How to Dry Fresh Basil Leaves in 90 Seconds! {Microwave + Air Dry Tips}

With this tip for How to Dry Fresh Basil, you’ll never need to buy dried basil at the grocery store again!

So… have you ever wondered How to Dry Fresh Basil?  I’ve got a secret for you.  It’s ridiculously easy to make your own dried herbs.

Crazy, right?

In addition to making DIY Seasoning Recipes, I love drying my own herbs at home!

Cath writes: “This worked great!  Easy peasy!"

If you use this tip with homegrown herbs, you’ll even end up with Organic dried herbs.  This can be a huge money-saver!

Plus, you’ll notice the flavor of your own DIY dried herbs is far better than what you can get at the grocery store.

There are a few different ways to dry herbs, but the microwave drying method for herbs is my favorite.  It’s quick, simple, and the herbs retain their gorgeous, vibrant color!

This dried basil is also so much prettier than store bought herbs. The flavor is just fabulous, too!

So are you ready to dry some Basil??

Just follow these easy step by step instructions below to start drying your own fresh basil at home…

How to Dry Fresh Basil

Related: 

• 101+ Genius Kitchen Tips and Tricks!

How Do You Dry Basil?

It’s actually really easy!

There are two simple methods to dry your Basil at home and save it for later use.

You can either use your microwave to dry up the leaves quickly.

Or just let your leaves dry out naturally over the course of a few weeks.

How to Dry Basil – Supplies Needed:

You’ll just need a few basic supplies to dry your basil.

You likely already have all of these items laying around your home somewhere…

• Fresh Basil Leaves
• Glass or Ceramic Microwaveable Plate + Microwave-Safe Paper Towels
• OR Rubber Band + Twine

That’s it.  Super simple.  If you don’t have any of these items, you can easily pick them up next time you are out and about.

How to Dry Fresh Basil in the Microwave:

It takes just a few simple steps and literally a few seconds of your time to dry your fresh basil in the microwave.

1. Place 1 paper towel flat on your plate
2. Lay out Basil Leaves in a single layer on the paper towel.
3. Place another paper towel on top.
4. Microwave 30 seconds, then in 15 second increments until leaves are dry.  {time will vary depending on the size of leaves – smaller leaves will dry much faster, and require less time – my larger leaves are usually dried out and ready after 90 seconds or so.}
5. After dry, simply crumble and crush the basil leaves with your fingers.

When you finished, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.  Like with your other spices.

Mini Mason Jars also work great.

Or you could even use your old spice containers!

What Your Frugal Friends Are Saying About The Microwave Method…

Erin writes: “Super easy and fast!”

Cindy writes: “Aromatic and amazing”

Becky writes: “Used your method which worked out great. Tried it on chicken and was delicious.”

Kelly writes: “Worked out beautifully!!! One minute 45 seconds was perfect!!!

Will do this from now on with my garden herbs before Winter hits so I have plenty on hand…until I plant again in Spring.”

Sue writes: “Worked great… have used the dried basil in sauce and it’s very good.

Will never have to buy this again. And never throw away those gorgeous leaves again or let them die off!!”

Cath writes: “This worked great! I have tons of basil to dry. I did several rounds through the microwave, then I reused the same paper towels and same plate.

No problems. Easy peasy! Used it for drying oregano too. Only needed about 1 min 30 sec to dry the oregano.”

Joe writes: “We’ve used the microwave method for basil, rosemary, and oregano.”

How to Air Dry Basil:

No Microwave?  No problem!

You can also dry your basil using a dehydrator.

Or here’s an old-fashioned method that works just as well…

1. Take a bundle of basil leaves from your garden {or leftovers from the grocery store}, fasten the ends with a rubber band, then leave as is, or tie some twine around them for easier hanging.
2. Hang them upside, and allow to dry completely inside your home.
3. Leaves should be dry within 1 – 2 weeks, depending on how humid your home is.  If you’re in a humid climate, it may take a bit longer.
4. After the leaves are dry, remove them from the stem.
5. Discard the stems, then gently crumble and crush the basil leaves with your fingers.

Then store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.  Like your pantry or spice cabinet.

I like to use mini mason jars.

Or even old glass spice containers to store mine.

Dried Basil Uses:

Now that you have delicious dried basil, there are so many amazing ways to put this tasty herb to use in your dishes!

Here are a few of my favorites…

• Chili Seasoning – Mix up some homemade chili seasoning to create your own 5-star chili at home!  Trust me… this seasoning is a game changer!
• Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread Bites – grab your slow cooker and get ready for this outrageously delicious Italian dinner side!
• Marinara Sauce – Add it to your pasta sauce to amp up the flavor.
• Pizza Sauce – Add it to your pizza sauce for an explosion of delicious flavor.
• Tomato Basil Chicken – Cook up some Crockpot chicken Italian style for one of the EASIEST dinners you’ll make this week.
• Homemade Pizza Dough – take your homemade pizza to the next level when you add some delicious dried basil to your dough!

Delicious Basil Recipe Inspiration:

There is one thing about basil that is always true.

You can never have enough of it!

So treat yourself and your whole family this week when you try some of these tempting basil inspired recipes…

Easy Basil Pesto Recipe

Nothing beats fresh homemade, and this Easy Basil Pesto Recipe will have your tastebuds doing the happy dance!

How to Freeze Pesto

Never run out of Pesto again! You’ll love this easy little tip for How to Freeze Pesto!

Crock Pot Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe

Make amazing things happen in the kitchen when you make this yummy Crock Pot Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe!

More Basil Tips and Tricks:

How to Grow Basil From Cuttings

Expand your basil garden this year with this simple trick for How to Grow Basil From Cuttings!

How to Keep Basil Fresh

Here’s an easy tip for How to keep Basil Fresh!

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Once you know How to Dry Dill, you’ll be able to easily preserve your fresh dill from the garden or leftover dill from the grocery store! It’s so easy!

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Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix Recipe

This Ranch tastes absolutely amazing!!  Ever wonder what makes Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix so amazingly delicious??  It’s the Buttermilk!!

Chicken Dry Rub Recipe

So easy, so versatile, so easy to tweak to your families liking!!  If you need a versatile Chicken Dry Rub Recipe, you just found it!

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Grocery Money Saving Tips:

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So don’t miss out on anything!!  Follow along with The Frugal Girls here for more fun Frugal Tips, Recipes + more…

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