Air Fryer Flower Drying: A Creative Crafting Method

Drying flowers is a popular way to preserve their beauty, and there are several methods to choose from. One option is to use a dehydrator, which removes moisture from flowers using warm air circulated by a fan. Another method is air-drying, which involves hanging flowers upside down in a dark, dry place with good air circulation. Flowers can also be dried in an oven, microwave, or even the trunk of a car on a warm, sunny day. Each method has its own benefits and drawbacks, and some methods are faster than others.

Oven-drying flowers

• Select the right flowers: Choose flowers that are fresh, without bruises or brown spots, and just before they have reached full bloom. Flowers with thick petals, such as peonies, ranunculus, and roses, can be separated into petals before drying to ensure they last longer. Avoid flowers with fleshy or water-rich petals.
• Prepare the flowers: Remove excess foliage and trim off any stems. Get rid of any thorns and cut the stems to the desired length.
• Place the flowers on a baking sheet: Spread the flowers out so they do not touch each other. If you are drying thick or large flowers, it is recommended to use a drying rack to increase airflow.
• Set the oven temperature and timer: Set the oven to its lowest setting, ideally between 150°F (65°C) and 200°F (93°C). If your oven goes lower than 150°F, this will help to keep the colour of the petals more vibrant. Set the timer for at least one hour, and up to two hours if you are drying a lot of flowers or if they are particularly large or thick.
• Check on the flowers regularly: Check the flowers about every 30 minutes to avoid over-drying. You will know they are done when they are dry and crispy to the touch. If they are still wet or tacky, put them back in the oven.
• Remove from the oven and air dry: Once the flowers are dry, remove them from the oven and let them air dry to room temperature.
• Store in an airtight container: Place the dried flowers in a container with an airtight lid, ideally made out of glass, and store them in a dark, cool location.

To preserve the shape of the flowers and prevent petal loss, you can spray them with unscented hairspray once they are dried and arranged.

Microwave with silica sand

Drying flowers in a microwave with silica sand is a great way to preserve the natural beauty of flowers for years. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Choosing Flowers

When selecting flowers to dry, opt for perfect blooms as drying tends to accentuate any imperfections. It is best to pick flowers in the late morning when they are dry but not yet affected by the heat of the day. Orange, pink, and blue flowers tend to retain their color well when dried, while red roses tend to darken. If you can't start drying the flowers immediately, keep them in vases with tepid water in a cool place.

Step 2: Preparing the Silica Gel

Before you begin, read your microwave's manual to understand its heating power level. Use a microwave-safe container that can accommodate the flowers' depth, size, and shape. Pour silica gel into the container to a depth of one to one and a half inches. Cut the flower stems to about one to two inches in length.

Step 3: Arranging the Flowers

Place the flowers face-up on the surface of the silica gel. Carefully pour more silica gel around the base of the flowers, ensuring you do not crush any petals. Do not submerge the flowers completely. Seal the container closed and place it in a dry place.

Step 4: Drying the Flowers

Drying times will vary depending on the type of flower and the power of your microwave. As a general guideline, small flowers like pansies, violas, and buttercups will take less time, while medium flowers like azaleas, daisies, and asters will take longer. Large, dense flowers like roses, carnations, and hydrangeas will require the most time.

Place a glass of water in the back of the microwave, along with the container of flowers. Set the power level to medium and microwave in one-minute intervals until the flowers are dry. This process usually takes between one to three minutes.

Step 5: Cooling and Checking

Once the flowers are dry, remove the container from the microwave with pot holders and place it on a heat-resistant surface. Do not disturb the silica gel or the flowers until it is completely cool. The flowers will continue to dry as the silica gel cools. Once cooled, if the flowers are not completely dry, recover them with silica gel, refill the glass with water, and microwave on medium power for one to two more minutes. Repeat this process until the flowers are fully dried, being careful not to over-dry them.

Step 6: Final Touches

Once the flowers are fully dried, gently remove them from the silica gel. Use a soft brush to remove any excess silica gel from the flowers. You can now display your dried flowers in a vase or use them for various craft projects.

Air-drying flowers

Choosing the right flowers:

When air-drying flowers, it is important to avoid flowers with high water content as they tend to rot before they dry out. Look for flowers such as poppies, buttercups, yarrow, dahlias, marigolds, roses, lavender, and strawflowers, among others.

Timing is key:

The best time to cut flowers for drying is in the late morning after the dew has dried, and on a dry day. Pick blooms that are not fully open yet, as they will continue to open as they dry.

Preparing the flowers:

Gather your flowers in small bunches by the stem and secure them with a rubber band or string. It is recommended to use a rubber band as the stems will shrink as the flowers dry, and the rubber band will adjust accordingly.

Hanging the flowers:

Insert an unbent paper clip or some florist wire inside the rubber band and bend it to form a hook. Hang the bunches of flowers upside down in a dark, dry place with good air circulation. Make sure the flowers are not crowded and are hanging away from direct sunlight to retain their colour.

Drying time:

Depending on the weather, the flowers will take approximately one to three weeks to dry completely. You will know they are ready when the stems snap easily and the flowers feel crisp to the touch.

Using your dried flowers:

Air-dried flowers make beautiful decorations on their own, but you can also use them for crafts such as dried flower arrangements, holiday ornaments, potpourri, and wreaths.

Dehydrator drying

Benefits of Dehydrator Drying

First, dehydrators dry flowers evenly from all sides, so there is no need to rotate them during the process. Second, they dry flowers quickly and efficiently without damaging them. Third, since dehydrators circulate air around the flowers, there is no risk of mold or mildew developing.

Types of Flowers for Dehydrator Drying

Some flowers work better for dehydrator drying than others. Roses, for example, are one of the best options as they hold up well and retain their color. Other good choices include carnations and calendula. Larger flowers in full bloom are generally better for drying, as well as those with tougher petals, such as roses. More delicate flowers may not hold up as well in the dehydrator.

Flower Preparation

To get the best results, start with fresh, properly cut flowers. Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to make clean, straight cuts. Cut the stem at an angle to help the flower absorb more water and stay fresher for longer. Remove any leaves that will be below the water line in your vase or container, as they will rot and cause the arrangement to deteriorate. Place the flowers in a vase or container of water mixed with a floral preservative to keep them fresh before dehydrating.

Dehydrator Settings and Timing

Dehydrating flowers typically takes about 8 to 10 hours, but it can vary depending on the type and size of the flowers. Cut the flower heads from the stems so they will lay flat on the dehydrator trays. Place the flowers right-side up on the trays, making sure they do not touch each other to prevent sticking. Only place a single layer of flowers on each tray. Set the dehydrator to 135°F for 4-12 hours, depending on the size of the flower heads. For medium-sized flowers, let them dry for a few hours, while small delicate flowers may only need an hour.

Storage

Once the flowers are dehydrated, store them in airtight containers such as Mason jars, freezer bags, or vacuum-sealed bags. When stored in a cool, dry place, the flowers should remain viable for at least 12 months, and in some cases, even up to 5 years.

Pros and Cons of Dehydrator Drying

Pressing flowers

Preserving flowers by pressing them in a book is a classic, low-effort method. This is a "set it and forget it" approach that is ideal if you don't need the dried flowers right away.

Materials Required:

• Heavy book or flower press
• Flat, thin-leafed flowers
• Watercolour paper (non-bleached)

Step 1: Pick the Flowers

Flowers that are flat, have single flowers with delicate petals, and hold their colour are the best for pressing. Examples include geraniums, poppies, and buttercups. Pick your flowers after the early morning dew has dried, and avoid humid or rainy days.

Step 2: Prepare the Book

Place your flowers between sheets of non-bleached paper before putting them inside the book. You can also use a bleach-free hardbound watercolour notebook. If using a regular book, it is best to use a large, heavy book, such as a phone book.

Step 3: Press the Flowers

Arrange the flowers on the paper inside the book, ensuring they are not overlapping. Close the book carefully and place a heavy object on top to add pressure. Alternatively, you can wrap a belt or strap around the book to add pressure.

Step 4: Wait

Drying flowers this way can take about 30 days. Do not open the book before this time, as you risk cracking or breaking the flowers. After 30 days, your flowers should be beautifully pressed and ready to use.

Pros of Pressing Flowers:

• Relatively cheap method.
• Does not require special ingredients.
• Easy to do, with simple instructions.
• Creates beautiful flat flowers.
• Pressed flowers are great for craft projects.

Cons of Pressing Flowers:

• Takes up to 30 days for perfect results.
• Flowers may not retain their full vibrancy.
• Flowers are delicate and can easily break.
• Fragrant flowers do not retain their scent.

Frequently asked questions