7 Ways to Use Your Microwave As a Dehydrator

Move over, popcorn. We've got a new use for your microwave.

By: Karen Cohen

Photo By: Karen Cohen

The True MVP

The ubiquitous microwave, beloved by frozen-dinner connoisseurs everywhere, can do more than defrost; it can also dehydrate. Follow these simple steps to preserve the flavor, color and shelf life of your favorite fruits and herbs without any additional special gadgets.

For Apples

Arrange thinly sliced apple rounds on the glass tray in your microwave. Be sure not to overlap the slices.

Lightly pat the slices with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.

Microwave the apple slices on DEFROST mode for 15 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes.

For the Best Results

For the best results, allow the microwaved slices to cool and dry out completely on a drying rack for a few hours. Sprinkle with cinnamon for some spice!

For Bananas

Did someone say banana chips?

Spray your glass microwave tray lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then arrange pieces of thinly sliced banana on the tray.

Microwave on DEFROST mode for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping midway. Your banana slices will be dry to the touch when ready.

For Extra-Crispy Results

Transfer the rounds to a cooling rack and let them sit overnight.

For Basil, Parsley and Other Delicate Herbs

Arrange the leaves of your delicate herbs in an even layer on the paper-towel-lined tray of your microwave.

Cover with another paper towel and microwave on HIGH for about 30 seconds.

Checking for Doneness

The leaves should be completely dry and crumbly when done. You can use your DIY dried herbs to flavor sauces, soups and braised dishes.

For Rosemary, Thyme and Other Woodsy Herbs

Separate the leaves from the stems and sprinkle on the paper-towel-lined tray of your microwave. Microwave on HIGH for about 1 minute.

Checking for Doneness

Look for completely dry and crumbly leaves to indicate that your herbs are ready.

Storage Best Practices

Store your DIY dried herbs in airtight containers to use in your favorite dishes. You can also combine the dried herbs to create your own spice blends.

7 Ways to Use Your Microwave As a Dehydrator

The True MVP

For Apples

For the Best Results

For Bananas

For Extra-Crispy Results

For Basil, Parsley and Other Delicate Herbs

Checking for Doneness

For Rosemary, Thyme and Other Woodsy Herbs

Checking for Doneness

Storage Best Practices

Next Up

10 Ways to Use Your Microwave for Thanksgiving 11 Photos

How to Make Cornbread Stuffing in the Microwave 8 Photos

How to Cook Turkey in the Microwave 11 Photos

How to Make Mashed Potatoes and Gravy in the Microwave 14 Photos

We Recommend

Simple Summer Party Recipes 50 Photos

Summer Side Dish Recipes 116 Photos

30-Minute Dinner Recipes 56 Photos

Over-the-Top Dessert Recipes You Won't Be Able to Resist 27 Photos

Non-Beef Burger Recipes 18 Photos

Our Best Sheet Pan Recipes 46 Photos