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

March 23, 2016 By Heidi 8 Comments

I may get paid for ads or purchases made through links in this post.

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

How to Dry Fresh Basil at Home

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!

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

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!  {SO much prettier than store bought herbs!}  The flavor is just fabulous, too!  Are you ready to dry some Basil??

Just follow these easy step by step instructions below…

How to Dry Fresh Basil

Related: 

  • 101+ Genius Kitchen Tips and Tricks!

How to Dry Fresh Basil at TheFrugalGirls.com

How to Dry Fresh Basil from TheFrugalGirls.com

How to Dry Basil at TheFrugalGirls.com

Dry Fresh Basil Tutorial at TheFrugalGirls.com

How to Dry Fresh Basil at Home

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:

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

How to Dry 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.
  6. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place {like with your other spices}.  Mini Mason Jars 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:

How to Dry Basil

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.
  6. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place {pantry or spice cabinet}.  I like to use mini mason jars or old glass spice containers to store mine.

Dried Basil Uses:

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:

Easy Basil Pesto Recipe

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

Homemade Basil Pesto Recipe

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!

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

On the hunt for more DIY kitchen hacks?  Become your own homemade seasonings genius with the help of these fun ideas below…

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This is seriously so easy… you’ll never want to pay for Oregano on the spice aisle again!!  It takes only a couple of minutes, and is such a fabulous way to save a little extra money!

How to Dry Oregano

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Save money on herbs with this easy trick for Drying Fresh Rosemary in 60 seconds!

Drying Fresh Rosemary Tip at TheFrugalGirls.com

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How to Dry Dill

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!

How to Dry Dill

How to Dry Sage Leaves Fast

Try my simple tips for how to Dry Sage Leaves so you can save money and always have a plentiful supply of sage on hand!

How to Dry Sage in the Microwave Tip

How to Dry Cilantro Leaves

Let me show you how to Dry Cilantro Leaves, so you can enjoy the yummy citrus like flavor of cilantro anytime you want!

How to Dry Cilantro Trick

How to Dry Parsley Leaves Fast {Dried Herb Trick}

When you grow parsley in your garden like I do, you really need to know how to Dry Parsley and keep it green for later!

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!

20 DIY Seasoning Recipes

Cut your grocery bill and score big flavors with these DIY Seasoning Recipes. You’ll love these easy spices and seasonings you can make at home!

DIY Seasoning Recipes Easy

20+ Sauce Recipes for Chicken {Easy Homemade Sauces}

If you love sauce, then you’ll love making your own at home with these easy homemade sauce recipes for chicken!

8 Chicken Marinade Recipes {+1 Amazing Steak Marinade}

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101+ Genius Kitchen Tips and Tricks

Stock up on loads and loads of helpful ideas for making everything in your kitchen… EASIER!!

DIY Mason Jar Herb Garden

Enjoy fresh herbs year round with this easy DIY Mason Jar Herb Garden!

215+ Easy Gardening Tips and Tricks for Beginners!

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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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So have you tried this method for How to Dry Fresh Basil?

Leave a comment & share!

How to Dry Fresh Basil Tip from TheFrugalGirls.com

Filed Under: DIY, Homesteading, Kitchen Tips, Recipes

Comments

  1. Mary says

    July 29, 2018 at 8:30 am

    Can you hang dry basil and can the florets be left on swell ?

    Reply
  2. Carman says

    November 3, 2016 at 4:38 pm

    How long is the bbail good for use after it ha dried?

    Reply
  3. Laura says

    October 17, 2016 at 12:42 pm

    Found this on Pinterest while looking up ways to preserve basil for the first time.
    Just completed drying my basil…took about 20 minutes! and that’s because I was multi-tasking with other
    kitchen duties! This was so easy and convenient!
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      October 17, 2016 at 12:46 pm

      Haha… your multi-tasking sounds like something I would do too, Laura. 🙂 So glad you liked the tip… I love having this fresh dried basil on hand for recipes.

      Reply
  4. Leslie says

    September 16, 2016 at 6:55 pm

    I just dried them in the microwave as you suggested, very quick and easy! Have you experienced any flavor difference between the microwave method versus other methods as far as flavor? Just curious since this is my first time drying basil.

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      September 16, 2016 at 7:24 pm

      Hi Leslie ~ I honestly haven’t experienced any flavor difference at all. I use it in all my recipes now, and love it! 😉

      Reply
  5. Joan says

    August 21, 2016 at 9:35 am

    Do you wash and dry the basil first or can it be wet?

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      August 21, 2016 at 10:02 am

      Hi Joan ~ it works best if it is dry to start with, so after washing… just allow to completely dry first. Hope that helps!

      Reply

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Hey there... it's so nice to meet you! I'm Heidi: a Frugal Girl living in sunny Arizona! I love sharing Easy Recipes, DIY Decor, Style & Beauty Hacks, Gardening Tips, Travel Hacks, and Creative Ways to Live the Sweet Life on a Budget. I'm so glad you're here!
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