How to Dehydrate Grapefruit
(Slices, Zest & Peel)

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Susan Gast | Author and blogger at Bored Boomers, Beesville Books, A New Sober You and Easy Food Dehydrating

Experience grapefruit in a whole new way. Learning how to dehydrate grapefruit unlocks its hidden potential.

Sliced grapefruit on dehydrator

Let's transform fresh ruby red, vibrant pink, or classic white fleshed grapefruit halves or slices into long-lasting treats bursting with concentrated flavors and nutrients.

Infuse grapefruit tones into trail mixes, fruit salads, cocktails, and a beautiful garnish, too!

So prepare your taste buds for this tart and subtly sweet fruit.

Packed With C & More: Grapefruit’s Nutrition Highlights

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 Dehydrate Grapefruit? (It’s Not Just for Snacks!)

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. 

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

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

Choose Ripe, Slice Right: Prepping Grapefruit Like a Pro

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: How to Dehydrate Grapefruit at Home

  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 Easy Ways to Dry Grapefruit (Even 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: Use our Fahrenheit to Celsius converter here on our site!

  • 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: Use our Fahrenheit to Celsius converter here on our site!

  • 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 that's tucked in before drawing out the air.

Don’t Toss the Peel! Zest & Skin 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

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.
Dried grapefruit slices in a bowl

Smart Storage & Tasty Uses for Dried 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 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. 

Dried Grapefruit FAQs: Slices, Zest, Storage & More

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.

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. 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.

Thanks for stopping by to learn how to dehydrate grapefruit. Pick up our Six Simple Steps below to aid you in dehydrating food safely.

Get Your Free Guide to Dehydrating Like a Pro!

Don't forget to grab your free Six Simple Steps eBook! It’s packed with tips for dehydrating everything from fruits and veggies to dog treats. Get it here.

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