How to Roast Garlic in the Air Fryer | Quick and Easy Method

Roasting garlic is a basic skill that every home cook should have. Once roasted, the garlic cloves become soft and spreadable, with a rich, mellow flavor that is perfect for enhancing a variety of dishes. It's very simple to do, but sometimes it seems like a hassle to heat up the whole oven (and the RV kitchen) just for a tiny head of garlic. That's why this air fryer roasted garlic recipe is so special. 

It's quick and easy and you can roast an entire head of garlic or individual cloves. Make as little or as much as you'd like, and do it often because there is nothing better than the smell of garlic roasting in the kitchen.

Once done, simply squeeze the cloves out of their skins and mash or spread them onto crusty bread, mix them into dips or sauces, or incorporate them into roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or pasta dishes like this simple Aglio Olio e Peperoncino.

This is an easy way to add a depth of garlic flavor to your favorite dishes. 

Here's how to make delicious roasted garlic in your air fryer

Organizing all of your ingredients ahead of time not only streamlines the cooking process but also ensures you have everything required to complete the dish successfully. You can find the exact ingredient amounts in the recipe card below.

Let's gather up the ingredients

• Fresh garlic- you can use whole heads of garlic or roast individual whole cloves. Just be sure to leave them in the papery skin and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

• Extra virgin olive oil

• Kosher salt and pepper

Instructions

Using a sharp knife, slice off ¼ inch of the heads of garlic to expose the tops of the garlic cloves inside.

Place the cut garlic heads onto a piece of foil and bring up the sides.

Drizzle the exposed cloves with about a tablespoon of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Wrap loosely with foil.

Place the aluminum foil packets in your air fryer basket, seam side up.

Roast garlic at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until cloves are very soft and golden brown. (Cooking time may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, so check it after about 20 minutes. Using oven mitts, squeeze the packet slightly to see if it's as soft as you'd like.)

Allow to cool slightly before squeezing the roasted garlic cloves out of their papery skin.

Yes, it's that easy! This recipe makes a wonderful addition to so many dishes. It has a milder flavor than raw garlic and is so mellow that you can (and I often do) eat individual cloves all on their own.

If you are a fan of garlic like me, you are going to love the creamy texture and caramelized flavor roasting imparts.

We have the Ninja Foodi 10-1, and the air fryer mode is amazing, but any model will work.

Try making Roasted Peppers in your air fryer as well. They make a great addition to salads, sandwiches, or as a flavorful side dish.

Now, the Fun Part! Using Your Roasted Garlic

Roasted garlic is a great addition to pasta dishes, salad dressings, and even soups. Here are a few of my favorite recipe ideas:

• Roasted Garlic Aioli Recipe: Mash the roasted garlic with some mayonnaise, lemon juice, and a pinch of pepper for a creamy, flavorful aioli. Perfect for dipping vegetables, spreading on burgers, or dolloping on roasted veggies.

• Roasted Garlic Butter Recipe: Combine mashed roasted garlic with softened butter, a sprinkle of fresh herbs (like parsley or chives), and a pinch of salt. Whip it up for a delicious spread on toast, pasta, or grilled meats.

• Roasted Garlic Appetizers: Feeling fancy? Fill a small oven-safe dish with mashed roasted air fryer garlic, top with crumbled goat cheese and a drizzle of honey, then broil until golden for a warm, decadent dip with crackers or bread. Or, mash a few cloves and mix it in with some homemade ricotta. Add some fresh thyme and spread it on a toasted baguette.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can you Freeze Roasted Garlic? Absolutely! Let the roasted garlic cool to room temperature, then remove the cloves from the skins. Place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months for later use. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.

• How to Freeze Roasted Garlic: One of my favorite ways to freeze roasted garlic is to mash the cloves with a little bit of salt and olive oil. Transfer the mixture to an ice cube tray and stick it in the freezer. Once frozen, you can remove the cubes and store them in a freezer-safe bag. The roasted garlic will keep for up to 6 months in the freezer and can be used in future recipes for a quick burst of flavor.

• How Long Does Roasted Garlic Last in the Fridge? Leftover roasted garlic can be stored (peeled or unpeeled) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, place the peeled, roasted cloves in a glass jar and top with olive oil. The garlic will keep this way in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Bonus: You can use the mildly flavored olive oil for cooking.

More Air Fryer Recipes

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

I'd love to know how it turned out! Please let me know by leaving a review below. Or snap a picture and tag me on Facebook. 

As always, I will be back next week with more delicious recipes from my RV kitchen to yours!

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