Air Fryer Roasted Garlic: A Quick and Flavorful Essential

Roasted garlic is a game-changer in the kitchen, adding a rich, mellow, and slightly sweet depth to dishes. Traditionally, roasting garlic in the oven can take up to an hour, but with an air fryer, you can achieve the same buttery-soft cloves in half the time. Whether you’re spreading it on bread, mixing it into mashed potatoes, or using it as a base for sauces, air fryer roasted garlic is a must-have ingredient.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Efficient – Roasting garlic in an air fryer significantly reduces cooking time compared to the oven.
• Minimal Ingredients – Requires just garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
• No Heating Up the Kitchen – Unlike oven roasting, the air fryer won’t make your kitchen uncomfortably warm.
• Versatile Use – Perfect for spreading, mixing, and enhancing a variety of dishes.

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Ingredients

• 1 whole head of garlic
• 1–2 teaspoons olive oil
• A pinch of salt (optional)
• Aluminum foil or a small oven-safe dish

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic

1. Remove any excess papery skin from the garlic head, keeping the cloves intact.
2. Slice off the top ¼ inch of the garlic head to expose the tops of the cloves.

Step 2: Season and Wrap

3. Drizzle olive oil over the exposed garlic cloves, ensuring they are well coated.
4. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt if desired.
5. Wrap the garlic head tightly in aluminum foil or place it in a small oven-safe dish covered with foil.

Step 3: Air Fry the Garlic

6. Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (188°C).
7. Place the wrapped garlic in the air fryer basket.
8. Roast for 20–25 minutes, checking at the 20-minute mark. The cloves should be soft and golden brown.

Step 4: Cool and Use

9. Carefully remove the garlic and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
10. Squeeze the softened cloves out of the skins and use immediately or store for later.

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Variations

• Herbed Garlic – Add a sprig of rosemary or thyme to the foil before roasting.
• Butter Infused – Mix the roasted garlic with melted butter for an instant flavor boost.
• Spicy Roasted Garlic – Sprinkle with red pepper flakes before roasting for a subtle kick.

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Serving Size & Timing

• Servings: 1 head of garlic yields approximately 8–12 cloves
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
• Total Time: 25–30 minutes

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Storage & Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store roasted garlic in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Mash the roasted garlic and freeze in small portions (such as ice cube trays) for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: If needed, warm slightly in the microwave or let it come to room temperature before use.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the garlic is fully roasted?

Roasted garlic is ready when the cloves are soft, golden brown, and can be easily squeezed out of the skin.

Can I roast multiple heads of garlic at once?

Yes! You can roast several heads at once, just make sure they are evenly spaced in the air fryer.

Should I use foil, parchment paper, or an oven-safe dish?

Foil works best for even roasting, but an oven-safe dish with a cover is a good alternative. Avoid parchment paper as it may burn.

Can I use this method for peeled garlic cloves?

Yes, but they will cook faster—check them after 10–15 minutes.

What if I don’t have olive oil?

You can use avocado oil, melted butter, or even a small amount of vegetable oil as a substitute.

Can I roast garlic without an air fryer?

Yes! You can roast it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 40–45 minutes.

How do I prevent garlic from burning in the air fryer?

Ensure it’s fully wrapped in foil and check it at the 20-minute mark to avoid overcooking.

What dishes pair well with roasted garlic?

It’s great for spreading on bread, mixing into pasta, adding to mashed potatoes, or blending into salad dressings.

Can I use roasted garlic in place of raw garlic?

Yes! It has a milder, sweeter flavor, so you may need to use more if replacing raw garlic in a recipe.

Is air fryer roasted garlic healthier than oven-roasted?

The nutritional benefits are the same, but air frying saves time and energy.

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Conclusion

Air fryer roasted garlic is a simple yet powerful way to elevate your dishes with deep, rich flavor. With just a few minutes of prep and an air fryer, you’ll have creamy, spreadable garlic that enhances everything from bread to soups and sauces. Try this quick and easy method, and you’ll never go back to traditional roasting!

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