Roasting Garlic Powder: Air Fryer Magic

Roasted garlic is a delicious addition to many dishes, but the oven can be slow and heat up your whole house. Air fryers offer a quick and easy solution to this problem. But can you roast garlic powder in an air fryer?

How to roast garlic powder 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 only requires a few basic ingredients. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to roast garlic powder in an air fryer:

Ingredients and Tools:

• Garlic bulbs
• Olive oil (or another oil of your choice)
• Salt and pepper (optional)
• Air fryer
• Aluminium foil
• Sharp knife
• Small bowl
• Air fryer-safe container (such as a ramekin or small baking dish)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to between 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, so you may need to adjust accordingly.
• Prepare the garlic bulbs by slicing off the tops to expose the cloves inside. You can discard the tops or save them for making stock.
• Place each garlic bulb on a piece of aluminium foil. If desired, drizzle or brush the exposed cloves with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Wrap each garlic bulb tightly in the foil, creating a small pouch. This will help trap the steam and moisture during the cooking process.
• Arrange the foil pouches in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Leave ample space between each pouch to allow for proper air circulation.
• Air fry the garlic for approximately 20-25 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on the size of your garlic bulbs, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
• Once the garlic is golden and fragrant, remove it from the air fryer and allow it to cool. Be careful when opening the foil pouches, as hot steam will escape.
• When the garlic is cool enough to handle, carefully squeeze or scoop out the softened cloves from their skins. You can use the roasted garlic cloves whole or mashed, depending on your preference and intended use.
• If you have any leftover roasted garlic, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze roasted garlic for longer-term storage.

Tips and Variations:

• When purchasing garlic, look for fresh, firm bulbs with plenty of cloves. Avoid any that are starting to sprout or feel mushy.
• Be sure to expose all the cloves, even the smaller ones, when preparing the garlic bulbs. This will ensure even cooking and caramelization.
• You can add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil, or a sweetener like maple syrup or honey, to the garlic before wrapping it in foil for additional flavour.
• If you prefer to roast individual garlic cloves instead of whole bulbs, simply separate the cloves, season them, and wrap them in foil or place them in a small air fryer-safe container before cooking. Individual cloves will cook faster than whole bulbs.

The best temperature to roast 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. The best temperature to roast garlic in an air fryer is between 380°F/193°C and 400°F.

First, cut the tops off the garlic heads, exposing the cloves. Place each head on a square piece of aluminium foil, then drizzle a teaspoon of olive oil over the exposed cloves. Wrap the foil around the garlic.

Air fry the garlic for 20-25 minutes. The garlic is ready when it is soft and has reached a nice brown caramelization. Open the foil pouch carefully, as hot steam will escape. Let the garlic cool for about 5 to 10 minutes before removing 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.

How to store roasted garlic

Roasted garlic is a delicious seasoning that can be stored in a variety of ways. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store roasted garlic to ensure it stays fresh and flavorful:

Short-Term Storage:

• Refrigerate roasted garlic heads in a Ziplock bag or plastic container for up to 3 days. Keep the cloves inside their protective outer peel to maintain freshness.
• For longer refrigerator storage, place the roasted garlic cloves in an airtight container and cover them completely with olive oil. This method can keep the garlic fresh for about a week. However, never store garlic in oil at room temperature, as it can promote the growth of botulism-causing bacteria.

Freezing Roasted Garlic:

• Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their casings and place them in an ice cube tray. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a Ziplock bag for easy storage.
• Alternatively, freeze each clove individually on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a Ziplock bag once frozen. This method requires more effort upfront but makes it easier to use the frozen cloves later, as you won't need to remove the outer peel.
• Frozen roasted garlic can be stored for up to 10-12 months and is an excellent way to extend its shelf life.

Additional Tips:

• When storing roasted garlic in the refrigerator or freezer, always remove the loose papery outer skins first.
• Label and date your storage containers to keep track of how long the roasted garlic has been stored.
• If you plan to freeze large quantities of roasted garlic, consider portioning it into smaller batches so you can easily thaw only what you need.

How to freeze roasted garlic

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

Roasted garlic is a versatile ingredient that can be used in soups, salad dressings, dips, mashed potatoes, and even as a spread for toast. It has a creamy texture and a sweeter taste compared to raw garlic. Freezing roasted garlic is a convenient way to always have this tasty ingredient on hand, as it can be time-consuming to roast. Here is a detailed guide on how to freeze roasted garlic:

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Cloves

Start by roasting your garlic cloves. You can do this in an oven, air fryer, or on a stovetop. Roasting garlic in an air fryer is a quick and easy method that takes about 20-25 minutes. Once roasted, allow the garlic to cool down before handling.

Step 2: Separate the Cloves

Once the garlic is cool enough to handle, separate the cloves from the head. You can use a small spoon or paring knife to help remove the cloves if needed. It is important to ensure that the garlic is cool enough so that you don't burn your fingers!

Step 3: Freeze the Cloves

There are two main methods for freezing the roasted garlic cloves:

• Freeze Whole Cloves: Spread the individual cloves on a baking sheet and place it in the freezer. Leave them until they are frozen solid, then transfer the frozen cloves to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method allows you to take out as many cloves as you need at a time.
• Make a Garlic Paste: If you prefer, you can also make a roasted garlic paste by mashing the cloves with a fork. Then, freeze the paste in an ice cube tray. Once frozen, pop the cubes out and store them in a freezer bag or container. This method is useful for adding small amounts of roasted garlic to dishes.

Step 4: Store and Use

Label the container or bag with the date, and store it in the freezer. Roasted garlic can be stored in the freezer for up to six months. When you're ready to use the garlic, simply take out the desired amount and let it thaw, or add it directly to your dish while still frozen. You can also thaw it by immersing the freezer bag in hot water.

By following these steps, you'll always have delicious roasted garlic on hand to add to your favourite recipes!

What to make with roasted garlic

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

Spread on Bread or Toast

Roasted garlic can be spread on crusty bread, toast, or crackers for a sophisticated take on garlic bread. You can also mix it with butter or mayonnaise for an even more indulgent spread.

Dips

Mix roasted garlic with sour cream or Greek yoghurt for an easy dip, or combine it with butter and spread it on corn on the cob.

Salad Dressings

Roasted garlic can be added to salad dressings for a flavour boost. Try mixing it with balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard.

Hummus

Roasted garlic is a great addition to hummus, especially when paired with caramelised onions.

Mash

Add roasted garlic to mashed potatoes for a deeper, richer flavour.

Gravy

Roasted garlic can be added to gravy to give it a deeper flavour.

Pizza

Use roasted garlic as a base for homemade pizza, or scatter whole cloves onto a pizza base.

Meat

Mix roasted garlic with hamburger meat before grilling, or stuff it into a juicy steak, chicken, or lamb before baking or grilling.

Vegetables

Roasted garlic can be cooked with carrots and other vegetables, or tossed with roasted balsamic vegetables as a side dish.

Soups

Add roasted garlic to soups or stews for a subtle garlic flavour, or puree it into creamy soups like vegan potato soup.

Sandwiches

Roasted garlic can be used as a spread on sandwiches or veggie burgers, or mixed with mayonnaise or mustard for a delicious sandwich spread.

Pasta

Roasted garlic can be mixed into mac and cheese, or used in sun-dried tomato pasta.

Frequently asked questions