Air fryers are great for making a variety of dishes, and roasted garlic is no exception. Here’s a simple recipe and some notes for making delicious air fryer roasted garlic:
Air Fryer Roasted Garlic Recipe:
Ingredients:
- Whole garlic bulbs
- Olive oil
- Salt (optional)
Instructions:
- Preparation:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- While the air fryer is preheating, peel away the outer layers of papery skin from the garlic bulbs, leaving the cloves intact. You want to keep the bulb whole.
- Using a sharp knife, cut about 1/4 inch off the top of the garlic bulb, exposing the tops of the cloves.
- Seasoning:
- Place the prepared garlic bulbs in a bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. Use enough oil to coat the bulbs evenly.
- If desired, sprinkle a pinch of salt over the bulbs. This is optional but can enhance the flavor.
- Roasting:
- Place the prepared garlic bulbs directly into the air fryer basket or on the air fryer tray.
- Roast the garlic bulbs in the preheated air fryer for about 25-35 minutes, depending on the size of the bulbs and your desired level of roasted flavor. You might want to rotate the bulbs halfway through the cooking time for even roasting.
- Checking for Doneness:
- The garlic is done when the cloves are soft and golden brown. You can check by gently squeezing a bulb – it should feel soft and the cloves should easily slip out of their skins.
- Cooling and Serving:
- Once roasted, carefully remove the garlic bulbs from the air fryer. Let them cool for a few minutes before handling, as they will be hot.
- To serve, simply squeeze the roasted cloves out of their skins. The garlic should have a creamy, spreadable consistency. You can spread it on bread, mix it into mashed potatoes, use it as a flavor enhancer in sauces, or enjoy it as a topping on various dishes.
Notes:
- Types of Garlic: You can use any variety of garlic for roasting, but keep in mind that some varieties might be milder or more intense in flavor when roasted.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil adds flavor and helps prevent the garlic from drying out during roasting. Make sure to coat the garlic evenly for best results.
- Cooking Time: The roasting time can vary based on the size and type of garlic bulbs, as well as personal preference. Keep an eye on the garlic to avoid overcooking, which can lead to bitter flavors.
- Variations: For extra flavor, you can experiment with adding herbs like rosemary, thyme, or even red pepper flakes to the olive oil before drizzling it over the garlic.
- Storage: Roasted garlic can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze roasted garlic for longer storage.
- Uses: Roasted garlic is versatile and can be used as a spread, added to dips, incorporated into soups, stews, and sauces, or even as a pizza topping.
Remember that the exact cooking times and results might vary depending on the specific model and settings of your air fryer. It’s a good idea to start with a shorter cooking time and check for doneness as you go.
