How to Dry Thyme in the Microwave – Quick & Easy!

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Thyme is a great easy to grow herb that thrives in places like your kitchen window or the back patio. When you’ve got too much fresh thyme on your hands or the end of the season draws near, what do you do? Let’s talk about how to dry thyme in the microwave for a quick and easy way to preserve it.

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If you don’t have a microwave or don’t want to use it for the process, check out another easy alternative in how to dehydrate thyme in the air fryer.

closeup of microwave dried thyme spilling out of a glass spice jar on a plate

Can Thyme Be Dried in the Microwave?

Yes, thyme can be dried in the microwave. In fact, it’s the best way to dry thyme quickly, versus the oven and air drying alternatives.

In fact, many fresh herbs can be dried quickly and easily in the microwave. For some similarly-sized herbs to thyme, learn about drying chives in the microwave, see how to dry rosemary in the microwave, or check out how to dry oregano in the microwave.

How to Dry Thyme in the Microwave: Step by Step

  1. Start with clean, dry, fresh thyme
sprigs of fresh thyme cleaned on a plate
  1. Place a paper towel on a microwave safe plate
  2. Spread out your thyme in a single layer on the paper towel (if you have a lot, you may need to do this in batches)
fresh thyme sprigs laid on a paper towel
  1. Trim stems to get rid of excess – leave only leaves and soft branches
  2. Cover the thyme layer with another paper towel
cover thyme sprigs with a second paper towel
  1. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, then check
  2. Continue to microwave in 30 second intervals, until thyme is completely dry and leaves crinkle when touched
microwave dried thyme sprigs in a circle on a plate
  1. Remove leaves from stems by running your hand down the stem over a bowl or plate
dry thyme leaves separated from stems on a plate
  1. Store dried thyme in an airtight container or spice jar
overhead shot of microwave dried thyme spilling out of glass jar with stems to the side

Times are based on a 1000W microwave. On average, it takes me about 1 ½ minutes in total to dry out thyme in the microwave. Lower wattage microwaves will take more time, whereas higher wattage units should take less.

Since it’s a smaller leaf, that’s even less time than you’ll spend drying parsley in the microwave!

How Long Does Dried Thyme Last?

For best potency, dried thyme should be used in under a year. After that, while it won’t harm you, it will lose a lot of its flavor.

It tastes delicious as part of the compound butter on air fryer steak!  Check out the recipe over in our best Cuisinart air fryer recipes.

Can you Dry Thyme in the Oven?

Yes, thyme may be dried in the oven. On the lowest setting (between 150-200 Fahrenheit generally) it should take around 30 minutes to dry thyme completely.

In Conclusion

Now that you know how to dry thyme in the microwave, you’ll have some handy all year round for cooking.

Dried thyme is great in soups, breads, compound butter, in sauces, on roasted veggies, and more!

It takes less than 3 minutes between prep and cook time, meaning that you’ll be able to quickly and easily process dried thyme. 

Don’t let that herb garden go to waste!

Check out some of our best acorn squash recipes for the microwave to find the perfect recipe match for your newly dried herbs.

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Quick Dried Thyme in the Microwave

Dry your fresh thyme for later use quickly and easily with the help of your microwave.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 1 minute
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 3 minutes
Course Garnish
Cuisine Herb
Servings 1
Calories 3 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 6-8 sprigs Thyme (washed and dried if needed)

Instructions
 

  • Start with fresh thyme, washing and drying it if needed
    6-8 sprigs Thyme
  • Lay a paper towel on a microwave safe plate
  • Spread out your thyme sprigs in a single layer on the paper towel
  • Cover the thyme layer with another paper towel
  • Microwave on high for 30 seconds, then check for doneness
  • Continue to microwave in 30 second intervals, until thyme leaves are completely dry and crinkly to the touch
  • Remove leaves from stems by running your hand down the stem over a bowl
  • Store dried thyme in an airtight container or spice jar

Notes

  • If you have a lot of thyme, make sure to dry it in batches. Stacking up beyond a single layer won’t heat evenly
  • Trimming the excess woody stems is important, as they may actually catch on fire if left intact
  • It’s normal for some leaves to turn a gray color during cooking. Dark brown or blackened, however, means they’re overcooked
  • Dried thyme keeps well for about 1 year, after that it tends to lose flavor

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 3kcalCarbohydrates: 0.6gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.1gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 8mgFiber: 0.4gCalcium: 19mgIron: 1mg
Keyword air fryer dry thyme, dehydrated thyme, dried herbs, drying herbs, drying thyme, how to dry thyme, microwave dried thyme, thyme
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Katie Vine
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