Learn the secrets to making dried herbs in the microwave, ready in just minutes! If you don’t have any spices or dry herbs on hand, but you have some in the fridge or backyard, you can dry them on your own.
Why Drying Herbs in the Microwave Works
- This is the fastest and easiest method to dry herbs from the store or your garden.
- Homemade dried herbs will be fresher than anything you buy in the jars from the store. Did you know that once a jar of herbs is opened, it is no longer fresh after 6 month?
- Basically zero prep time with quick and minimal clean up.
- Our recipe testers say,
- “To be honest, I was a little skeptical that you could make dried herbs in the microwave, but I was so wrong – SO EASY!!”
- “This is the freshest way to get dried herbs and I love that I can use the herbs straight from my backyard.”
Ingredients for Microwaved Dried Herbs
- Any bunch of herbs of your choosing
What Kind of Herbs to Use?
- Chives – Similar to a raw onion, though much more mild and way easier to chop up. They are a fabulous garnish and add a pop of flavor and color to whatever you may be eating.
- Tarragon – Our favorite herb! It has a strong and very unique flavor. When you bite it, you get a slightly sweet and slightly bitter taste. It’s fabulous with poultry and fish and it incredibly delightful in thicker sauces and aioli’s.
- Marjoram – Very similar to oregano, but they shouldn’t be confused. The flavor is very pronounced and a little spicy, but at the same time just subtle enough.
- Dill – Grassy with a hint of licorice, but incredibly delicious with a variety of foods – not just pickles!
- Rosemary – One of the most fragrant herbs you can get your hands on and that’s why it is one of the best for infusing olive oil. It is savory and best when combined with butter, of course!
- Thyme – Coming from the mint family, these tiny sage green leaves have a subtle flavor and pair well with many other spices.
- Oregano – More pungent than other herbs and a little bitter and grassy, but stands out in Italian cuisine and certain Mexican dishes when you can find Mexican oregano!
- Sage – This very holiday friendly herb is savory with subtle notes of citrus. It can really be the star of the dish and stands out. Fabulous with marjoram and rosemary for Turkey.
How to Dry Herbs in the Microwave
- Wash herbs well to make sure they are as clean as possible, especially if you have just pulled them from your garden.
- Pat herbs dry with a paper towel very well and pick up any stems and dead leaves.
- Lay the herbs out flat on a microwave safe plate and microwave on high for 2 minutes.
- Remove the plate from the microwave and check to see if herbs are dried. If they are not quite dry, microwave in 30 second intervals until brittle.
Tools Used in This Recipe
- Silicon Tongs to easily toss together the nuts without burning your fingers.
- My favorite microwave safe plates, that also happen to be super cute too!
Faqs
The shelf life of dried herbs depends on whether the herbs were preserved crushed or whole. Whole herbs can last 1-3 years, while crushed herbs only last 6 months.
Why are they taking longer to dry out?
All microwaves operate a bit differently, some with low voltage and others with high voltage. Another big component of it taking a long time is not patting your herbs dry enough after washing. Be patient and get them as dry as you possibly can.
Can I really use any herbs I want?
Yes! Even your softer herbs like parsley and cilantro work super well here. These will be wetter herbs after you wash them, so really let them dry. Then, we suggest turn the cilantro into a powder and putting it on guacamole – YUM!
How to Dry Herbs in the Microwave
Add dried herbs to any recipe! Microwave herbs from the fridge or in the backyard and make your very own dried herbs in no time.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch any herbs
Instructions
- Wash the herbs and make sure they are clean. Pat dry with a paper towel and pick out the stems and dead leaves.
- Lay herbs out flat on a microwave safe plate and microwave on high for 2 minutes.
- Remove from microwave and check. If herbs are not dry, microwave in 30 second intervals until brittle.
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How long will microwave herbs last once they have been dried?
I tried this with basil leaves, starting with a minute. Some leaves needed a little longer. I also sandwiched the leaves between paper towels to wick the moisture. It worked great! Now I can pinch my basil and easily save the leaves. Thanks for the idea.