Air Fryer Herb Drying: A Quick Guide

Drying herbs in an air fryer is a simple and effective way to preserve them for future use. It is a quick and convenient method that does not heat up the house or tie up the oven. The air fryer uses less space and energy than an oven and takes less time than air-drying. This makes it an ideal solution for those who want to preserve the flavour, aroma, and potency of their herbs.

The benefits of drying herbs in an air fryer

Drying herbs in an air fryer is a convenient and effective way to preserve your herbs. Here are some benefits of using an air fryer for this purpose:

Quick and Efficient

Air drying herbs typically takes about a week, while an air fryer can get the job done in just 3-4 minutes. This makes it a quick and efficient method, especially if you have a large number of herbs to process.

Retains Flavour and Nutrients

The dehydration process in an air fryer helps retain the flavour, aroma, and potency of the herbs. It also preserves the nutrients, resulting in a more flavorful product compared to store-bought dried herbs.

Space and Energy Saving

An air fryer is a compact appliance that uses less space and energy than a traditional oven. It doesn't heat up the entire house like an oven does, making it a more energy-efficient option, especially during hot weather.

Easy and Convenient

Air fryers are simple to use and allow you to dry herbs without tying up your oven. They are a convenient option, especially if you don't have the space or time for air drying or other drying methods.

Cost-Effective

Drying your own herbs can save you money. Growing your own herbs or buying fresh herbs in bulk and drying them can be significantly cheaper than purchasing dried herbs in small quantities from the grocery store.

Versatile

You can dry a wide variety of herbs in an air fryer, including basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, tarragon, mint, parsley, chamomile, and more. This versatility allows you to create your own spice blends and tea blends easily.

How to dry herbs in an air fryer

Drying herbs in an air fryer is a simple and quick way to preserve your herbs. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Preparation

Firstly, pick your herbs. It is best to pick the fresh herbs from the top of the plant, as this encourages further growth. Pinch off the leaves for herbs such as basil, mint, and oregano, and trim the stalks for herbs like dill and thyme.

Cleaning

Remove any dirt, debris, or pests by washing the herbs. This is an important step, even if your herbs appear clean, as it will help to identify and pick out bad leaves. Dry the herbs by placing them on paper towels and patting them with more paper towels to remove as much excess moisture as possible.

Air Fryer Setup

Place the herbs in your air fryer drawer or basket. If you are drying more than one type of herb, you can use a mesh muslin bag to separate them. Place a rack over the herbs or tie them with twine to prevent them from blowing around and potentially burning or damaging your air fryer.

Air Frying

Set your air fryer to a low temperature of around 130-160°F (57-71°C). Air fry the herbs for 3-4 minutes, or until they are visibly dry and crumble easily in your hands.

Cooling and Storing

Let the herbs stand for about 15 minutes after air frying, then place them in airtight containers such as sealed glass jars or Ziplock bags. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct light and sunlight.

Tips

• If you are drying herbs with woody stems, an herb stripper and trimmer set can be useful.
• It is best to dry herbs with high moisture content, such as basil, chives, and mint, in a dehydrator or air fryer to reduce the risk of mould.
• Dried herbs will usually last for up to a year but can last up to 2-3 years if kept whole and not broken up into leaves.

How to dehydrate herbs in an air fryer

Dehydrating herbs in an air fryer is a simple and quick process that can help you preserve your herbs for future use. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Preparation:

Before you start, make sure you pick fresh herbs from the top, as this encourages the further growth of the plant. You can pinch the leaves off for herbs such as basil, mint, and oregano, and trim the stalks for herbs like dill and thyme.

Cleaning:

Wash the herbs thoroughly with cool water to remove any dirt, debris, or pests. Then, dry the herbs using paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible before placing them in the air fryer.

Air fryer setup:

Preheat your air fryer to a low temperature. The ideal temperature for dehydrating herbs is around 130°F to 135°F (57°C). However, if your air fryer doesn't go that low, you can set it to 325°F or even 350°F, but you'll need to reduce the cooking time accordingly.

Placing herbs in the air fryer:

Remove any stems or dead foliage from the herbs. Place the herbs in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray. It is important to cover the herbs with a rack or metal mesh to prevent them from flying around and potentially coming into contact with the heating element. Alternatively, you can tie the herbs with kitchen twine before placing them in the air fryer.

Dehydrating time:

The dehydration time will depend on the temperature setting and the type of herb. For a temperature of 130°F to 135°F, it will take around 3-4 hours. If you are using a higher temperature, such as 350°F, the process will be much quicker, taking around 3-4 minutes. Check your herbs regularly to ensure they don't burn.

Cooling and storage:

Once the herbs are dehydrated, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a plate or a sheet of parchment paper to cool completely. After they have cooled, you can store the herbs in airtight containers, such as glass jars or plastic bags. Label the containers and store them in a cool, dry, and dark place away from direct light and heat sources.

Dried herbs can last for months, and even up to a year if stored properly. Dehydrating herbs in an air fryer is a convenient and efficient way to preserve your herbs and enjoy their flavor all year round.

The best herbs for drying in an air fryer

Air fryers are an excellent way to dry herbs and preserve them for future use. The process is simple, quick, and convenient.

• Basil
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Tarragon
• Mint
• Parsley
• Chamomile
• Lavender
• Dill

These herbs are suitable for drying in an air fryer because they have a high moisture content, and air fryers can quickly remove all the moisture from them. This helps to preserve their flavour, aroma, and potency.

Additionally, you can dry almost any herb in an air fryer, including culinary herbs like sage, rosemary, and lemon verbena, as well as medicinal herbs like calendula, chamomile, and lavender.

The process of drying herbs in an air fryer is generally the same for all types of herbs. First, wash and pat the herbs dry. Then, place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray. You can place a metal rack over the herbs to prevent them from flying about, or tie the herbs with twine. Air fry at a temperature between 130°F and 350°F for 3-4 minutes for drying or 1-3 hours for dehydrating. Once done, remove the herbs from the air fryer and let them cool completely before storing them in airtight containers.

How to store dried herbs

Dried herbs should be stored in airtight containers, in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. The containers should be made of glass, metal, or plastic, with tight-fitting lids to prevent air and moisture from spoiling the herbs. It is also recommended to store whole leaves instead of crushing them, as this helps to preserve their flavour.

• Avoid plastic bags, as they can get tiny holes or the seal may come undone, allowing air and moisture to get in.
• Paper bags are suitable for drying herbs, but once they are completely dry, transfer them to an airtight container to prevent moisture from getting back into the herbs if humidity levels change.
• Use the right-sized container to minimise air pockets.
• Keep dried herbs in a cool place, such as a pantry or cupboard, to extend their shelf life.
• Label your jars with the herb's name and the date of drying. This helps with identification and tracking their shelf life.
• Regularly check the freshness of your dried herbs by crushing them in your palm. If they have a strong scent, they are still good to use. If the scent is weak, they may be losing their usefulness and you may need to add more when cooking. If there is no scent, it's time to replace them.

Frequently asked questions