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Parsley is an excellent addition to any home herb garden. This fragrant, hardy perennial is easy to grow. You can grow parsley outdoors or indoors by placing it near a sunny window, and since it’s drought-tolerant, it requires minimal upkeep. Plus, it attracts beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies if grown outdoors.
One of the best ways to preserve parsley’s fresh flavor is by drying it, allowing you to enjoy its aroma and taste all year long. While there are various ways to dry parsley, such as using a dehydrator, oven, microwave, or air drying, today we’ll focus on drying it with an air fryer. Here’s a step by step guide on how to dry parsley at home.
Ingredients
- One(1) bunch of parsley
Instructions on Drying Parsley
- Wash the parsley thoroughly, shake off any excess water, and pat it dry.
- Remove the leaves from the stems and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 360°F for 2 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Continue air frying for another 1-2 minutes if needed.
- Allow the parsley to cool completely, then gently crumble the leaves with your fingers.
- Once you finish crumbling, add it to your favorite spice jar and enjoy!
How to Store Parsley
Once your parsley is fully dried, store it in an airtight container and place it in a cool, dark, and dry spot, such as your spice cabinet, to maintain its quality.
You can keep the parsley in whole sprigs or crumble the leaves to fit more into smaller containers. Glass jars or spice bottles are ideal for storing dried herbs. Don’t forget to label and date your parsley so you know when it’s at its best. Although dried herbs have a longer shelf life, they are most flavorful if used within a year.
How to Harvest Parsley
If you’re harvesting your own parsley, aim to gather it in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day sets in, as harvesting during hot or wet conditions can cause the parsley to wilt.
To capture the best flavor, pick parsley stems when they’re fully grown. As always, choose parsley from areas free of roadside runoff or pollutants.
Use scissors or garden shears to cut the stems carefully without bruising the leaves. Discard any leaves that are discolored or damaged by insects.
Once harvested, bring the parsley indoors right away. Leaving it out in the sun can cause it to wilt quickly.
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- How to Dry Rosemary – 4 Easy Methods
- How to Dry Black Currants in a Dehydrator
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can You Use Dried Parsley?
Dried parsley works great in seasoned salts, marinades, soups, or sprinkled over dishes as a garnish. Remember that dried herbs have a stronger flavor than fresh ones. When using dried parsley instead of fresh, use about one-third of the amount called for in a recipe.
Should You Wash Parsley Before Drying?
Yes, it’s a good idea to wash parsley before drying to remove any dirt or debris.
How Long Will Dried Parsley Last?
For the best flavor, use dried parsley within a year of drying.
Is It Cheaper to Dry Your Own Parsley?
Yes, drying your own parsley is much more cost-effective than buying pre-dried herbs from the store.
