We love garlic. It makes everything better.
So, why not roast it in the air fryer and take it to the next level? We've been roasting garlic in the oven for years, but the air fryer is a total useful, reducing roast time and concentrating the garlic's natural sugars for faster caramelization.
It's quicker and easier, reducing roast time from about 45 minutes in a conventional oven to about 25 minutes in the air fryer. The garlic turns out perfectly caramelized and spreadable.
Let's be nobody likes peeling garlic. Roasting it makes the cloves pop right out of the skins.
No mess, no fuss. This recipe is great when you need that garlic fix without turning on the oven.
We're talking about delicious roasted garlic in just minutes. You'll be putting it on everything.
Ready to get started? Let's do this!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Roasted Garlic
You'll need just a few simple ingredients to make roasted garlic:
- Garlic heads: Choose firm, large heads of garlic.
- Olive oil: For drizzling.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Fresh herbs (optional): Rosemary or thyme sprigs for extra flavor.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Roasted Garlic
- Trim the tops: Cut off the top ¼ inch of each garlic head to expose the individual cloves.
- Wrap in foil: This keeps the garlic from drying out and helps it cook evenly, trapping steam to keep the cloves moist.
- Preheat air fryer: Ensures the garlic cooks consistently; for timing and temperature examples, see air fryer wings for beginners, and aim for 380°F when roasting garlic for consistent caramelization.
- Check halfway: Make sure the garlic is not burning and adjust time if needed, checking around 12-15 minutes into a 25-minute roast.
Variations and Add-Ons
Switch up your roasted garlic with these fun ideas:
- Herb-Infused Garlic: Add rosemary, thyme, or oregano for an herby twist, using 1-2 sprigs tucked into the foil.
- Spicy Garlic: Sprinkle a pinch of red chili flakes for a spicy kick, about ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon per head.
- Lemon Zest Garlic: Add some fresh lemon zest before roasting for a citrusy pop.
Easy Air Fryer Roasted Garlic
Equipment
- Air-fryer
- Knife
- Aluminum Foil
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
- 4 large garlic heads
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F.
- Cut the top ¼ inch off of each garlic head to expose the cloves.
- Drizzle each garlic head with olive oil, making sure it seeps into the cloves.
- Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and add a sprig of fresh herbs if desired.
- Wrap each garlic head tightly in a piece of aluminum foil.
- Place the wrapped garlic heads in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 15-20 minutes until the garlic is tender and golden brown.
- Remove from the air fryer and let cool slightly before squeezing the cloves out of their skins.
- Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Notes
- If you prefer more caramelization, open the foil during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Roasted garlic can be frozen for up to a month. Store in a freezer-safe container.
- For a milder flavor, reduce cooking time to 15 minutes.
Nutrition
Roasted garlic pairs nicely with crunchy snacks such as crispy air fryer roasted peanuts for snacking to add contrasting texture. It also complements warm, buttery sides like crispy air fryer garlic bread for sides to make easy, flavor-forward accompaniments.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
