Your Cool Home is supported by its readers. Please assume all links are affiliate links. If you purchase something from one of our links, we make a small commission from Amazon. Thank you!
Yes, cilantro can be dried in a microwave, and it’s actually one of the fastest ways to preserve this fresh herb.
If you’ve been wondering whether you can dry cilantro in the microwave without losing its flavor or turning it into a sad, crispy mess, the answer is a resounding yes.
The microwave method works by removing moisture quickly through low-power heat, which helps cilantro retain much of its color and aroma.
It’s not the traditional way to dry herbs, but it’s incredibly convenient when you need dried cilantro in a pinch.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to dry cilantro in the microwave, the pros and cons of this method, and tips to get the best results.
Let’s dive in.
Why Cilantro Can Be Dried in the Microwave
Cilantro can be dried in the microwave because the appliance uses low-power settings to gently evaporate moisture from the leaves.
Here’s why this method actually works:
1. Microwaves Heat Water Molecules
Microwaves work by agitating water molecules inside the cilantro leaves.
This agitation creates heat, which causes the water in the plant cells to evaporate.
Since cilantro is mostly water, the microwave can dry it out fairly quickly without needing high temperatures that would scorch the leaves.
This is the core reason you can dry cilantro in the microwave successfully.
2. Low Power Prevents Burning
The trick to drying cilantro in the microwave is using a low power setting, usually around 30 to 50 percent.
If you use full power, the cilantro will cook, burn, or even catch fire in some cases.
Low power mimics a slow dehydration process, which is exactly what you want when you dry cilantro in the microwave.
3. It Preserves More Flavor Than You’d Think
Many people assume that microwaving cilantro destroys its taste, but that’s not entirely true.
Because the drying happens fast, the essential oils in the cilantro leaves don’t have much time to degrade.
When you dry cilantro in the microwave properly, you end up with a decent amount of that fresh, citrusy flavor intact.
It won’t be as potent as fresh cilantro, but it’s definitely usable in cooking.
4. It’s Fast and Accessible
The biggest advantage of drying cilantro in the microwave is speed.
You can go from fresh cilantro to dried cilantro in about two to five minutes, depending on your microwave and the quantity.
Compare that to air drying, which takes days, or oven drying, which takes hours.
If you need dried cilantro fast, the microwave is your best friend.
How to Dry Cilantro in the Microwave Step by Step
Learning how to dry cilantro in the microwave is simple once you know the process.
Follow these steps to get it right:
1. Wash and Dry the Cilantro Thoroughly
Start by rinsing your fresh cilantro under cool water to remove dirt and grit.
Then pat the leaves completely dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
Any leftover water will steam the cilantro instead of drying it, which can lead to uneven results when you dry cilantro in the microwave.
2. Remove Stems and Separate the Leaves
Pluck the cilantro leaves from the stems and discard the stems.
Only the leaves should go into the microwave since stems take longer to dry and can burn.
Spread the leaves out so they’re not clumped together.
3. Place Leaves Between Two Paper Towels
Lay a paper towel on a microwave-safe plate.
Scatter the cilantro leaves in a single layer on top.
Cover with another paper towel.
The paper towels absorb moisture as the cilantro dries and prevent the leaves from flying around inside the microwave.
4. Microwave on Low Power in Short Bursts
Set your microwave to 30 to 50 percent power.
Microwave the cilantro in 30-second intervals.
After each interval, check the leaves and rotate the plate if needed.
It usually takes two to four minutes total to dry cilantro in the microwave, but timing varies by microwave wattage and leaf quantity.
5. Let Them Cool and Crumble
Once the cilantro leaves feel dry and brittle, take them out and let them cool completely.
They’ll crisp up even more as they cool.
Then crush them with your fingers or a spoon and store in an airtight container.
Tips for Better Results When You Dry Cilantro in the Microwave
If you want the best outcome when you dry cilantro in the microwave, keep these tips in mind:
1. Don’t Overcrowd the Plate
A single layer is key.
If you pile cilantro too high, the leaves on the bottom will steam while the ones on top stay wet.
Work in small batches when you dry cilantro in the microwave.
2. Watch It Closely
Microwaves vary wildly in power.
What takes two minutes in one microwave might take four in another.
Stay nearby and check frequently so you don’t accidentally burn your cilantro.
3. Store It Properly
Once your cilantro is dried, keep it in an airtight jar away from heat and light.
Properly stored dried cilantro lasts up to six months, though the flavor fades over time.
4. Use It in Cooked Dishes
Dried cilantro works best in soups, stews, sauces, and rubs.
It doesn’t shine as a garnish the way fresh cilantro does, so save the fresh stuff for topping tacos and salads.
So, Can Cilantro Be Dried in the Microwave?
Cilantro can be dried in the microwave, and it’s one of the quickest ways to preserve this herb when you have more than you can use.
Just use low power, short bursts, and paper towels to absorb moisture.
The result won’t be identical to fresh cilantro, but it’s a solid option for cooked dishes and emergency seasoning.
Give it a try next time you have a bunch of cilantro threatening to wilt in your fridge.
You might be surprised at how well it works when you dry cilantro in the microwave.