Air-Fryer Roasted Garlic: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

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 an oven, and it won't heat up your kitchen. It's also a convenient way to roast garlic if you don't have any oven space. In this article, we'll take you through the simple steps to make roasted garlic in your air fryer.

How to Make Roasted Garlic in an Air Fryer

Choosing the right garlic

First, look for fresh garlic bulbs that are large and firm to the touch. Make sure each bulb has plenty of cloves and avoid any heads that are starting to sprout or feel mushy. The outer skin should be paper-thin, and the bulb should not feel "empty" when squeezed. This indicates that the head is drying out.

When preparing the garlic, cut off the top of the bulb, exposing all the cloves. You may need to cut a bit further down to ensure that all the cloves are slightly exposed, as this will help with even cooking and caramelization. Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil over the exposed cloves; you can also add a pinch of salt if desired. Wrap the garlic bulb in aluminium foil, ensuring the cut side is facing upwards, and place it in the air fryer.

Roast the garlic in your air fryer at a temperature between 380-400°F (190-198°C) for 20-25 minutes. The garlic is ready when the top of the bulb begins to caramelize and turn golden brown. Carefully remove the garlic from the air fryer using oven mitts or tongs, as it will be very hot. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before handling.

Once cooled, unwrap the foil and gently squeeze the bottom of the garlic bulb to release the softened cloves. You can now use the roasted garlic in various dishes or store it for later use. Roasted garlic will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. You can also freeze it for future use by placing the cloves in a freezer-safe bag or container, where it will last for about 2 months to 6 months.

Preparing the garlic

Firstly, select fresh, high-quality garlic bulbs that are large and firm, with plenty of cloves. Remove the paper-thin skin of the garlic bulb. Then, using a sharp knife, carefully cut off the top of the garlic head, exposing the cloves. Make sure to cut far enough down so that all the cloves are slightly exposed; this will ensure even cooking and browning.

Next, place each garlic head on a square piece of aluminium foil. Drizzle the exposed cloves with a good quality oil, such as extra virgin olive oil. You will need about 1 teaspoon of oil per garlic bulb. You can also add a tiny pinch of salt to the garlic at this stage for seasoning. Wrap the garlic bulbs tightly in the foil, ensuring the cut side is facing upwards.

At this point, you can also add some extra flavourings. For example, you could place a couple of fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage sprigs over the garlic heads before wrapping them in foil. These herbs will infuse the garlic with extra flavour as it cooks.

Now your garlic is prepared and ready for the air fryer!

Choosing the right oil

When making roasted garlic in an air fryer, the type of oil you use is important. Oil helps to conduct heat and ensures that the garlic cloves are evenly cooked and caramelized. It also adds flavor to the dish and can be used to preserve the roasted garlic. Here are some tips for choosing the right oil for your roasted garlic:

Type of Oil

Extra virgin olive oil is the most commonly recommended oil for roasting garlic in an air fryer. It has a high smoke point, which means it can withstand the high temperatures of the air fryer without burning or smoking. It also has a robust flavor that pairs well with garlic. However, other neutral oils with high smoke points, such as avocado oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil, can also be used.

Quality of Oil

When choosing an extra virgin olive oil, opt for a high-quality option. The better the quality of the oil, the better the final result will be in terms of taste and texture. Look for extra virgin olive oils that are cold-pressed and made from a single source, as these tend to have more robust and fruity flavors.

Amount of Oil

The amount of oil you use will depend on the number of garlic heads you are roasting. Generally, you will need about 1 tablespoon of oil per garlic head. This ensures that the garlic is adequately coated and helps to create a crispy texture.

Oil for Preservation

If you plan on storing your roasted garlic, you can preserve it by covering it with oil. This method helps to prevent the growth of bacteria and keeps the garlic cloves soft and flavorful. Use extra virgin olive oil or another high-quality oil for this purpose, as the oil will also take on the flavor of the garlic, creating a delicious garlic-infused oil that can be used in cooking.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for roasted garlic in an air fryer will depend on the quantity of garlic you are cooking, and the specific model of air fryer you are using. However, most sources agree that the temperature should be set within the range of 380–400°F (190–204°C).

For a single head of garlic, the cooking time will be around 20–25 minutes. If you are cooking multiple heads of garlic, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes. One source recommends checking the garlic after 20 minutes, and then, if necessary, returning it to the air fryer for another 2 minutes, and repeating this process until the garlic is done.

When the garlic is ready, the top of the bulb should be golden brown and caramelized. You should then remove the garlic from the air fryer and let it cool for about 10 minutes before handling.

Storing and freezing

Storing Roasted Garlic

If you only need to store roasted garlic for a few days, place the garlic heads in a Ziplock bag or plastic container and refrigerate. The garlic should remain fresh for up to three days using this method.

For longer-term storage of up to one week, use an airtight container and cover the garlic cloves with olive oil. Ensure the cloves are completely submerged in oil, as this acts as a natural preservative by preventing oxidation and deterring mould. However, never store garlic in oil at room temperature, as this can cause botulism toxin to develop.

Freezing Roasted Garlic

First, remove the roasted garlic cloves from their casings. You can then freeze the cloves in several ways:

• Place the cloves in an ice cube tray, cover them with olive oil, and wrap the tray tightly with plastic wrap before freezing.
• Freeze the cloves individually on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a Ziplock bag once frozen.
• Mash the cloves and place them in an ice cube tray to create easy-to-use portions.

Using these methods, you can store roasted garlic in the freezer for up to six months to a year. When you're ready to use the frozen garlic, let it thaw at room temperature, or add it directly to your recipes while still frozen.

Frequently asked questions