Chives are a delicious garnish and a particularly tasty addition to soups. Thankfully, it’s also an easy herb to grow and it produces a lot from a mature plant. What do you do with all those fresh chives, though? I’ll teach you how to dry chives in the microwave as a quick and easy way to preserve them.
If you happen to have an air fryer, there’s an equally great method for how to dry chives in the air fryer. Try both and see which you like better!
Can You Dry Fresh Chives in the Microwave?
Yes, you can dry fresh chives in the microwave. The cooking process dehydrates the chives so they’re safe to store for later use.
I dry a lot of my fresh herbs in the microwave, since it’s such a quick and easy method. Check out some other ideas, such as how to dry thyme in the microwave, how to dry rosemary in the microwave, or learn how to dry oregano in the microwave.
How to Dry Chives in the Microwave: Step By Step
- Start with clean, dry, fresh chives, trimming off any dead sections
- Cut your chives into small pieces (between ¼” and ½”) using kitchen shears, herb scissors, or similar
- Place a paper towel on a microwave safe plate
- Spread out your chive pieces in a single layer on the paper towel (if you have a lot, you may need to do this in batches)
- Cover the chive leaves with another paper towel
- Microwave on high for 30 seconds, then check
- Continue to microwave in 30 second intervals, until chives are completely dry and crinkle when touched
- Store dried chives in an airtight container or spice jar
Cooking times are based on a 1000W microwave. On average, it takes me about 2 minutes in total to dry chives in the microwave. Lower wattage microwaves will need more time, whereas higher wattage units generally take less.
I love that chives are cut ahead of time as well. That’s the most annoying part of other herbs I think – trying to separate the leaves and stems. Larger leaves, like air fryer dried parsley are easy to just scrunch up, but the smaller ones can be tedious!
How Long Do Dried Chives Last?
Dried chives last between 2-3 years before they begin to lose potency, assuming they are properly stored in an airtight container or spice jar.
After this time, they’re not dangerous to consume. However, they won’t flavor your dishes as much (which can certainly be disappointing).
The last thing I want is to not taste one of the key components in my ham, cheese, and chive air fryer quiche, inspired by the one in our best Emeril Lagasse air fryer recipes!
In Conclusion
Drying chives in the microwave is a quick and easy method to make sure your abundant herb garden flavors your dishes all year round.
It’s great for adding pizzazz to all sorts of dishes, making it a versatile herb to have in your cooking arsenal.
One of my favorites is topping up mashed cauliflower, as seen over in our best microwave cauliflower recipes. Yeah, your microwave can cook that, too!
Simple Dried Chives in the Microwave
Equipment
- Microwave
- Herb scissors or kitchen shears
- Plate designed for microwave use
- 2 Sheets paper towels
Ingredients
- 35-40 Leaves chives washed and dried if needed
Instructions
- Start with clean, dry, fresh chives, trimming off any dead sections35-40 Leaves chives
- Cut your chives into small pieces (between ¼” and ½”) using kitchen shears, herb scissors, or similar
- Place a paper towel on a microwave safe plate
- Spread out your chive pieces in a single layer on the paper towel (if you have a lot, you may need to do this in batches)
- Cover the chopped chive leaves with another paper towel
- Microwave on high for 30 seconds, then check
- Continue to microwave in 30 second intervals, until chives are completely dry and crinkle when touched
- Store dried chives in an airtight container or spice jar
Notes
- If you have a lot of chives, make sure to dry them in batches. Stacking up beyond a single layer won’t heat evenly and you’ll get some still wet while others burn
- In a 1000W microwave, it takes me about 2 minutes on average, but times will vary based on your specific wattage and quantity used
- It’s normal for some leaves to turn a gray color during cooking. Dark brown or blackened, however, means they’re overcooked
- Dried chives keep well for 2-3 years. After which, they are still safe, but lose flavor and potency
Nutrition
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
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