Learn how to make onion powder to preserve this delicious pantry staple! Homemade onion powder is an incredible zero-waste addition to your spice cabinet.
Cut in half and then make slices ~3/8 inches thick.
Arrange the slices on your dehydrator so that there is space around each slice, and the slices are not touching.
Set your dehydrator to the "fruit/vegetables" setting (or 135˚F degrees).
Rotate trays every few hours.
Onions are ready when pieces of them break or snap instead of bend. If your pieces are thinner, they will feel papery when ready. (6-12 hours depending on conditions)
Making Onion Powder
Add dehydrated onion to a high-powered blender or food processor or spice grinder and process until the dried onion is a fine powder.
The length of time this part of the process takes will depend on the blending/grinding equipment you use. You may need to sift the powder a few times.
How to Store Onion Powder
Make sure the powder is fully cooled before putting it into an air-tight container to prevent mold.
(optional) Add 1/4 tsp of uncooked white rice to your storage containers. This will help absorb excess moisture and keep the onion powder from clumping together.
Notes
As long as it is stored in a cool and dry place, your homemade onion powder will be good for years.
If you make more onion powder than you anticipate using in a year, consider freezing the extra to preserve the freshness.
If your blender doesn't have a lot of power, it's ok! You'll just need to process the dehydrated onion longer, taking breaks to scrape down the sides of the blender and to allow the onion powder to cool down.
Oven-Drying Instructions:
Follow the cutting instructions above and then place onion slices on baking drying racks set on baking sheets.
Place in the oven at the lowest temperature possible (usually 140-170˚F degrees) and prop open the door with the handle of a wooden spoon. This allows condensation to escape instead of just settling back onto the onions.