Air-Fryer Garlic: Perfect Roasting Time

Roasted garlic is a great way to add flavour to a variety of dishes, from soups and salad dressings to mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. Air frying garlic is a quick and easy way to roast garlic, taking only 15 to 30 minutes, which is half the time it takes in an oven. To make roasted garlic in an air fryer, cut off the top of a head of garlic to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in aluminium foil, and air fry at between 370 to 400°F for 15 to 30 minutes.

How to prepare garlic for air frying

Preparing garlic for air frying is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, you will need to gather your ingredients and equipment. For this method, you will need garlic (as many bulbs as you wish to roast), olive oil or avocado oil, salt, black pepper, aluminium foil, and an air fryer.

Next, you will need to prepare the garlic. Start by cutting off the top of the garlic bulb to expose the cloves. Place the garlic on a square of aluminium foil. Drizzle olive oil over the exposed cloves, and add a pinch of salt and black pepper. You can be generous with the seasoning, as the olive oil, salt, and pepper will enhance the flavour of the garlic.

Now, wrap the garlic bulb in the foil. Be sure to wrap it tightly, but leave the top slightly exposed. You can add some fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or basil at this stage for extra flavour.

Preheat your air fryer to between 370 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Once preheated, place the foil-wrapped garlic bulbs in the air fryer basket or on the shelf, ensuring the foil does not go above the 'max fill' line.

Air fry for around 20-25 minutes. Smaller garlic bulbs may take as little as 15 minutes, while larger bulbs may take up to 30 minutes. The garlic is done when the top of the bulb is golden brown and has started to caramelize.

Remove the garlic from the air fryer using oven mitts or tongs, as it will be very hot. Allow the garlic to cool for about 10 minutes, then carefully open the foil, being mindful of the hot steam that will escape. Finally, gently squeeze the garlic bulb so that the cloves slide out of their shells, and enjoy!

The best oils for roasting garlic in an air fryer

Roasted garlic is a delicious addition to many dishes, and using an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare it. The best oils for roasting garlic in an air fryer include extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil, and other neutral oils.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil is a popular choice for roasting garlic in an air fryer. Its distinct flavour and aroma can enhance the taste of the roasted garlic. It has a relatively high smoke point, making it suitable for the high temperatures of air frying.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is another excellent option for roasting garlic. It has a mild flavour that won't overpower the garlic, and it also has a high smoke point, making it ideal for air frying.

Vegetable Oil and Neutral Oils

If you're looking for a more neutral-flavoured oil, vegetable oil or other neutral oils like canola oil or grapeseed oil can be used. These oils have high smoke points and won't interfere with the flavour of the garlic.

How to Roast Garlic in an Air Fryer:

Here's a simple method for roasting garlic in your air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to between 380-400°F (190-198°C).
• Cut off the top of the garlic bulb to expose the cloves.
• Place the garlic on a square piece of aluminium foil and drizzle with about 1 teaspoon of your chosen oil. Add a pinch of salt and any desired herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil.
• Wrap the garlic tightly in the foil, creating a pouch.
• Place the foil pouch in the air fryer and cook for 16 to 25 minutes, depending on the size of the garlic bulb. Smaller heads may take 16-20 minutes, while larger ones can take up to 25 minutes.
• Carefully open the foil pouch, being mindful of the hot steam that will escape. Let the garlic cool for about 10 minutes.
• Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their shells, and they're ready to use!

Roasted garlic is a versatile ingredient that can be spread on bread or crackers, added to mashed potatoes, hummus, pasta, or used in various other dishes. Enjoy experimenting with different oils and flavours to find your favourite combination!

The ideal temperature and time for air frying garlic

Air frying garlic is a quick and easy way to add flavour to your dishes. The ideal temperature and time for air frying garlic depends on the number of garlic heads and the desired level of doneness.

For a single head of garlic, preheat your air fryer to between 370 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the garlic in the air fryer and roast for 15 to 25 minutes, until the cloves are soft and golden brown. If you are cooking multiple heads of garlic, increase the temperature to 390 degrees Fahrenheit and roast for 20 to 30 minutes.

When roasting garlic in an air fryer, it is important to wrap the garlic in aluminium foil to prevent it from burning. Drizzle the garlic with olive oil and season with salt and pepper before wrapping it in foil and placing it in the air fryer.

Once the garlic is done, carefully open the foil pouch, as hot steam will escape. Let the garlic cool for at least 10 minutes before removing the cloves from their shells.

Air-fried garlic can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or frozen for up to six months.

How to store roasted garlic

Roasted garlic is best stored in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

If you're planning to use your roasted garlic within a few days, you can store it in the fridge. Leave the cloves in their protective outer peel and place them in a Ziplock bag or another plastic container. They should last for up to three days before going bad.

For longer-term storage, roasted garlic can be kept in the fridge for up to two weeks. To do this, place the garlic cloves in an airtight container and cover them completely with olive oil. This method helps to preserve the garlic and delay oxidation, deterioration, or moulding. However, it's important to note that you should never store garlic in oil at room temperature, as this can create the perfect conditions for botulism-causing bacteria to grow.

If you want to freeze your roasted garlic, first remove the cloves from their casings and place them on a baking sheet. Pop the baking sheet in the freezer for about an hour, then transfer the frozen cloves to a Ziplock bag or another freezer-safe container. Frozen roasted garlic will last for up to 10-12 months.

Creative ways to use roasted garlic

Roasting Garlic in an Air Fryer:

Roasting garlic in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to transform fresh garlic into a sweet and savory delicacy. It takes around 15–20 minutes in the air fryer at 375–400 °F. The result is a softened, caramelized bulb with a creamy texture and a mellow, nutty flavor. Roasted garlic is a versatile ingredient that can elevate a variety of dishes. Here are some creative ways to use it:

Spread on Toasts and Crackers:

Roasted garlic makes an excellent spread on crackers, crostini, or toasted bread slices. Simply squeeze the softened garlic cloves out of their skins and spread onto your chosen base. Top with a drizzle of olive oil, some chopped fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary), and a pinch of sea salt for a delicious and elegant appetizer or snack.

Mix into Dips and Spreads:

Enhance your favorite dips and spreads by incorporating roasted garlic. Mash the garlic cloves and mix them into hummus, guacamole, or yogurt-based dips. The mild garlic flavor adds depth and complexity to these dishes. You can also use roasted garlic in homemade pesto instead of, or in addition to, raw garlic for a more subtle garlic kick.

Stir into Pasta Dishes:

Roasted garlic is a wonderful addition to pasta sauces, especially creamy ones. Squeeze the soft garlic cloves into your sauce toward the end of cooking, allowing the garlic to warm through without cooking further. It pairs beautifully with creamy alfredo sauces, tomato-based sauces, or even just tossed with pasta, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. You can also use roasted garlic to enhance the flavor of homemade macaroni and cheese.

Infuse into Oils and Vinaigrettes:

Infuse roasted garlic into olive oil to create a flavorful base for vinaigrettes or to use as a finishing oil. Simply add a few cloves of roasted garlic to a small jar, cover with extra virgin olive oil, and let it infuse for a few days. Remove the garlic cloves, or keep them in the oil for a stronger flavor. This infused oil can be drizzled over salads, used as a bread dip, or added to roasted vegetables.

Enhance Soups and Stews:

Roasted garlic can add a subtle depth of flavor to soups and stews. Squeeze the softened cloves into your soup toward the end of cooking, allowing the heat to gently warm the garlic and infuse its flavor. It works particularly well in creamy soups, such as potato or cauliflower soup, but also adds interest to tomato-based soups or hearty stews.

Mix into Mashed Potatoes:

For a gourmet twist on classic mashed potatoes, stir in some roasted garlic. The garlic adds a subtle flavor and elevates this simple side dish. Mash the softened garlic cloves into the potatoes, along with your preferred cooking liquid (such as milk, cream, or butter), and season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add chopped fresh chives or scallions for a colorful garnish.

Roasted garlic is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a multitude of dishes, adding a subtle, sweet garlic flavor. These creative uses are just a starting point, and you can experiment with adding roasted garlic to your favorite recipes to discover new flavor profiles. Remember, a little roasted garlic goes a long way, so adjust the amount used to suit your taste preferences.

Frequently asked questions