Instant Pot Candied Orange Peel (Works With Lemon Peel Too!)
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Transform leftover orange or lemon peels into a delightful, chewy treat with this Instant Pot Candied Orange Peel recipe! Bursting with vibrant citrus flavor, these sweet strips are the perfect way to reduce food waste while creating a versatile snack or gift. Quick, easy, and requiring only three simple ingredients, this recipe is your go-to for a fuss-free homemade candy experience.
These chewy candied orange peels are like a citrus explosion in your mouth! Homemade candied orange or lemon peel has never been easier – Instant Pot is a life-saver!
Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Candied Orange Peel
- Effortless to make: The Instant Pot takes all the hassle out of candying citrus peels, simplifying the process and saving you time. No need to watch a simmering pot for hours!
- Bursting with citrus flavor: These peels deliver a concentrated burst of orange or lemon flavor in every bite, making them a perfect treat for citrus lovers.
- Reduces food waste: Turn leftover citrus peels into something delicious instead of throwing them away—this recipe is as eco-friendly as it is tasty!
- Great for gifts: Pack these candied peels into decorative bags, tie with a ribbon, and you have an elegant, homemade food gift for any occasion.
- Versatile and long-lasting: Whether as a snack, garnish, or ingredient in baked goods, these candied peels are incredibly versatile and stay fresh for up to a month.
These Instant Pot candied orange peels are so mouthwatering! Imagine the sweet citrus flavor in your mouth that is getting released as you are chewing on those candied peels. Inhale the concentrate orange smell that is so liberating. Taste the citrus aftertaste that will linger in your mouth long after the candied orange peels are gone. Feel the urge to eat more and more of those amazing chewy strips until there is no more left.
Candied citrus peels are so cheerful and bright! Their color will warm you on a cold dreary day (just like Mexican hot chocolate). Their smell will awaken you. Their taste will energize you. You totally need these Instant Pot candied orange peels in your life!
With the invention of Instant Pot, the formerly long process of making candied lemons or oranges has been simplified dramatically! I have a recipe on my site for classic candied lemon slices that is made on a stove-top and requires simmering them in a pot for 1 hour. With the Instant Pot, you just set it to pressure cook the lemon peels for 20 minutes and you don’t have to watch the pot – it surely beats 1 hour of boiling the pot on the stove!
Ingredients For Instant Pot Candied Orange Peel
- Oranges or lemons – Organic is best since you’ll be using the peel; the thin-skinned varieties like clementines work great.
- Sugar – Sweetens the citrus peels and creates that perfect chewy texture.
- Water – Helps dissolve the sugar and infuse the peels with syrup.
For exact measurements, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
This candied citrus peel recipe is very simple and needs only 3 ingredients – orange or lemon peels, sugar and water. All you need to do is pressure cook citrus peels, water and sugar in the Instant Pot for 20 minutes, then lay the candied peels out on a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet and bake in a pre-heated 200F oven for 30 minutes (the baking step is done to dry the peels so they are not too wet and sticky).
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Instant Pot Candied Orange Peel
- Instant Pot – The star of the show, it drastically reduces the time needed to candy citrus peels.
- Non-stick baking sheet – Ensures the peels don’t stick while drying in the oven.
- Parchment paper – Makes cleanup easy and prevents sticking.
- Cutting board – Provides a sturdy surface for slicing the citrus peels.
- Knife – Used to slice the peels into thin strips or remove any excess pith.
No Instant Pot? No problem! You can make candied orange peel without the Instant Pot by boiling the orange peels in a pot on the stove with 1 cup of water and 2 cups of sugar for 1 hour, and then baking them in the oven to dry.
How To Make Instant Pot Candied Orange Peel
- Start by peeling your oranges or lemons using a vegetable peeler, making sure to avoid the bitter white pith. If needed, scrape off any remaining pith with a knife.
- Slice the peels into thin, uniform strips for even cooking.
- Add water, sugar, and the prepared citrus peels to the Instant Pot. Close the lid and set the valve to “Sealing.”
- Pressure cook on High for 20 minutes. No need to babysit the pot!
- While the peels are cooking, preheat your oven to 200°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Once the cooking cycle ends, perform a quick release to let the steam out.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the candied peels from the syrup to the lined baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer. Reserve the leftover syrup for drinks!
- Bake the peels in the oven for 30 minutes to dry them out and make them less sticky.
- Allow the peels to cool completely before enjoying or storing.
Candied orange peel is actually pretty healthy! It is gluten-free and low in calories. Most of the sugar stays in the water and only some of it ends up in the peels :) Plus you get all the vitamins and anti-oxidants from the citrus.
Since you’ll be eating those citrus peels, I recommend using organic oranges or lemons, as the non-organic ones are coated with wax. The easiest orange peels I made were from thin-skinned clementines – the peels were so thin that they hardly any white pith, so I didn’t even have to remove the pith.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy these candied orange peels as a sweet snack on their own.
- Use them as a garnish for Classic Margarita, Low-Carb Fruit Tart, or desserts for a pop of citrus flavor and color.
- Chop them into small pieces and mix into baked goods like Homemade Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins, Low-Carb Butter Cookies, or Homemade Chocolate Chip Scones.
- Pair them with dark chocolate for a sophisticated flavor combination—dip them partially or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
- Pack them into clear treat bags tied with a ribbon for a festive homemade gift.
Another awesome thing about candied orange peels as it reduces food waste and uses up something that you’d normally throw out! Making something from nothing – that’s my kind of recipe :) I have a bunch of other recipes that use up food scraps! Now, think about how much candied orange peels would cost at a gourmet store :) You can laugh all the way to the bank by making them at home!
You can accumulate the orange peels by storing them in a ziploc bag after each time you eat an orange. When you’ve accumulated enough, turn them into candied orange peels!
Candied orange or lemon peel can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 month, so this is a great make ahead recipe. It also makes a great holiday gift – just put the candied citrus peels in a little clear bag (like what is used for party favors), tie it with a ribbon and an awesome homemade food gift is ready to go! Check out my other food gift recipes.
Tips For Success
- Choose organic citrus: Since the peels are the star of the recipe, opt for organic oranges or lemons to avoid wax coatings or pesticides.
- Thin is key: Use a vegetable peeler to get thin peels and minimize the bitter white pith. If needed, carefully remove any excess pith with a knife for the best flavor.
- Reserve the syrup: The leftover citrus-infused syrup from the Instant Pot is a fantastic addition to tea, cocktails, or sparkling water. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Single layer drying: When baking the candied peels, lay them in a single layer to ensure even drying. Overlapping peels can stay too sticky.
- Customize sweetness: Sprinkle extra granulated or powdered sugar on the peels before baking for an added sugary touch.
- Longer baking for crunch: If you prefer a crunchy texture, bake the peels for an additional 10-15 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
Variations And Substitutions
- Use different citrus: While this recipe highlights orange and lemon peels, feel free to experiment with other citrus fruits like grapefruits, limes, or even tangerines. Each one brings its unique flavor and texture.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the sugar syrup for a subtle spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the sweet citrus.
- Add a floral twist: Infuse the sugar syrup with dried lavender or rose petals for a delicate floral aroma. Be sure to strain the syrup before cooking the peels.
- Try alternative sweeteners: Substitute regular sugar with coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Chocolate-dipped delight: Once the candied peels are cooled, dip them halfway in melted chocolate and let them harden for a luxurious treat.
- Make it vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan, but if adding chocolate, choose a vegan-friendly brand for consistency.
Storage And Reheating
- Room temperature: Store the candied orange or lemon peels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to keep the peels fresh and chewy.
- Refrigeration: While not necessary, you can refrigerate the peels if you prefer a slightly firmer texture or live in a warm, humid climate. They’ll keep for up to 6 weeks.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the candied peels in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to use.
- Reheating for crispness: If the peels lose some of their firmness over time, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 200°F for 10-15 minutes to refresh their texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of citrus peels for this recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe highlights orange and lemon peels, you can use grapefruit, lime, or even tangerine peels. Each variety brings its unique flavor and character to the candied treat.
Do I need to remove all the pith from the peels?
For the best results, try to remove as much of the white pith as possible, as it can be bitter. Thin-skinned varieties like clementines often require little to no pith removal, making the process much easier.
What should I do with the leftover syrup?
The citrus-infused syrup is a delightful bonus! Use it to sweeten drinks like tea, cocktails, or sparkling water, or drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, or yogurt for a flavor boost.
Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can! Simply boil the citrus peels with sugar and water in a pot on the stovetop for about an hour until they are tender and infused with syrup. Then proceed with the oven-drying step as instructed.
Why are my candied peels still sticky?
Stickiness usually occurs if the peels haven’t dried enough. Make sure to bake them at 200°F in a single layer until they are no longer too moist. You can also dust them with granulated sugar to help reduce stickiness.
If you like Instant Pot candied orange peels, you will also love these easy recipes:
Instant Pot Baked Apples – another awesome gluten-free dessert made in your Instant Pot!
Orange Bundt Cake – perfect moist and fluffy bundt cake with intense orange flavor!
Lemon Pound Cake – looks and tastes just like the Starbucks lemon loaf!
Italian Lemon Cookies – these cookies are super lemony and gluten-free!
Cranberry Orange Bread – this is going to be your favorite holiday bread, perfect for homemade gifts too!
Looking for more Instant Pot recipes? Check out my whole Instant Pot recipe collection!
Instant Pot Candied Orange Or Lemon Peel
Ingredients
- 4 large oranges or lemons preferably organic
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup water
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
Instructions
- Using vegetable peeler, peel the oranges, making the peel as thin as possibly. Avoid leaving the inner white part of orange peel (called pith) as it's bitter. Or alternatively, remove the pith from the peel with a knife and discard the pith.
- Slice the orange peel into thin strips.
- Put water, sugar and orange peels in the Instant Pot. Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to a Sealing position. Press the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" button and set the time to 20 minutes on High pressure.
- Preheat the oven to 200F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- When the Instant Pot is done cooking, quick release (QR) the steam.
- Remove the candied orange peels from syrup with a slotted spoon and put them on a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet in a single layer. (Reserve the syrup for sweetening drinks, it has amazing orange flavor!)
- Put the candied orange peels in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- Let the peels cool completely and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month.
Notes
Nutrition
More Dessert Recipes
- Low-Carb Ricotta Cake – Keto Gluten-Free Dessert or Breakfast
- Quick Ice Cream Dessert with Roasted Figs and Toasted Hazelnuts
- Low-Carb Candied Pecans – Easy Keto Snack or Topping Recipe
I’ve always wanted to make these Orange Candy Strips. May I ask you if they are crunchy when dried or are they soft. Chewy? I guess what I’m trying to ask is what is the texture? Thank you for so many good recipes for an Instant Pot.
They are pretty soft and chewy. If you bake them for longer time, they can get crunchy.
Lovely and clear instructions…. thank you! If I wanted to sort of “dredge” them in sugar for final presentation, at what point would I do that??
Right after you take them out of the oven, before they cool down.
I was so happy to find this recipe to make these candied orange peels in the pressure cooker! I’m 72 and my grandmother used to make these when I was a little girl. It took hours. I do like them better just making strips out of the orange peel with a knife. I like the texture of the thicker peels and I think they’re sweeter because there’s more to absorb the sugar syrup. I sprinkle them with granulated sugar stir them up and leave them in the oven for an hour stirring after halfway. Thank you!!