Roasted Garlic: Air Fryer Magic In Minutes

Roasted garlic is a delicious addition to many dishes, and can be made easily in an air fryer. The process is simple and quick, taking only 20-25 minutes, and requiring just a few common ingredients. The result is buttery, soft garlic cloves that can be added to soups, salad dressings, pasta, homemade bread, and more.

How to Make Roasted Garlic in an Air Fryer

Choosing the right garlic

Size and Firmness:

Look for heads of garlic that are large and firm. Choose garlic bulbs that feel heavy for their size, as this indicates a fresh and juicy product. Avoid any bulbs that are starting to sprout or have soft spots, as these are signs of deterioration.

Number of Cloves:

Select garlic heads with plenty of cloves. The more cloves a head has, the more roasted garlic you will yield. Look for bulbs with tight, compact cloves that fill up the bulb.

Texture:

Give the garlic a gentle squeeze. It should feel firm and slightly springy, not mushy or "empty." An "empty" feeling indicates that the head is drying out and past its prime.

Appearance:

Inspect the garlic for any visible damage, such as mould or dried-out cloves. The outer skin should be papery and dry, but not too shrivelled. Avoid garlic with discoloured patches or spots, as this could affect the flavour and freshness.

Organic Options:

If possible, opt for organic young garlic. Organic garlic is grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, making it a healthier and more natural choice. Young garlic tends to have a milder flavour and is ideal for roasting.

Remember, the quality of your ingredients significantly impacts the final dish. Taking the time to select the right garlic will ensure your roasted garlic is flavourful, juicy, and worth the effort!

Preparing the garlic

Firstly, you will need to select fresh, high-quality garlic bulbs. Look for heads of garlic that are large and firm, with plenty of cloves. Avoid any that are starting to sprout or feel mushy. You can choose to remove the paper-thin skin of the garlic or leave it on, depending on your preference.

The next step is to cut the tops off the garlic heads, exposing the cloves. Be sure to cut far enough down so that all the cloves are slightly exposed. You can use a sharp knife or simply slice off a small amount from the bottom of the bulb. This will help the garlic cook evenly and ensure that all the cloves are roasted.

Once the garlic is cut, place each head on a square piece of aluminium foil. The foil should be large enough to tightly wrap around the entire bulb. You can also add a few pieces of fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or sage, over the garlic for extra flavour.

Drizzle each garlic bulb with a high-quality oil, such as extra virgin olive oil. You will need about 1-2 teaspoons per bulb. Coat the exposed cloves and allow the oil to drip down the outside of the bulb. You can also add a sprinkle of salt and ground black pepper for seasoning.

Finally, wrap the garlic bulbs tightly in the foil. Ensure that the cut side of the garlic is facing upwards so that the oil and juices do not leak out. Create a pouch by closing the ends of the foil over the garlic. This will help to contain the garlic and prevent mess in your air fryer.

Your garlic is now prepared and ready to be placed in the air fryer!

Cooking temperature and time

The cooking temperature and time for roasted garlic in an air fryer will depend on the number of garlic heads being cooked, the size of the garlic cloves, and the desired level of caramelization.

For one or two heads of garlic, most sources recommend a cooking time of 20-25 minutes at 380-400°F (190-198°C). One source recommends a lower temperature of 390°F (198°C) for a similar duration.

It is important to note that air fryers can vary, and the size of the garlic cloves may also impact cooking time. As such, it is recommended to start checking the garlic around the 20-minute mark and adjust cooking time as needed. The garlic is done when the cloves are soft and the top of the bulb has started to caramelize and turn golden brown.

For larger garlic heads, increase the cooking time accordingly. One source recommends a cooking time of 15-20 minutes for individual garlic cloves at 390°F (198°C).

Removing the garlic from its skin

Firstly, it is important to allow the garlic to cool down after air frying. Even if the outside of the garlic head feels cool, the cloves inside can still be very hot, so be careful not to burn your fingers. Let the garlic cool in the air fryer for about 5 to 10 minutes with the door closed. You can then carefully open the foil pouch, as hot steam will escape.

Once the garlic is cool enough to handle, you can start removing the cloves from their skins. Gently squeeze the bottom of the roasted garlic bulb, and the softened cloves should easily slide out into a dish or a piece of foil. If you are using the roasted garlic as a spread, you can simply squeeze them out into a bowl. You can also use a tiny spoon or a knife to remove the cloves from their skins.

If you want whole or sliced garlic cloves, you can use your fingers to carefully peel off the skin. The cloves should pop out of their shell casings easily, and you can then use them as desired.

Roasted garlic is very versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, such as pasta, salad dressings, mashed potatoes, soups, and spreads for bread or crackers. It has a more mellow, buttery, and savory flavor compared to raw garlic, making it a great addition to recipes where you want to add a lot of flavor without overwhelming other ingredients.

Storing roasted garlic

If you only want to keep your roasted garlic for a few days, you can place the garlic heads in a Ziplock bag or plastic container and store them in the refrigerator. Make sure the cloves are kept inside their protective outer peel. This method will keep your garlic fresh for up to three days.

Alternatively, you can place the roasted garlic cloves in an airtight container and cover them with olive oil. This method will keep your garlic fresh for about a week. However, it's important to note that you should never store garlic in oil at room temperature, as this can encourage the growth of botulism-causing bacteria.

If you want to store your roasted garlic for longer, you'll need to freeze it. First, remove the outer skins from the garlic cloves. You can then either mash the cloves and place them in an ice cube tray or freeze each clove individually on a baking sheet. Once the cloves are frozen, you can transfer them to a Ziplock bag or airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 10-12 months.

If you're storing your roasted garlic in ready-to-use portions, you can place a specific amount of cloves in an ice cube tray, cover them with olive oil, and wrap the tray tightly with plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer. When you're ready to use the garlic, simply pop out the individual portions as needed and allow them to thaw at room temperature.

Frequently asked questions