Air Fryer Roasted Garlic Recipe

Garlic heads: Whole garlic heads are used in this recipe. They should be fresh and firm with tight skin.

Olive oil: This adds moisture and helps the garlic caramelize beautifully in the air fryer.

Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the natural sweetness of the roasted garlic.

To achieve perfectly roasted garlic in the air fryer, make sure to cut the top off each garlic head evenly to expose all the cloves. This ensures that the olive oil and salt are distributed uniformly, allowing for consistent roasting. Additionally, wrapping the garlic heads tightly in aluminum foil helps to trap the heat and moisture, resulting in soft, caramelized garlic that is easy to squeeze out of its skins.

• whole garlic - Substitute with garlic cloves: If you don't have whole garlic heads, you can use individual garlic cloves. Just make sure to wrap them in foil to prevent them from drying out in the air fryer.

• whole garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder, sweeter flavor compared to garlic but can provide a similar roasted taste when air-fried.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a good alternative for roasting garlic in an air fryer.

• olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil is another neutral oil with a high smoke point, suitable for roasting garlic without altering the flavor significantly.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in place of regular salt for a slightly different texture and flavor profile.

• salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has larger, coarser grains and can be used as a substitute for regular salt, providing a similar seasoning effect.

• Allow the roasted garlic to cool completely before storing. This helps to maintain its texture and flavor.
• For short-term storage, place the garlic cloves in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to a week.
• If you want to keep the garlic for a longer period, consider freezing. Here’s how:
  • Remove the garlic cloves from their skins.
  • Spread the cloves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are not touching each other.
  • Freeze the cloves for about an hour or until they are solid.
  • Transfer the frozen garlic cloves to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date for reference.
• For added convenience, you can also mash the roasted garlic into a paste before freezing. Here’s the method:
  • Mash the cooled garlic cloves with a fork or blend them into a smooth paste.
  • Spoon the paste into an ice cube tray, filling each compartment.
  • Freeze until solid, then pop the garlic cubes out and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• When ready to use, simply thaw the desired amount of garlic in the refrigerator or add it directly to your soups, stews, or sauces for an instant flavor boost.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover roasted garlic in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Use a microwave-safe dish and place the roasted garlic inside. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 30-second intervals until warm.
• If you have a toaster oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the roasted garlic on a small baking sheet. Heat for 10-15 minutes until the garlic is warmed through and aromatic.
• For a quick stovetop method, place the roasted garlic in a small skillet over low heat. Cover with a lid and heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.
• If you prefer using your air fryer again, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the roasted garlic back in the air fryer basket. Heat for 5-7 minutes until warmed through, checking occasionally to avoid overcooking.

• Air fryer: This is the main appliance used to roast the garlic, providing a quick and efficient cooking method.

• Knife: Used to cut the top off each garlic head to expose the cloves.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting the garlic heads.

• Aluminum foil: Used to wrap the garlic heads, ensuring they cook evenly and retain moisture.

• Measuring spoon: Helps measure the exact amount of olive oil to drizzle over the garlic.

• Tongs: Useful for placing and removing the hot garlic heads from the air fryer basket.

• Small bowl: Can be used to mix the olive oil and salt before drizzling over the garlic.

• Spoon: Helps in drizzling the olive oil mixture over the garlic cloves.

• Oven mitts: Protect your hands when handling the hot aluminum foil-wrapped garlic heads.

• Serving dish: A place to let the garlic cool slightly before squeezing the cloves out of their skins.

Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer while preparing the garlic to save time.

Use pre-peeled garlic: If you're in a hurry, use pre-peeled garlic cloves and wrap them in foil.

Batch cooking: Roast multiple heads of garlic at once and store extras in the fridge for later use.

Quick cooling: Place roasted garlic in the fridge for a few minutes to cool faster before handling.

Prep ahead: Cut the tops off the garlic heads and wrap them in foil the night before.