Make Black Garlic In An Air Fryer?

Black garlic is a delicacy that has been used in some Asian cultures for centuries. It is made by ageing garlic over a period of time in a temperature- and humidity-controlled setting, resulting in a Maillard reaction that turns the garlic flesh black. The flavour becomes deeply savoury and slightly sweet, and the texture becomes moist, gelatinous, and chewy. While black garlic can be purchased, it is also possible to make it at home using various appliances, such as an Instant Pot, slow cooker, or rice cooker. But can you make black garlic in an air fryer?

How to prepare garlic for the air fryer

Preparing garlic for the air fryer is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic

Start by peeling and separating the garlic cloves. You can buy pre-peeled garlic cloves or peel them yourself. If you opt to peel them manually, a handy trick is to place the cloves (with the skin on) into a jar and shake vigorously to separate the peel from the garlic.

Step 2: Season the Garlic

Place the peeled garlic cloves on a square piece of aluminium foil. Drizzle olive oil over the garlic, ensuring each clove is well-coated. Then, season the garlic with salt and pepper to taste. You can also experiment with other spices like paprika, cumin, or cayenne pepper for a unique flavour.

Step 3: Wrap the Garlic

Securely wrap the garlic in the foil, creating a pouch. Make sure the foil is not too tightly sealed, as this can affect the cooking process. Leave some space for the garlic to roast evenly without being squished together.

Step 4: Air Fry the Garlic

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes suggest a temperature between 370-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Once preheated, place the foil pouch in the air fryer basket or tray. Roast the garlic for approximately 15-25 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

Carefully open the foil pouch, as hot steam will escape. The garlic is ready when it is soft and can be easily pierced with a knife or fork. If it is still too firm, simply re-wrap the garlic and cook for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve or Store

Once the garlic is roasted to your liking, you can serve it immediately or store it for later use. Roasted garlic can be enjoyed in various dishes, including mashed potatoes, soups, aioli, or simply spread on bread or crackers.

Roasted garlic is a versatile ingredient that adds a deep, savoury flavour to your meals. By following these steps, you can easily prepare garlic for your air fryer and enjoy the convenience and flavour it brings to your culinary creations.

The best temperature and time settings

The size of the garlic head and the desired texture will also determine the cooking time. Smaller garlic heads will take less time, around 20 minutes, while larger heads can take up to 30 minutes. The garlic is done when the cloves are soft and the top of the head is golden.

It is important to note that the garlic should not be burnt, and the foil wrapping the garlic should not be sealed too tightly, as this can affect the cooking process and the final texture of the garlic.

Additionally, the air fryer should not be overcrowded with too many garlic heads, as this can impact the airflow and the effectiveness of the air fryer.

How to store roasted garlic

Roasted garlic is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from mashed potatoes 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:

• Place the roasted garlic cloves in an airtight container or jar: Whether you choose to store the garlic with or without its skin is up to you. Storing peeled cloves will make it more convenient to use, but leaving the skin on can help extend its shelf life.
• Cover the roasted garlic cloves with olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is recommended, as it has a more subtle flavor that won't overpower the garlic. The oil creates a natural seal, preventing oxidation and mold growth.
• Store in the refrigerator: Roasted garlic stored this way will last for up to 2 weeks. However, it's important to note that you should not store garlic in olive oil at room temperature, as it can promote the growth of botulism toxin.

Storing Roasted Garlic in the Freezer:

• Place the roasted garlic cloves in a single layer on a baking sheet: This step is necessary to ensure the cloves freeze individually and don't clump together. You can line the baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freeze the garlic cloves: Once the cloves are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. This method will keep your roasted garlic fresh for up to 6 months.
• Thaw before using: Simply take out as many cloves as you need and let them thaw at room temperature before using them.

Additional Tips:

• Use within 4 to 5 days if not storing in oil: If you don't want to store your roasted garlic in olive oil, you can still keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, it will only last for about 4 to 5 days.
• Make a garlic paste: If you plan to use the roasted garlic in sauces or dressings, you can puree the cloves with a little olive oil to create a paste. This paste can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 10 days or frozen in small jars or ice cube trays for later use.

How to freeze roasted garlic

While it is not possible to make black garlic in an air fryer, you can roast garlic in an air fryer in under 30 minutes. If you have a lot of roasted garlic left over, you can freeze it for later use. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to freeze roasted garlic:

Step 1: Allow the roasted garlic to cool down to room temperature.

Step 2: Peel off the skins of the garlic.

Step 3: Place the peeled garlic cloves on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer.

Step 4: Once the garlic cloves are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container.

Step 5: Put the container or bag back into the freezer until you are ready to use the garlic.

You can also mash the roasted garlic into a paste and freeze it in an ice cube tray. Once frozen, pop the cubes out and store them in a freezer bag or container.

Roasted garlic will keep in the freezer for 2 to 3 months. When you are ready to use it, simply take out as many cloves as you need and let them thaw at room temperature.

What to do with roasted garlic

Roasted garlic has a sweet and mellow flavour, and can be used in a variety of recipes and dishes. Here are some ideas for what to do with roasted garlic:

Spread on Bread or Crackers

Roasted garlic can be spread on crusty bread, crackers, or toast. For an extra kick of flavour, add some butter, salt, or olive oil.

Dips

Mix roasted garlic with butter, mayonnaise, mustard, sour cream, or Greek yoghurt for a delicious dip. Or, combine with olive oil and dip bread into it.

Sauces

Roasted garlic can be added to a variety of sauces, including tahini, tomato, and salad dressings. It can also be used to make garlic aioli or garlic butter.

Hummus

Roasted garlic can be mixed into hummus, giving it a deeper, richer flavour.

Soups

Add roasted garlic to soups or stews for a subtle garlic flavour. It goes particularly well in garlic and buttercup squash soup.

Mashed Potatoes

Roasted garlic mashed potatoes are a delicious side dish.

Flatbread

Drizzle a flatbread with olive oil, spread on some roasted garlic, top with gorgonzola crumbles, and bake in the oven.

Pizza

Use roasted garlic as a base for homemade pizza.

Vegetables

Roasted garlic can be cooked with other vegetables, such as carrots, or rubbed onto corn on the cob.

Meat

Mix roasted garlic into hamburger meat or stuff it into a steak, chicken, or lamb before baking, roasting, or grilling.

Pasta

Roasted garlic can be added to pasta dishes, or mixed with butter and tossed with pasta.

Cheese

Include roasted garlic on a cheese board, or mix with creamy butter and fresh herbs.

Drinks

Roasted garlic can even be added to drinks, such as a Bloody Mary.

Frequently asked questions