Learning how to make garlic powder at home is one of the easiest ways to preserve fresh garlic while creating a flavorful pantry staple without additives or preservatives. Whether you want to make garlic powder in a dehydrator, oven, or air fryer, this simple method creates fresh, potent garlic seasoning that tastes better than most store-bought versions.
Homemade garlic powder is an easy way to reduce food waste, preserve extra garlic cloves, and create a versatile seasoning you can use in soups, sauces, marinades, spice blends, dry rubs, vegetables, meats, and more.
Unlike store-bought garlic powder, homemade garlic powder contains no fillers, preservatives, or anti-caking agents. The flavor is often much stronger and fresher because the natural oils in the garlic remain more potent after drying.
If you already love making homemade pantry staples, be sure to check out how to use an air fryer as a dehydrator, how to dehydrate fruit and vegetables, and how to make beef jerky with a dehydrator.
This post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here.
- BENEFITS OF MAKING HOMEMADE GARLIC POWDER
- EQUIPMENT YOU WILL NEED
- HOW TO MAKE GARLIC POWDER FROM FRESH GARLIC
- HOW TO DRY GARLIC FOR GARLIC POWDER
- HOW TO MAKE GARLIC POWDER IN AN AIR FRYER
- HOW TO TURN DEHYDRATED GARLIC INTO GARLIC POWDER
- WHY HOMEMADE GARLIC POWDER TASTES BETTER
- GARLIC POWDER CONVERSION CHART
- COMMON MISTAKES WHEN MAKING GARLIC POWDER
- HOW TO STORE HOMEMADE GARLIC POWDER
- CAN YOU MAKE GARLIC POWDER FROM GARLIC SKINS?
- CAN YOU MAKE GARLIC POWDER WITHOUT A DEHYDRATOR?
- WHY IS MY GARLIC POWDER CLUMPING?
- WHY DOES HOMEMADE TASTE STRONGER?
- HOW LONG DOES HOMEMADE GARLIC POWDER LAST?
- IS GARLIC POWDER JUST DEHYDRATED GARLIC?
- WHY DOES GARLIC POWDER TASTE BITTER?
- CAN YOU FREEZE HOMEMADE GARLIC POWDER?
- CAN I MAKE GARLIC POWDER FROM MINCED GARLIC?
- HOW TO MAKE GARLIC SALT
- HOW TO MAKE GARLIC POWDER FROM FRESH GARLIC FOR SEASONING BLENDS
BENEFITS OF MAKING HOMEMADE GARLIC POWDER
Better Flavor Than Store Bought Garlic Powder
Fresh homemade seasonings have a stronger aroma and richer flavor compared to many store-bought versions.
No Preservatives or Fillers
Making garlic powder from fresh garlic allows you to avoid additives, anti-caking agents, and preservatives commonly found in packaged garlic seasoning.
Great Way to Preserve Garlic
If you have extra garlic bulbs, dehydrating garlic for powder helps prevent waste while extending shelf life.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Homemade garlic powder is convenient for seasoning vegetables, meats, sauces, soups, casseroles, and marinades without peeling fresh garlic every time.
Specific Carbohydrate Diet Friendly
Making your own spices ensures there are no unwanted ingredients, starches, or additives.
EQUIPMENT YOU WILL NEED
- 6 heads fresh garlic
- Food dehydrator
- Air fryer with dehydrator setting
- Oven
- Spice grinder or coffee grinder
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Airtight spice jar or mason jar
I have found that using a dehydrator creates the best flavor because the garlic dries slowly and evenly without burning. If you regularly preserve food at home, I highly recommend investing in a dehydrator and spice grinder because they can save money over time while helping reduce food waste.
HOW TO MAKE GARLIC POWDER FROM FRESH GARLIC
PREPARE THE GARLIC
Start by separating the garlic cloves from each garlic bulb. Peel the garlic cloves and remove any damaged spots.
For easier peeling, place the cloves in a mason jar with the lid secured and shake vigorously for several seconds. This helps loosen the skins quickly.
Slice each garlic clove into thin, even slices about 1/8-inch thick. Uniform slices are important because uneven pieces dry at different speeds.
Thin slices also help it to dehydrate faster and create a smoother homemade seasoning.
HOW TO DRY GARLIC FOR GARLIC POWDER
USING A FOOD DEHYDRATOR
Arrange the sliced garlic in a single layer on dehydrator trays without overlapping.
Set the dehydrator to 125°F.
Dry the garlic for 10 to 12 hours or until the slices snap easily when bent.
Rotate trays occasionally for even airflow.
Slow drying at a low temperature helps preserve the garlic flavor while preventing bitterness.
USING AN OVEN
If you are making homemade garlic powder without a dehydrator, the oven works well too.
Preheat oven to 150°F to 200°F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread garlic slices in a single layer.
Bake for 1 to 2 hours, flipping halfway through.
Check frequently because garlic burns easily.
The garlic is ready when it becomes brittle and snaps easily.
PRO TIP
I have noticed garlic dried too quickly at high temperatures develops a more bitter taste. Slow drying creates better flavor and a fresher aroma.
HOW TO MAKE GARLIC POWDER IN AN AIR FRYER
If your air fryer has a dehydrator setting, it works extremely well for making garlic powder at home.
Arrange garlic slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket.
Set the temperature to 125°F if possible.
Allow the garlic to dry for 4 to 6 hours, checking periodically.
Flip slices occasionally for even drying.
Air fryer dehydrated garlic should become crisp and brittle before grinding.
If you enjoy dehydrating foods in the air fryer, check out HOW TO USE AN AIR FRYER AS A DEHYDRATOR and SIMPLE BANANA CHIPS AIR FRYER RECIPE.
HOW TO TURN DEHYDRATED GARLIC INTO GARLIC POWDER
Allow the dried garlic to cool completely before grinding.
Place garlic pieces into a spice grinder, coffee grinder, or food processor.
Pulse until the garlic becomes a fine powder.
For extra fine DIY powder, sift through a fine mesh strainer and regrind larger pieces.
You can also leave some larger flakes for soups, stews, pasta dishes, and homemade seasoning blends.
WHY HOMEMADE GARLIC POWDER TASTES BETTER
Homemade garlic powder often tastes fresher and more flavorful because it contains natural garlic oils that weaken over time in packaged products.
Benefits of homemade garlic seasoning include:
- Stronger garlic flavor
- Fresher aroma
- No preservatives
- No fillers
- No anti-caking agents
- Adjustable texture
- Better for homemade spice blends
GARLIC POWDER CONVERSION CHART
Many people wonder how much garlic powder equals one clove of garlic.
Here is a simple garlic conversion chart:
| Fresh Garlic | Garlic Powder |
|---|---|
| 1 clove garlic | 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder |
| 2 cloves garlic | 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder |
| 4 cloves garlic | 1 teaspoon garlic powder |
| 8 cloves garlic | 2 teaspoons garlic powder |
This conversion is helpful when replacing fresh garlic with dehydrated garlic powder in recipes.
COMMON MISTAKES WHEN MAKING GARLIC POWDER
SLICING GARLIC TOO THICK
Thicker slices dry unevenly and may trap moisture inside.
USING HIGH HEAT
Garlic burns quickly and can develop a bitter flavor when dried at high temperatures.
GRINDING BEFORE FULLY DRY
Any leftover moisture can cause clumping and shorten shelf life.
STORING GARLIC POWDER WHILE WARM
Always cool garlic completely before storing to prevent condensation.
POOR AIRFLOW
Proper ventilation helps garlic dry evenly and reduces moisture buildup.
HOW TO STORE HOMEMADE GARLIC POWDER
Transfer homemade garlic powder to an airtight container or spice jar.
Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and moisture.
For best flavor, use within 6 months, although properly stored spices may last up to 12 months.
To help prevent clumping:
- Add a silica packet
- Add a teaspoon uncooked rice
- Avoid storing near heat or humidity
CAN YOU MAKE GARLIC POWDER FROM GARLIC SKINS?
Skins can technically be dehydrated and blended, but the flavor is much weaker and slightly bitter compared to using fresh cloves.
I prefer using whole cloves for the best homemade seasoning flavor. Garlic peels are usually better for broth, compost, or homemade vegetable stock.
CAN YOU MAKE GARLIC POWDER WITHOUT A DEHYDRATOR?
Yes. The oven works well for drying garlic if you do not own a dehydrator.
Simply slice garlic thinly, bake at a low temperature, and dry until crisp.
An air fryer with a dehydrator function is another great alternative.
WHY IS MY GARLIC POWDER CLUMPING?
Garlic powder clumps when exposed to humidity or moisture.
To keep garlic powder dry:
- Store in airtight containers
- Use silica packets or rice
- Keep away from steam and heat
- Ensure garlic is completely dry before grinding
WHY DOES HOMEMADE TASTE STRONGER?
Homemade usually tastes stronger because it contains fresher natural oils and fewer additives than store-bought seasoning.
Freshly dehydrated garlic retains much more flavor and aroma.
HOW LONG DOES HOMEMADE GARLIC POWDER LAST?
When properly stored in a dry airtight container, homemade garlic powder can last up to one year.
However, for maximum flavor, I recommend using it within 6 months.
IS GARLIC POWDER JUST DEHYDRATED GARLIC?
Yes. Garlic powder is simply dehydrated garlic that has been finely ground into powder form.
Granulated garlic is similar but has a coarser texture.
WHY DOES GARLIC POWDER TASTE BITTER?
Garlic powder can taste bitter if the garlic dries at too high a temperature or becomes overcooked during dehydration.
Slow drying at low temperatures helps preserve flavor and prevents bitterness.
CAN YOU FREEZE HOMEMADE GARLIC POWDER?
Yes, homemade garlic powder can be frozen in airtight containers to extend shelf life and preserve flavor.
However, moisture is the biggest concern, so containers should remain tightly sealed to prevent condensation.
CAN I MAKE GARLIC POWDER FROM MINCED GARLIC?
Yes, but freshly sliced garlic cloves usually create better flavor and texture than jarred minced garlic because jarred garlic contains extra moisture and preservatives.
HOW TO MAKE GARLIC SALT
To make homemade garlic salt, combine:
- 1 part garlic powder
- 3 parts salt
Mix thoroughly and store in an airtight container.
Homemade garlic salt works well on roasted vegetables, potatoes, meats, popcorn, and homemade seasoning blends.
HOW TO MAKE GARLIC POWDER FROM FRESH GARLIC FOR SEASONING BLENDS
Homemade garlic seasoning works well in:
- Dry rubs
- Ranch seasoning
- Taco seasoning
- Cajun seasoning
- Garlic salt
- Marinades
- Pasta sauces
- Soup mixes
If you enjoy homemade seasoning recipes, check out KETO ITALIAN CASSEROLE, EASY CHICKEN BREAST RECIPE SALAD, and CRISPY BAKED POTATO WEDGES for easy ways to use homemade garlic powder.
This homemade garlic powder recipe is one of the easiest ways to preserve garlic while creating flavorful homemade seasoning for everyday cooking. Whether you are dehydrating in an air fryer, oven, or food dehydrator, making your own seasoning at home is simple, affordable, and tastes better than many store bought spices.
MORE DEHYDRATOR RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE
- How to Dehydrate Fruit and Vegetables
- How to Make Beef Jerky with a Dehydrator
- How to Use an Air Fryer as a Dehydrator & 9 Best Recipes
- Healthiest Lunch Meat in the Air Fryer
How to Make Garlic Powder From Fresh Garlic
Learn how to make garlic powder from fresh garlic using a dehydrator, oven, or air fryer. This homemade garlic powder recipe is easy, flavorful, and preservative free
Ingredients
- 6 heads of garlic (or more, depending on how much powder you want)
- Food dehydrator or oven
- Spice grinder, coffee grinder, or food processor
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Airtight container for storage
Instructions
Start by separating the garlic cloves from the garlic heads. Peel each clove and slice them as evenly as possible. Uniform slices ensure even drying.
Using a Food Dehydrator: Place the sliced garlic evenly across the dehydrator trays. Set the temperature to 125°F (52°C) and allow the garlic to dry for about 10-12 hours, or until the slices are crisp and snap when bent. Rotate the trays periodically to ensure even drying.
Using an Oven: Preheat your oven to 150-200°F (67-93°C). Spread the garlic slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 1-2 hours, checking frequently. The garlic is fully dried when it breaks easily with a snap. Once the garlic is completely dry, allow it to cool.
Grind into a Powder: I find it easiest to use an electric coffee grinder to make ground garlic powder but you can use a spice grinder, or food processor to grind the garlic into a fine powder.
For an Extra Fine Garlic Powder: Sift the powder through a mesh strainer to remove any larger pieces, which can be saved and used in soups or stews.
How to Store Homemade Garlic Powder: Transfer your homemade garlic powder into an airtight container. Store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
Notes
Proper storage will allow your garlic powder to stay fresh for up to a year. To prevent clumping, consider adding a teaspoon of uncooked rice or a silica gel packet to absorb moisture.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information
Yield
1Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 271Total Fat 1gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 0mgSodium 35mgCarbohydrates 60gFiber 4gSugar 2gProtein 12g
The nutrition in recipes is calculate by AI, mistakes happen. It is highly recommended to check carb counts to make sure these recipes fit into your diet. Also, if you are following a specific diet or have allergies to certain foods, be sure to do your research on products before considering it safe to consume.
About Thirty Something Super Mom
My journey started after a Crohn's disease diagnosis, inspiring a commitment to well-being. This site shares my distinctive approach to healthy living with my collection of nutritious recipes that boast authentic flavors, mimicking the indulgence of traditional dishes. I love sharing guilt free recipes for low carb, keto, gluten-free, paleo, and the specific carbohydrate diet. I also share tips on natural living, including homemade cleaners and cleaning hacks. I also share my experience as a veterinary technician and pet groomer, to integrate pet health tips, homemade dog food recipes, and grooming insights to ensure your pets thrive.