Drying apparatus for coated objects

A drying apparatus is provided for drying objects such as citrus fruit that has been coated with an aqueous coating such as wax. The apparatus includes a housing that is divided into four distinct zones, two each above and below a conveyor for conveying fruit through the dryer. An indirect fired heater is provided, and fans that circulate drying air at high velocity in a reverse air flow pattern. The housing of the dryer is constructed in a unique shape so each successive zone is alternately converging and diverging. With this arrangement, air is balanced in the treatment zones and passes over the fruit twice, first in one direction, and then in the other, to achieve even and complete drying.