Copper, Phosphorus, Magnesium, and Calcium

While exact amounts may vary slightly between shades, generally red, white, and pink grapefruit all share very similar vitamin and mineral values and health qualities. Choosing any colorful variety will provide you with this same excellent combination of nutrients like Vitamin C, Potassium, Choline, and important protective carotenoids.

Why Bother Dehydrating Grapefruit? (Surprising Uses Beyond Snacking)

Why dehydrate grapefruit? It's more than it just being delicious...

Dehydrating grapefruit offers advantages beyond simply creating a sweet-tart burst of flavor.

Dried segments or slices retain high levels of immune-boosting Vitamin C, fiber, protective antioxidants, and other key compounds despite losing moisture during the dehydration process.

Beyond snacks, use rehydrated grapefruit pieces to add a punch of citrus to fruit salads, or as the star flavor in infused water. If you enjoy infusing dishes, drinks, and more with the refreshing zip of grapefruit but want to harness it year-round - dehydrate red, white, and pink grapefruit into concentrated form!

The tangy flavor and natural sweetness of dehydrated grapefruit make it an excellent alternative to sugar-laden snacks. 

Sliced grapefruit on dehydrator

Which Grapefruit Dehydrates Best: Red, Pink, or White?

Grapefruit comes in many varieties - from the classic white to the vibrant pink and ruby red - each offering unique tastes. To me, they look like brightly colored citrus wheels! Check out how to dehydrate other citrus fruit such as lemons, limes, and oranges here.

White grapefruits have a mild sweet essence and a pale yellow flesh, containing slightly less acidity than their colorful cousins. Vibrant pink varieties have a balance of sugary and tartness. For the boldest flavor, turn to ruby reds, with their innate colorful pigments that match their flavor intensity!

female slicing grapefruit into wedges

How to Pick & Prep Grapefruit Perfectly for Drying

When dehydrating grapefruit, select ripe and juicy fruits at peak ripeness. Look for grapefruits that are firm, heavy for their size, and have a smooth skin. Avoid fruits with soft spots or blemishes, as they can develop off flavors.

Once you've chosen your grapefruits, it's time to prepare them for dehydration. 

Step-by-Step Guide: Dehydrating Grapefruit the Easy Way

  1. Thoroughly wash all fruits under cool running water while gently scrubbing the skins to remove dirt or wax residues.
  2. Pat grapefruits very dry using clean towels to prevent slipping while cutting.
  3. Trim both stem and bottom ends off before placing it flat side down for good balance.
  4. Utilizing a sharp knife, carve downward from top to bottom following the rounded contour to remove the entire peel and bitter white pith in one piece.
  5. Slice the peeled grapefruit halves into uniform pieces—either segments or thin rounds work equally well. Arrange as needed on dehydrator trays.

NOTE: Steps 3 through 5 are how I prepare fresh oranges. Makes beautiful looking segments!

3 Proven Ways to Dry Grapefruit (With or Without a Dehydrator)

There are three ways to dehydrate grapefruit: use a dehydrator, oven dry, or in the sun:

Food Dehydrator 

  1. Load the trays with your grapefruit slices.
  2. Set your dehydrator between 125°F - 135°F, or based on your dehydrator owner manual's guidance. 
  3. Dehydrate for 12 to 30 hours (or more!) depending on the thickness of your slices.
  4. Rotate the dehydrator trays occasionally.

💡 Tip: Outside the U.S.? Most dehydrating temps here are listed in Fahrenheit — use our quick converter to see the Celsius equivalent for your machine.

  • When fully dehydrated, the slices will be brittle and can snap easily.

Note: The lower end of the range is better, and yes, it means that you will be running the dehydrator longer. Using a lower temperature of around 115°F means your dehydrated grapefruit half slices (or full slices) won't turn overly brown. 

Oven Drying 

  1. Preheat oven to the lowest possible temp, around 140°F. 
  2. Arrange grapefruit slices/segments in a single layer on parchment paper-lined baking sheets. 
  3. Prop the oven door open slightly with the handle of a wooden spoon. 
  4. Rotate the grapefruit slices periodically.

💡 Tip: Outside the U.S.? Most dehydrating temps here are listed in Fahrenheit — use our quick converter to see the Celsius equivalent for your machine.

  • Check for doneness after 6-8 hours depending on the thickness of your grapefruit slices.

Sun Drying

In hot, dry climates and optimal weather, you can naturally sun-dry grapefruit slices or segments. 

  1. Place the slices on screens under lightweight mesh covers for insect protection. 
  2. Bring indoors overnight. 
  3. Takes up to 1 week with adequate airflow.

But watch out for ants!

Whichever tech-free or electrical drying method you use—dehydrator, oven, or solar—the order is the same. 

  1. Prep
  2. Arrange
  3. Dehydrate
  4. Store

Again, with dehydrated grapefruit, we're looking for a leathery texture. When fully cooled, store them in food vacuum sealer bags along with an oxygen absorber along with a desiccant packet that are tucked in before drawing out the air.

Grapefruit Zest & Peel: Creative Uses You’ll Love

Transform grapefruit’s outer layers into concentrated form.

Grating off the outermost part of the grapefruit (or other fruit like oranges) is known as "zest."

Zest refers only to the thin, colorful outermost skin that has fragrant citrus oils. Grate off this top layer before dehydrating as above until crisp, then you can add it to baked goods or your favorite dessert! (Use solid dehydrator sheets to dry out your zest or place it on parchment paper).

Peel constitutes the entire exterior skin, including the bitter white pith underneath the skin. Peel wide strips and then dehydrate them completely until dry and brittle. Use dried peel pieces for aromatic crafts - or simmer in hot water for a tangy infusion for homemade potpourri or infused oils.

Use the red, pink, or white grapefruit skins for:

  • Zest for raw flavor
  • Peel for projects
Dried grapefruit slices in a bowl

With their beautiful pink colors, they are a great addition to your favorite trail mix and even dehydrated citrus slices as gifts!

Create a beautiful dried grapefruit garnish and a perfect sweet treat - with no artificial flavors. However, the only addition you may want to make is a little added sugar to the less-sweeter grapefruit slices, or when making fruit leathers. Taste-test your fruit leather mix before you dehydrate it.

  • The peel is fully dehydrated when it becomes brittle and snaps easily.
  • Store the dried peel in an airtight container away from moisture and sunlight for a long shelf life.

Storage Tips + Clever Ways to Use Dehydrated Grapefruit

Once grapefruit slices or segments reach the desired leathery yet brittle texture, let them cool down to room temperature before handling.

Next, use a vacuum sealer - like a FoodSaver. Place your dried grapefruit into the food vacuum sealer bags and add a 100cc oxygen absorber along with a 5g desiccant packet in each bag/jar before drawing out the air. These oxygen absorbers absorb stray oxygen (as their name implies).

Properly sealed and stored, dried grapefruit can last up to 1 year in a dry place such as a kitchen cupboard or pantry (even closets). Read more about safe storage here.

When it is time to get creative in the kitchen, mix dried grapefruit pieces or zest into

  • Salads
  • Homemade granola 
  • Infused water for an extra zing

Use slices to garnish cocktails or marinate in spirits for an adult citrus punch. 

Dehydrated Grapefruit FAQs: Your Top Questions Answered

How long does it take to dehydrate grapefruit slices?

In a dehydrator, it can take 12–30 hours depending on slice thickness. Oven drying takes 6–8 hours, and sun drying up to 1 week.

Can I dehydrate grapefruit in an air fryer?

It’s possible, but not recommended. Most air fryers run too hot and lack airflow. Stick to a dehydrator or oven for best results.

What does dehydrated grapefruit taste like?

It’s tangy, slightly sweet, and super concentrated—like citrus candy! Red and pink varieties tend to be sweeter than white.

Do you need to peel grapefruit before dehydrating?

Yes, remove the thick peel and bitter pith for slices. You can dehydrate zest and peel separately for recipes, but whole peel with pith will be too bitter to enjoy.

Can you eat the peel of dehydrated grapefruit?

Yes, if it's zested or candied and dehydrated properly. The outer peel can be used for baking, garnishes, or homemade citrus blends.

How do I store dehydrated grapefruit?

Once fully dry and cooled, vacuum seal with an oxygen absorber and a desiccant packet. Store in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

Is dehydrated grapefruit good for cocktails?

Absolutely! Dehydrated slices are great for garnish, flavor infusion, or even muddling into a zesty twist.

Can I make fruit leather with grapefruit?

Yes! Combine grapefruit juice or purée with a sweeter fruit like banana or strawberry, then dry on fruit leather trays.

Can dehydrated grapefruit be rehydrated?

Yes! Soak slices in warm water for 15–20 minutes to soften. They work great in baking, sauces, or adding citrus flavor to marinades.

What’s the difference between dehydrated and freeze-dried grapefruit?

Dehydrated grapefruit has a chewy, leathery texture and is made with heat. Freeze-dried grapefruit is crisp, airy, and retains more vitamin content—but requires special equipment.

Thanks for joining me in learning how to dehydrate grapefruit! Now that you know how to preserve slices, zest, and peel, why not take the next step?

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