Roasted Garlic: Air Fryer Magic

Roasted garlic is a delicious addition to many dishes, but it can be a hassle to make. The oven takes a long time to roast garlic, and it can be tricky to get the timing right. Luckily, an air fryer can be used to make roasted garlic in half the time! The air fryer method is also much more convenient, as it doesn't heat up your entire house like an oven would. In this article, we will discuss how to make roasted garlic in an air fryer, the benefits of roasting garlic, and provide a step-by-step guide to get you started.

How to prepare garlic for roasting in an air fryer

Roasting garlic in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to add flavour to many dishes. It can be used in pasta, on toast, in soups, salad dressings, and more.

Ingredients and Equipment:

• Whole head of garlic
• Oil (extra virgin olive oil is recommended)
• Salt
• Aluminium foil
• Air fryer
• Oven mitts and tongs

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Cut the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves.
• Place the garlic on a square piece of aluminium foil.
• Add a pinch of salt to the exposed cloves and drizzle with olive oil.
• Wrap the garlic head tightly in the foil.
• Preheat your air fryer to between 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the foil-wrapped garlic into the air fryer.
• Air fry for 16-25 minutes, until the garlic is soft and golden brown.
• Carefully remove the garlic from the air fryer using oven mitts or tongs and allow to cool for at least 10 minutes.
• Unwrap the foil and gently squeeze the garlic bulb to slide the cloves out of their shells.

Storing:

Roasted garlic can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks if covered in olive oil. It can also be frozen for up to six months.

How to roast garlic in an air fryer without using foil

Roasted garlic is a tasty addition to many dishes, and an air fryer is a quick and easy way to roast garlic without heating up your whole kitchen. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to roast garlic in an air fryer without using foil:

First, you will need to prepare the garlic bulb. Cut off the top of the garlic bulb to expose the cloves. You can also choose to slice a small amount off the bottom of the bulb to expose the cloves from that end. Leave the peel on.

Next, place the garlic bulb cut-side up into a small, oven-safe container, such as a ramekin, or onto a sheet of parchment paper. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the exposed cloves and add a pinch of salt if desired. You can also add herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavour.

Cover the container with a lid or wrap the parchment paper around the garlic bulb and twist the top to secure it. Place the container or parchment paper into the air fryer basket.

Set the air fryer temperature to between 380-400°F (190-198°C). Roast the garlic for 15-30 minutes if using parchment paper, or 60 minutes if using a ceramic container. You do not need to preheat the air fryer.

Once the garlic is soft and lightly browned, carefully remove it from the air fryer and open the lid or unwrap the parchment paper to let it cool. When the garlic is cool enough to handle, gently squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins.

You can store roasted garlic in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

How to store roasted garlic

Roasted garlic is a delicious seasoning that can be stored in a variety of ways to enhance the flavor of many dishes. Here is a detailed guide on how to store roasted garlic:

Storing Roasted Garlic in the Refrigerator:

• Keep the cloves in their protective outer peel and place them in an airtight container, glass jar, or Ziplock bag. This method will keep the roasted garlic fresh for up to three days in the refrigerator.
• For longer storage, cover the garlic cloves with olive oil in an airtight container or glass jar. Ensure that the cloves are completely submerged in the oil. This method will preserve the roasted garlic for up to two weeks in the fridge. However, do not store garlic in oil at room temperature, as it can promote the growth of botulism-causing bacteria.

Freezing Roasted Garlic:

• Extract the roasted cloves by squeezing the uncut side of the garlic head. Place the cloves on a plate or clean surface while removing them from their casings.
• Mash the cloves and transfer them to an ice cube tray for easy-to-use portions. Once frozen, pop out the garlic cubes and store them in a Ziplock bag in the freezer.
• Alternatively, freeze each clove individually on a baking sheet first, and then transfer them to a Ziplock bag once frozen. This method requires removing the outer peel before using the frozen cloves.
• Roasted garlic can be stored in the freezer for up to 10-12 months.

What to make with roasted garlic

Roasted garlic is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a multitude of dishes. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Spreads

Roasted garlic can be combined with various ingredients to make delicious spreads. Try mixing it with mayonnaise, mustard, or both, for a sandwich spread with a kick. Alternatively, blend it with cream cheese and fresh herbs, or mix it with softened butter for a garlic butter that can be used on grilled cheese sandwiches or slathered on corn. You can even make a compound butter by pureeing roasted garlic with butter, white miso, black pepper, and a dash of mirin. This can then be tossed with pasta or spread under the skin of chicken before roasting.

Dips

Roasted garlic is an excellent addition to hummus, giving it a deeper flavour. It can also be mixed with sour cream or Greek yoghurt for a simple dip, or blended with mayo to make an aioli.

Breads

Of course, roasted garlic is a natural pairing with bread. Try spreading it on crusty bread or toast, or use it to make garlic bread. It can also be added to homemade pizza as a base or mixed into the sauce. For an easy flatbread, drizzle a flatbread with olive oil, spread on some roasted garlic, top with gorgonzola crumbles, and bake until soft and warm.

Soups and Sauces

Roasted garlic can be added to soups for extra depth of flavour. It's especially good in carrot soup, cabbage soup, cauliflower soup, and loaded baked potato soup. It can also be used to make a garlic vinaigrette for salads. For a simple sauce, blend a head of roasted garlic with olive oil and toss with pasta, or add it to a homemade alfredo or marinara sauce.

Vegetables

Roasted garlic pairs well with vegetables such as cauliflower, green beans, crispy roasted baby potatoes, zucchini, and more. It can be blended with olive oil and drizzled over veggies or added to other vegetable dishes. Try mixing it with olive oil and tossing with bread cubes for garlic croutons, or adding it to mashed potatoes or mashed cauliflower.

Proteins

Roasted garlic can be stuffed into a juicy steak, chicken, or lamb before baking, roasting, or grilling. It can also be mixed with hamburger meat and tossed on the grill or mashed into veggie burger patties. For breakfast, try spreading it on avocado toast or mixing it into scrambled eggs.

Other Ideas

• Mix with olive oil for dipping bread
• Add to guacamole
• Include on a cheese board or cheese plate
• Mix with ricotta for a baked ricotta dip
• Add to pesto
• Make garlic-infused olive oil
• Add to salsa or guacamole
• Toss with pasta and veggies
• Use in a bean salad

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 a variety of dishes. It is also a healthier alternative to roasting garlic in an oven. Here are some benefits of using an air fryer to roast garlic:

Time-saving

Roasting garlic in an air fryer is much faster than using a traditional oven. While oven roasting garlic can take up to an hour, an air fryer can produce equally delicious results in half the time. This makes it a convenient option for those who are short on time or want to enjoy roasted garlic more frequently.

Flavourful Results

The air fryer's ability to roast garlic evenly and efficiently results in a buttery, caramelized texture and a more mellow, savoury taste. The cloves become soft and can be easily spread on bread, crackers, or used in various recipes. Roasted garlic has a less pungent and softer flavour than raw garlic, making it a versatile ingredient that enhances the taste of other ingredients without overwhelming them.

Versatility

Roasted garlic complements a wide range of dishes, including pasta, soups, salad dressings, homemade bread, and more. It can be used as a spread, added to recipes, or even eaten straight out of the shell as a healthy snack. The versatility of roasted garlic makes it a valuable addition to any kitchen.

Convenience

Air fryers are a convenient option for roasting garlic because they don't heat up the entire kitchen like an oven does. They are also versatile in terms of the garlic preparation methods they accommodate. Garlic can be roasted with or without foil, in a small baking dish, or directly on the air fryer grill. Additionally, air fryers allow for easy adjustment of cooking times and temperatures, ensuring that your garlic turns out perfectly every time.

Batch Cooking and Storage

Air fryers enable batch cooking, allowing you to roast multiple heads of garlic at once. This is advantageous because roasted garlic can be frozen and stored for later use. Freezing roasted garlic helps retain its flavour and texture, making it a convenient ingredient to have on hand for adding depth to your recipes.

Frequently asked questions