The effects of ultrasound-enhanced hot air drying on the drying characteristics, microstructure and bioactive profile of germinated highland barley seeds (GHB) were studied. GHB was dried by hot air at 55� C and 70� C and ultrasonic intensities of 125.1 W/dm2 and 180.2 W/dm2, respectively. The results showed that when the drying temperature was 55� C or 70� C, the sonicated groups could shorten the drying time by 17.4�26.1 or 18.8�31.3, respectively. Ultrasound drying at 125.1 W/dm2 and 55� C could mostly increase the content of organic selenium and the rehydration rate, improve the color and maintain the original structure of GHB. Compared with hot air drying alone, the phenolic content did not increase due to ultrasound-enhanced hot air drying. Therefore, drying at an ultrasonic intensity of 125.1 W/dm2 and a temperature of 55� C could effectively shorten the drying time, and enhance the quality of GHB. © 2019 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.