Air Fryer Herb Drying: A Quick Guide

Drying fresh herbs is a great way to preserve them for future use. Air fryers are an excellent way to quickly dry herbs without heating up the entire house. This method is also more energy-efficient than using a traditional oven. The process is simple: wash and dry the herbs, place them in the air fryer, and let them dry out for 3-4 minutes at 350-360°F. You can then store the herbs in airtight containers to preserve their flavour.

How to dry herbs in an air fryer

Drying herbs in an air fryer is a great way to preserve your herbs and it's super easy to do. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Preparation:

First, you'll want to gather the herbs you want to dry. Almost any herb can be dried, but if you have a lot of a particular variety, it might be a good idea to start with that one. Then, give them a quick wash to remove any dirt, dust, or insects, and dry them with a paper towel or dishcloth.

Drying:

Now it's time to set up your air fryer. Set the temperature to between 325-360°F. If your air fryer has a pre-set dehydrator option, select that. Then, place your herbs in the air fryer basket or tray. It's important to place them in a single layer and not overcrowd the basket. You can either tie the herbs with kitchen twine or place a metal rack on top of them to prevent them from flying around during the drying process.

Timing:

The drying time will depend on the type and amount of herbs you're drying, as well as the size of your air fryer. For most herbs, it should take around 3-4 minutes at 350-360°F. However, for more delicate herbs like basil, a lower temperature of 160°C for 90 seconds may be sufficient. Check on your herbs every 30 seconds to a minute to ensure they don't burn.

Cooling and Storing:

Once your herbs are dry, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a sheet of parchment paper or in a bowl to cool completely. Then, you can store them whole or crush them, depending on your preference. Make sure to use airtight containers, such as glass jars or plastic bags, and store them in a cool, dark place away from direct light and heat sources.

And that's it! You've successfully dried your herbs using an air fryer. This method is not only quick and convenient but also helps preserve the flavor, aroma, and potency of your herbs. Enjoy your dried herbs in your favorite recipes, and happy cooking!

How to prepare herbs for air fryer

Preparing herbs for air-frying is a simple process, but it does require a few steps to ensure the best results. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare herbs for drying or dehydrating in an air fryer:

Step 1: Select the Right Herbs

Choose herbs that are fresh and undamaged for the best results. Popular choices include basil, thyme, rosemary, oregano, and parsley. If you have an herb garden, pick the herbs just before they fully bloom to capture the most intense flavors.

Step 2: Wash and Dry the Herbs

Thoroughly wash the herbs under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, gently pat them dry with a paper towel or let them air dry completely. This step is crucial as it prevents the herbs from wilting during the drying or dehydration process.

Step 3: Prepare the Herbs

Remove any parts of the plants that you do not want to preserve, such as stalks, stems, leaves, buds, or skins. You can discard the stems or save them for making stocks or broths.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to the desired temperature depending on whether you are drying or dehydrating the herbs. For drying, set the temperature to 350°F (180°C). For dehydrating, use the lowest temperature setting, usually around 95°F (35°C) or the "dehydrate" function if available.

Step 5: Arrange the Herbs in the Air Fryer

Place the herbs in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray. You can either tie the herbs with kitchen twine to prevent them from flying around or place a metal rack over them. Ensure proper airflow by not overcrowding the herbs.

Step 6: Air Fry the Herbs

For drying, air fry the herbs at 350°F (180°C) for 3-4 minutes or until they are visibly dry and crumble easily. For dehydrating, air fry at a low temperature of 95°F (35°C) for 1-3 hours, checking every 30 minutes, and remove them when they crumble easily.

Step 7: Cool and Store the Herbs

Once the herbs are done, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a sheet of parchment paper or in a large bowl to cool completely. Then, transfer them to airtight containers such as glass jars or airtight plastic bags. Store the herbs in a cool, dry, and dark place to prolong their flavor and aroma.

Best herbs for air fryer drying

Drying fresh herbs in an air fryer is a great way to preserve your herbs and save money. It is also a simple and quick process.

• Basil
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Tarragon
• Mint
• Parsley
• Chamomile
• Lavender
• Cilantro
• Dill
• Chives
• Bay leaves
• Coriander

How to dry herbs in an air fryer:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 350°F-360°F. Wash your herbs and dry them thoroughly with a paper towel. Remove any parts of the plant that you do not want to preserve, such as stalks, stems, and dead foliage. Place the herbs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It is important to cover the herbs with a rack or tie them with twine to prevent them from flying around. Air fry for 3-4 minutes, or until visibly dry. Once done, remove the herbs from the air fryer and let them cool completely before storing them in airtight containers.

Air fryer temperature and time settings

The ideal temperature and time settings for drying herbs in an air fryer depend on whether you are drying or dehydrating them.

Drying herbs in an air fryer involves using higher temperatures for a shorter duration. Most sources recommend setting the air fryer temperature to 350°F (176.6°C) and drying the herbs for 3-4 minutes. However, one source suggests a temperature of 360°F (182.2°C) for the same duration.

During the drying process, it is important to keep an eye on the herbs and toss them every 30 seconds to a minute to ensure even drying. The herbs are done when they look dry and crumble easily in your hands.

Dehydrating herbs in an air fryer, on the other hand, requires a lower temperature setting for a longer duration. Set the air fryer temperature to between 125°F and 150°F (51.6°C and 65.5°C) and dehydrate the herbs for 1-3 hours. Check the herbs periodically, and they are ready when they start to crumble easily.

The specific temperature and time settings may vary slightly depending on the type and amount of herbs you are drying or dehydrating, as well as the model and size of your air fryer.

How to store dried herbs

Dried herbs will last for months or even years if stored correctly. Here are some tips to ensure your dried herbs remain potent for as long as possible:

Use Airtight Containers

Airtight containers are essential to prevent oxidation, which can cause your herbs to become stale and less effective, especially when used for health benefits in tablets or teas. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids are ideal, but you can also use metal or plastic containers, as long as they seal tightly. Plastic bags are not recommended as they can get tiny pinprick holes or come undone. Paper bags are also not suitable for long-term storage as they may let moisture back into the herbs.

Store Whole Leaves, Not Crushed

Herbs have tiny cells that hold essential oils, which provide their aroma and flavour. When you crush herb leaves, you break open these cells and expose them to the air, causing the essential oils to dissipate. Therefore, it is best to store whole leaves and only crumble them just before adding them to your food.

Use the Right-Sized Container

Using a jar or container that is the right size for the amount of herbs you have will help to prevent air from getting to your herbs. If you have a vacuum sealer, you can use it to remove excess air from jars for extended storage, but it is not necessary.

Keep Out of Direct Light

Herbs should be stored in a dark cupboard or room. Light, especially direct sunlight, will destroy flavour and erode colour. Containers made of tinted glass, such as dark blue cobalt or dark amber glass, can help preserve the longevity of your herbs by shielding them from UV rays.

Keep Dried Herbs in a Cool Place

Store your herbs in a cool, dry location, such as a cupboard or drawer in your kitchen, away from the oven or other heat sources. Constant warm or hot temperatures will cause premature flavour loss. Certain herbs, such as basil, parsley, and chives, are particularly sensitive to light and heat, and should be kept in the fridge.

Other Tips

• Make sure your herbs are 100% dry before storing, or they may develop mould.
• Label your herbs with their name and date.
• Keep herbs out of reach of young children.
• The freezer is also an option for storing dried herbs, but be careful to avoid condensation when moving them from the freezer to room temperature.
• Most dried herbs will last at least 8-12 months, with some retaining flavour for up to 3 years. However, check for freshness by crushing them in your palm—if you get a strong scent, they're good; if there's no scent, it's time to replace them.

Frequently asked questions