Air fryer roasted garlic is the easiest, quickest way to get soft, jammy garlic perfect for spreading, mixing, or mashing into your favorite dishes.
Nothing wrong with roasting garlic in the oven, but that takes about an hour. The air fryer takes about 20 minutes.
You can cook 2 to 3 heads at a time, or even more if you have a bigger air fryer basket.
And trust me, you’ll want to make plenty because there are so many ways to use it, from stirring it into my creamy garlic shrimp pasta to spreading it on a bagel or adding it to soups and sauces.
It’s too easy to use and too good not to make extra.
What You Need To Roast Garlic In Air Fryer
You only need a few simple ingredients and one piece of foil to make air fryer roasted garlic.
- Garlic. Once roasted, the cloves turn soft, jammy, and spreadable.
- Olive Oil. Helps the garlic roast evenly and keeps the cloves from drying out.
- Salt and Pepper. Adds a little extra flavor.
- Foil. You’ll place the garlic on foil before adding the oil, then wrap it up so it stays soft and roasts gently in the air fryer.
How to Roast Garlic in Air Fryer
It couldn’t be easier.
1. Prep the garlic.
Slice about ¼ inch off the top of each garlic head so the cloves are exposed.
2. Season the garlic.
Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle lightly salt and black pepper.
3. Air fry.
Wrap garlic loosely in foil. Place it in the air fryer basket and cook at 380°F for 20-25 minutes.
4. Check for doneness.
Carefully unwrap and check the cloves. They should look lightly golden and feel soft when pressed. If needed, cook for another 3 to 5 minutes.
5. Cool and squeeze.
Let the garlic cool for a few minutes, then squeeze the softened cloves out of the skins. Serve warm with bread, or squeeze the cloves into butter, pasta, potatoes, or sauces. Enjoy!
Tips For The Best Air Fryer Roasted Garlic
These easy tips will help you get the most out of your air fryer roasted garlic.
- Cut just enough off the top. Slice off the top to expose the cloves, but do not cut too much or the garlic can dry out faster.
- Set it on foil before adding oil. This makes it easier to drizzle the oil on top without making a mess.
- Check it near the end. Garlic heads can vary in size, so some may need a few more minutes than others.
- Do not overcook it. You want the cloves soft and lightly golden, not dark or dried out.
- Try other seasonings. Apart from salt and pepper, you can also add Italian seasoning, dried thyme, dried rosemary, red pepper flakes, or paprika for extra flavor.
How To Store Roasted Garlic
Let the roasted garlic cool completely, then squeeze the cloves out of the skins and transfer them to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge and use it within 3 to 4 days.
Can I Freeze Roasted Garlic?
Yes, roasted garlic freezes well. You can freeze the cloves whole or mash them first, then store them in a freezer-safe container or small portions for easy use later.
Ways To Use Air Fryer Roasted Garlic
There’s no shortage of ways to use air fryer roasted garlic.
- Bagels with butter. Spread the roasted garlic on bagels with butter for an easy breakfast.
- Garlic shrimp pasta. Stir it into my garlic shrimp pasta recipe for even more rich garlic flavor.
- Garlic butter. Mash it into softened butter and use it for garlic bread.
- Mashed potatoes. Mix it into mashed potatoes for a deeper, savory flavor.
- Pasta sauces. Add it to pasta sauces to make them taste richer and more flavorful.
- Soups. Stir it into soups for extra flavor.
- Roasted vegetables. Toss it with roasted vegetables for an easy flavor boost.
- Sandwiches or burgers. Use it on sandwiches or burgers for a rich, garlicky bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you roast garlic in an air fryer?
Absolutely. The air fryer gives you soft, jammy, spreadable roasted garlic in much less time than doing it in the oven.
How long to roast garlic in air fryer?
At 380°F, it takes about 20-25 minutes. If the garlic head is bigger or you want it even softer and more caramelized, add another 3 to 5 minutes.
Do I need to wrap garlic in foil?
I do recommend it. Foil helps keep the garlic from drying out, holds in the oil, and makes cleanup easier too.
What temperature should I use?
380°F is a great temperature for roasted garlic in the air fryer. It gives the garlic enough time to soften and sweeten without browning too fast.
Can I roast more than one head of garlic at a time?
Yes, as long as they fit in the basket without being packed too tightly. You can roast a couple at once and keep the same cook time.
How do I know when roasted garlic is done?
Carefully open the foil, then use tongs to squeeze the sides of the garlic. If it feels soft and gives easily, it’s done. If it still feels firm, air fry it for a few more minutes.
More Garlicky Recipes You’ll Love
Beef Salpicao
Honey Garlic Chicken Bites
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Garlic Pork Adobo with Sprite
Easy Ground Beef Shawarma
Air Fryer Roasted Garlic
Instructions
- Slice off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves.
- Place the garlic on a piece of foil. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Wrap the garlic tightly in the foil.
- Air fry at 380°F for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cloves are soft, golden, and easy to squeeze out.
- Let it cool slightly, then squeeze the roasted garlic out of the cloves and use as needed.
