Can You Roast Garlic in an Air Fryer

How to Roast Garlic in an Air Fryer: A Quick and Flavorful Guide

Roasted garlic is one of those kitchen staples that can elevate almost any dish, from creamy pasta sauces to crusty garlic bread. Its sweet, caramelized flavor and buttery texture are a far cry from the sharp bite of raw garlic. If you’ve been roasting garlic in the oven, you might be thrilled to know that an air fryer can cut the cooking time in half while delivering the same rich results. I’ve been experimenting with my air fryer for years, and roasting garlic has become one of my favorite hacks. Here’s everything you need to know to roast garlic in an air fryer, with tips to make it foolproof and ideas for using it in your cooking.

Why Roast Garlic in an Air Fryer?

Roasting garlic in an air fryer is a game-changer for a few reasons. First, it’s fast—taking just 20-30 minutes compared to the 40-60 minutes in a traditional oven. Second, it’s energy-efficient, so you don’t have to heat up your entire kitchen just for a head of garlic. Finally, it’s incredibly easy, requiring minimal prep and cleanup. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or prepping for a big holiday meal, the air fryer makes roasted garlic accessible and hassle-free.

What You’ll Need

Roasting garlic in an air fryer is simple, and you likely have everything you need already:

• Garlic: Choose fresh, firm heads of garlic. Larger bulbs often have bigger, more uniform cloves, which roast evenly. Hardneck garlic is my go-to for its bold flavor, but softneck works well too.
• Olive Oil: A high-quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness, but avocado oil is a great alternative for its higher smoke point.
• Salt and Pepper: Optional, but a pinch of each enhances the flavor.
• Aluminum Foil or Parchment Paper: Foil is the easiest way to wrap garlic, but parchment paper works if you prefer to avoid aluminum.
• Air Fryer: Any model works—basket-style, oven-style, or multi-function appliances like the Ninja Foodi.

Step-by-Step: How to Roast Garlic in an Air Fryer

Here’s a straightforward method to get perfectly roasted garlic every time:

1. Prep the Garlic: Use a sharp knife to slice off the top ¼ inch of the garlic head, exposing the tops of the cloves. You want all the cloves slightly exposed for even roasting, so check for smaller cloves tucked on the sides. Leave the papery skin intact to hold the bulb together.
2. Season and Wrap: Place the garlic head on a piece of aluminum foil or parchment paper. Drizzle 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil over the exposed cloves, letting it seep into the crevices. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper if desired. Wrap the foil or parchment tightly around the garlic, creating a sealed packet. If using parchment, you may need to tie it with kitchen twine to prevent leaks.
3. Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F (190-200°C). I typically use 390°F for a balance of speed and caramelization. Place the wrapped garlic in the air fryer basket, seam side up to avoid oil leakage. Cook for 20-25 minutes for smaller heads or up to 30 minutes for larger ones. Check for doneness by gently squeezing the packet with tongs; the cloves should feel soft and creamy.
4. Cool and Extract: Carefully remove the packet using oven mitts or tongs, as it will be hot. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before unwrapping to avoid steam burns. Once cool enough to handle, squeeze the cloves out of their skins or use a small spoon to scoop them out.

For extra caramelization, you can unwrap the foil for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking, but watch closely to prevent burning. If you’re roasting multiple heads, ensure they’re in a single layer with some space for air circulation.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Roasted Garlic

After plenty of trial and error, here are some tips to ensure your garlic turns out golden and delicious:

• Don’t Skip the Foil (Unless You’re Prepared): Wrapping the garlic prevents it from drying out or burning. If you prefer not to use foil, try a small oven-safe ramekin with a lid or parchment paper, but note that parchment alone may require checking the garlic earlier, around 15-20 minutes, to avoid overcooking.
• Adjust for Your Air Fryer: Air fryers vary in power. If yours runs hot, start checking at 15 minutes. My Ninja Foodi takes about 22 minutes at 390°F for medium-sized bulbs.
• Add Flavor Variations: Before wrapping, sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano over the cloves for an aromatic twist. For a smoky kick, try a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle flakes.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Roasting multiple heads is fine, but ensure there’s enough airflow. I’ve fit up to five heads in my 8-quart air fryer without issues, but any more can lead to uneven cooking.

Roasting Without Foil

If you’re avoiding aluminum foil, you can still roast garlic in the air fryer. Place the prepared garlic bulb in a small oven-safe dish, like a ceramic ramekin or cast-iron skillet, and drizzle with oil. Cover with a lid or parchment paper to trap moisture. Air fry at 400°F for about 30 minutes, checking halfway through. Alternatively, spread peeled individual cloves on parchment paper, drizzle with oil, and cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway to prevent burning. This method is messier, as oil may drip, so line the basket with foil or parchment for easier cleanup. For more details on foil-free methods, check out Garlic All Day’s guide.

Storing Your Roasted Garlic

Roasted garlic is a fantastic make-ahead ingredient. Here’s how to store it:

• Fridge: Place cooled cloves in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage (up to 2 weeks), submerge the cloves in olive oil in a glass jar, which also creates a flavorful garlic-infused oil for cooking.
• Freezer: Squeeze the cloves out, mash them with a bit of oil, and freeze in ice cube trays for easy portioning. Transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer-safe bag; they’ll last up to 3 months. No need to thaw—just toss them into soups or sauces straight from the freezer.

Important: Never store roasted garlic in oil at room temperature, as it can harbor botulism-causing bacteria. Always keep it refrigerated or frozen.

Creative Ways to Use Air Fryer Roasted Garlic

The beauty of roasted garlic is its versatility. Its mellow, nutty flavor pairs well with almost anything savory. Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:

• Spread It: Mash the cloves and spread them on toasted sourdough or baguette slices for a simple appetizer. Add a sprinkle of sea salt or fresh herbs for extra flair.
• Elevate Pasta: Stir roasted garlic into marinara, Alfredo, or pesto sauces for a deeper flavor. It’s a star in dishes like Jessica in the Kitchen’s roasted garlic pasta.
• Boost Sides: Mix into mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or hummus for a rich, savory twist.
• Make Dips: Blend with mayo, lemon juice, and herbs for a creamy aioli, or mix into yogurt for a roasted garlic labneh.
• Top Pizzas: Scatter whole cloves over pizza or blend into a white sauce for a gourmet touch.

Common Questions About Air Fryer Roasted Garlic

Can I roast individual cloves instead of a whole head? Yes! Peel the cloves, toss with oil, and place in a ramekin or on parchment paper. Air fry at 370°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They cook faster but require more prep.

Will my air fryer smell like garlic forever? The smell lingers for a day or two but fades with proper cleaning. Wipe down the basket with vinegar and water, and run an empty cycle at 400°F for 5 minutes to clear odors.

Is roasted garlic healthier than raw? Roasting reduces some of garlic’s antioxidants but retains benefits like heart health support and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also easier to digest than raw garlic, which can cause gas for some people.

Why You’ll Love This Method

Roasting garlic in an air fryer is a total win for busy cooks. It’s quick, low-effort, and delivers that irresistible caramelized flavor without heating up your whole kitchen. Whether you’re a garlic fanatic like me or just looking to add a new trick to your cooking repertoire, this method will make you wonder why you ever bothered with the oven. Try it once, and I bet you’ll be roasting garlic weekly to keep a stash on hand. Let me know how it turns out for you in the comments below!