If your garden produced an overabundance of fresh herbs like parsley this year, don’t let it go to waste! Instead, learn how to dry parsley in the microwave for a quick and easy way to preserve your fresh herbs for later use.
Parsley is such a versatile herb, making an appearance in lots of dishes as both an ingredient and a garnish. It’s an herb that I always have on hand!
Can Parsley Be Dried in the Microwave?
Yes! Parsley can be dried in the microwave. In fact, it’s the quickest drying process! Not only will the oven heat up your house more, but it takes longer. Air drying is a great option as well, but far more time consuming.
Then there’s a food dehydrator, but I just can’t ever get over adding yet another appliance to my kitchen just to dry herbs!
Katie’s tip
If you have an air fryer, you can also dehydrate parsley in an air fryer for a reliable alternative method that still preserves the vibrant color, even if it doesn’t have a separate dehydrate function.
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Ingredients List
- Fresh parsley, any variety
Ingredient Tips
- You can dry as much parsley as you like, though you’ll want to cook it in batches so you keep it to a single layer in the microwave. Overcrowding can lead to wet spots (though the process is so quick you won’t mind the batches)!
Step By Step Instructions
- Start with clean, dry, fresh parsley (rinse in cold water, and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner)
- Place a paper towel on a microwave safe plate
- Spread out your parsley in a single layer on the paper towel (if you have a lot, you may need to do this in batches)
- Trim the stems to get rid of excess
- Cover the parsley layer with another paper towel
- Microwave on high for 30 seconds, then check
- Continue to microwave in 30 second intervals, until parsley is completely dry
- Remove leaves from stems by running your hand down the stem over a bowl, then crumble them up finer if desired
- Store dried parsley in an airtight container or spice jar
What Are Some Uses for Dried Parsley?
- Soups and stews
- Pasta sauce
- Garnish
- Marinades
- Salad dressing
- Compound butter
- Seafood
- Tea
- Seasoning on meats or vegetables
- Baked potatoes
As you can see, dried parsley leaves are versatile for use in a lot of other dishes. It’s a flavorful herb that goes with a variety of cuisines and works with lots of other foods!
Make a microwave baked potato with plastic wrap and then top it off with your parsley dried in the microwave, or try some homemade Air Fryer Croutons seasoned with your favorite Italian herbs!
Recipe FAQs
Can You Dry Parsley in the Oven?
Yes, you can dry parsley in the oven as well. Bake the leaves spread out on a baking sheet or tray at the lowest oven temperature possible (generally around 200 degrees Fahrenheit). It usually takes between 2-4 hours to fully dry. You’ll also want to blanch your leaves ahead of time.
While this method works just as well in terms of the result, it takes a lot longer to get there. So, I find the microwave method to be better if you want to dry parsley quickly.
What Is The Best Way To Dry Parsley?
The best method depends on your time and setup. Air drying works well by tying parsley into small bundles and hanging it in a dry, well-ventilated space. For a faster option, you can use an oven on low heat or a dehydrator to dry the leaves more quickly while preserving flavor.
Faster still, you can use the microwave or a low-heat setting on an air fryer to dehydrate the leaves quickly.
Is It Worth Drying Parsley?
Yes! Drying parsley is a great way to preserve fresh herbs and reduce waste. While the flavor is milder than fresh parsley, it’s still useful for adding color and a subtle herbal note to soups, sauces, and seasoning blends.
Tips For the Best Dried Parsley
- Times are based on a 1000W microwave. On average, it takes me about two minutes in total to dry out parsley in the microwave. For lower wattages, plan on a higher time, and for higher wattages, plan for lower cook times
- This dehydration method works with many varieties of parsley, such as flat-leaf parsley (Italian parsley) and curly parsley!
Storage Tips
- Keep it in an airtight container. Exposure to air causes dried herbs to lose flavor more quickly! A good choice is a glass jar (like a spice jar or similar)
- Store in a cool, dark place. A pantry or spice cabinet away from heat and direct sunlight helps preserve color and potency
- Avoid moisture. Keep it away from steam (like above the stove) to prevent clumping and spoilage
- Use a dry spoon when measuring. Introducing moisture can shorten its shelf life
- Label with a date. Dried parsley flakes are best used within 6-12 months for the best flavor
- Check for freshness. If the color fades or the aroma is weak, it’s time to replace it to ensure the best taste!
More Microwave Dried Herbs
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to dry parsley in the microwave, you’ll see just how easy it is to preserve herbs for use all year round. In fact, it’s a great reason to put that neglected herb garden back to work!
It takes only about 3 minutes between prep and cook time, meaning that you’ll be able to quickly and easily process dried parsley. I love anything that doesn’t feel like an arduous task!
Nearly any herb can be dried in the microwave, and all in a relatively short amount of time. Cooking and seasoning with a vibrant array of herbs from your home garden has never been easier!
Katie’s tip
If you want to learn more about growing herbs at home, check out this guide on how to start an indoor herb garden!
How to Dry Parsley in the Microwave
Equipment
- Microwave safe plate
Ingredients
- 12-14 sprigs fresh parsley washed and dried if needed
Instructions
- Start with fresh parsley, washing and drying it if needed12-14 sprigs fresh parsley
- Lay a paper towel on a microwave safe plate. Spread out your parsley in a single layer on the paper towel. Then, cover the parsley layer with another paper towel
- Microwave on high for 30 seconds, then check for doneness
- Continue to microwave in 30 second intervals, until parsley is completely dry and crinkly to the touch
- Remove leaves from stems by running your hand down the stem over a bowl, then crush up finer if desired
- Store dried parsley in an airtight container or spice jar
Notes
- If you have a lot of parsley, make sure to dry in batches. Stacking up beyond a single layer won’t heat evenly
- Trimming the excess stems is important, as they may actually catch on fire if left intact!
- To crush the leaves, I prefer a quick chop with a chef’s knife. Alternatively, you may use your hands, a spoon, a mortar & pestle, or just scrunch them around in a Ziploc bag
- Dried parsley keeps well for about 1 year, after that it tends to lose flavor (but is usually still safe to eat)
Nutrition
