Air fryer dehydrated basil is a quick and simple way to preserve fresh herbs in just minutes. With a few easy steps, you’ll have crisp, flavorful basil perfect for seasoning sauces, soups, and more. It’s a great method for reducing waste and keeping herbs on hand year-round.

Dried basil leaves in a small bowl with fresh basil and an air fryer in the background.
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Dehydrating basil in the air fryer is a quick and convenient way to preserve fresh herbs without needing a traditional dehydrator. Whether you’ve got an overflowing herb garden or leftover basil from a recipe, this method locks in flavor and aroma in just minutes.

Once dried, the basil is perfect for seasoning sauces, soups, salads, and more—plus it stores beautifully for long-term use. It’s a simple kitchen hack every home cook should know!

Don’t forget to check out my recipe for Air Fryer Dehydrated Parsley, or Air Fryer Dehydrating Cilantro.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

1️⃣ ⏱️ Quick & Easy – Dries in minutes compared to hours in a dehydrator.
2️⃣ 🌿 Preserves Fresh Herbs – Perfect for saving excess garden or store-bought basil.
3️⃣ 🍝 Versatile Use – Great for seasoning pasta, soups, sauces, and more.
4️⃣ 💨 No Special Equipment Needed – All you need is your air fryer!
5️⃣ 🧂 Stores Beautifully – Keep your dried basil for months in your spice cabinet.

Ingredients Needed For Dehydrating Basil In Air Fryer

Crispy air fryer dehydrated basil leaves in a bowl with fresh basil and an air fryer nearby.
  • Fresh basil leaves – Fragrant, leafy herb perfect for drying and seasoning
  • Olive oil (optional) – Light coating for enhanced flavor and crispness
  • Salt (optional) – Adds a touch of flavor when storing dried basil

How To Dry Basil Leaves In Air Fryer

Place basil into the air fryer basket.

Step One: Wash your herbs and then dry them. I usually wash them and then lay them out on water towels, until they are completely dry.

Step Two: Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F, using the air fryer setting. Remove the leaves from the stems. Place the leaves into the air fryer basket. Then place a spoon (or fork) or trivet on top of the herbs, which will help keep them down during the air frying.

Step Three: Set cook time for 3-6 minutes, or until the leaves are completely dried.

Place a spoon, or fork over the basil leaves to keep them from flying around.

How To Dry Basil Leaves In Air Fryer Recipe Tips

Use Fresh, Dry Leaves – Wash and fully dry basil before air frying to avoid steaming. 💧🍃
Single Layer Only – Spread the leaves out in one even layer for even drying. 📏🔁
Use Low Heat – Set your air fryer to the lowest temperature (around 95–110°F if available) to gently dehydrate the basil. 🌡️
Check Frequently – Basil can go from dry to burnt quickly—check every 2–3 minutes. ⏱️👀
Cool Before Storing – Let dried leaves cool completely before crushing or storing in a jar. ❄️🫙

Storing

Store air fryer dehydrated basil in an airtight container or spice jar, away from heat and moisture. It will keep its flavor and aroma for up to 6 months when stored properly. 🌿

Dehydrated basil leaves in a small jar with fresh basil and an air fryer in the background.

Dehydrating Basil In Air Fryer Recipe Faqs

❓ What temperature should I use to dehydrate basil in the air fryer? Use the lowest setting available—ideally 350 degrees F—for gentle, even drying. 🌡️🍃

❓ How long does it take to dry basil in the air fryer? It typically takes 3–6 minutes, depending on your air fryer model and leaf thickness. ⏱️👀

❓ Should I use oil when dehydrating basil?It’s optional! A very light coating of olive oil can add flavor but may reduce shelf life. 🧴🌿

❓ Can I dry other herbs this way? Yes! This method works well for parsley, oregano, thyme, and mint too. 🌱✨

❓ How do I know the basil is fully dried? The leaves should be crisp, brittle, and crumble easily between your fingers. 💨🫙

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Dried basil leaves in a small bowl with fresh basil and an air fryer in the background.

Air Fryer Dehydrated Basil

4.80 from 5 votes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 11 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

Air fryer dehydrated basil is a quick and simple way to preserve fresh herbs in just minutes. With a few easy steps, you’ll have crisp, flavorful basil perfect for seasoning sauces, soups, and more. It’s a great method for reducing waste and keeping herbs on hand year-round.

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup Basil
  • 1 teaspoon salt, optional

Instructions

  • Wash your herbs and then dry them. I usually wash them and then lay them out on water towels, until they are completely dry.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F, using the air fryer setting.
  • Remove the leaves from the stems.
  • Place the leaves into the air fryer basket
  • Then place a spoon (or fork) or trivet on top of the herbs, which will help keep them down during the air frying.
  • Set cook time for 3-6 minutes, or until the leaves are completely dried.

Equipment

  • Something to weigh down the basil leaves

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 240kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 3gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 1161mgPotassium: 0.1mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1250IUCalcium: 100mgIron: 0.4mg

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