Roasting Garlic Bulbs In An Air Fryer: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Roasted garlic is a delicious addition to many dishes, but it can be time-consuming to make. If you're looking for a quicker way to prepare this tasty treat, you may be wondering: can you roast a garlic bulb in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air fryer roasted garlic is not only possible, but it's also a convenient and easy way to add flavour to your meals.

How to roast garlic in an air fryer

Roasting garlic in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to add flavour to your dishes. The process is simple and can be done in under 30 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

Ingredients:

• Garlic bulbs
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper (optional)

Instructions:

Start by preheating your air fryer to between 370-400°F (190-200°C).

Next, prepare the garlic. Cut off the top quarter of the garlic bulb to expose the cloves inside. Place the garlic on a square piece of aluminium foil and drizzle with olive oil and a pinch of salt. You can also add some black pepper for extra flavour.

Wrap the garlic head tightly in the foil, ensuring the cut side is facing upwards.

Once your air fryer is preheated, place the foil-wrapped garlic inside and air fry for 15-25 minutes. The garlic is ready when the top turns golden brown and begins to caramelise.

Carefully remove the garlic from the air fryer using oven mitts or tongs as it will be very hot. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before unwrapping the foil.

Finally, remove the garlic cloves from their shells by gently squeezing the bottom of the bulb. You can use the roasted garlic immediately or store it for later.

Storage:

Roasted garlic can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, cover the garlic cloves with olive oil and keep them submerged. This will help the garlic stay fresh for up to 2 weeks in the fridge or up to 6 months in the freezer.

Tips:

• If you want to add more flavour, you can include fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or sage over the garlic before wrapping it in foil.
• Make sure all the cloves are slightly exposed when you cut the top off the garlic bulb. This will ensure even cooking and caramelisation.
• Don't seal the foil too tightly. Wrap the garlic just enough so that it doesn't blow around in the air fryer. This will allow the garlic to roast more evenly.
• Always use oven mitts or tongs when handling the hot garlic to avoid burns.

How to store roasted garlic

Storing roasted garlic is fairly easy, and there are a few different ways to do it. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions for how to store roasted garlic.

Storing Roasted Garlic in the Refrigerator

If you want to store roasted garlic in the refrigerator, first let the garlic cool down completely. Then, peel the papery skins off the garlic cloves. Place the peeled garlic cloves into a clean glass jar. Cover the cloves with olive oil, making sure they are completely submerged. Cover the jar tightly with a lid and place it in the fridge. Roasted garlic can be stored this way for up to 2 weeks.

Storing Roasted Garlic in the Freezer

To store roasted garlic in the freezer, first let the garlic cool down completely. Then, peel the papery skins off the garlic cloves. There are a few different methods you can use to freeze the garlic:

• Place the peeled garlic cloves on a baking sheet and freeze them for about an hour. Once they are frozen, transfer the cloves to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Mash the garlic cloves and place them in an ice cube tray. Once the garlic freezes, pop the cubes out and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Extract the roasted cloves by holding the head of garlic on the bottom and squeezing upwards with your fingers. Place the cloves in a freezer-safe bag.

Using any of these methods, roasted garlic can be stored in the freezer for up to 10-12 months.

Important Safety Information

It is important to note that roasted garlic should never be stored in olive oil at room temperature. The low acidity, absence of oxygen, and warm temperatures can create favourable conditions for botulism-causing bacteria to grow. Always store olive oil-covered garlic in the fridge or freezer.

How to freeze roasted garlic

Yes, you can freeze roasted garlic! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

First, you will need to roast your garlic bulbs. To do this, preheat your air fryer to between 380-400°Fahrenheit. Cut the tops off your garlic bulbs, exposing the cloves. Place each bulb on a square piece of foil and drizzle with olive oil. Add a pinch of salt, if desired. Wrap the garlic bulbs tightly in the foil. Place the foil bundle into the air fryer and cook for 20-25 minutes, until soft.

Once cooked, carefully remove the garlic bulbs and allow them to cool for at least 10 minutes. Then, unwrap the foil and gently squeeze the garlic cloves out. Place the cloves into a freezer-safe container or bag and store in the freezer. You can also mash the roasted garlic into a paste and freeze it in an ice cube tray.

Roasted garlic will keep in the freezer for up to six months. When you are ready to use it, simply take it out of the freezer and let it thaw, or use it straight from frozen in your cooking. You can also cover the roasted garlic cloves in olive oil and store them in an airtight container in the freezer. This will help to preserve them and keep them fresh for longer.

How to roast garlic without an air fryer

Roasted garlic is a great way to add flavour to a dish without the pungency of raw garlic. While an air fryer is one way to roast garlic, you can also roast garlic without one. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to roast garlic without an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic

Start by cutting off the top of the garlic bulb(s). You want to expose the cloves slightly, so cut off just enough of the top to do this. Place the garlic on a square piece of foil.

Step 2: Add Oil and Seasonings

Drizzle a teaspoon of olive oil over the exposed cloves. You can also add a pinch of salt and ground black pepper to taste. Wrap the foil around the garlic.

Step 3: Roast the Garlic

Place the foil-wrapped garlic in the oven and roast at 380-400°F/190-193°C for 20-25 minutes. The garlic is ready when it is soft.

Step 4: Let it Cool

Remove the garlic from the oven and let it cool for about 5 to 10 minutes. Be careful when opening the foil pouch as hot steam will escape.

Step 5: Remove the Garlic Cloves

Once the garlic has cooled, you can remove the cloves. If you want whole or sliced garlic cloves, peel off the skin. If you are using the roasted garlic as a spread, simply squeeze the cloves out into a bowl.

And there you have it! Roasted garlic, no air fryer required. Roasted garlic is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from spreads to salad dressings to pasta. Enjoy experimenting with this tasty ingredient!

What to do with roasted garlic

Roasted garlic has a mellow, sweet flavour and a soft, buttery texture. It's a great addition to many dishes, and you can even eat it straight out of the bulb! Here are some ideas for what to do with your roasted garlic:

• Spread it on bread or toast: Roasted garlic is delicious on its own on warm bread, but you can also mix it with butter, olive oil, or mayonnaise for an indulgent treat.
• Add it to mashed potatoes: Roasted garlic mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food.
• Make a dip: Mix roasted garlic with sour cream or Greek yoghurt for an easy, tasty dip.
• Use it in sauces: Try adding roasted garlic to your next tomato sauce or tahini sauce. You can also use it to make a garlic aioli or a hummus.
• Make garlic bread: Spread roasted garlic on bread and top with cheese for an upgraded garlic bread.
• Add it to soups: Roasted garlic adds depth of flavour to soups. Try it in a vegan potato soup or a buttercup squash soup.
• Use it in salads: Roasted garlic can be added to salad dressings or mixed with balsamic vinegar and dijon mustard for a salad topping.
• Make a flatbread: Drizzle a flatbread with olive oil and spread on some roasted garlic. Top with gorgonzola crumbles and bake until soft and warm.
• Add it to vegetables: Roasted garlic is a great addition to roasted or balsamic vegetables, or you can mix it with carrots and other veggies.
• Make garlic-infused olive oil: This is a great way to preserve your roasted garlic and add flavour to your cooking.
• Use it in pasta: Roasted garlic can be added to pasta dishes, such as sun-dried tomato pasta.
• Make a pizza: Use roasted garlic as a base for homemade pizza or scatter whole cloves over your pizza before baking.
• Add it to burgers: Roasted garlic is a tasty addition to burgers, whether mixed into the meat or spread on top of a veggie burger.
• Make roasted garlic white bean dip
• Add it to meatballs: You can mix roasted garlic into vegan meatballs or press a whole clove into the centre of each meatball.
• Toss it with corn: Rub roasted garlic onto corn on the cob before grilling.

Frequently asked questions