Air-Fryer Garlic: The Best Way To Bake It?

Roasted garlic is a delicious addition to many dishes, but it can be time-consuming to make. Air fryers offer a quicker and easier way to roast garlic, taking half the time of a traditional oven. To make roasted garlic in an air fryer, cut off the top of a head of garlic to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and air fry for 20-25 minutes. You can then add your roasted garlic to dishes such as mashed potatoes, soup, or aioli, or simply spread it on some crusty bread or toast.

How to prepare garlic for air frying

Preparing garlic for air frying is a simple process. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic

Start by peeling and separating the garlic cloves. Place the cloves on a piece of aluminium foil. Drizzle olive oil over the garlic, and add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. You can be generous with the seasoning, as this will enhance the flavour of the roasted garlic.

Step 2: Wrap the Garlic

Wrap the garlic cloves tightly in the foil. Ensure that the foil is not crumpled closed, as this may affect the cooking process. Leave the top of the garlic slightly exposed.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to between 380-400°F (190-198°C). The exact temperature may vary depending on your air fryer model, so adjust accordingly.

Step 4: Air Fry the Garlic

Place the foil-wrapped garlic into the air fryer basket or tray. Make sure that the foil does not touch the heating element. Air fry for 15-25 minutes, depending on the size of your garlic cloves. Smaller cloves may take around 15-20 minutes, while larger cloves can take up to 25-30 minutes.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

Carefully open the foil using oven mitts or tongs to check if the garlic is done. The garlic is ready when it is soft and has a golden brown colour. If it is still too firm, wrap it back up and continue cooking for a few more minutes.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once the garlic is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. Then, gently squeeze the garlic cloves out of their skins. Your roasted garlic is now ready to be used in your favourite dishes!

The best oils for roasting garlic in an air fryer

Roasted garlic is a delicious addition to many recipes, from hummus to mashed potatoes, and can be made easily in an air fryer. The best oil to use for roasting garlic in an air fryer is extra virgin olive oil.

How to Roast Garlic in an Air Fryer

First, cut the tops off the garlic heads, exposing the cloves. Place each head on a square piece of foil and add a pinch of salt to the exposed cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and wrap the foil around the garlic. Preheat your air fryer to between 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit and, once preheated, add the foil bundle. Air fry for 16-25 minutes, depending on your desired level of browning, and let the garlic cool for at least 10 minutes before carefully unwrapping the foil.

Storing and Freezing Roasted Garlic

Roasted garlic will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer-term storage, squeeze the bulbs out and cover them in olive oil; this will keep in the fridge for up to two weeks. Roasted garlic can also be frozen in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to six months.

How to roast garlic cloves in an air fryer

Roasted garlic is a great way to add flavour to dishes, from mashed potatoes to soups and salad dressings. It is also a delicious spread on bread or crackers. Roasting garlic in an air fryer is quicker and easier than using an oven, and you can roast as many bulbs as can fit in your air fryer.

Ingredients

• Garlic
• Oil (extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, or other neutral oil)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Aluminium foil
• Oven mitts and tongs

Step-by-step guide

Step 1: Cut off the top of the garlic bulb to expose the cloves. Place the garlic on a square piece of foil. Drizzle olive oil over the exposed cloves, and add a pinch of salt and pepper. Wrap the garlic head tightly in the foil.

Step 2: Preheat your air fryer to between 380-400°F (190-198°C). Place the foil-wrapped garlic bulbs in the air fryer basket.

Step 3: Air fry for 15-30 minutes, depending on the size of the garlic bulbs. Smaller garlic bulbs will take around 15-20 minutes, while larger bulbs will take up to 30 minutes. The garlic is done when it is soft and golden brown. Open the foil carefully, as hot steam will escape.

Step 4: Let the garlic cool for at least 10 minutes. Then, remove the garlic cloves by gently squeezing the bottom of the bulb.

Storage

Roasted garlic can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or in the freezer for up to six months. For freezer storage, cover the cloves in olive oil to help preserve them.

How to store roasted garlic

Roasted garlic can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, place the peeled, roasted cloves in a jar and cover them with olive oil. The garlic will last for up to 2 weeks in the fridge if kept submerged in oil. However, do not store roasted garlic in olive oil at room temperature, as this creates the perfect conditions for botulism toxin production.

To freeze roasted garlic, place the cloves in a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months. You can also freeze whole heads of roasted garlic or individual cloves by adding them to a zip-top freezer bag and squeezing out as much air as possible. Alternatively, arrange peeled, separated cloves on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for an hour before transferring to an airtight container or bag.

Creative ways to use roasted garlic

Yes, you can bake garlic in an air fryer. Here are some creative ways to use roasted garlic:

Spread on Bread, Crackers, or Sandwiches

Roasted garlic can be used as a spread on crusty bread, crackers, or sandwiches. The soft cloves can be easily squeezed out of their casings and spread, adding a punch of flavour.

Mix with Butter

Combining roasted garlic with butter and fresh herbs creates a delicious compound butter that can be used for grilled cheese sandwiches, corn on the cob, or simply spread on bread.

Add to Dips and Sauces

Roasted garlic can be added to hummus, mustard, mayonnaise, or salad dressings for a flavour boost. It can also be mixed with sour cream or Greek yoghurt for an easy dip.

Mix with Meat

Roasted garlic can be mixed with hamburger meat before grilling, or stuffed into a steak, chicken, or lamb before baking or grilling.

Use as a Pizza Topping

Roasted garlic can be mashed and used as a pizza topping, or mixed with tomato sauce for a garlicky twist.

Mix with Vegetables

Roasted garlic pairs well with roasted vegetables, especially when tossed with balsamic vinegar. It can also be added to stir-fries or used as a spread on grilled corn.

Make Garlic Bread

Of course, roasted garlic can be used to make delicious garlic bread. Simply spread it on a loaf of bread and bake until warm.

Mix with Potatoes

Roasted garlic mashed potatoes are a classic dish. It can also be spread on a baked potato or mixed with potato salad.

Add to Soups or Stews

For a subtle garlic flavour, add roasted garlic to soups or stews. It can also be mixed with olive oil for dipping bread.

Make a Flatbread

Drizzle a flatbread with olive oil, spread on some roasted garlic, top with gorgonzola crumbles, and bake until warm.

Mix with Cheese

Roasted garlic can be added to a cheese board or mashed and served with meats and cheeses on a charcuterie board.

Make Pesto

Use roasted garlic in place of fresh garlic or garlic powder in pesto.

Add to Mexican Dishes

Roasted garlic can be tossed into your favourite Mexican dish or used as a filling for tacos or burritos.

Make a White Bean Dip

Roasted garlic can be pureed with white beans and olive oil to create a delicious dip.

Frequently asked questions