Air-Frying Basil: Is It Possible?

Basil is a versatile herb used in many dishes, from pasta sauces to pesto. It can be used fresh, dried, or even fried! But can it be air-fried? Yes, basil can be dehydrated in an air fryer. This method of drying basil is a quick and easy way to preserve the herb for later use, and it only takes a few minutes. By air-frying basil, you can add a crunchy texture and a punch of flavor to your dishes, elevating them to new heights. So, if you're looking for a creative way to use your basil harvest, give air-frying a try!

Air-frying basil as a garnish

Air-fried basil is a great way to add a punch of flavour, texture, and visual appeal to your dishes. It is a quick and easy way to prepare this herb for cooking and can be used as a garnish on creamy dips, hummus, steaks, and other main-course proteins.

How to Air-Fry Basil:

First, wash your basil herbs and then dry them by laying them out on paper towels until they are completely dry. Preheat your air fryer to 350-360 degrees F, using the air fryer setting. Remove the leaves from the stems, but small leaves connected by thin stems are fine. Place the leaves into the air fryer basket and then place a spoon, fork, or trivet on top of the herbs to keep them from blowing around. Air fry for 2 to 6 minutes, or until the leaves are completely dried but not blackened.

Tips:

• If you are dealing with a lot of basil leaves, dry them in batches. Stacking beyond a single layer will not heat evenly.
• Crumbling the basil leaves is optional but makes storage easier. However, crushed leaves do lose potency faster than whole leaves.
• Dried basil has a shelf life of 2 to 3 years if kept in an airtight container in a dark, cool place.

Air-frying basil for seasoning

Air-frying basil is a great way to add flavour to your food without any unwanted calories or sodium. It is also a good way to use up fresh basil before it spoils.

How to Air-Fry Basil

Firstly, wash your basil and then dry it thoroughly. If the basil is from your own garden or is organically grown and you know it has not been sprayed, there is no need to wash it.

Preheat your air fryer to 350-360°F, using the air fryer setting. Remove the leaves from the stems, although small leaves connected by thin stems are fine to be left on. Place the leaves in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you have a lot of basil, you may need to do this in batches. Place a rack, shelf, screen, or trivet on top of the leaves to secure them.

Air fry for 2-6 minutes, checking regularly to ensure the basil does not burn. The basil is done when the leaves are dry and crispy to the touch but not blackened.

Storing Air-Fried Basil

Crumble the dehydrated basil leaves, if desired, using your hands or a mortar and pestle. Store the dried basil in an airtight container or spice jar. Basil dried in an air fryer has a shelf life of 2-3 years.

Using Air-Fried Basil

Air-fried basil is a versatile seasoning that can be used in many dishes, such as pasta sauces, soups, stews, roasted vegetables, and bread. It can also be used to season chicken or beef.

You can also use air-fried basil as a crispy garnish. Sprinkle it over creamy dips, hummus, or steaks and other proteins.

Tips

• If you are using a lot of basil leaves, dry them in batches. Stacking the leaves beyond a single layer will prevent them from heating evenly.
• If you are using an air fryer with a smaller basket, you may need to break the stems so that the basil fits.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket as this will cause the basil to steam instead of dehydrate.
• If you are using fresh basil, ensure it is completely dry before placing it in the air fryer to prevent it from steaming.
• If you want to fry basil in oil instead of air-frying it, be careful as basil will splatter when it hits the oil.

Air-frying basil for storage

Air-frying basil is a great way to preserve the herb for future use and is a much better option than air-drying, which can take a few days.

First, wash your basil and dry it with a paper towel or salad spinner. Then, remove the leaves from the stems. Place the leaves in the air fryer basket and put a rack, shelf, screen, or trivet on top of the leaves to secure them. Preheat the air fryer to between 270-360°F and air fry for 2-12 minutes, shaking the leaves every minute or so. The basil is done when it is dry and crispy but be careful not to burn the leaves.

Once the basil is done, transfer the leaves to a plate to cool. When they are completely cool, you can crumble them with your hands or a mortar and pestle. Finally, store the dried basil in an airtight container or spice jar. Kept this way, the basil should last for between one and four years.

Air-frying basil for a snack

Air-frying basil is a great way to add a crunchy, flavourful snack to your menu. It is a simple process that can be done in a few minutes and will leave you with a tasty treat. This guide will take you through the steps to air-fry basil at home.

Preparation

Firstly, you will need to gather your basil leaves. If you are using basil from your own garden or if it is organically grown and you know it has not been sprayed, there is no need to wash the leaves. If you are unsure, it is best to give them a quick rinse and then dry them thoroughly. Once they are dry, strip the leaves from the stems.

Air-Frying

Preheat your air fryer to 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the basil leaves in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spread out in a single layer. If you have a lot of leaves, you may need to do this in batches. Place a rack, shelf, or trivet on top of the leaves to keep them secure.

Air-fry for 2-6 minutes, checking regularly to ensure they do not burn. The leaves are done when they are dry and crispy, but be careful not to overcook them as they can easily turn black and become bitter.

Serving

Once your basil leaves are crispy, you can serve them as a snack on their own or as a garnish on your favourite dishes. They add a punch of flavour and texture to creamy dips, hummus, or steaks. You can also sprinkle them over spicy Thai dishes or enjoy them as basil chips with a sprinkle of salt.

Storage

If you have any leftover dried basil, you can store it in an airtight container or spice jar. It will last for about a year and is a great way to reduce waste and always have delicious basil on hand.

So, there you have it! A simple and tasty way to enjoy basil as a snack or to elevate your cooking. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious flavour and aroma of air-fried basil.

Air-frying basil for a Thai stir-fry

Air-frying basil is a great way to add a crunchy, flavourful garnish to your Thai stir-fry. It is also a good way to preserve your basil, which can be tricky to keep fresh.

Preparing the Basil

Firstly, wash your basil and dry it thoroughly. You can do this by laying the basil on paper or tea towels until they are completely dry.

Air-Frying

Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F, using the air fryer setting. Remove the basil leaves from their stems and place them in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 3 to 6 minutes, or until the leaves are completely dried. You can then sprinkle the crispy basil over your Thai stir-fry.

Other Methods

If you don't have an air fryer, you can also flash-fry basil in a skillet. Place the skillet over medium heat and pour in enough flavourless oil (such as canola, sunflower, or grape seed oil) to coat the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot, use tongs to carefully lower the basil into the skillet and fry for 5-15 seconds. Flip the basil with the tongs and repeat for another 5-15 seconds. Remove the basil from the oil and place on a paper-towel-lined plate to drain and dry.

Another method is to blanch the basil in boiling salted water for 5-10 seconds, quickly cooling it in ice water, and then drying it thoroughly before frying in oil or butter. This will help to preserve the colour of the basil.

Tips

Be careful when frying basil, as it can splatter. It is also important to adjust the fry time and heat as needed – the basil should retain its green colour and not turn brown and bitter.

Frequently asked questions