This proof-of-concept study demonstrates a facile and scalable 'dry water' method for producing micrometer-sized microgel particles by use of 'water-in-air' droplets as micro-reactors. Solid microgel particles could be easily produced by this method with no further purification. The microgel particles comprise of porous hydrophobic shells and hydrophilic cores and could absorb both oil and water. The swelling of the particles could be triggered by a surfactant under a wide range of conditions.