Air Fryer Dehydration: Herbs And Beyond

Air fryers are a handy way to dehydrate herbs, preserving their flavour, aroma and potency. The process is simple: wash and dry your chosen herbs, place them in the air fryer basket or tray, and select the correct temperature and time settings. Air fryers are a convenient alternative to other drying methods, such as using an oven or the sun, as they don't heat up your home and are more energy-efficient. Plus, you can use any type of herb, from basil to oregano, and even create your own spice blends.

The benefits of dehydrating herbs

Dehydrating herbs is a great way to preserve your summer harvest and make it last longer. It is also an effective way to lock in their flavour, aroma, and potency. Here are some benefits of dehydrating herbs:

Lock in Flavour, Aroma, and Potency

Dehydration is a quick process that removes moisture from herbs, preserving their flavour, aroma, and potency. This method yields better results than air drying or oven drying, which can take longer and may not remove moisture effectively, leading to potential mould issues.

Nutrient Retention

Dehydration helps retain the nutrients in herbs. Research shows that fresh produce can lose its vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant content within a few days of refrigeration, with reductions of up to 50% in some nutrients. Dehydrated herbs, on the other hand, maintain their nutritional value for much longer.

Extended Shelf Life

Dehydration extends the shelf life of herbs, allowing you to use them for up to one year or even longer. This preservation method ensures you can continue to enjoy your herbs during the winter months and off-seasons.

Space and Energy Efficiency

Using an air fryer for dehydration is a convenient and energy-efficient method. It takes up less space and energy compared to using an oven, and it doesn't heat up your house, especially if you don't have air conditioning.

Versatility and Ease of Use

Dehydrated herbs are very versatile. You can use them in the same way you would use typical store-bought dried herbs or fresh herbs, adding flavour to dishes like soups, sauces, and stews. Dehydrated herbs are also easy to store and can be crushed before use, depending on your preference.

How to dehydrate herbs in an air fryer

Dehydrating herbs in an air fryer is a great way to preserve your summer bounty. It is a quick, convenient, and energy-efficient method that doesn't heat up your house like an oven does. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to dehydrate herbs using your air fryer:

Step 1: Pick and Prepare Your Herbs

Start by picking fresh herbs from your garden or buying them from a farmer's market. Remove any unwanted parts such as stalks, stems, or leaves. For herbs like basil, mint, and oregano, pinch the leaves off. For herbs with woody stems like dill and thyme, use an herb stripper or scissors to trim the stalks.

Step 2: Clean and Dry the Herbs

Wash the herbs thoroughly to remove any dirt, debris, or pests. Then, dry the herbs by placing them on paper towels and patting them gently with more paper towels to absorb excess moisture.

Step 3: Place Herbs in the Air Fryer

Place the clean and dry herbs in the air fryer drawer or basket. If you are dehydrating multiple types of herbs, use a mesh muslin bag or separate drawers/baskets to avoid mixing flavours. You can also use a rack to place over the herbs or tie them with twine to prevent them from flying about.

Step 4: Set the Air Fryer Temperature and Time

Set your air fryer to the dehydrate function at a low temperature of around 130°F to 135°F (57°C). If your air fryer does not have a dedicated dehydrate function, use the lowest temperature setting available. The dehydration process can take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours, depending on the type and quantity of herbs.

Step 5: Dehydrate the Herbs

Start the air fryer and let it run for the desired time. Check on the herbs periodically to ensure they do not over-dry. The herbs are ready when they crumble easily in your hands.

Step 6: Let the Herbs Cool and Store

Once the dehydration process is complete, let the herbs cool down for about 15 minutes. Then, store the dehydrated herbs in airtight containers such as sealed glass jars or Ziplock bags. If you want them to last longer, avoid breaking up the leaves until you are ready to use them. Properly stored dehydrated herbs can last up to 2-3 years.

Tips:

• If your air fryer does not have a dedicated dehydrate function, you can still dehydrate herbs by setting it to the lowest temperature and adjusting the time accordingly.
• Always wash your herbs before dehydrating to remove any dirt or pests and to help identify and remove any bad leaves.
• Dehydrating herbs at a low temperature preserves their nutrients, flavour, aroma, and potency better than oven drying or air drying.
• Dehydrated herbs can be used in the same way as typical store-bought dried herbs and are great for adding flavour to soups, sauces, and stews.

How to dry herbs in an air fryer

Drying herbs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to preserve your herbs for future use. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get the best results.

Preparation

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

Once you have picked your herbs, remove any dirt, debris, or pests by rinsing them under water. After washing, 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 Settings and Placement

Place the herbs in your air fryer drawer or basket. If you are drying multiple types of herbs, it is recommended to use a mesh muslin bag or separate drawers/baskets for each type. Cover the herbs with a rack, or tie them with twine, to prevent them from blowing around during the drying process.

If your air fryer has a dehydrator function, set the temperature to 135°F (57°C). If your air fryer does not have a dehydrator function, set the temperature to 350°F (160°C).

Drying Time

The drying time will depend on the type and amount of herbs you are drying, as well as the settings of your air fryer. As a general guideline, dehydration at 135°F (57°C) will take around 3-4 hours, while drying at 350°F (160°C) will only take 3-4 minutes.

For dehydration, check your air fryer's manual for the recommended drying time. For drying at 350°F (160°C), your herbs are ready when they look dry and crumble easily in your hands.

Storage

Once the drying process is complete, let the herbs stand for about 15 minutes. Then, store them in airtight containers such as sealed glass jars or Ziplock bags.

If you want your dried herbs to last longer, avoid breaking up the leaves until you are ready to use them. Whole leaves will last up to 2-3 years, while crushed leaves will last for 1-2 years.

Tips

• If you are drying herbs with woody stems, an herb stripper and trimmer set can be useful.
• Always wash your herbs before drying, even if they appear clean, to remove any potential pests or harmful substances.
• Make sure your herbs are completely dry before storing to prevent mould.
• Label your containers and store them in a cool, dark place to extend the shelf life of your dried herbs.

How to store dried herbs

Yes, you can dehydrate herbs in an air fryer. This is a great way to preserve your herbs and it is more effective than air drying or oven drying.

Dried herbs are a great way to add flavour and aroma to your cooking. However, they can be tricky to store, and if not done correctly, they will lose their flavour and aroma over time. Here are some tips to ensure your dried herbs last longer:

• Use airtight containers: Airtight containers are crucial when storing dried herbs as they prevent moisture and air from getting in, which can cause the herbs to lose their flavour and aroma. Glass jars, metal containers, and plastic containers are all suitable options, as long as they have tight-sealing lids.
• Store whole leaves, not crushed: Herbs have tiny cells that contain essential oils, which provide their aroma and flavour. When you crush herb leaves, you break open these cells, exposing them to air, and causing the essential oils to evaporate. Therefore, it is best to store herbs in their whole leaf or stem form to preserve their flavour and aroma for longer.
• Use the right-sized container: Use a jar or container that is just the right size so there isn't a lot of empty airspace. If you have a vacuum sealer, you can use it to remove excess air from the jars.
• Keep out of direct light: Store your herbs in a dark cupboard or room. Direct sunlight and artificial light can cause herbs to lose their flavour and colour over time.
• Keep dried herbs in a cool place: Store your herbs in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources, such as stoves or ovens. Changing temperatures or constant warm/hot temperatures can cause premature flavour loss in herbs.

By following these tips, you can effectively store your dried herbs and prolong their flavour, aroma, and potency.

Other foods you can dehydrate in an air fryer

Yes, you can dehydrate herbs in an air fryer. But what about other foods? Well, if you're a fan of snacking, you're in luck! There are plenty of other foods that can be dehydrated in an air fryer, including:

• Fruit: Try making banana, apple, or strawberry chips. Most fruit will take around 4 hours to dehydrate at 175 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Vegetables: Dehydrated tomatoes, zucchini, kale, carrots, peas, corn, and mushrooms are all great options. Vegetable dehydration times vary, with carrots taking around 3 hours and kale taking just 1 hour.
• Meat: You can make homemade beef jerky in your air fryer. Just make sure the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it's safe to eat.

Dehydrating food in an air fryer is a great way to preserve your favourite produce and reduce food waste. It's also a more energy-efficient option compared to using an oven, as it uses less space and takes less time. So, next time you have some leftover fruits or veggies, why not give it a go?

Frequently asked questions