There is nothing quite as comforting and flavorful as roasted garlic, and this Air Fryer Roasted Garlic Recipe is a total game changer for garlic lovers everywhere. It’s incredibly easy, fast, and results in perfectly soft, sweet, and caramelized garlic cloves with just a hint of smokiness. Using the air fryer cuts down cooking time while locking in all those wonderful flavors, making it a must-try for adding depth to any dish or simply spreading on warm bread. Once you have this recipe under your belt, you’ll find so many ways to incorporate roasted garlic into your everyday meals!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Air Fryer Roasted Garlic Recipe requires just a handful of simple ingredients that are essential for bringing out that rich, roasted flavor. Each component plays a key role in the taste and texture, making this recipe both straightforward and delicious.
- 2 heads of garlic: Fresh, firm garlic heads are key to getting soft, caramelized cloves that melt in your mouth.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil: A drizzle of good-quality olive oil helps to enhance flavor and keeps the garlic moist while roasting.
How to Make Air Fryer Roasted Garlic Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Garlic Heads
Start by cutting off just the top of each garlic head to expose the individual cloves slightly. This allows the garlic to roast evenly and caramelize beautifully while still holding together. Remember, the cloves should be connected, so don’t cut too deep!
Step 2: Season and Wrap
Next, place each garlic head on a piece of foil and drizzle about a teaspoon of olive oil evenly over the exposed cloves. Wrapping the garlic tightly in foil is essential; it helps lock in moisture and infuses the garlic with oil, making every bite soft and flavorful.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and place the foil-wrapped garlic inside. Roast for about 25 minutes—this timing melts the cloves into a spreadable softness while coaxing out a subtle sweetness through caramelization.
Step 4: Cool and Squeeze
After roasting, keep the garlic heads inside the air fryer with the door closed and let them cool for 5 to 10 minutes. This step is crucial not only for safe handling but also for allowing the flavors to settle. Once cool enough, squeeze the cloves out gently—their creamy texture is perfect for adding richness to your favorite recipes.
How to Serve Air Fryer Roasted Garlic Recipe
Garnishes
Roasted garlic is a flavorful garnish that can elevate a variety of dishes. Spread it on toasted bread for an irresistible appetizer, swirl it into mashed potatoes for an aromatic twist, or dot it atop roasted vegetables as a finishing touch. Its mellow sweetness pairs beautifully with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
Side Dishes
This garlic pairs delightfully with roasted or grilled meats, enhancing everything from steak to chicken with its deep, savory notes. Toss the soft cloves into grain salads, pasta dishes, or creamy risottos to boost richness without overpowering the main flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party snack, serve whole roasted garlic heads alongside a variety of dips and spreads allowing guests to squeeze out cloves directly onto crackers or crostini. You can also blend the roasted garlic with butter or cream cheese for a flavorful spread that livens up sandwiches and wraps. The possibilities are truly endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you don’t use all of your roasted garlic right away, no worries! Simply store the squeezed cloves in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This keeps them fresh and ready to add a pop of flavor to your meals throughout the week.
Freezing
For longer storage, roasted garlic freezes beautifully. Place the cloves in a small freezer-safe container or ice cube tray with a bit of olive oil. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a sealed bag and use within three months. This way, you’ll always have roasted garlic on hand whenever inspiration strikes!
Reheating
To bring your roasted garlic back to life, gently warm the cloves in a microwave or on the stovetop until just heated through. Avoid overheating, or the delicate flavor and creamy texture might turn bitter or dry out. A quick rewarm is all you need to enjoy that signature softness.
FAQs
Can I use any type of garlic for the Air Fryer Roasted Garlic Recipe?
Yes, fresh, firm heads of garlic work best to achieve that creamy texture. Older or sprouted garlic may roast differently and have a sharper flavor, so fresh is always preferred for this recipe.
Do I need to peel the garlic before roasting it?
No peeling is required! You only trim the top to expose the cloves. The skins protect the garlic as it roasts and keep the cloves from drying out.
Can I roast more than two heads at once in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Just be sure not to overcrowd the basket so the garlic roasts evenly. You may need to extend the roasting time slightly depending on the quantity and air fryer model.
How do I use roasted garlic in recipes?
You can squeeze the soft cloves directly into dishes for a mellow garlic flavor or mash them into sauces, spreads, or dressings. It’s a fantastic way to add complexity without the harshness of raw garlic.
Is air frying garlic healthier than traditional roasting?
Air frying uses less oil and cooks garlic efficiently while preserving flavor and texture. It’s a quicker method that still produces the delicious caramelized taste you want!
Final Thoughts
If you want to boost your cooking with a simple, flavorful ingredient that feels gourmet, the Air Fryer Roasted Garlic Recipe is a must-try. It’s fast, easy, and endlessly versatile. Once you’ve tasted that sweet, buttery roasted garlic, you’ll never want to go back to plain cloves again. Give it a go—you might just find your new favorite pantry staple!
Print
Air Fryer Roasted Garlic Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 heads of garlic
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Air Fryer Roasted Garlic recipe delivers perfectly caramelized, soft, and flavorful garlic heads using your air fryer. It’s an easy and quick way to enhance any dish with the rich, mellow sweetness of roasted garlic without heating up your oven.
Ingredients
Garlic
- 2 heads of garlic
Oil
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the garlic: Cut off the top of each head of garlic just enough to expose all the cloves slightly, keeping them connected at the base. This allows the garlic cloves to roast evenly and become tender inside the bulb.
- Wrap and season: Place each garlic head on a piece of foil, drizzle 1 teaspoon of olive oil over the exposed cloves, then wrap the foil tightly around the garlic heads to trap the heat and moisture during cooking.
- Air fry: Place the wrapped garlic heads in the air fryer basket and cook at 380°F (193°C) for 25 minutes. The heat will roast the garlic cloves to a golden softness, perfect for spreading or adding to recipes.
- Cool down: After cooking, let the garlic cool inside the air fryer with the door closed for about 5 to 10 minutes to prevent burning your fingers when handling the hot garlic.
- Use or store: Remove the roasted cloves from their skins using a knife, small spoon, or by gently squeezing. Use immediately in recipes or store the roasted garlic in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- You can add herbs or spices like thyme or rosemary to the garlic before wrapping for additional flavor.
- Be careful when squeezing the garlic cloves right after cooking as they will be very hot.
- Roasted garlic can be spread on bread, mixed into sauces, or added to mashed potatoes.
- Freezing roasted garlic in small portions makes it easy to add to recipes later.
