Roasting Garlic In An Air Fryer: Tips And Tricks

Roasted garlic is a delicious addition to many dishes, and it can be made easily in an air fryer. The air fryer method is quicker than roasting garlic in the oven and is simple for beginners. It also won't heat up your entire house!

To roast garlic in an air fryer, you'll need a head of garlic, some oil (olive oil or avocado oil are popular choices), and some aluminium foil. First, cut off the top of the garlic bulb to expose the cloves. Place the garlic on the foil, drizzle with oil, and wrap it up. Then, air fry at around 400°F for 20-30 minutes, until the garlic is soft and golden brown.

Roasted garlic has a more mellow and buttery flavour compared to raw garlic, and it's easy to store and freeze for later use.

How to roast garlic in an air fryer

Roasted garlic is a delicious addition to many dishes, from pasta to soups and even as a spread on bread. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to roast garlic in an air fryer.

Ingredients and Equipment:

You will need a whole head of garlic, keeping the garlic bulb intact with the shell on. You will also need some oil, preferably extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, or any other neutral oil. Additionally, you will require aluminum foil, oven mitts, and tongs.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic:

Slice off a small amount from the top of the garlic bulb to expose the inner cloves. Place the garlic head in the center of a square piece of aluminum foil. Drizzle olive oil over the exposed cloves and add a pinch of salt and pepper, if desired. Wrap the garlic head tightly in the foil, creating a pouch.

Step 2: Air Frying:

Preheat your air fryer to between 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the foil-wrapped garlic into the air fryer basket, ensuring it is below the "max fill" line. Air fry for 20-25 minutes, depending on the size of the garlic head. Smaller garlic heads may take around 20 minutes, while larger ones can take up to 30 minutes. Check the garlic around the 20-minute mark to ensure it doesn't burn.

Step 3: Cooling and Serving:

Once the garlic is roasted, carefully remove it from the air fryer using oven mitts or tongs. Let the garlic cool for at least 10 minutes. Then, unwrap the foil and gently squeeze the garlic bulb to release the roasted cloves from their shells. You can now use the roasted garlic as desired!

Storage:

Roasted garlic can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the roasted garlic cloves in an ice cube tray with olive oil and transfer them to an airtight container once frozen. Roasted garlic will last for about 6 months in the freezer.

What ingredients do you need?

To roast garlic in an air fryer, you will need a few simple ingredients. The exact quantities will depend on how much garlic you want to roast, but here is a list of the ingredients you will need:

• Garlic: You will need a whole head of garlic, or multiple heads if you are roasting in larger quantities. Look for fresh, plump bulbs that are firm and free of sprouts or soft spots.
• Oil: A good quality oil is essential. Extra virgin olive oil is a popular choice, but other options include avocado oil, vegetable oil, coconut oil, or any other neutral oil. You will need enough oil to drizzle over the garlic, so plan accordingly.
• Seasonings: Salt and pepper are the most common seasonings used, but you can also get creative and use other herbs and spices. A small pinch of salt will help to season the garlic, and a grind of black pepper will add a subtle kick. You can also experiment with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil.
• Sweetener (optional): A sweetener like maple syrup, honey, agave nectar, or brown sugar can be added to boost caramelization and balance the savory flavor of the garlic.
• Aluminum foil: Aluminum foil is used to wrap the garlic and contain the oil. Heavy-duty foil is preferable as it is thicker and less likely to tear.

With these ingredients, you will be well on your way to roasting delicious, flavorful garlic in your air fryer!

Step-by-step instructions

Yes, you can roast garlic in an air fryer! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

• Prepare the garlic: Slice off the top of the garlic bulb to expose the cloves. You can also trim the side of the bulb with a paring knife to expose any smaller cloves tucked underneath. Keep the garlic bulb intact with the shell on.
• Drizzle with oil: Place the cut bulb in the centre of a square piece of aluminium foil. Drizzle each head of garlic with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil or avocado oil so that it coats the exposed cloves and drips down the outside of the bulb. You can also add a pinch of salt and pepper if desired.
• Wrap the garlic: Wrap the garlic head tightly in the foil, keeping the top slightly exposed.
• Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 380-400°F (190-204°C). Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer, while others say it is not necessary.
• Air fry the garlic: Place the foil-wrapped garlic bulbs in the air fryer basket, making sure the foil is below the "max fill" line and not touching the heating element. Air fry at 390°F (198°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and the top of the garlic is golden brown. Smaller garlic bulbs may take less time, around 15-20 minutes.
• Cool and serve: Carefully open the foil, as hot steam will escape. Let the garlic cool for about 10 minutes. Then, remove the individual garlic cloves from their shells by gently squeezing the bottom of the roasted garlic bulb. Serve immediately or store for later use.

Storage:

Roasted garlic can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days or frozen for up to 6 months. You can also cover the cloves with olive oil and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Storing roasted garlic

If you only want to store your roasted garlic for a few days, you can simply place the heads of garlic in a Ziplock bag or other plastic container and put them in the refrigerator. Make sure to keep the cloves inside the protective outer peel. This method will keep your roasted garlic fresh for up to three days.

Another short-term storage option is to cover the garlic with oil and store it in a sealed canister in the fridge. Put the roasted garlic cloves in an airtight container and pour enough olive oil over them to completely cover all of the cloves. This method will keep your roasted garlic fresh for about one week. However, make sure you never store garlic in oil at room temperature, as this can be a breeding ground for botulism-causing bacteria.

If you want to store your roasted garlic for longer than a week, you will need to freeze it. First, remove the outer skins from the garlic cloves. Then, you can either mash the cloves and put them in an ice cube tray or freeze each clove individually on a baking sheet. Once the cloves are frozen, you can transfer them to a Ziplock bag or airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 10-12 months.

Some sources recommend storing roasted garlic in olive oil in the refrigerator. This method will keep the garlic fresh for up to two weeks. However, it is important to note that you should never store garlic in olive oil at room temperature, as this can be dangerous.

How to use roasted garlic

Roasted garlic has a sweet and mellow flavour and can be used to enhance a variety of recipes. Here are some ways to use roasted garlic:

Spread on Bread or Crackers

The simplest way to enjoy roasted garlic is to squeeze the cloves out of their skins and spread them on crusty bread or crackers. You can also sprinkle a little kosher salt on top.

Mix with Butter

Combine roasted garlic with butter and fresh herbs to make a delicious garlic butter. You can use this on corn, bread, pasta, or veggies.

Add to Mashed Potatoes

Roasted garlic mashed potatoes are a popular dish. Simply fold the roasted garlic into your mashed potatoes for a side dish that's hard to resist.

Use in Salad Dressings

Roasted garlic can add a unique flavour to salad dressings. Try mixing it with a balsamic and dijon dressing or a lemon honey dressing.

Make a Dip

You can make a simple dip by combining roasted garlic with sour cream or Greek yoghurt. Don't forget to add a pinch of salt!

Toss with Pasta

Toss roasted garlic with olive oil and Parmesan cheese, then mix with warm pasta for an easy and tasty dinner.

Add to Hummus

Roasted garlic hummus is a delicious and simple way to enjoy this versatile ingredient.

Mix with Mayo

Combine roasted garlic with mayonnaise for a delicious sandwich or burger spread. You can also add mustard for extra flavour.

Upgrade Your Guacamole

Incorporate roasted garlic into your guacamole for an extra boost of flavour without the bite of raw garlic.

Make a Vinaigrette

Roasted garlic vinaigrette is the perfect pairing for a classic garden salad. You can also mince the garlic and add it to any type of salad dressing.

Soup

You can add roasted garlic to any soup recipe for extra depth of flavour. Or, try making a creamy roasted garlic soup as a tasty appetiser.

Roasted Potatoes

There are two ways to do this: blend a head of roasted garlic with olive oil and mix with the potatoes before roasting, or toss chopped garlic cloves with the potatoes about five minutes before they're done baking.

Pesto

Swap raw garlic for roasted garlic in pesto for a twist on a classic recipe.

Gravy

Add a few cloves of roasted garlic to your gravy for a richer, more complex flavour.

Avocado Toast

Mash roasted garlic with avocado and spread it on toast for a flavourful breakfast or snack.

Flatbread

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

Cheese Plate

Add a bowl of roasted garlic to your cheese plate. The warm, nutty flavours pair well with cheese and crackers.

Frequently asked questions