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

Then… be sure to try this trick for How to Dry Fresh Basil and this trick for How to Dry Fresh Dill!

Dried cilantro in a bowl with fresh cilantro.

How to Dry Cilantro Leaves

Got a microwave and a few spare minutes? Learning How to Dry Cilantro Leaves is soooo easy.

Especially when you use my tip for how to dry cilantro in the microwave!

It seems like I am never able to use all of the cilantro in my fridge before it goes bad.

To start, I help my cilantro last as long as possible by using this clever tip for How To Keep Cilantro Fresh.

Then with the rest of the cilantro I don’t have a use for right now, I love to use this Cilantro drying hack. It’s an easy way to avoid the waste and to save money!

Why throw out that beautiful, half used cilantro when I can preserve it for later?

Plus, when you dry your cilantro at home, it can retain more of the natural gorgeous, vibrant color!

Seriously… it’s SO much prettier than store bought dried cilantro!

If you love adding fun, fresh and vibrant flavors to your food, then using cilantro in your recipes is especially genius.

Not only do you add so much flavor to whatever you’re making, but you also get the added health benefits.

I specifically love using dried cilantro in chicken marinades.

Just follow these steps for how to Dry Fresh Cilantro for yourself…

What is Dried Cilantro Used For?

Cilantro has a delicious fresh and tangy flavor, and is often used in Salsas, Marinades, Beans, Soups, and a variety of Mexican Dishes!

If you don’t have fresh cilantro on hand, dried cilantro can be a fabulous substitute!

Related: 21 Easy Seasoning Recipes!

Pile of fresh cilantro.

How Do You Dry Cilantro Fast?

Are you wondering how to dry cilantro leaves fast?

Or maybe just wondering how in the world to preserve the cilantro from your herb garden?

It’s really SO easy! All you’ll need is fresh cilantro, a microwave, a plate, and some microwave-safe paper towels.

Talk about simple!

What You’ll Need to Dry Cilantro

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

  • Fresh Cilantro
  • Glass (microwaveable) Plate
  • Microwave-Safe Paper Towels

That’s it. So simple.

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

Related: Easy Gardening Tips and Tricks (How to Grow Your Own Food)

Cilantro being covered by paper towel.

How to Dry Cilantro Leaves

You won’t believe how EASY it is to dry your own cilantro leaves at home!

Here’s what you’ll do…

1. Place 1 paper towel flat on your plate.

2. Lay out fresh cilantro in a single layer on the paper towel, then add another paper towel on top.

Fresh cilantro between layers of paper towels.

3. Microwave 1 minute, then in 15 second increments until it is dry. Mine is usually dried out and ready after a total of 2 minutes.

If you have a larger bundle of cilantro you are microwaving, you may need to add a little extra time.

4. After leaves are dry and crunchy, remove and discard stems.

Dried cilantro on paper towel.

5. Then crush dried cilantro leaves by pinching and rubbing together between your fingers.

6. Transfer your dried cilantro to a small spice jar, and you’re done!

Mini Mason Jars work great, or you could even use your old spice containers!

See… I told you this was going to be EASY!!

Dried cilantro in a bowl with fresh cilantro.

How To Use Dried Cilantro

Dried cilantro can work as a great substitute for fresh cilantro in a pinch.

You can use your dried cilantro in your favorite Mexican Food Recipes, including Homemade Pico de Gallo Salsa and dips!

Square bowl of Chipotle Pico de Gallo.

More Ways To Preserve Herbs Longer

So now that you know how to preserve cilantro, I have even more genius hacks to share with you.

Look brilliant in the kitchen when you try these fun ideas…

How to Keep Cilantro Fresh

Keeping Cilantro Fresh really couldn’t be easier, and it’s the only way I store it. This little kitchen trick works like a charm!

Bunch of cilantro in a tall glass.

How to Dry Fresh Basil

Never run out… and save some serious $$ moola at the same time. If using homegrown herbs, you’ll even end up with Organic dried herbs… which can be a huge money-saver!

Small bowl of dried basil.

How to Dry Oregano

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!

Fresh oregano on a cutting board.

Drying Fresh Rosemary in 60 Seconds

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

Sprig of rosemary with a bowl of dried rosemary.

How to Dry Thyme Leaves in 2 Minutes!

Making your garden fresh Thyme last all year long is easy with this tip for how to Dry Thyme Leaves.

Sprig of thyme with a bowl of dried thyme.

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!

Small jar of dried 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!

Sage on a white surface.

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!

Small bowl of dried parsley leaves.

Canning and Preserving for Beginners

There’s just something so satisfying about the entire process of preserving your own food. As an added bonus, it tastes so much better, too!

Several jars of preserves with blackberries.

Easy Homemade Seasoning Recipes

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!!

Dry ranch dip mix in small jar, with a green measuring spoon.

Easy Homemade Fajita Seasoning Recipe

This Fajita Seasoning is so yummy and so so frugal!! Ever wonder why fajita seasoning is so expensive? So did I… and I could not think of one good reason! 😉

Spoon and bowl both filled with fajita seasoning.

Easy Taco Seasoning Recipe

You’re gonna fall in love with this Taco Seasoning! Yum!! Skip a trip to the store, and have some yummy fun making your own taco seasoning!

Two small jars of taco seasoning.

21 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!

Jars of seasoning mixes in a line.

More Genius Kitchen and Garden Tips and

31 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!

Small jar of sauce labelled bbq.

55 Easy Gardening Tips and Tricks for Beginners!

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to create a fabulous garden. So go grab your shovel, and get inspired with these helpful Gardening Tips and Tricks you’ll wish you tried sooner.

Flowers in pots outside.

Homesteading 101 (Ultimate Guide for Homesteaders Today)

Savor every moment of the simpler life and take your homesteader skills to the next level with this ultimate guide for Homesteading 101!

Chicken looking at the camera.

How To Get Walmart Grocery Deals

Make your next trip to Walmart extra thrifty when you use my favorite money saving tips for scoring the best Walmart Grocery Deals!

Front of Walmart store under a blue sky.

How To Get Sam’s Club Grocery Deals

Start scoring yourself some fabulous Sam’s Club Deals and Steals when you are prepped with these little-known shopping hacks!

Sam\'s Club store front.

So have you tried this method for How to Dry Cilantro Leaves yet?

Leave a comment & share!

Collage with text \"How to Dry Fresh Cilantro in 2 minutes!\"

About Heidi Miller

Heidi Miller is the creator of The Frugal Girls, where she shares easy recipes with massive flavor! She has been creating and sharing recipes online for over 15 years, and brings warmth, expertise, and a personal touch to every recipe. Her work has been featured on Today.com, NBC, Fox, Parade, People, Country Living, Woman’s World, and more!

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44 Comments

  1. Simone says:

    Genius! Thank you! I thought dried coriander was the same as dried cilantro. Found out I was wrong and needed dried cilantro for a recipe this morning. Your truck worked perfectly! Albeit I needed two tablespoons so I had to do several rounds and after washing the cilantro my microwave took closer to 3 minutes, but so grateful to have found this!

    1. Heidi says:

      Fantastic – I’m so glad this tip was helpful, Simone!

  2. Teresa says:

    How long its it good after you dry it out and store it in an air tight container?

    1. Heidi says:

      Hi Teresa ~ it will typically last 1 – 2 years. 🙂