To optimize the process for the composite foam material based on citrus pericarp residue/starch. First of all, one-factor-at-a-time experiments were done to select the factors and levels for the test, then the response surface test was designed to optimize the extrusion parameters. The formulation of material molding with better foaming effect and certain compressing performance was screened out by examining the expansion radius, apparent density and compressive strength of the molding material. The results showed that glycerol and water contents had significant effects on the composite foam material. The optimal parameters of citrus peel/starch-based composite foam material were obtained: bran 30% , glycerol 30% , and water 35% . Under this condition, the apparent density of the material was 0.942 g/cm3, the expansion was 287.82%, and the compression strength was 210.58 kPa. The results indicated that using response surface method to analyze and optimize the processing parameters of the composite foam material based on citrus pericarp residue/starch was feasible, and the obtained response surface model could be used to predict true values．