Air-Fryer Roast Garlic: How Long Does It Take?

Roasted garlic is a delicious addition to many dishes, from pasta to salad dressings, and can even be enjoyed on its own as a snack. Roasting garlic in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to add extra flavour to your dishes without having to heat up your entire kitchen. In this article, we will discuss the steps to roast garlic in an air fryer, the benefits of using an air fryer, and provide some mouth-watering ideas for using your roasted garlic.

How to roast garlic in an air fryer without using tin foil

Roasting garlic in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to add extra garlic flavor to your dishes. Roasted garlic cloves turn soft and buttery, and can be spread on bread or used in soups, salad dressings, pastas, and more.

Ingredients and Equipment:

• Whole head of garlic
• Oil (extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil, grapeseed oil, or sunflower seed oil)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Air fryer
• Small oven-safe ramekin with a lid, or parchment paper
• Baking dish or baking sheet (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic

Slice off the top of the garlic bulb to expose the inner cloves. Leave the peel on. Place the garlic bulb, cut side up, in a ramekin or on a sheet of parchment paper. If using parchment paper, place it on a baking sheet or in a baking dish.

Step 2: Add Oil and Seasonings

Drizzle a small amount of oil over the exposed cloves. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, to taste.

Step 3: Cover and Air Fry

If using a ramekin, cover with a lid. If using parchment paper, gather the edges around the garlic bulb and twist the top tightly to secure it. Place the covered garlic in the air fryer basket.

Air fry at 390-400°F/198-205°C for 20-30 minutes, until the garlic is soft and lightly browned. If using a ramekin, the cooking time may be up to 60 minutes.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Remove the garlic from the air fryer using oven mitts or tongs, as the air fryer will be hot. Let the garlic cool for at least 10 minutes.

Once cool, gently squeeze the bottom of the garlic bulb to pop out the roasted cloves. Serve immediately or store for later use.

Storage:

Roasted garlic can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks if submerged in oil, or frozen for up to six months. For ready-to-use portions, place individual garlic cloves in an ice cube tray, cover with oil, and freeze.

How to store roasted garlic

Roasted garlic is a delicious seasoning that can be added to many dishes. It is fairly easy to make but can be time-consuming, so it is often roasted in large batches. Here is a detailed guide on how to store roasted garlic to make it last longer.

Storing Roasted Garlic in the Fridge

If you are planning on using the roasted garlic within a few days, storing it in the fridge is a good option. Roasted garlic can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days if stored correctly. Place the garlic heads in a Ziplock bag or plastic container, ensuring the cloves remain inside their protective outer peel. Alternatively, roasted garlic can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks if submerged in olive oil. Place the cooled, peeled roasted garlic cloves in a clean jar and pour extra virgin olive oil over them, ensuring they are completely covered. Cover tightly with a lid and store in the fridge.

Storing Roasted Garlic in the Freezer

For longer-term storage, roasted garlic can be stored in the freezer for up to 10-12 months. There are a few methods for freezing roasted garlic:

• Mash the roasted garlic cloves and place them in an ice cube tray. Once frozen, pop them out and store them in a Ziplock bag.
• Freeze each clove individually on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a Ziplock bag once frozen.
• Place the roasted garlic bulbs in an airtight container, glass jar, or freezer-safe bag. Cover the cloves with extra virgin olive oil, seal, and freeze.

Important Safety Tip

It is important to note that roasted garlic should never be stored in olive oil at room temperature. Storing garlic in oil provides the perfect conditions for producing botulism toxin, which can be dangerous. Always store oil-covered garlic in the fridge or freezer.

How to freeze roasted garlic

Roasted garlic is a great ingredient to have on hand, adding depth and flavour to many dishes. Here is a guide on how to freeze roasted garlic to ensure it is always available to use.

Preparing the Garlic for Freezing:

Firstly, you will need to roast your garlic bulbs. A great way to do this is in an air fryer, which reduces the roasting time by half compared to a traditional oven. To roast garlic in an air fryer, follow these steps:

• Cut the top off the garlic bulb to expose the cloves.
• Place the garlic on a square piece of aluminium foil and add a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Wrap the garlic head in the foil.
• Preheat the air fryer to between 380-400°F (190-198°C).
• Air fry for 16 to 25 minutes, until the garlic is soft and golden brown.
• Carefully remove the garlic and let it cool for at least 10 minutes before handling.
• Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their shells and they are ready to use or store.

Freezing the Roasted Garlic:

Once you have prepared your roasted garlic, there are a few methods you can use to freeze it:

• Place the roasted garlic cloves in an airtight container, glass jar, or freezer bag/storage bag. Cover the cloves completely with extra virgin olive oil. This method will keep the garlic fresh for up to two weeks in the fridge and about six months in the freezer. However, it is important to note that you should not store roasted garlic in olive oil at room temperature, as this can produce botulism toxin.
• Spread the roasted garlic cloves on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer. Once they are frozen, transfer the cloves to a freezer-safe container or bag and store them in the freezer.
• Mash the roasted garlic into a paste and freeze it in an ice cube tray. Once frozen, pop the cubes out and store them in a freezer bag or container.

Using Frozen Roasted Garlic:

When you are ready to use your frozen roasted garlic, simply take out the desired amount and let it thaw at room temperature before adding it to your recipes. Roasted garlic has a more mellow, buttery, and savory flavour compared to raw garlic, so it is perfect for spreading on bread, adding to soups or salad dressings, or using in pasta dishes.

How to roast individual cloves of garlic

Roasting individual cloves of garlic in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to add flavor to your dishes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to roast individual cloves of garlic in an air fryer:

Preparation:

Before you start, preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F (190-204°C). The temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, but it should be set to a high temperature to ensure the garlic roasts properly.

For individual cloves, separate the cloves from the garlic bulb and peel them. Place the peeled cloves on a piece of aluminum foil. You can also use parchment paper or a small baking sheet instead of foil if you prefer. Drizzle olive oil, avocado oil, or another neutral oil over the cloves. You only need a small amount, just enough to coat the garlic. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over the oiled cloves.

Cooking:

Place the foil with the garlic cloves into the air fryer basket or on the shelf. Make sure that the foil does not touch the heating element. Set the timer for 10 minutes to start. Check the garlic after 10 minutes, and if it is not done to your liking, continue air frying in 2-minute increments until the garlic reaches your desired level of doneness. The garlic is ready when it starts to caramelize and turn golden brown.

Serving and Storage:

Allow the garlic to cool for a few minutes before serving. Roasted garlic can be served as a spread on crusty bread or crackers, or used as an ingredient in various dishes, such as pasta, soups, salad dressings, or mashed potatoes.

If you have any leftover roasted garlic, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze roasted garlic cloves for later use. Place them in an ice cube tray, cover them with olive oil, and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.

How to roast garlic in an air fryer: step-by-step instructions

Roasted garlic is a great way to add flavour to many dishes, from pasta to salad dressings, and can even be enjoyed on its own as a snack. Using an air fryer to roast garlic is quicker and more convenient than using an oven, and it won't heat up your entire house!

Step 1: Prepare the garlic

Start by removing the papery skin from the garlic bulb. Then, cut off the top of the bulb to expose the cloves. Place the garlic on a square piece of aluminium foil. Drizzle olive oil over the exposed cloves, ensuring that it also drips down the outside of the bulb. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and, if desired, add some fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or sage.

Step 2: Wrap the garlic

Wrap the garlic head tightly in the foil, ensuring that the cut side is facing upwards. This will allow the cloves to caramelise and turn golden brown.

Step 3: Air fry

Preheat your air fryer to between 380-400°F (190-200°C). Once preheated, place the foil-wrapped garlic into the air fryer basket or on the shelf, ensuring that the foil does not touch the heating element. Air fry for 20-25 minutes for smaller garlic bulbs, and up to 30 minutes for larger ones. Check the garlic after 20 minutes to ensure it does not burn.

Step 4: Remove and serve

Once the garlic is roasted, remove it from the air fryer using oven mitts or tongs as it will be very hot. Let the garlic cool for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully open the foil, being mindful of the hot steam that will escape. Remove the individual garlic cloves from their shells by gently squeezing the bottom of the bulb.

Your roasted garlic is now ready to be enjoyed! Spread it on crusty bread or crackers, add it to soups or pasta, or get creative and use it in your favourite recipes.

Frequently asked questions