Air-Fryer Garlic Knots: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Garlic knots are a delicious side dish that can be easily cooked in an air fryer. They are a great option for a quick snack, a party, or a busy weeknight. You can use store-bought dough or frozen garlic knots, and the air fryer will give them a crispy exterior while keeping the interior soft and tender. The cooking time is short, and there is no need to preheat the air fryer, making it a convenient and time-saving method. The hot circulating air creates a golden brown crust, and the knots can be served with a variety of dishes or sauces.

Air fryer temperature and timing

When cooking garlic knots in an air fryer, you can use frozen or fresh garlic knots. The temperature and timing will depend on which type you are using.

If you are using frozen garlic knots, there is no need to preheat the air fryer. Simply place the frozen garlic knots in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Set the temperature to between 330°F and 360°F and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. The garlic knots are ready when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

If you are using fresh garlic knots, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Then, place the fresh garlic knots in the air fryer basket, again ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until they are warmed, crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and number of garlic knots, so it is always a good idea to keep an eye on them while they are cooking to prevent overcooking or burning.

Using store-bought dough

When using store-bought dough, the first step is to preheat your air fryer to 330-350 degrees Fahrenheit. While the air fryer is heating up, you can roll out the dough and cut it into strips. You can also melt some butter and mix it with minced garlic to spread on the dough later.

Once the air fryer is ready, grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then, roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and cut it into strips. You can shape these strips into knots, and if the dough is sticky, you may need to use a little extra flour. Remember not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as the knots need room to cook evenly and expand.

Place the garlic knots into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Depending on your air fryer and the number of knots, you may need to cook them in batches. Air fry the knots for around 6-8 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. The knots are ready when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and soft and fluffy on the inside.

You can also add some extra flavour to your garlic knots by tossing them in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs after they have been cooked. This step is optional but adds a delicious garlicky coating to the knots.

How to store garlic knots

Garlic knots are a tasty Italian treat, but storing them can be challenging as it affects their freshness and flavour. Here are some tips to ensure your garlic knots stay knot-free and happy:

Temperature

Avoid storing garlic knots in the refrigerator as this can cause sprouting and a change in taste. The best way to store garlic knots for a short period of time is at room temperature. If you don't plan on eating them within a couple of days, it's best to freeze them. Frozen garlic knots can be stored for 3-6 months.

Humidity

Humidity can cause mould growth and reduce the shelf life of garlic knots. Keep garlic knots in a dry, well-ventilated area, away from heat sources. Use a ventilated container or bag with holes, and avoid plastic as it can cause sweating and mould.

Air Exposure

Too much air exposure can cause garlic knots to become stale quickly, especially if left out for long periods before storage. Store garlic knots in an airtight container to stop moisture penetration and prevent contamination from light and strong smells.

Packaging

Use an earthenware container or a mesh bag that allows airflow. If storing pre-minced garlic, use olive oil in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated. Be cautious when storing garlic in olive oil due to botulism risks.

Other Factors

• Remove the roots to prevent moisture and mildew.
• Keep garlic knots away from ethylene-producing fruits like bananas, as they can cause ripening and spoiling.
• For maximum flavour, don't crush or chop garlic too early.
• Store garlic separately from other vegetables.

What to serve with garlic knots

Garlic knots are a delicious side dish that can be served with a variety of meals. Here are some ideas for what to serve with garlic knots:

Pasta

Garlic knots are a perfect side dish for pasta. They can be used to soak up any leftover sauce, adding a burst of garlicky flavor to your meal. They go especially well with pasta dishes topped with marinara sauce, such as penne pasta. You can also serve them with any Italian dish, from a bright and light pesto to a rich and creamy alfredo.

Salads

Garlic knots are a great addition to a variety of salads. They can be served alongside a main dish salad or used to top a bed of vegetables. Caesar salad tends to blend beautifully with garlic knots, but a regular garden salad or a summer mix with fruits also work well. You can even slice the garlic knots in half to make mini sandwiches with your salad ingredients.

Soups and Stews

Garlic knots are an excellent side for soups and stews. They can be dipped into the broth or used to soak up every last drop of a hearty and healthy soup like vegetable barley or pot roast stew. For a real treat, try garlic knots with a bowl of broccoli cheddar soup.

Seafood

Garlic knots and seafood may seem like an unusual pairing, but they can actually be a delicious combination. Garlic knots make a great side dish for baked lobster or lemon pepper salmon.

Other Ideas

Garlic knots are very versatile, and you can serve them with just about anything. Try them with a simple baked meatball plate, or slice them up and use them as croutons in your salad. You can even add toppings to the garlic knots to make them a more substantial part of the meal.

So, whether you're serving them with a classic Italian dish or getting creative with salads, soups, or seafood, garlic knots are a tasty and versatile side that your guests are sure to enjoy!

Air fryer alternatives

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook food with less oil and faster cooking times. They are essentially small, powerful convection ovens that use hot air circulation to cook food. While air fryers are great for making crispy and moist garlic knots, there are other alternatives if you don't have access to an air fryer. Here are some options:

• Oven: If you don't have an air fryer, you can use a conventional oven to cook garlic knots. Preheat your oven to 300°F and place the frozen garlic knots on a baking sheet. Bake for about 3 minutes or until heated through. This method may take longer than an air fryer, but it will still produce delicious garlic knots.
• Stovetop: You can also cook garlic knots on the stovetop. Heat a pan on medium heat and add a small amount of oil or butter. Place the frozen garlic knots in the pan and cook until golden brown and heated through, flipping them occasionally to ensure even cooking. This method allows you to control the browning and crispiness of the garlic knots.
• Deep-fat frying: While less healthy, deep-fat frying is an alternative to air frying. Heat a pot of oil to 350°F and carefully place the frozen garlic knots into the hot oil. Fry for a few minutes until golden brown. This method will give you crispy garlic knots with a rich, oily flavour.
• Alternative cooking appliances: If you're looking for a similar appliance to an air fryer, there are a few options. A toaster oven, such as those offered by Breville and Cuisinart, combines the functions of a toaster and an oven, saving counter space. The Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Oven is another option that takes up minimal counter space and performs well in tests.

Frequently asked questions