Roasting Garlic In An Air Fryer: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Roasted garlic is a delicious addition to many dishes, but it can be time-consuming to make. Air fryers provide a quick and easy way to roast garlic, taking half the time of a traditional oven. With an air fryer, you can have buttery, soft roasted garlic in under 30 minutes. This article will explore the benefits of roasting garlic in an air fryer and provide a step-by-step guide on how to achieve perfect results.

How to roast garlic in an air fryer

Roasted garlic is a great way to add flavour to many dishes. It can be used in pasta, on bread, in soups, salad dressings, mashed potatoes, and more. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to roast garlic in an air fryer.

Ingredients and Equipment:

You will need a whole head of garlic, oil (extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil is recommended), aluminium foil, oven mitts, and tongs.

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic:

Slice off the top of the garlic bulb to expose the inner cloves. Place the garlic in the centre of a piece of aluminium foil, drizzle with oil, and wrap the garlic, bringing all the edges of the foil together at the top to completely enclose the garlic.

Step 2: Air Frying:

Preheat your air fryer to between 380-400°F (190-198/200°C). Place the foil-wrapped garlic in the air fryer basket and roast for 15-25 minutes, until the garlic is soft and the top is golden brown. Be careful when opening the foil pouch, as hot steam will escape.

Step 3: Cooling and Storing:

Let the garlic cool for about 10 minutes. Then, remove the cloves from their shells by gently squeezing the bottom of the bulb. Roasted garlic can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days or frozen for up to 6 months.

How to store roasted garlic

Roasted garlic is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes, from pasta to salad dressings. But how do you store it to ensure it stays fresh and flavorful? Here are some detailed instructions on storing roasted garlic:

Storing Roasted Garlic in the Refrigerator:

• Step 1: Allow the roasted garlic to cool down completely. It is important to let the garlic cool before storing it to prevent condensation, which can promote bacterial growth.
• Step 2: Peel the garlic cloves and separate them. You can use your fingers or a small knife to remove the skins gently.
• Step 3: Prepare a clean storage container. It is recommended to use an airtight container or a clean canning jar to ensure the garlic stays fresh.
• Step 4: Place the peeled garlic cloves into the container. If you plan to store them for a more extended period, consider using extra virgin olive oil. Cover the cloves completely with olive oil, ensuring they are submerged. The oil acts as a natural preservative by creating an airtight barrier that delays oxidation and moulding.
• Step 5: Tightly seal the container with a lid and store it in the refrigerator. Stored this way, roasted garlic can last for up to two weeks. However, it is important to note that you should not store garlic in olive oil at room temperature, as it can create ideal conditions for producing botulism toxin.

Storing Roasted Garlic in the Freezer:

• Step 1: Allow the roasted garlic to cool down completely before handling.
• Step 2: Peel the garlic cloves and separate them. You can use your fingers to gently squeeze the roasted garlic out of their skins.
• Step 3: Line a baking sheet or tray with parchment paper. Place the peeled garlic cloves on the prepared sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
• Step 4: Place the baking sheet in the freezer and freeze the garlic cloves for a few hours until they are completely frozen.
• Step 5: Transfer the frozen garlic cloves to a freezer-safe container or bag. Label the container with the date and store it in the freezer. Roasted garlic can be stored in the freezer for up to six months.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your roasted garlic stays fresh and flavorful for future use. Remember to practise good food safety habits and regularly check the stored garlic for any signs of spoilage. Now you can enjoy the convenience of having roasted garlic readily available to elevate your meals!

How to freeze roasted garlic

Yes, you can freeze roasted garlic! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Firstly, you will need to roast your garlic. You can do this in an air fryer or an oven. If using an air fryer, cut off the top of the garlic bulb to expose the cloves, add a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil, wrap the bulb in foil, and air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes. If using an oven, prepare the garlic in the same way, but roast at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 to 60 minutes.

Step 2: Cool the Garlic

Once the garlic is roasted, let it cool down for at least 10 minutes. This will allow the garlic to reach a safe temperature for handling and prevent burns.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Cloves

After the garlic has cooled, it's time to prepare the cloves for freezing. You can choose to freeze the cloves whole or mash them into a paste. If mashing, use a fork to achieve a smooth consistency.

Step 4: Freeze the Garlic

Spread the whole cloves or garlic paste onto a baking sheet and place them into the freezer. Leave them until they are completely frozen. This step is important as it prevents the garlic from sticking together in a solid block.

Step 5: Transfer to a Container

Once the garlic is frozen, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. You can use a zip-top bag, a freezer-safe container, or even an ice cube tray. If using an ice cube tray, pop out the frozen garlic cubes and transfer them to a bag or container once solid.

Step 6: Store and Use

Label and date your container or bag, and store the frozen garlic in the freezer. It will last for 2 to 3 months. When you're ready to use it, simply take out as many cloves or cubes as you need and let them thaw at room temperature. You can also mash the frozen garlic into a paste and use it straight away.

Now you know how to freeze roasted garlic! This method is excellent for preserving your roasted garlic and ensuring it's readily available whenever you need to add some extra flavour to your dishes.

How to use roasted garlic

Roasted garlic has a softer texture and a more mellow flavour than raw garlic, and it's easier to digest. You can eat it on its own, straight out of the bulb, or use it to add a subtle garlicky taste to a wide variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for how to use roasted garlic:

Spread on Bread or Crackers

Roasted garlic is delicious spread on crusty bread, crackers, or toast. You can also mix it with butter, mayonnaise, mustard, or sour cream for a spread or dip.

Add to Dishes

Roasted garlic can be added to a variety of dishes, including mashed potatoes, hummus, pasta, pizza, soups, stews, grilled cheese sandwiches, hamburgers, mac and cheese, and Mexican dishes like nachos, burritos, and quesadillas.

Make Sauces and Condiments

Roasted garlic can be used to make a variety of sauces and condiments, including BBQ sauce, garlic butter, chimichurri, garlic salt, garlic-herb cream cheese, and salad dressings.

Use in Baking

Roasted garlic can be added to waffle batter, biscuits, and flatbreads. It can also be rubbed onto pizza crust or added to focaccia bread.

Make Olive Oil

Roasted garlic can be added to olive oil to create an infused oil for dipping bread or cooking.

Freeze for Later

Finally, if you have more roasted garlic than you can use, you can freeze it for later use. Add whole heads to a zip-top freezer bag, or separate the cloves and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container or bag. Frozen roasted garlic will keep for up to 6 months.

The benefits of roasting garlic in an air fryer

Roasting garlic in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to add flavour to your dishes. Here are some benefits of using an air fryer to roast garlic:

Faster Roasting

Air fryers can reduce the roasting time by half compared to traditional ovens. Garlic can be roasted in an air fryer in as little as 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the garlic cloves. This makes it a convenient option when you're short on time.

No Oven Required

Air fryers are a great alternative when you don't want to heat up your entire oven for a small task like roasting garlic. They are more energy-efficient and don't heat up your kitchen as much as a conventional oven.

Versatile Usage

Roasted garlic has a wide range of uses in cooking. You can spread it on bread or crackers, add it to mashed potatoes, use it in pasta dishes, soups, salad dressings, pizza, or even make it into a paste. It's a great way to add a buttery, savoury, and mellow garlic flavour to your recipes.

Easy to Make

Roasting garlic in an air fryer is a simple process. All you need is garlic, olive oil or avocado oil, and aluminium foil. Cut the top off the garlic head, drizzle with oil, wrap in foil, and air fry until soft and golden brown. It's a beginner-friendly recipe that anyone can master.

Freezer-Friendly

Roasted garlic cloves are freezer-friendly, so you can make large batches and freeze them for later use. They can be stored in an airtight container or bag and will last for up to six months in the freezer. This makes it convenient to always have some roasted garlic on hand to elevate your dishes.

Frequently asked questions