Air-Fryer Garlic Chips: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Garlic chips are thinly sliced garlic cloves cooked until crispy and crunchy. They are a delicious snack and a great addition to other dishes. In this article, we will discuss how to make garlic chips using an air fryer. So, get your garlic cloves and air fryer ready, and let's begin!

Choosing the right garlic

Type of Garlic

The two main types of garlic are hardneck and softneck, each with its unique characteristics. Hardneck garlic tends to have more flavour and is typically found in colder climates. It has a hard, woody central stalk and produces four to twelve cloves per bulb. On the other hand, softneck garlic is more versatile and commonly found in supermarkets. It lacks the flowering scape of hardneck garlic and produces more cloves, ranging from eight to thirty. If you want a milder taste, you can also opt for elephant garlic, which is actually part of the leek family but has a similar flavour profile to softneck garlic.

Freshness and Quality

When selecting garlic, always go for fresh, firm bulbs with tight, unbroken skin. Avoid bulbs that feel lightweight or have sprouted, as these indicate age and reduced quality. Look for bulbs with a slight purple cast to the flesh of the cloves and thinner skins, as these are signs of good flavour.

Size and Number of Cloves

For garlic chips, it is essential to choose bulbs with larger cloves, as they are easier to peel and work with. Look for bulbs with cloves that are quick and easy to peel by hand. While softneck garlic tends to have smaller cloves, some varieties, such as the Artichoke softneck, can still yield larger cloves.

Taste and Flavour

The taste and flavour profile of garlic can vary significantly depending on the variety. Hardneck garlic is often spicier and more complex, while softneck garlic has a more grassy, plant-like taste. If you plan to eat the garlic chips raw or lightly cooked, softneck garlic is a better option. However, if you want a stronger garlic flavour, hardneck garlic is the way to go.

Storage and Shelf Life

Consider the storage requirements and shelf life of the garlic you choose. Softneck garlic has a longer shelf life and can last up to eight months in storage. On the other hand, hardneck garlic may start to dry out, sprout, or soften within two to four months. If you plan to store your garlic chips for an extended period, softneck garlic might be a better choice.

Slicing the garlic

When slicing the garlic, be careful not to hurt yourself, as the cloves need to be thin. Once sliced, place the garlic in a bowl and add oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the garlic slices are evenly coated. You can use avocado oil or olive oil for this recipe. Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavour, making it a versatile choice for infused oils. Olive oil, on the other hand, has a lower smoke point but will produce a more robust flavour that pairs well with Italian or Mediterranean dishes.

Coating the garlic in oil

Coating the garlic slices in oil is a crucial step in making garlic chips in an air fryer. The oil helps to ensure that the garlic cooks evenly and adds to the crispiness of the final product. Here is a detailed guide on how to coat the garlic slices in oil:

Start by peeling 6-10 large garlic cloves. The number of garlic cloves you use can vary depending on your preference and the size of your air fryer. It is recommended to use a mandoline to ensure uniform slices. Slice the garlic cloves as thinly and uniformly as possible, aiming for a thickness of about 1 mm. Thinner slices will result in more delicate and crispier chips, while thicker slices will produce more robust chips but may retain a slight chew.

Next, prepare a small bowl and add your chosen oil. You can use avocado oil or olive oil, both of which have their unique advantages. Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavour, making it a versatile choice. On the other hand, olive oil has a lower smoke point but adds more flavour and is ideal for Mediterranean dishes.

Now, it's time to coat the garlic slices in oil. Place the garlic slices into the bowl with the oil and use a food silicone brush to gently toss and mix them until they are evenly coated. Make sure all surfaces of the garlic slices are covered in oil. You can also add other seasonings of your choice at this stage, such as salt, pepper, or a spice blend.

Once the garlic slices are coated, lay them out on the air fryer tray in a single layer. Make sure the slices are not stacked or clumped together, as this will affect even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches.

After coating and arranging the garlic slices, you are ready to move on to the next step of air frying. Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically between 320-350°F (160-170°C), and follow the subsequent steps in your garlic chip recipe.

Air fryer temperature

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Before adding the garlic slices to the air fryer, it is essential to preheat the appliance. Set the temperature to 320°F (160°C) and preheat for 1-2 minutes. This step ensures that the air fryer reaches the desired temperature, promoting even cooking of the garlic slices.

Cooking Temperature and Time:

Once the air fryer is preheated, you can add the garlic slices and cook them. Most recipes recommend setting the air fryer temperature to 350°F (170°C) or 320°F (160°C) for cooking the garlic chips. The cooking time can vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of the garlic slices. For thinner slices, cook for about 3-4 minutes at 350°F (170°C), then flip or stir the slices and cook for an additional 3 minutes. For thicker slices, you may need a slightly higher temperature or a longer cooking time to achieve the desired crispness.

Monitor the Garlic Slices:

It is important to keep a close eye on the garlic slices while they are cooking. Garlic can burn easily, so frequent monitoring is necessary to prevent overcooking. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so adjust the time accordingly. Check the garlic slices regularly to ensure they are golden brown and not overly brownish or burnt.

Adjustments and Variations:

Different air fryers may have slight variations in temperature settings and cooking performance. Therefore, it is crucial to get to know your air fryer and make adjustments as needed. You may need to experiment with the temperature and timing settings to find the perfect combination for your specific air fryer. Additionally, if you prefer a lighter or milder garlic flavor, you can use young garlic and slice the cloves thinner for a crispier texture. For a stronger and more intense garlic flavor, opt for older garlic and thicker slices for a more robust texture.

Storing the garlic chips

Storing garlic chips is very easy. If you want to store them for a short period, you can place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat them when you're ready to use them.

However, if you want to store them for longer, it is recommended to air dry them, crush them, and then store them in a jar at room temperature. To do this, leave the cooked garlic slices on a paper towel or kitchen towel for 24-48 hours uncovered. They will harden during this time. Once they are hard and extra crunchy, cover them with a layer of paper towel or kitchen towel and then crush them with a hammer or dough roller. Transfer the crushed garlic bits into a glass spice jar and they will be good to use for up to 2 months.

Additionally, you can store the garlic-infused oil that is leftover in the pan. Simply strain the oil into an airtight glass container and store it in the refrigerator for up to a month. You can use this garlic-infused oil for salad dressings, low-heat cooking, drizzling, and more.

Frequently asked questions