Air-Fryer Garlic: What You Need To Know

Yes, you can roast garlic in an air fryer! It's quicker and easier than using an oven and can be done in half the time. The softened cloves can be spread easily onto bread, added to mashed potatoes, or used in place of raw garlic in recipes.

How to roast garlic in an air fryer

Roasted garlic is a great addition to many dishes, from mashed potatoes to salad dressings. The air fryer is a quick and easy way to roast garlic, reducing the cooking time by about half. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to roast garlic in an air fryer.

Ingredients and Tools:

• Garlic bulb(s)
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Salt (optional)
• Pepper (optional)
• Aluminum foil or parchment paper
• Air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic:

Start by cutting off about a 1/4-inch from the top of the garlic bulb(s) to expose the cloves. You can also remove any excess papery skin from the bulb(s) so that the top of the cloves are fully exposed.

Step 2: Drizzle with Oil and Seasonings:

Place each garlic bulb in the center of a piece of aluminum foil or parchment paper. Drizzle olive oil or avocado oil onto the exposed cloves. You only need about half a tablespoon of oil per bulb. You can also add a dash of salt and pepper if desired.

Step 3: Wrap the Garlic:

Wrap the garlic bulb(s) tightly in the foil or parchment paper. If using foil, bring up the edges and close them at the top, creating a pouch. If using parchment paper, twist the paper at the top to secure it and prevent it from unwrapping.

Step 4: Air Fry:

Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F. Place the wrapped garlic bulb(s) into the air fryer basket, ensuring that the foil or parchment paper is not above the "max fill" line. Air fry at 390-400°F for 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of the garlic bulb(s). Smaller bulbs will take about 20 minutes, while larger ones may take up to 30 minutes. The garlic is done when the cloves are soft and golden.

Step 5: Cool and Serve:

Remove the garlic from the air fryer and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Carefully open the foil or parchment paper, as steam may escape. Once the garlic is cool enough to handle, gently squeeze each clove to pop it out of its skin. The roasted garlic is now ready to be used in your favorite dishes!

Storage:

Roasted garlic can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to six months. Enjoy your homemade roasted garlic!

How to store roasted garlic

Roasted garlic can be stored in a variety of ways, depending on how long you want to keep it for.

If you're looking for short-term storage, you can keep roasted garlic heads in a Ziplock bag or plastic container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This method keeps the cloves inside the protective outer peel.

For a slightly longer storage period, you can place the roasted garlic cloves in an airtight container and cover them with olive oil. This method will keep the garlic fresh for about one week in the refrigerator. It's important to note that garlic stored in oil should not be left at room temperature, as it can become a breeding ground for bacteria.

For longer-term storage, you can freeze your roasted garlic. First, remove the outer skins and extract the roasted cloves. Then, you can either mash the cloves and freeze them in an ice cube tray or freeze each clove individually on a baking sheet before transferring them to a Ziplock bag or airtight container. Frozen roasted garlic can last for up to 10-12 months in the freezer.

What to make with roasted garlic

Roasted garlic has a sweet and mellow flavour that can be used to enhance a variety of recipes. Here are some ideas for what to make with roasted garlic:

Spread on Bread

The softened cloves can be spread on bread like butter. For a more sophisticated take on garlic bread, spread the roasted garlic on sourdough bread or a baguette. You can also dip the bread in olive oil and balsamic glaze before spreading the garlic on top.

Mix with Butter

Combine roasted garlic with butter and spread on bread, toast, or corn on the cob for garlic bread. You can also mix it with softened butter and use it for grilled cheese sandwiches.

Add to Mashed Potatoes

Roasted garlic mashed potatoes are a delicious side dish. Mix the roasted garlic cloves into your regular mashed potatoes for a special treat.

Use in Dips

Roasted garlic can be mixed with sour cream or Greek yoghurt for an easy dip. You can also mix it with mayonnaise for a sandwich or burger spread.

Make a Pizza Topping

Roasted garlic is a great pizza topping, especially if you are eating your pizza without cheese. The garlic adds a dominant flavour and some creaminess that ties everything together.

Mix with Hummus

Roasted garlic is a lovely addition to homemade hummus, giving it a warming and sweet garlic flavour.

Add to Soups or Sauces

Mashed, roasted garlic can be added to salad dressings, sauces, and soups for a subtle garlic flavour. You can also add it to gravy for a deeper, richer flavour.

Make Garlic Aioli

Roasted garlic aioli is delicious and can be used as a spread on sandwiches or burgers, or as a dip for potato salad.

Mix with Olive Oil

Combine roasted garlic with high-quality olive oil and use it for dipping bread. You can also use the olive oil for cooking.

Add to Mexican Food

Try tossing some roasted garlic into your favourite Mexican dish.

Make a Flatbread

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

Stuff into Meat

Mix roasted garlic into hamburger meat and toss on the grill. You can also stuff it into a juicy steak, chicken, or lamb before baking, roasting, or grilling.

Add to Vegetables

Roasted garlic can be cooked with carrots and other delicious veggies. You can also mix it with your mac and cheese.

Make Roasted Garlic Chicken

Try this roasted garlic chicken recipe for a garlicky main course.

Make Roasted Garlic Gravy

This roasted garlic gravy is the perfect accompaniment to roast turkey breast.

Make Roasted Garlic White Pizza Sauce

A white pizza sauce made with roasted garlic is the perfect base for a homemade pizza.

Other Ideas

• Add to pesto
• Make garlic-infused olive oil
• Mix with mustard, jam, or mayonnaise
• Add to guacamole or salsa
• Use in place of raw garlic in any recipe

What type of garlic to roast

Yes, you can roast garlic in an air fryer. But what type of garlic is best for roasting?

When it comes to choosing garlic for roasting, you have some flexibility. Any type of garlic will work, whether it's a whole head of garlic or individual cloves. The key is to ensure that the garlic is large and firm, with plenty of cloves. Avoid garlic heads that are starting to sprout or that feel mushy or "empty" when squeezed.

For air fryer roasting, it's important to expose the cloves by cutting off the top of the garlic bulb before placing it in the air fryer. This will help ensure even cooking and allow you to easily remove the cloves after roasting.

Additionally, you can enhance the flavour of roasted garlic by adding a drizzle of oil, such as avocado oil or olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Wrapping the garlic in aluminium foil or placing it in a small baking dish are both effective methods for roasting in an air fryer.

By following these simple tips, you can roast delicious garlic in your air fryer and enjoy its versatility as a spread, ingredient, or flavourful addition to various dishes.

How to roast garlic in an air fryer without foil

Roasting garlic in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to add flavor to your dishes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to roast garlic in an air fryer without using foil.

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic

Start by cutting off the top quarter of the garlic bulb to expose the cloves. This step is important as it ensures that all the garlic cloves will be nicely roasted. Place the garlic bulb on a small sheet of aluminum foil or a small baking dish.

Step 2: Season the Garlic

Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil onto the exposed parts of the cloves. You can also add a pinch of salt and a sprinkle of ground black pepper to taste. The oil will help to caramelize the garlic and enhance its flavor.

Step 3: Air Fry the Garlic

Preheat your air fryer to between 380-400°F (190-204°C). Place the seasoned garlic bulb directly into the air fryer basket or rack. Roast the garlic for 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the bulb. Smaller garlic bulbs will take around 20 minutes, while larger ones may need up to 30 minutes.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

Carefully remove the garlic bulb from the air fryer using oven mitts or tongs as the air fryer will be hot. Let it cool down for a few minutes before handling. The garlic is done when the cloves are soft and can be easily squeezed out of their skins. If the cloves are still firm, return the garlic to the air fryer and cook in 5 to 10-minute increments until done.

Step 5: Serve or Store the Roasted Garlic

Once the garlic is roasted to your desired level of doneness, you can serve it immediately or store it for later use. Roasted garlic is delicious spread on crusty bread, mixed into mashed potatoes, or added to dips, sauces, and spreads. To store, place the roasted garlic cloves in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also freeze roasted garlic for later use.

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