I’ll show you how to dry fresh 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. And because of that I’m forever buying them and, sadly, letting many of them got to waste. 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. This is a really fun project, and easy, too, so think about getting your kids involved. You don’t need a fancy dehydrator, all you need are clean, dry, fresh herbs, some paper, and a microwave. 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. Some herbs are mostly water, like cilantro and parsley, and will dry quicker than those that contain more essential oils, like oregano and sage. Your herbs might be larger or smaller than the ones I tested, so just use my guide as a general starting point.
how to dry fresh herbs in your microwave, step by step
- 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 microwave safe 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.
what types of paper can go in the microwave
- Parchment Paper: Parchment paper is commonly used in baking and cooking. It’s usually safe for use in the microwave as long as it’s unbleached and does not have any metallic coatings.
- Paper Towels: Plain, unprinted, and untreated paper towels are generally safe for use in the microwave.
microwave drying guide for herbs
My microwave is a standard 1000 watts.
- 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
Once your herbs are dried you can crumble them and store in little jars, or plastic bags. If they don’t crumble easily then you haven’t haven’t dried them long enough. They should shatter instantly when you rub them between your fingers. You can crush them as fine or as coarsely as you like. 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. Commercially packaged herbs can be stale, contaminated, and sometimes not even what is stated on the label. Since dried herbs lose their potency after about 6 months, it makes sense to dry your own in small batches.
more microwave recipes
- Microwave Potato Chips
- Microwave Citrus Curd
- Microwave Mac & Cheese
- Microwave Peanut Brittle
- No Sugar Microwave Jam
Featured comment:
“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.” ~ Marilyn
Microwave Dried Herbs
Ingredients
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.
Genius!
Wow, you have the best kitchen hacks! I’m definitely trying this!
What a brilliant idea! I can’t wait to try it!!! Thanks for sharing, Sue.
OH 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!
What’s nice about it is that some recipes require the herbs in dried form, so it does come in handy 🙂
Oh 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!
We don’t have a microwave but I am surprise that is possible to dry herbs using it!! WOW!!
I’ve discovered so many things the microwave can do, Marilyn, I highly recommend getting one!
This 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 🙂
Where do you find fresh fenugreek, Swayam? Do you grow it?
I 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!
I know it’s come in handy for me, Megan. I was a serial herb killer 😉
This 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?
I 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.
That 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!
I’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.
Hi, 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!!
Basil 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?