How to Dry Chilies

Co-authored by Randall Chambers

Last Updated: March 6, 2022 Approved

Drying chili peppers is an ideal way to preserve an abundant harvest or leftover supply for future use. Dried chilies are very versatile, and when done correctly, you can use them as-is or re-constitute (hydrate) them in water. Either way, drying chili peppers provides you with an additional way to utilize this incredible vegetable. Knowing how to dry chilies properly depends upon several conditions, such as airflow, weather, and humidity levels. Choose whichever method works best for your environment to get the best results.

Steps

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Chilies that are chosen for drying should be completely mature and of full color. Do not use any chilies that have cuts, spots, or blemishes.
Attempting to naturally air-dry in a humid climate can result in very moldy and soft produce.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Drying Outside

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Use a sharp knife to slice your chilies in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds.
You can use your local weather channel, online forecasts, or newspapers to determine the forecast.
While outside is best, you can also put them in a windowsill if necessary.
Turn the peppers over, so the cut-side is facing the sun, and allow them to continue drying.
At first light the next morning, remove the sheet so the peppers can continue to dry.
Store them in a sealed container for future use.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Drying in an Oven

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For a fan-forced oven, the temperature should be 40ºC.
Only place them down in a single layer.^{[1]
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Research source} The cookie sheet is best covered with a layer of taut muslin, with the chilies sitting on the muslin.
You can choose to turn them once during the cooking process if you like, but it is not required. Once they start turning brown, they are dried. Be aware that drying time depends very much on the size of the chilies.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Hanging Peppers

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This method requires a dry air environment; if you attempt this in a moist, overly humid environment, the chilies may grow moldy.

You can use cooking,polyester or nylon thread and calculate how long will you need depending on how many chilies you have.
Using the thread, tie the stalks close together as possible. You may also use a large needle and stitch their stalks together.
Allow them to dry for a minimum of three weeks.

Community Q&A

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Question

Can I dry green chillies?

Community Answer

Yes, but keep in mind that green chilies do not dry well. I would recommend using a food dehydrator if you want to dry them though.

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Question

Can I dry them in a greenhouse? My greenhouse is made of plastic sheets, so it's very hot inside.

Community Answer

Absolutely! Your chilies will dry even faster inside your greenhouse.

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Question

What happens if I dry chillies without slicing them in half and removing seeds?

Caeiia

Top Answerer

Not much will happen, but you may need to dry it out more, and prepare for a spicier pepper. Cutting it lets the moisture evaporate easily, and the seeds usually contain the most spice. Make sure you dry them in a hot, dry place.

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Tips

Chilies freeze well.

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You can also dry the chili seeds in the same manner as the peppers. You can grind up the seeds in a pepper mill or blender, and use them to spice up recipes or meals in the same way you would use crushed red pepper flakes.

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If you are going to hang the peppers to dry, you will need a screened-in porch or other well-ventilated room where wind and air can flow freely.

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Warnings

When working with chili peppers, you need to wear protective gloves and protective or safety goggles. The peppers and seeds contain oils that are capable of burning your eyes, ears, mouth, and skin. These protective items can minimize risk of injury.

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