Air Fryer Roasted Garlic Recipe
If you’ve ever wished for the perfect garlic flavor that’s rich, mellow, and irresistibly soft, you absolutely must try this Air Fryer Roasted Garlic recipe. It turns raw, pungent garlic into a caramelized, buttery delight with minimal effort and mess. Whether you’re looking to elevate a simple dish or add a cozy, garlicky essence to meals, this Air Fryer Roasted Garlic will become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are stunningly simple yet essential for unlocking that buttery, roasted garlic magic. Each adds to the flavor and texture that makes this recipe so charming and versatile.
- 4 Large Garlic Bulbs: Fresh, firm bulbs give you sweet, soft cloves when roasted perfectly.
- 4 Tablespoons Olive Oil: Olive oil enhances richness and helps caramelize the garlic beautifully.
- Salt and Pepper (optional): A pinch can balance and heighten the roasted garlic’s natural sweetness.
- Minced Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and bright green color at the end.
How to Make Air Fryer Roasted Garlic
Step 1: Prep the Garlic
Start by slicing off the top of each garlic bulb to expose the cloves inside. This step is key to letting the heat and olive oil penetrate deeply during roasting, ensuring every clove becomes soft and flavorful.
Step 2: Season and Wrap
Drizzle each garlic bulb generously with olive oil—about one tablespoon per bulb. Optionally sprinkle with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor. Then, wrap each bulb tightly in a square of tin foil to trap the steam and roast the garlic evenly.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Place the foil-wrapped bulbs in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes. The air fryer’s circulating heat crisps the outside just enough while melting the insides into smooth, buttery cloves.
Step 4: Squeeze and Store
Carefully unwrap the garlic (it will be hot!). Gently squeeze the soft, roasted cloves out of their skins into a sealable container. If you like, sprinkle fresh minced parsley on top for a pop of color and herbaceous brightness.
How to Serve Air Fryer Roasted Garlic

Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or chives sprinkled over your Air Fryer Roasted Garlic add a lovely visual touch and a hint of freshness without overpowering the sweet garlic flavor.
Side Dishes
This roasted garlic is an incredible sidekick to mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or grain bowls. Its mellow, bittersweet taste complements creamy or earthy dishes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Use the roasted garlic as a spread for toasted bread or as a secret ingredient whipped into butter or mayonnaise for sandwiches. You can even blend it into soups or sauces for an irresistibly smooth garlic punch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Air Fryer Roasted Garlic in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Its flavor actually mellows and deepens, making it even better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep your roasted garlic longer, portion it into small containers or ice cube trays and freeze. Once solid, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. It can last for several months and thaw quickly when needed.
Reheating
To reuse, gently reheat the roasted garlic in a warm pan or microwave just until soft and spreadable. Avoid overheating to keep that luscious, caramelized texture intact.
FAQs
Can I roast garlic in the air fryer without foil?
Wrapping garlic in foil helps it roast evenly and prevents it from drying out or burning in the air fryer. While you could roast garlic without foil, it may not come out as soft or moist.
How do I know when the Air Fryer Roasted Garlic is done?
The garlic cloves should be golden, fragrant, and easily mashable with your fingers. If they’re still firm, give them a few more minutes, checking frequently to avoid burning.
Can I use smaller or larger garlic bulbs?
Yes! Adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the bulb size, but 15 minutes at 400°F is a great starting point for most large bulbs.
Is Air Fryer Roasted Garlic gluten-free and vegan?
Absolutely! The ingredients are naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it a fantastic and healthy addition to almost any diet.
What are some dishes that benefit from Air Fryer Roasted Garlic?
Anything from pasta, roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, soups, to grilled meats loves a dollop or squeeze of this luscious garlic. It adds complexity and warmth that elevate everyday meals.
Final Thoughts
Making Air Fryer Roasted Garlic is such a delightful kitchen hack that turns humble garlic bulbs into something unforgettable in just minutes. Give it a try and watch how it transforms your cooking, adding cozy flavor and a hint of gourmet magic to your favorite dishes. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it!
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Air Fryer Roasted Garlic Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 Garlic Bulbs worth of roasted garlic (approx. 1/2 cup mashed roasted garlic) 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Air Fryer Roasted Garlic recipe offers a quick and easy way to enhance the flavor of your dishes with sweet, caramelized garlic. Using an air fryer, the garlic bulbs become tender and spreadable, perfect for adding depth to sauces, spreads, and entrees.
Ingredients
Garlic
- 4 Large Garlic Bulbs
Oil and Seasoning
- 4 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- Salt, to taste (optional)
- Black Pepper, to taste (optional)
Garnish
- Minced Fresh Parsley, for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Bulbs: Slice the top off each bulb of garlic, just enough to expose the individual cloves for roasting.
- Wrap in Foil: Place each garlic bulb on a square piece of tin foil. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the exposed cloves of each bulb. Optionally, sprinkle with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Seal the Garlic: Wrap the garlic bulbs tightly in the foil, ensuring they are fully covered to lock in moisture during cooking.
- Air Fry the Garlic: Arrange the wrapped garlic bulbs in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and cook for 15 minutes until the garlic is soft and golden.
- Cool and Store: Carefully unwrap the garlic bulbs once cooled enough to handle, then gently squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into a sealable container. You may sprinkle with freshly minced parsley, if desired. Use as needed and enjoy the rich flavor!
Notes
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size of garlic bulbs and the brand of air fryer used.
- The garlic can be stored refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Use roasted garlic as a spread on bread, mixed into mashed potatoes, sauces, or dressings for added depth.
- For milder garlic flavor, reduce the cooking time by 2-3 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Condiment, Sauce
- Method: Air Frying, Roasting
- Cuisine: Universal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 40
- Sugar: 0.1g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: air fryer garlic, roasted garlic, garlic recipe, easy garlic, garlic spread, roasted garlic cloves