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Last Updated on March 8, 2024

I love garlic! There’s something special about roasted garlic – the buttery creaminess of the cloves after roasting is so amazing. Did you know you can make roasted garlic easily using an air fryer? Check out this air fryer roasted garlic recipe.

Air Fryer Roasted Garlic

Roasting whole cloves of garlic has never been easier when you break out an air fryer. My method of making roasted garlic using an air fryer results in roasted cloves that are buttery, caramelized, and taste amazing.

The best part? It takes less than 30 minutes to make thanks to the air fryer.

Why I Love Roasting Garlic Using an Air Fryer

By utilizing an air fryer for roasting garlic, you will soon learn that there are many benfits over using an oven.

Faster Cooking Time: Roasting garlic using an air fryer is a time-saving technique compared to using an oven. The air fryer can roast garlic in nearly half the time it takes in a conventional oven, allowing you to enjoy the rich flavors of roasted garlic in less time.
Cooler Kitchen: One of the advantages of using an air fryer for roasting garlic is that it doesn’t heat up your kitchen like an oven does. This means you can enjoy the delicious aroma and flavors of roasted garlic without worrying about making your kitchen uncomfortably hot.
Enhanced Flavor: When you roast garlic in an air fryer, it undergoes a unique cooking process that results in a deep, caramelized flavor. The hot circulating air in the fryer helps to evenly cook the garlic, bringing out its natural sweetness and intensifying its aroma.

Imagine sinking your teeth into a clove of roasted garlic that effortlessly spreads over warm crusty sourdough bread or melts into creamy mashed potatoes. The rich, nutty undertones will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

Flavors of Roasted Garlic

Roasting heads of garlic transforms its pungent garlic flavor into a more mellow and buttery taste. This process softens the intensity of garlic, making it an excellent addition to various recipes.

What You Need to Roast Garlic Using an Air Fryer

Air fryer (any type of air fryer will work, whether it’s a basket style or a toaster style.)
Parchment paper
Aluminum foil
raw garlic heads
extra-virgin olive oil
sea salt
black pepper (optional)

Tips for Choosing Garlic Heads

When selecting garlic, it is important to choose heads that are both large and firm. Also, be sure the size of your bulbs are similar for even cooking time.

Look for heads with plenty of individual cloves, as this indicates freshness and flavor.

Avoid any heads that show signs of sprouting or feel mushy when squeezed. Additionally, stay away from a whole head of garlic if it gives an empty sensation when pressed, as this suggests it’s are drying out.

How to Make Air Fryer Roasted Garlic

Step One: Prep garlic bulb: Using a sharp knife, cut the top of each garlic bulb to expose the inner cloves. This will be about ¼ of the head of garlic. Remove 1-2 layers of the papery skin from the garlic bulbs.

Step Two: Place the prepared garlic bulb (cut side up) onto the center of the parchment paper and aluminum foil.

Next, Drizzle with olive oil generously till it drips down the outside of the bulb.

Step Three: Sprinkle salt and pepper over the entire head of garlic and wrap tightly with parchment paper and tin foil.

Step Four: Place the packs of garlic in your air fryer and air fry them for 20-25 minutes till the garlic begins to caramelize and soften.

Air Fryer Roasted Garlic

Roasting garlic in the air fryer unlocks its full potential, enhancing its natural sweetness and mellowing its pungency.

The hot circulating air ensures even cooking, allowing the cloves to become tender and aromatic without losing any of their distinct characteristics.

No-foil Roasting Instructions

To roast garlic without foil in your air fryer, start by rubbing the entire garlic bulbs with oil. This will help enhance the flavor and ensure a delicious caramelization. Once coated with oil, place the garlic bulbs in the air fryer and set the cooking time to approximately 15-20 minutes.

Keep a close eye on the garlic as it cooks, making sure that the top caramelizes beautifully without burning. This will give you that perfect balance of rich flavor and tender texture.

Roasting Garlic Cloves Instead of Whole Garlic

To achieve perfectly roasted garlic cloves, begin by carefully peeling each individual clove.
Next, generously coat the cloves with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil.
Arrange the prepared cloves on a sheet of parchment paper.
Using an air fryer, cook the garlic for approximately 10 minutes After this initial cooking time, gently toss the cloves to ensure even browning. Continue air frying in 2-minute intervals until the garlic cloves reach a delightful caramelized state and transform into a mesmerizing golden brown color.

Tips and Tricks

For enhanced flavor, place a few sprigs of fresh rosemary, thyme, or other herbs on top of the garlic heads before wrapping them in aluminum foil.
Freeze the roasted garlic in portion sizes for convenience and later use.
Choose garlic heads that are similar in size so they have even cooking time.
If you prefer, you can use avocado oil in place of the olive oil.

Preserving Air Fryer Roasted Garlic

Start by preparing a sterilized jar: Sterilize a glass jar by washing it thoroughly with hot soapy water and rinsing it well. Place the jar in boiling water for 10 minutes or use a dishwasher on a high-temperature setting.
Place the cloves in the jar: Fill the sterilized jar with the separated roasted garlic cloves, leaving about half an inch of space at the top.
Add olive oil: Pour enough olive oil into the jar to cover all of the cloves completely, ensuring there are no air bubbles trapped inside.
Seal and store: Tightly seal the jar with a lid and store it in a cool, dark place like your pantry or refrigerator. The preserved roasted garlic can be stored for up to three months if kept refrigerated.

Flavor Variations for Preserved Garlic

Herb-infused oil: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to enhance the flavor of your preserved roasted garlic.
Chili flakes: For some added heat, sprinkle chili flakes into your olive oil before sealing.
Citrus zest: Grate some lemon or orange zest into your olive oil for a bright and citrusy flavor profile.
Balsamic vinegar: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the jar to give your preserved roasted garlic a tangy twist.

Roasted Garlic Variations

Lemon Herb Roasted Garlic: To infuse a bright and refreshing flavor into your roasted garlic, add some freshly squeezed lemon juice and sprinkle it with a mix of herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley.
Smoky Chipotle Roasted Garlic: For a hint of smokiness and a touch of heat, try adding chipotle powder or minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to your roasted garlic.
Balsamic Glazed Roasted Garlic: Elevate the sweetness and tanginess of roasted garlic by drizzling it with balsamic glaze before baking. The balsamic glaze will caramelize slightly during roasting, adding depth and complexity to the flavor.
Honey-Sriracha Roasted Garlic: If you enjoy a combination of sweet and spicy flavors, this variation is for you. Mix equal parts honey and sriracha sauce, then brush it onto the garlic cloves before roasting. The result is a sticky, fiery-sweet roasted garlic that can be used in various dishes.
Mediterranean Roasted Garlic: Infuse your roasted garlic with Mediterranean flavors by seasoning it with dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. This variation adds an aromatic and earthy taste to your roasted garlic that complements Mediterranean cuisine beautifully.

Ways to Use Roasted Garlic

Roasted garlic can be used to enhance the flavor of mashed potatoes.
For a healthy snack option, smear roasted garlic on grain-free bread or crackers.
Make garlic bread or garlic toast using roasted garlic.
Add roasted garlic to vinaigrettes and salad dressings to create a flavorful dressing for salads or roasted root vegetables.
Use roasted garlic in place of fresh garlic in any recipe that calls for it.
Make a creamy roasted garlic dip by blending it with Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Create a flavorful marinade by combining roasted garlic with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs.
Roasted garlic can be used as a topping for pizza or flatbreads, adding an extra layer of flavor to your favorite homemade creations.
Incorporate roasted garlic into pasta dishes or stir-fries for an aromatic boost that will take your dishes to the next level.
Spread some roasted garlic on grilled meats such as steak or lamb chops for an irresistible umami flavor that will impress your guests.
Whip up a batch of creamy roasted garlic white bean hummus. Enjoy it as a dip with veggies.
One of my favorite ways to use roasted garlic is to make a delicious garlic butter.

Storing and Freezing

Proper storage of roasted garlic can extend the shelf-life. Additionally, you can also freeze it for easy meal preparation.

Storing in Refrigerator

You can safely store your roasted garlic in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Be sure to use an airtight container and keep it stored away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor transfer.

How to Freeze Roasted Garlic

To store garlic cloves in convenient portions, follow these steps:

Place your desired amount of individual garlic cloves into each section of an ice cube tray.
Pour enough extra virgin olive oil into each section to completely cover the cloves.
Wrap the ice cube tray tightly with plastic wrap to prevent any air from entering.
Store the tray in the freezer for future use.
When you’re ready to use garlic, simply pop out the desired number of cubes.
Thaw the garlic at room temperature before adding it to your recipes.

Freezing roasted garlic this way provides pre-measured portions of garlic that are readily available whenever you need them.

Roasted Garlic Using an Air Fryer

Not only does air frying make roasted garlic incredibly delicious, but it also offers a healthier alternative to traditional methods. With minimal oil required, you can enjoy guilt-free indulgence without compromising on flavor.

Air Fryer Roasted Garlic

Print Recipe

Author: Carrie Fernandez, CHNC

Ingredients

Scale

3 – 4 heads garlic
3 –4 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 380ºF.
Cutthe top of the garlic bulbs to expose the inner cloves. This will be about ¼ of the head of garlic.
Remove 1-2 layers of dry skin from the garlic bulbs.
Prepare 8 x 12 inch sheets of aluminum and parchment paper.
Place the prepared garlic bulb (cut side up) onto the center of the parchment paper and aluminum foil.
Drizzle with olive oil generously till it drips down the outside of the bulb.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper and wrap tightly with parchment paper and aluminum foil.
Air fry for 20-25 minutes till the garlic begins to caramelize and soften.

Easy Way to Roast Garlic Using an Air Fryer

Air Fryer Roasted Garlic