Air Fryer Roasted Garlic (Easy How To Recipe)

This air fryer roasted garlic is such a wonderful addition to garlic toast, pasta sauces, mashed potatoes and more. Made with whole garlic cloves, extra virgin olive oil and seasonings, it’s such an easy way to add more flavor to all your favorite dishes.

Air fryer roasted garlic is a culinary gem that adds a delectable, mellow flavor to a wide range of dishes. Its creamy texture and sweet, nutty taste make it a versatile ingredient that elevates everything from spreads and sauces to soups and entrées. 

While traditional oven-roasted garlic requires patience and time, the air fryer offers a quick and efficient way to achieve the same mouthwatering results. In this blog post, we’ll explore the simple yet magical process of making Air Fryer Roasted Garlic and discover why this cooking method is an absolute game-changer for your kitchen. 

Get ready to unlock the secrets to flavorful goodness! If you love garlic you may also want to try my Parmesan Garlic Air Fryer Truffle Fries, my Vegan Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower or this Delicious Buttery Garlic Confit.

WHY CHOOSE THE AIR FRYER?

The air fryer is a countertop appliance that uses hot air circulation to cook food evenly and achieve a crispy texture, similar to traditional frying but with little to no oil. When it comes to roasting garlic, the air fryer offers several advantages:

1. Faster Cooking Time: Roasting garlic in the air fryer takes significantly less time than using the oven. In just 15-20 minutes, you’ll have perfectly roasted garlic cloves ready to enjoy.
2. Energy Efficiency: The air fryer uses less energy compared to a conventional oven, making it a more eco-friendly and cost-effective option.
3. Even Cooking: The hot air circulation in the air fryer ensures that the garlic cloves roast evenly, resulting in consistent flavors and textures.
4. Retains Nutrients: The quick cooking time helps preserve more of the garlic’s nutrients compared to traditional roasting methods.

INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE AIR FRYER ROASTED GARLIC RECIPE

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make these spreadable cloves of garlic (the exact measurements and full recipe are in the recipe card at the bottom of the post):

• Whole head of garlic – individual garlic cloves will also work, however it’s easiest to add the entire bulb to the air fryer basket.
• Extra virgin olive oil – avocado oil will also work. Any sort of high-quality oil.
• Kosher salt and black pepper – red pepper flakes or seasonings of choice are all optional.

DIRECTIONS ON HOW TO MAKE

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F while you prepare the garlic bulbs.

Prepare the Garlic Bulbs:

Using a sharp knife, cut off the top of the garlic bulb to expose the cloves. Make sure the cloves are slightly exposed, but keep the bulbs intact.

Drizzle with Olive Oil:

Place the garlic bulbs on a sheet of tin foil. Drizzle a generous amount of olive oil over the exposed cloves, ensuring they are well coated.

Season (Optional):

For added flavor, sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over the garlic cloves. This step is optional but enhances the taste of the roasted garlic.

Wrap and Seal:

Wrap the piece of foil around the garlic bulbs, creating a sealed pouch to trap the steam and ensure even roasting.

Air Fry the Garlic:

Place the foil-wrapped garlic pouch in the preheated air fryer basket. Roast garlic for approximately 15-20 minutes or until the cloves are soft and golden brown.

Cool and Squeeze:

Carefully remove the garlic pouch from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes. Once cooled, gently squeeze the garlic bulbs from the bottom, causing the roasted cloves to pop out effortlessly.

Enjoy the Air Fryer Roasted Garlic:

The roasted garlic cloves are now ready to use! Spread them on toasted bread, mash them into spreads, add them to sauces, or incorporate them into your favorite recipes to enhance their flavors.

DIFFERENT WAYS TO ENJOY AIR FRYER GARLIC

1. Garlic Toast: Spread roasted garlic cloves over fresh crusty bread, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt. This elevated version of garlic bread will impress your guests and add a gourmet touch to your meal.
2. Pasta Sauces: Mash roasted garlic head into your favorite pasta sauces, such as marinara, Alfredo, or pesto. The sweet and creamy garlic flavor will infuse the pasta dishes with a delightful depth of taste.
3. Mashed Potatoes: Mix a few whole cloves into mashed potatoes for a heavenly side dish. The roasted garlic will add richness and a subtle nutty flavor to the potatoes.
4. Hummus: One of my favorite ways to enjoy roasted garlic is to blend it into homemade hummus for a unique twist on this classic dip. The roasted garlic will complement the earthy flavor of chickpeas and create an irresistible combination.
5. Pizza Topping: Spread roasted garlic over pizza crusts before adding the sauce and toppings. It will infuse your pizza with a delicious and aromatic garlic essence.
6. Soups and Stews: Add roasted garlic cloves to soups and stews to enhance their flavor profile. The roasted garlic will melt into the broth, providing a subtle sweetness and depth of taste.
7. Salad Dressings: Whisk mashed roasted garlic into vinaigrettes or creamy dressings to add a delectable garlicky note to your salads.
8. Vegetable Roasts: Toss whole roasted garlic cloves with roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or cauliflower. The roasted garlic will complement the vegetables’ natural sweetness and add a delightful twist to the dish.
9. Compound Garlic Butter: Mix mashed roasted garlic with softened butter, then refrigerate until firm. Use this flavorful compound butter to spread on bread, melt over grilled meats, or add a gourmet touch to steamed vegetables.

STORING

Storing Air Fryer Roasted Garlic is simple and allows you to enjoy its delicious flavors for an extended period. Here are the steps to store leftover roasted garlic cloves properly:

1. Allow the Roasted Garlic to Cool: After removing the roasted garlic from the air fryer, let it cool completely at room temperature. This ensures that excess moisture evaporates, preventing any potential bacterial growth during storage.
2. Remove from the Bulb: Once the roasted garlic has cooled, gently squeeze the bottom of each garlic bulb to release the soft, roasted cloves. You can also use a small fork or a knife to help remove the individual cloves.
3. Store in an Airtight Container: Place the roasted garlic cloves in an airtight container. A small glass jar or a resealable plastic container works well for this purpose. Make sure the container is clean and dry before adding the roasted garlic.
4. Add Olive Oil (Optional): For added preservation and flavor, you can drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the roasted garlic cloves before sealing the container. The oil helps create a barrier, preventing air from reaching the garlic and maintaining its freshness.
5. Refrigerate or Freeze: Depending on your storage needs, you have two options:a. Refrigeration: If you plan to use the roasted garlic within a week, store it in the refrigerator. Properly stored roasted garlic can last for up to 7 to 10 days in the fridge.b. Freezing: To extend the shelf life further, freeze the roasted garlic in a freezer bag or an ice cube tray. It can be frozen for up to 3 to 4 months. Place the container in the freezer, making sure it’s tightly sealed.

Different Recipes You May Enjoy With Your Fresh Garlic

• Steamed Zucchini Recipe
• The Best Truffle Hummus Recipe
• Easy Vegan Pesto Recipe
• Low Carb Roasted Parmesan Brussel Sprouts
• Low Carb Spaghetti Squash Recipe With Meat Sauce

IF YOU TRIED THIS EASY AIR FRYER RECIPE PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT IN THE COMMENT SECTION AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails