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This is how to make lemon powder at home with fresh lemons and a few simple kitchen steps. Homemade lemon powder is made by drying lemons or lemon peels until crisp, then blending them into a fine powder full of bright citrus flavor. If you love cooking with fresh lemons, this is such an easy way to keep that fresh lemon taste ready to use anytime. Making your own lemon powder at home is simple, budget friendly and a great way to use extra lemons from the kitchen. This easy lemon powder DIY comes together with very little hands on time and stores beautifully in the pantry.

If fresh lemons tend to pile up in the kitchen, this is a really easy way to use them before they start drying out in the fruit bowl. Thin lemon slices slowly dry into crisp pieces that blend into a fine powder. It is a simple kitchen project that takes very little prep time and works well when you have extra lemons sitting on the counter.

Why you will love this recipe

You only need a few lemons and basic kitchen tools to make this homemade lemon powder from scratch. The drying process is simple, and the finished powder stores nicely in a sealed jar for months. Making it yourself also gives you a fresh lemon flavor without added ingredients or fillers found in many store bought versions.

Ingredients For This Recipe

You will need about 6 dehydrated lemons to make 1/2 cup of lemon powder, depending on the size of the lemons. My lemons were quite large and gave me just over 1/2 cup of powder.

6 dehydrated lemons

Use The Whole Lemon Without The Seeds

Slice each lemon as thin as possible and remove all the seeds before drying. Thin slices dry much faster and give you a finer lemon powder once blended. Leaving the peel, pulp and juice together also gives the powder a stronger citrus flavor with a bright fresh taste.

How To Make This Recipe

If you have never dehydrated lemons before, don’t worry, it’s really simple once you know the steps. I put together a full tutorial that walks you through how to dehydrate lemons. It’s a great starting point if you are new to dehydrating and want a little extra help before making lemon powder.

How To Dehydrate Lemons

Step 1

Wash and dry the lemons really well before slicing them into very thin rounds about 1/8 inch thick. Remove all seeds as you go since seeds can make the powder taste bitter. Lay the lemon slices in a single layer on dehydrator trays or parchment lined baking sheets so the air can move around each piece evenly while drying.

Step 2

Dry the lemon slices until they are completely crisp with no soft or sticky spots left in the center. Set your dehydrator it at 125F and dry them for about 10-12 hours. Check the slices after several hours and rotate trays if needed. The slices should easily snap apart once fully dried.

Step 3

Before grinding the lemons, tear them up into smaller pieces so that your spice grinder does not have to work so hard to get them into a powder.

Step 4

Add the dried lemon pieces to a spice grinder or food processor and blend until you get a fine powder.

Step 5

Use right away or transfer the lemon powder to an airtight jar. Before storing your lemon powder long term, it’s a good idea to condition it for a few days first. Add the powder to a clean jar with a lid and give it a shake once or twice a day to help distribute any remaining moisture. If you notice clumping or condensation in the jar, spread the powder back onto the dehydrator trays and dry it a little longer.

Tips For Making Lemon Powder

Slice the lemons as evenly and thinly as you can so they dry at the same rate and finish with a light crisp texture. Remove all of the seeds since they can add a slightly bitter note once everything is blended. Let the lemon pieces cool completely before blending so no hidden moisture turns the powder clumpy. Before making the powder, the lemons must be totally dried and crispy or your powder will be clumpy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my lemon powder clumping together

Clumping usually happens if the lemon slices were not fully dried before blending. Even a small amount of moisture can cause the powder to stick together. Don’t worry, this can be fixed by spreading the powder on a dehydrator tray lined with parchment and put in the dehydrator at 125F. Check on the powder every couple of hours.

how to save lemon powder that is clumping together

Can I use lemon peel only for lemon powder

Yes, you can use just the lemon peel if you want a strong citrus aroma without the pulp. Make sure to zest or peel only the yellow part since the white pith can taste bitter once dried. The peel dries faster than whole slices and blends into a very fine powder.

How do I know the lemons are fully dried

The lemon slices should feel completely dry, light, and crisp with no soft spots in the center. When you break a piece, it should snap easily instead of bending. If there is any moisture left, the powder can clump when blended.

What is the best way to store lemon powder

Store lemon powder in a clean airtight jar with a tight fitting lid. Keep it in a cool dry spot away from heat and moisture so it stays fresh longer. A small glass jar works well since it keeps the aroma sealed in nicely.

What To Use Lemon Powder For

Mix into sugar for a quick lemon sugar topping for muffins or cookies
Add to cake mixes, pancakes, waffles, or frosting
Sprinkle into yogurt or oatmeal
Mix with salt, pepper, and herbs for a simple seasoning blend
Add to chicken, fish, shrimp, or roasted vegetables
Stir into rice, pasta, or soup for a fresh citrus taste
Blend into salad dressings or marinades
Mix with honey and warm water for a soothing drink

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