I’ll show you exactly how to dry herbs in the microwave, it’s quick, easy and a lot of fun! — The microwave preserves color and flavor like no other method, and in minutes you can have months’ worth of herbs ready to go.
I’m a huge believer in the power of fresh herbs, they make a big difference in the flavor of so many foods.ย And because of that I’m forever buying them and, sadly, letting many of them got to waste.ย I love this trick for preserving them, and while I usually go for fresh whenever I can, there are times, especially in fall and winter cooking, when dried herbs are called for and do a great job.
Once you know how to dry herbs in the microwave you’re going to want to try it with every variety you can find.ย This is a really fun project, and easy, too, so think about getting your kids involved.ย You don’t need a fancy dehydrator, all you need are clean, dry, fresh herbs, some paper, and a microwave.ย Lay out the herbs in a single layer on a piece of paper and microwave at full power for anywhere from 30 seconds to a minute and a half, depending on the herb.ย Some herbs are mostly water, like cilantro and parsley, and will dry quicker than those that contain more essential oils, like oregano and sage.ย Your herbs might be larger or smaller than the ones I tested, so just use my guide as a general starting point.
- Cilantro ~ 30 seconds
- Sage ~ 75 seconds
- Thyme ~ 45 seconds
- Marjoram ~ 60 seconds
- Basil ~ 40-50 seconds
- Parsley ~ 60 seconds
- Tarragon ~ 60-70 seconds
- Oregano ~ 60 seconds
- Rosemary ~ 60 seconds
My microwave is a standard 1000 watts.
Once your herbs are dried you can crumble them and store in little jars, or plastic bags.ย If they don’t crumble easily then you haven’t haven’t dried them long enough.ย They should shatter instantly when you rub them between your fingers.ย You can crush them as fine or as coarsely as you like.ย Don’t worry about getting bits of stem in the mix.
The beauty of drying your own herbs is that you know what you’re getting, and you’re getting a 100% fresh, pure product.ย Commercially packaged herbs can be stale, contaminated, and sometimes not even what is stated on the label.ย Since dried herbs lose their potency after about 6 months, it makes sense to dry your own in small batches.
TIP:ย Never buy dried herbs and spices in bulk — buy them inย the smallest amounts you can and replace them often.
I love all my microwave ‘miracles’, they’re some of my favorite recipes —
- Microwave Potato Chips
- Microwave Citrus Curd
- Microwave Mac & Cheese
- Microwave Peanut Brittle
- No Sugar Microwave Jam
Reader Rave ~
“Hello I just used your drying method for my basil and parsley. Great. So easy and a good way to preserve those herbs for this winter.Thanks.โ ย ~ Marilyn
Microwave Dried Herbs
Ingredients
Fresh herbs
- parsley
- cilantro
- sage
- rosemary
- thyme
- marjoram
- tarragon
- oregano
- basil
- plain paper or parchment paper
Instructions
- Make sure your herbs are clean and completely DRY.
- Working with one herb at a time, lay them out in a single layer on a piece of paper that will fit in your microwave. If possible, remove the leaves from the stems.
- Microwave on full power for anywhere from 30 - 90 seconds, depending on your herbs and your particular microwave. (see chart above)
- Check the herbs and if they feel crisp they are done, but if they feel soft, microwave them for a few more seconds. Don't over-do it or they will turn brown and burn.
- Let the dried herbs cool down and then crush them with clean hands, and package them in small jars or plastic bags.
- Store in a cool dark place and use within 6 months.
Don’t forget to pin this tutorial on how to dry herbs!
PS I’ve got a killer recipe for HOMEMADE BOURSIN CHEESE that’s perfect for all your new dried herbs, and it’s even better than the store bought cheese!ย Speaking of staying tuned, why not sign up on my email list, HERE, so you won’t miss it!
69 Comments
Lorraine
November 14, 2020 at 4:30 pmI believe fresh herbs cannot be beat too. However when you cannot use it up fast enough drying becomes an option. Second time I have used this method. This is a wonderful way to dry herbs. The color is bright. It doesn’t take long. The herbs are great tasting too. Thanks for the great information.
Shirley
August 16, 2020 at 8:35 amI would roll the herbs in kitchen paper to dry out the moisture from the herbs before microwaving.
Sandee
August 3, 2020 at 2:48 pmThought this was a wonderful idea, but not! I tried a small bunch, a few leaves, a large bunch (10 stems). Iโve used paper towels, paper plates and plain white paper as you suggested. Every time a fire in my micowave, SCARY. Iโll go back to the oven method.
Mariam
December 21, 2020 at 5:04 pmIn response to the folks who are having fires – I just attempted to thaw a cube of frozen basil in the microwave (in a glass bowl – no paper) and my microwave started arcing! In looking it up it appears that dark greens such as kale, etc (basil included I would imagine) that contain high amounts of minerals including iron, magnesium, and selenium can cause sparks. Not good for the microwave! It is possible that some of the fires were actually caused by the herbs. Just wanted to share that bit of info – I’ll stick to drying herbs in the oven (or just freeze them!)
Mary Fleehearty
June 5, 2020 at 11:29 amTried drying my herbs in the microwave. So easy! Iโm drying them to take to Florida when we snowbird this winter. Last year I had such a hard time finding the herbs I needed to cook like I do at home. This is the perfect solution!!
Connie
September 7, 2019 at 1:19 pmItโs me again, I used Memberโs Mark ( Samโs Club) paper towels and I used them on high multiple times and never had a problem of catching on fire. I thought it might help.
Sue
September 7, 2019 at 1:59 pmThat’s helpful thanks Connie ๐
Connie Fazenbaker
September 7, 2019 at 1:01 pmI used your method of drying herbs and this is the best way to do it. The flavor is still the same unlike when you hang it to dry or dehydrate it looses flavor. Mine took longer because I put a lot on paper towel but it works great. Wish I know how to attach pictures to show you. Thank you, thank yo, thank you!
Sue
September 7, 2019 at 1:19 pmI’m so glad you love this method Connie, thanks!
Djcp
January 25, 2019 at 11:16 amThis didnโt work at all. 25 seconds into it…the paper towel was on fire….
Sue
January 26, 2019 at 8:41 amThe vast majority of paper towels are microwave safe, but some are made with plastics and recycled materials and shouldn’t be used microwaved. Look for towels that are labeled Microwave Safe.
Martha
September 20, 2018 at 8:34 amI donโt see chives on the list. Can this herb be dried successfully in the microwave?
Sue
September 20, 2018 at 8:35 amChives would work but they are so delicate they don’t take long!
Deborah Kepler
September 20, 2018 at 8:14 amI have been drying my parsley, Italian oregano and basil in the microwave, for 3 years now. After I dry them, I mix them together and store them in a plastic container and freeze them to use all year long. I use my “Italian seasoning” in most of my cooking and won’t buy the brands unless I am desperate…and then they taste moldy to me.
Sue
September 20, 2018 at 11:31 am“That’s a fantastic idea Deborah, I have a ton of oregano in my garden, I think I’ll try this.
Cathy Graff
August 22, 2018 at 10:53 amWhat kind of paper can you use? Everytging ive read says to avoid Paper towels…even my wrapper…thanks
Sue
August 22, 2018 at 10:55 amI’ve read that paper towels are safe in the microwave. You can use parchment paper, too.
Trisha hartge
August 7, 2018 at 2:11 pmI have been drying my herbs for several years with good results, but this year for some unknown reason the paper towels have been catching fire. My microwave was old so i bought a new one, but it happened again. so i have tried using a different brand of paper towels (same result), then tried parchment paper–caught fire again. S now i’m wondering if it is the herbs–i cut them and arrange on the paper towels and cover with another paper towel and follow the drying time suggested–no change.
i’m frustrated since i have a lot of herbs and have been planning to use as gifts
could it be the herbs?
Sue
August 7, 2018 at 2:48 pmThat’s strange Trisha, especially since you’ve changed microwaves and everything. I wonder if it is the type of paper towel you’re using? Try a different brand, all white.
Damiano Anthony Cilenti
January 31, 2019 at 5:36 amRecycled paper towels may contain small metal fragments that may arc in the microwave causing sparks which may subsequently ignite!
Norma
September 15, 2018 at 1:56 pmI have read that paper towels that have a percentage of recycled content sometimes have tiny bits of metal in them that catch fire in microwaves (the same as if you put a twist tie in the microwave).
Sue
September 15, 2018 at 2:40 pmThat’s good to know, Norma, thanks!
Jackie B
September 7, 2017 at 5:39 pmJust so you know .. I was curious if this could be done with dill. It worked perfectly. It took 45 seconds in my microwave. Just removed the tips from the heavy stems. Love ?? this method!! Thank you !!
Sue
September 7, 2017 at 6:37 pmOh I’m so glad you came back to let us know Jackie. I don’t know why I didn’t include dill in the original post. Dried dill is one of my favorites, I think it keeps its flavor really well.
Kevin Schanie
October 1, 2017 at 2:09 pmThanks, thanks Sue. I have a surplus of basil kale parsley and Maior from my garden I was dreading a tedious task of hanging everything upside down all over the kitchen so I’m glad to Have the simple method thank you
Sue
October 1, 2017 at 2:13 pmI envy you all those fresh herbs!
Marilyn
August 30, 2016 at 10:10 amHello I just used your drying method for my basil and parsley. Great. So easy and a good way to preserve those herbs for this winter.Thanks
Sue
August 30, 2016 at 12:43 pmI’m so glad, Marilyn. it’s funny, but I would never ever buy dried parsley, but the stuff I made is so good, I’ve been using it a lot!
Neale Dunn
August 29, 2016 at 10:09 amHere is my favorite way to use those sweet perfect summer tomatoes in a salad. 2-3 chopped tomatoes, 4-5 leaves from the heart of romaine, a cuke from the garden, and a few chopped scallions or 1/2 of a red onion ( thinly sliced crescents) whole parsley and small basil leaves. cube a large chunk of rustic italian or other artisan bread. 1 clove pressed garlic. Salt, pepper, olive oil and a little balsamic vinegar. you can switch the vinegar to a good wine vinegar if you prefer. Toss and enjoy.
Katie | Katie's Time Travelling Kitchen
August 28, 2016 at 12:42 pmThis is so useful and such a good idea! ๐ Do you think it would work in an oven as well?
Sue
August 28, 2016 at 1:47 pmThanks Katie, and while you can dry herbs in an oven it’s not as good a method, because the slower drying time strips flavor and color from the herbs.
Nimra
August 27, 2016 at 9:53 amHi sue,
I need to ask that can we dry mint leaves by this method?
Laura | Tutti Dolci
August 25, 2016 at 2:15 pmI love this tip, what a great way to preserve summer!
Katherine | Omnivore's Cookbook
August 25, 2016 at 9:21 amBig thanks for sharing this!
Natasha
August 25, 2016 at 8:06 amI would have never thought of this! The microwave is waaay underused in my house! I adore herbs (and spend way too much $$$ on fresh ones) so I’m definitely going to keep this in mind ๐
Sue
August 25, 2016 at 9:34 amIt works so well, Natasha, now we just have to find more recipes that call for dried herbs to use them all in ๐
Linda
August 27, 2016 at 6:26 pmThanks Sue. The tip worked great!!!
Sara
August 23, 2016 at 11:52 amThis is such a genius idea, I always struggle with wasted herbs!
[email protected] is How I Cook
August 23, 2016 at 10:54 amThis is one of those why didn’t I think of that ideas? So glad you are doing my thinking for me! This is great Sue and I have plenty of herbs to try this with! Love it!
cakespy
August 23, 2016 at 4:33 amLove it!! So handy.
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert
August 22, 2016 at 10:02 pmWhat a great post for this time of year! The perfect tip for saving money and preserving herbs! Thanks Susan ๐
Diane {Created by Diane}
August 22, 2016 at 7:10 pmThis post is just what I needed to know. I have a bunch of herbs growing and am afraid I won’t use them all before some bug or super hot temperature gets to them. Can’t wait to do this. Thanks!!!
Cathy
August 22, 2016 at 6:13 pmAbsolutely brilliant. Thank you Sue!
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings
August 22, 2016 at 3:08 pmI love this idea so much. I have tons of basil overtaking my garden right now and this is a great way to save it for a few months. Thanks!
Sue
August 22, 2016 at 3:13 pmThe basil dries super quick, Karen. Just be sure to separate the different leaf sizes before you dry them, so put all the small ones together and do the bigger ones together so they’ll dry at the same rate.
Chris Scheuer
August 22, 2016 at 3:08 pmThis is wonderful Sue and so simple it’s almost unbelievable. What a fantastic way to stretch the summer! Pinning and sharing!
Jules @ WolfItDown
August 22, 2016 at 2:55 pmThat is so clever! I myself don’t have a microwave, but you could probably do it in an oven on low heat for a longer time as well ๐ And you’re right! So many times I buy fresh herbs, I use a few sprigs and then forget about the rest, or cant din’t anything to add it to… Dang! Problem solved ๐ x
Sue
August 22, 2016 at 3:13 pmYou can technically do this in the oven, but the herbs will brown during the slower drying time. The advantage of the microwave is that it does it in a flash and preserves color and flavor.
sippitysup
August 22, 2016 at 12:16 pmThere are a lot of times dried is far preferred to fresh, especially when you want a lot of herbal punch (but not alot of chlorophyll). I especially like dried mint but I use it so rarely that the jarred stuff loses it’s punch before I can use it all up. With your method I can make only as much as I need. Thanks GREG
Sue
August 22, 2016 at 12:21 pmYou’re so right, store-bought dried mint is one of the worst offenders!!
Linda L.
August 22, 2016 at 10:46 amThis is great – we’re going to start growing herbs indoors over the winter and now I don’t have to worry if I’m planting too much or the wrong combinations. I hate that moment when you decide to make ‘X’, not because you particularly want it but because you have something that’s going to pass its peak if you don’t use it. Now I can control my herbs instead of them controlling me!!
I laughed out loud at “serial herb killer” – I have so been there!
Auntiepatch
August 22, 2016 at 10:38 amGenius!
Farida
August 22, 2016 at 10:28 amWow, you have the best kitchen hacks! I’m definitely trying this!
[email protected]'s Recipes
August 22, 2016 at 9:14 amWhat a brilliant idea! I can’t wait to try it!!! Thanks for sharing, Sue.
Robyn @ Simply Fresh Dinners
August 22, 2016 at 8:46 amOH my gosh, I’m so excited about this, Sue! I have a ton of basil and thyme that I thought I’d never be able to use up before the season ends. Thank you for this fantastic solution!
Sue
August 22, 2016 at 9:43 amWhat’s nice about it is that some recipes require the herbs in dried form, so it does come in handy ๐
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary
August 22, 2016 at 8:20 amOh my gawsh, ummmm WHY have I never dried my own herbs before?!? Especially when it is SO easy!!! I am totally doing this, Sue! Thank you so much for sharing!!! Pinned!
Marilyn
August 22, 2016 at 8:12 amWe don’t have a microwave but I am surprise that is possible to dry herbs using it!! WOW!!
Sue
August 22, 2016 at 8:16 amI’ve discovered so many things the microwave can do, Marilyn, I highly recommend getting one!
swayam
August 22, 2016 at 8:05 amThis is brilliant Sue!! I have been meaning to do this for ages. I just make dried fenugreek right now but cant wait to try this with other herbs! Thanks for this amazing idea ๐
Sue
August 22, 2016 at 8:06 amWhere do you find fresh fenugreek, Swayam? Do you grow it?
Megan
August 22, 2016 at 7:41 amI absolutely love this and it’ll be pinned and referenced so many times, you don’t even know how handy this is right now! Thank you!
Sue
August 22, 2016 at 7:44 amI know it’s come in handy for me, Megan. I was a serial herb killer ๐
Luci
August 22, 2016 at 7:09 amThis could be the most genius thing I’ve ever come across! Seriously!! Whenever I try to “dry” my fresh herbs I end up with a soggy, mouldy mess! Can you use any paper? Does it not set on fire though? I have a bad experience with paper and my (previous, eep) microwave?
Sue
August 22, 2016 at 7:23 amI used an oil blotting paper that I got from a kitchen store, Luci, but parchment will work, and I think a plain sheet of paper will work, too, it’s just to have a flat surface for the herbs. The drying time is short, and I’ve never had a problem with paper in my microwave…I also use it when making my microwave potato chips.
kathi @ LaughingSpatula
August 22, 2016 at 6:58 amThat is just sooooo incredibly clever and I can’t wait to try it! I have had a nice size herb garden for years and freeze some, but mostly they just whither and die! Great idea!
Sue
August 22, 2016 at 12:12 pmI’ve been without an herb garden for several years now and I miss it so much. I spend way too much money at the grocery store. I hope you try this method and it helps you preserve more of that precious harvest, Kathi.
Janet Turner
June 3, 2017 at 10:57 amHi, I have recently bought several herbs and have them on my deck. I can’t put them in the ground as I can’t bend over to well. So they are in pretty pots. I wanted to dry the Basil and followed your instruction. I dried the leave that I picked as it had just rained. I put them on paper towels and checked now and then to see if they had dried enough. When I could not see any water on them I put about 8 leaves on a sheet of white paper and put them in the microwave. I put the timer to 30 seconds and stood there looking thru the glad. It had about 10 sec. into the 30 and some broke out in a flame and some burned. I had to quickly open the door. They were very wilted and some of the stems burned but I was afraid to do more. What did I do wrong!!! I have tyme and Chocolate mint I want to dry and oregano!!
Sue
June 3, 2017 at 11:27 amBasil is one of the harder ones to dry, Janet, especially is your leaves were large. The thyme and oregano should be much easier because they contain less moisture. Do you know the wattage of your microwave?