Garlic Knots: Air Fryer Magic In Minutes

Garlic knots are a delicious side dish that can be easily prepared in an air fryer. They are a great option for those who want to enjoy the taste of garlic bread but with a twist—literally! This cooking method is ideal for those who want a quick and easy way to make garlic knots, as it requires no preheating and minimal clean-up. The air fryer also gives the knots a wonderful crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside moist and soft. With a prep time of less than 10 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy home cooks or novices in the kitchen.

How long to cook frozen garlic knots in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook garlic knots in an air fryer! This is a quick and easy way to cook frozen garlic knots, with no need to defrost them first.

To cook frozen garlic knots in an air fryer, first, place the frozen garlic knots in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. It is important not to overcrowd the air fryer as they will not cook properly.

Next, put the basket into the air fryer and set the temperature and cooking time. Different sources recommend cooking at either 330°F (165°C) for 7 minutes, 350°F for 8 minutes, or 360°F for 6 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

Once the garlic knots are golden brown and warm, they are ready to serve. You can enjoy them as they are or with your favourite dipping sauce, such as marinara or alfredo sauce.

Can you use any brand of frozen garlic knots?

Yes, you can use any brand of frozen garlic knots in your air fryer. The most important thing is to ensure that they are a similar size to the ones specified in the recipe you are following. For example, one recipe recommends using six frozen garlic knots, such as New York Bakery garlic knots.

It is also important to follow the cooking instructions provided in the recipe. For example, the New York Bakery garlic knots recipe recommends preheating your air fryer to 330 degrees F (165 degrees C), greasing the air fryer basket with cooking spray, and cooking the knots for around seven minutes, turning them over halfway through.

Other recipes recommend cooking frozen garlic knots at 350 or 360 degrees Fahrenheit for around six to eight minutes, again turning them over halfway through.

So, as long as you follow the cooking instructions and use similarly-sized garlic knots, you can use any brand of frozen garlic knots in your air fryer.

How to store leftover garlic knots

Garlic knots can be stored at room temperature for a day or two. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil to keep the air out and prevent the bread from drying out. You can also use beeswax wrap, which is reusable, compostable, and biodegradable.

If you want to keep your garlic knots for longer, you can store them in the freezer. First, let the knots cool down, then wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. Place the wrapped garlic knots into a plastic freezer bag, remove the excess air, and seal the bag. You can keep them in the freezer for up to three months.

To defrost your garlic knots, you can leave them on the counter for about 30 minutes, or put them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes. You can also pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or reheat them in an air fryer at 350°F for about 2 minutes.

Can you air fry garlic knots without preheating the air fryer?

Yes, you can air fry garlic knots without preheating your air fryer. In fact, one of the benefits of using an air fryer is that it eliminates the need for preheating, saving you time in the kitchen.

To cook frozen garlic knots in an air fryer, simply place them 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 them halfway through. You can serve these garlic knots with a side of marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

However, it is worth noting that some recipes do recommend preheating your air fryer to achieve a more uniform cook and better texture. Additionally, preheating can help you achieve that perfect golden brown color.

If you choose to preheat your air fryer, simply set it to 350°F or 360°F before adding the garlic knots. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking, and then follow the cooking instructions above.

How much oil should you use when making garlic knots in an air fryer?

When making garlic knots in an air fryer, you don't need to use any oil at all. The air fryer cooks the food by circulating hot air, resulting in a crispy exterior without oil. This makes it a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods.

However, if you want to add some oil for flavour or to help with the browning, you can lightly brush the air fryer basket with olive oil or use cooking spray. This will ensure that the garlic knots don't stick to the basket and will add a subtle flavour to the dish.

Additionally, olive oil can be used in the dough preparation process. Drizzling olive oil into the bowl before adding the dough will help to prevent the rising dough from sticking to the sides of the bowl.

So, while you don't need to use any oil when making garlic knots in an air fryer, using a small amount can have some benefits.

Frequently asked questions