In order to address the issues of high energy consumption and quality deterioration in the traditional Lycium barbarum drying process, the design of Lycium barbarum drying equipment and the optimisation of process parameters were conducted based on high-voltage electric field drying technology, revealing the correlation between electric field characteristics and drying efficiency. Based on research into the principle and structure of the equipment, the shape of the electrode, the form of the needle plate electrode, and the optimisation of process parameters, the influence of voltage, needle-to-plate spacing, and needle spacing on the electric field characteristics were explored. Through the self-developed high-voltage electric field drying experimental platform, the mechanisms of key parameters such as voltage intensity (0-50kV), needle-to-plate spacing (2-6cm), and needle spacing (4-10cm) on the electric field characteristics were systematically analysed. Single factor experiment and a quadratic orthogonal rotation combination design response surface analysis were used to establish a mathematical model correlating the drying rate with the electric field parameters. The electric field distribution characteristics were simulated using COMSOL Multiphysics simulation software. The results indicated that the optimal drying effect was achieved at a voltage of 35kV, a needle-to-plate spacing of 4cm, and a needle spacing of 4cm, with an average drying rate of 0.0549g/(g·h). The results aligned well with the electric field simulation, and the established high-voltage electric field model could be utilised to simulate the change trend of drying rate in the actual drying process. The objective of this study was to establish low-energy-consumption and high-quality Lycium barbarum drying equipment, thereby providing a new approach and technical support for the production of dried Lycium barbarum.