4 Easy Ways to Dry Basil Leaves
If you’re like me, you’re DROWNING in basil when it’s in season.
It’s amazing how much a single plant makes. And as much as I love basil pesto and Caprese chicken, I run out of uses when I have a lot of basil…
So, I learned how to dry basil. I never knew how easy it really was. And the best part—you have basil ready to use in your favorite recipes all year long!
Depending on how much time you have, you can choose any of these four simple methods that naturally preserve basil’s amazing fresh flavors. Whether you want to use the microwave, air fryer, oven, or air drying on the counter, I’ve got your back.
You won’t need a fancy food dehydrator, either! The best method is simply what works for you.
Don’t throw away any more basil leaves this year! Dry them out so you don’t have to buy this herb from the local grocery store again.
Ingredients and Substitutions
For the exact measurements and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card below.
- Basil. That’s it! And these methods work with any variety, though the most common types you’ll find are sweet basil and Thai basil.
Step-by-step Instructions
Please see the recipe card below for the full instructions, ingredient amounts, and a printable recipe.
Prep the basil.
Rinse the leaves under cool, running water that is on low. Or, you can gently submerge them in a bowl of water.
Set them on paper towels or clean kitchen towels to dry. You can also use a salad spinner to remove any extra water.
Then, cut or pull the stems away from the leafy part.
Option 1–Dry in the oven.
Preheat the oven to 200℉, or the lowest possible temperature it will reach.
Spread the whole leaves out in a single layer on a cookie sheet. You can use parchment paper if you’d like, but it isn’t necessary.
Cook the leaves in the preheated oven for 1 to 3 hours. Make sure you flip them every 45 minutes so they dry evenly. If it is too hot, you can crack the oven door to promote good air circulation.
Option 2–Dry in the air fryer.
Preheat the air fryer to 270℉.
Line up the basil leaves in a single layer across the bottom of the air fryer basket.
Cook the basil for 8 to 12 minutes. You need to watch the leaves, as they can burn more easily with this method.
Pro Tip: This method is great for smaller batches.
Option 3–Dry in the microwave.
Place leaves on a paper towel-lined plate that is safe for the microwave.
Loosely cover the leaves with another paper towel. Microwave the basil in 30-second increments, moving the leaves around after each heating.
Depending on your microwave and the size of the leaves, it should take 1½-3 minutes to fully dry them out.
Option 4–Dry naturally.
If you’re not in a rush, you can always dry out basil on the countertop. Air-drying basil is probably the easiest way, but you do need a bit of open space and a couple of weeks.
Spread the basil leaves out on the counter in a single layer. Let them dry for 2 to 4 weeks. Check for a thoroughly dry leaf.
FAQs
Once the basil is dried, keep it in a small jar for up to 1 to 2 years. Store the leaves whole or crunch between your fingers to store it crushed. However, it will begin to lose its potency after 6 months. You need an airtight container, and leftover spice jars are perfect. For the best results, keep the jar in a cool dark place.
A good rule of thumb is to use twice as much fresh basil as dried. As with any recipe, you can increase or decrease the amount based on your preference.
What to Make with Dried Basil?
Once you have dried basil on hand, you can whip up any of these dishes.
Make your own Greek Seasoning or Italian Seasoning for your favorite salad.
Or, whip up this Mozzarella Stuffed Italian Meatloaf or this Roasted Vegetable Pasta Bake.
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How to Dry Fresh Basil
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Ingredients
- 1-4 bunches basil
Instructions
- Rinse and dry the basil and then remove the leaves from the stem.1-4 bunches basil
Microwave Method:
- Place leaves on a paper towel-lined plate. Cover the leaves with another paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds.
- Move the leaves around in a single layer, and microwave at 30 second-intervals until they are completely dried out. (Depending on your microwave this should take between 1 ½ – 3 minutes.)
Oven Method:
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees, or the lowest temperature it will go.
- Place the leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for a 1-3 hours, flipping them every 45 minutes to ensure even drying.
Air Fryer:
- Place the leaves in a single layer in the bottom of the air fryer basket.
- Cook the basil leaves at 270 degrees for 8-12 minutes, checking on them halfway through to ensure they do not burn.
Air Drying:
- Place the leaves in a single layer on the counter and let air dry for 2-4 weeks.
- Store the leaves whole or crunch between your fingers to store it crushed. Dried basil will last in an airtight glass jar or container for up to 1-2 years. It will begin to lose its potency after 6 months.
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Notes
- Herbs: Try different varieties of this flavorful herb and check out the flavors.
- Heating: The heating methods can potentially burn the leaves.
- Usage: While they will last a year, these dried leaves will lose potency after 6 months.
- Storage: Store dried basil in a glass jar with a lid that screws on.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
More Basil Recipes
Fresh and dried basil add so much flavor to a variety of dishes. Try any of these recipes next.
Concise, Great!
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