Can you dehydrate parsley in the Ninja Foodi?

Yes, you can absolutely dehydrate parsley in the Ninja Foodi! The Ninja Foodi is an all-in-one multi-cooker that can be used as an air fryer, pressure cooker, slow cooker, and dehydrator. It’s a very versatile kitchen appliance that makes dehydrating herbs like parsley easy.

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How to Dehydrate Parsley in the Ninja Foodi

Dehydrating parsley in the Ninja Foodi is simple and only takes a couple hours. Here are the steps:

Wash and thoroughly dry the parsley. Make sure there is no moisture on the leaves before dehydrating.
Remove the stems from the parsley leaves. The stems take longer to dehydrate.
Spread the parsley leaves out in a single layer on the dehydrating rack or crisper basket. Make sure none of the leaves are overlapping.

Insert the dehydrating rack or crisper basket into the Ninja Foodi.
Select the “Dehydrate” function and set the temperature to 125°F.
Set the timer for 2-4 hours. Parsley typically takes 2-3 hours to fully dehydrate.

Check the parsley every 30 minutes or so. Stir the leaves around to promote even drying.
The parsley is done dehydrating when the leaves are completely dried and brittle. They should crumble easily.
Let the dehydrated parsley cool completely before storing.

Transfer the crispy dried parsley to an airtight container or mason jar. Store in a cool, dry place away from light.

It’s really that simple! The Ninja Foodi’s dehydrate function circulates hot air to gently and evenly extract moisture from the parsley until it’s perfectly crispy. The low dehydrating temperature prevents the flavorful parsley oils from evaporating.

Tips for Dehydrating Parsley

Follow these tips for the best results when dehydrating parsley in the Ninja Foodi:

Make sure the parsley is completely dry before dehydrating. Any moisture will make it take longer to dehydrate.
Remove the stems before dehydrating, as they take longer to dry than the leaves.
Spread the leaves in a single layer so they dry evenly. Don’t overcrowd the dehydrating rack.

Set the dehydrate temp to 125°F. Any higher can cause the parsley to cook instead of drying out.
Dehydrate for 2-4 hours and check frequently. Drying times can vary based on humidity.
Let the crispy parsley cool fully before storing so moisture doesn’t get trapped in the container.

Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry spot to maintain crispness.

How Long Does Dehydrated Parsley Last?

One of the best things about dehydrating parsley is that it can be stored for a very long time without going bad. Properly stored, dehydrated parsley can last:

6-12 months at room temperature

1-2 years in the refrigerator
2-3 years in the freezer

The key is making sure the parsley is fully dehydrated with no moisture left before storage. It also must be kept in an airtight container in a cool, dry spot. With proper drying and storage, dehydrated parsley can retain its color and flavor for years.

What to Use Dehydrated Parsley For

Dried parsley has many of the same uses as fresh parsley. Here are some ways to use up your homemade dehydrated parsley:

Soups and stews – Add for flavor and color
Salad dressings and marinades – Whisk in for fresh taste

Compound butters and spreads – Mix in to herbed butters
Sauces and gravies – Mix in for flavor boost
Meats and vegetables – Sprinkle on before cooking

Casseroles and baked goods – Add to recipes
Herb salt and spice blends – Mix with salt, garlic, and other herbs

Dehydrated parsley has a more concentrated flavor than fresh, so you generally need less. Start with about 1/3 of the amount a recipe calls for in fresh parsley.

Benefits of Dehydrating Parsley

Dehydrating parsley has many benefits compared to using fresh:

Long shelf life – Stores for up to 2-3 years when properly dried and stored
More concentrated flavor – Drying condenses the flavors and aromas

Easy to use – Ready to add to recipes without chopping or prepping
Space saving – Takes up much less space than bunches of fresh parsley
Money saving – Makes parsley purchased in bulk last longer instead of going bad

Always available – Provides access to “fresh” parsley year round

Dehydrating is an easy way to preserve delicate herbs like parsley for long term use. The Ninja Foodi makes it simple with its specialized dehydrating function.

Common Questions About Dehydrating Parsley

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about dehydrating parsley:

Can you dehydrate parsley in a regular oven?

Yes, parsley can be dehydrated in a conventional oven, but it’s less ideal. You’ll need to use a very low temperature (around 120°F), keep the door propped open, and it may take longer. An oven without a dehydrating function can’t hold as low and steady of a temperature.

Should parsley be blanched before dehydrating?

Blanching is not necessary when dehydrating parsley. Blanching helps set the color and soften vegetables, but isn’t needed for quick-drying herbs.

How much fresh parsley equals one cup dried?

It takes about 1/2 cup of fresh parsley leaves to produce 1/4 cup dried parsley. Parsley shrinks down significantly when the moisture is removed during dehydration.

Can you use curly or Italian parsley?

Both curly and Italian parsley varieties can be dehydrated. Curly parsley may take a little longer to fully dry due to the ruffled texture. But both make great dried parsley.

What’s the best way to rehydrate dried parsley?

To rehydrate dried parsley, simply add the desired amount to a recipe as it cooks. You can also reconstitute it by soaking in hot water for 10 minutes before using.

Conclusion

The Ninja Foodi multi-cooker is ideal for dehydrating fresh herbs like parsley for long term storage. Its specialized dehydrate function circulates air evenly around the parsley to remove moisture gently. Follow the proper preparation and drying tips outlined above, and the parsley will retain maximum flavor and color. Dehydrated parsley is delicious in soups, sauces, marinades, dressings, and many other dishes. With a shelf life up to 2-3 years, dehydrating lets you enjoy the convenience of parsley year-round.