How to Make Garlic Powder at Home Without Dehydrator or Oven

Garlic powder is a versatile and convenient seasoning that can add flavor to any dish. Whether you want to make your spice blends, add some extra punch to your sauces, soups, or marinades, or sprinkle some on your favorite foods, garlic powder is a great way to enhance your cooking.

But did you know that you can make your own garlic powder at home? It’s easier than you think, and you’ll get to enjoy the benefits of fresh, homemade garlic powder that has more aroma, taste, and nutrients than the store-bought version.

In this article, we’ll show you how to make garlic powder at home without a dehydrator or oven, using simple ingredients and methods. We’ll also tell you why making your own garlic powder is worth it, how to store it properly, and how to use it for cooking. Let’s get started!

Why Make Your Own Garlic Powder at Home?

There are several reasons why you might want to make homemade garlic powder:

• It is cheaper. Garlic powder can be expensive at the store, especially if you use it often. Making at home is a great way to save money.
• It is fresher. Store-bought garlic powder can be old and stale. When you make it at home, you can be sure it is fresh and flavorful.
• You can control the quality. You can maintain the quality of the garlic that you use. This is important if you have any allergies or sensitivities.
• It is fun! Making your own garlic powder is a fun and rewarding experience. It is also a great way to learn about cooking and food preservation.

Ingredients to Make Garlic Powder from Fresh Garlic

Buy Garlic Bulb

The only essential ingredient to make garlic powder from fresh garlic is fresh garlic. However, you can also add some additional ingredients to enhance the flavor and taste of your garlic powder, such as salt, black pepper, and onion powder.

How to Make Garlic Powder Without Dehydrator or Oven

There are four ways to make garlic powder without a dehydrator or oven: sun drying, microwave drying, oven drying, and using a food processor.

1. Prepare the Garlic

The first step is to prepare the garlic for dehydration. To do this, First, peel the garlic cloves. You can use a garlic peeler, a knife, or fingers to peel off the papery skin. Using a knife, you can smash the cloves with the flat side of the blade to make them easier to peel.

Next, slice the garlic cloves thinly and evenly. This will help to ensure that they dry faster and more uniformly. You can use a knife, a mandoline, a food processor, or a garlic slicer to do this. Aim for slices that are about 1/8 inch thick or less.

Finally, spread the garlic cloves on a baking sheet in a single layer, leaving some space between them. You can line the baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.

Now, you are ready to dehydrate the garlic!

2. Dehydrate the Garlic

The next step is dehydrating the slices until they are dehydrated and crisp. You can use different methods to do this, depending on what equipment you have and how much time you have. Here are some options:

Using Dehydrator

If you have a food dehydrator, you can use it to dry your garlic pieces quickly and easily. To do this, you’ll need to:

• Set the dehydrator to 125°F (52°C). This is the optimal temperature for dehydrating garlic, as it preserves the flavor and nutrients without burning or browning the garlic.
• Place the baking sheet with the sliced garlic in the dehydrator. You can use the trays that come with the dehydrator, or you can use your baking sheet if it fits in the dehydrator.
• Dehydrate the garlic for 6 to 8 hours or until the garlic is completely dry and crispy. You’ll need to check on the garlic periodically and rotate the trays or the baking sheet, if required, to ensure even drying. The garlic should be brittle and snap easily when done.

Using Oven

If you don’t have a dehydrator, you can use your oven to dry your peeled garlic. However, this method is less efficient and more prone to errors, as ovens tend to have uneven heat distribution and higher temperatures than dehydrators. To do this, you’ll need to:

• Preheat the oven to the lowest setting possible, preferably 150°F (66°C) or lower. If your oven doesn’t go that low, you can prop the oven door open slightly with a wooden spoon or a metal spatula to allow some heat to escape and lower the temperature.
• Place the baking sheet with the garlic slices in the oven. You can use the middle or the lowest rack of the oven, to avoid direct heat from the top or the bottom elements.
• Dehydrate the garlic for 2 to 4 hours or until dry and crisp. You’ll need to check on the garlic frequently and rotate the baking sheet or flip the slices, if needed, to prevent burning or browning. The garlic should be brittle and snap easily when done.

Using Microwave

If you’re in a hurry, you can use your microwave to dry your garlic slices. However, this method is not recommended, as microwaves can destroy some of the flavor and nutrients in garlic and can also cause uneven or inconsistent drying. To do this, you’ll need to:

• Place the garlic slices on a microwave-safe plate. You’ll need to arrange the pieces in a single layer on a plate, leaving some space between them. You can use a paper towel or a coffee filter to line the dish to absorb moisture from the garlic.
• Microwave the garlic for 2 to 3 minutes or until dry and crisp. You’ll need to check on the garlic every 30 seconds and flip the slices, if needed, to ensure even drying. The garlic should be brittle and snap easily when done.

Using Sun Drying

If you live in a sunny and dry climate, you can use the natural power of the sun to dry your garlic pieces. However, this method is unreliable, as it depends on the weather conditions and the season, and can also expose your garlic to dust, insects, or animals. To do this, you’ll need to:

• Place the baking sheet with the chopped garlic in a sunny spot. You’ll need to find a spot that gets direct sunlight for most of the day and that is away from sources of moisture, shade, or pollution. You can also use a solar dehydrator, a mesh screen, or a wooden frame to hold the slices instead of a baking sheet.
• Cover the garlic with a cheesecloth or a net. You’ll need to protect your garlic from dust, insects, or animals by covering it with a thin and breathable material, such as a cheesecloth or a net. You can also use a fan or a breeze to circulate the air around the garlic to speed up the drying process.
• Dehydrate the garlic for 2 to 4 days or until dry and crisp. You’ll need to check on the garlic daily and rotate the baking sheet or the garlic slices, if needed, to ensure even drying. You’ll also need to bring the garlic indoors at night or when the weather is cloudy, rainy, or humid to prevent rehydration or spoilage. The garlic should be brittle and snap easily when done.

3. Grind the Garlic into Powder

The final step is to grind the dried garlic slices into a fine powder. You can use different tools to do this, depending on how fine or coarse you want your garlic powder to be. Here are some options:

• Using a blender or a food processor. This is the easiest and fastest way to grind your garlic into a powder. You’ll need to place the dried garlic slices in a blender or a food processor and pulse until you reach the desired consistency. You can add salt or other seasonings to flavor your garlic powder. You’ll need to scrape down the sides of the blender or the food processor occasionally to ensure even grinding.
• Use a spice grinder or a coffee grinder. This is another quick and convenient way to hone your garlic into a powder. You’ll need to place the dried garlic slices in a spice grinder or a coffee grinder and pulse until you reach the desired consistency. You can add salt or other seasonings to flavor your garlic powder. You’ll need to shake or tap the grinder occasionally to ensure even grinding.
• Using a mortar and pestle. This is a more traditional and manual way to grind your garlic into a powder. You’ll need to place the dried garlic slices in a mortar and use a pestle to crush and grind them until you reach the desired consistency. You can add salt or other seasonings to flavor your garlic powder. You’ll need some force and patience to ensure even grinding.
• Using a knife or a rolling pin. This is a more rustic and simple way to grind your garlic into a powder. You’ll need to place the dried garlic slices on a cutting board and use a knife or a rolling pin to chop and crush them until you reach the desired consistency. You can add salt or other seasonings to flavor your garlic powder. You’ll need some skill and care to avoid cutting yourself or making a mess.

How to Store Garlic Powder for Longer Shelf Life

Once you have your garlic powder ready, you’ll need to store it properly to ensure it lasts longer and retains its quality. Here are some tips on how to store garlic powder for a longer shelf life:

• Store garlic powder in an airtight container. This will help to prevent moisture and pests from getting into the powder.
• Store garlic powder in a cool, dark place. Heat and light can degrade the quality of garlic powder and make it lose its flavor.
• Label the container with the date you made the garlic powder. This will help you track how long it has been stored.

How to Use Garlic Powder for Cooking

Now that you have your homemade garlic powder, you can use it for cooking in various ways. Here are some ideas on how to use garlic powder for cooking:

• Substitute garlic powder for fresh garlic. Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic in most recipes. To do this, use 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for every 1 clove of fresh garlic.
• Make your own spice blends. Garlic powder can be used to make your own spice blends by mixing it with other spices and herbs, such as salt, pepper, onion powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, thyme, rosemary, or parsley. You can use these spice blends to season your meats, vegetables, grains, or sauces and create your signature dishes.
• Add flavor and aroma to your dishes. Garlic powder can add flavor and aroma to your dishes by sprinkling some on your foods before, during, or after cooking. You can use garlic powder to enhance the taste of your soups, stews, casseroles, salads, dips, dressings, marinades, or snacks and make them more delicious.

Conclusion

Garlic powder is a versatile and convenient seasoning that can add flavor to any dish. You can make your own garlic powder at home without a dehydrator or oven, using simple ingredients and methods. You’ll get to enjoy the benefits of fresh, homemade garlic powder that has more aroma, taste, and nutrients than the store-bought version. You’ll also be able to store it properly and use it for cooking in various ways. Learn how to make garlic powder at home today, and see the difference for yourself!