Easy Air Fryer Garlic Knots Recipe
If you’ve ever craved soft, flavorful bites that perfectly combine garlic and buttery goodness, then these Air Fryer Garlic Knots are about to become your new favorite treat. This super easy recipe brings together simple ingredients and a quick cooking method to deliver golden, tender knots bursting with garlic and herb aroma. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a delightful side for dinner, or something fun to share, making garlic knots in your air fryer means less mess, less time, and all the taste you love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy preparation: Whip up delicious Air Fryer Garlic Knots in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy days or last-minute cravings.
- Minimal cleanup: The air fryer keeps your kitchen mess-free by eliminating the need for oil frying.
- Soft and fluffy texture: Achieved by using simple dough and perfectly timed air frying for an irresistible bite.
- Customizable flavors: Easily switch up garlic, herbs, or cheese to suit your taste or occasion.
- Great for sharing: These knots are a crowd-pleaser, ideal for family meals or party snacks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about simplicity with a handful of essential ingredients that come together beautifully to create soft, flavorful Air Fryer Garlic Knots. Each component plays an important role—from the dough providing a pillowy base to the garlic butter dressing packing a punch of taste and aroma.
- Store-bought dough: Use pizza dough or biscuit dough for quick, reliable results and soft texture.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic gives the knots that signature bold flavor.
- Butter: Melted butter adds richness and creates a golden, crispy exterior.
- Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs like oregano and basil enhances the garlic butter with aromatic flair.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and a fresh herbal note to finish the knots perfectly.
- Parmesan cheese (optional): A sprinkle of this cheese is a savory bonus that melts nicely over the knots.
- Salt: A pinch balances all the flavors and boosts the savory profile.
Variations for Air Fryer Garlic Knots
Feel free to personalize your Air Fryer Garlic Knots to match your mood or dietary preferences. This recipe’s simple base is perfect for adaptations, allowing you to get creative with the ingredients without losing that perfect texture and flavor.
- Cheesy garlic knots: Mix shredded mozzarella or cheddar into the dough before tying for an extra cheesy surprise.
- Spicy kick: Add a dash of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a little heat.
- Herb swap: Experiment with fresh rosemary, thyme, or chives to change up the herbal notes.
- Vegan option: Use plant-based butter and skip parmesan cheese to keep it vegan-friendly.
- Gluten-free: Substitute with gluten-free pizza dough to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Knots
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by rolling out your pizza or biscuit dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into strips about 1 inch wide and 5 to 6 inches long. These will be the base for your garlic knots.
Step 2: Tie the Knots
Take each strip of dough and tie it into a loose knot, pinching the ends to secure them. This knot shape creates the classic garlic knot look and ensures even cooking.
Step 3: Prepare Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, freshly minced garlic, Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt, and chopped fresh parsley. This blend will coat the knots and create their incredible aroma and flavor.
Step 4: Air Fry the Knots
Place the knots in a single layer inside the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway to achieve an even golden crust.
Step 5: Brush with Garlic Butter
Once cooked, immediately brush the hot garlic knots generously with the prepared garlic butter mixture. If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese while still warm so it melts beautifully.
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Garlic Knots
- Fresh garlic matters: Use freshly minced garlic for the most intense and natural flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd: Arrange knots in a single layer with space around each for crispy edges.
- Brush extra butter: After air frying, an additional brush of garlic butter keeps knots moist and flavorful.
- Use parchment paper: Line your air fryer basket with perforated parchment to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Warm dough helps: If using refrigerated dough, let it come to room temperature before shaping for easier handling.
How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Knots
Garnishes
Enhance your garlic knots with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano for a burst of color and an extra layer of freshness that complements the garlic butter.
Side Dishes
These knots pair wonderfully with pasta dishes, soups, or salads making them a versatile side that complements Italian dinners or casual meals alike.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the knots in a rustic basket lined with a cloth napkin or on a wooden board alongside dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli to encourage sharing and dipping fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Air Fryer Garlic Knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and ready to reheat.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked shaped knots by placing them on a tray, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat garlic knots in the air fryer at 320°F (160°C) for 3 to 5 minutes to regain crispness without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use homemade dough for Air Fryer Garlic Knots?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza or bread dough works wonderfully and allows you to control ingredients and flavor.
How do I prevent garlic knots from becoming soggy?
Cook knots in a single layer with some spacing in the air fryer to ensure air circulates well for a crispy exterior.
Can I make Air Fryer Garlic Knots vegan?
Yes, simply substitute butter with vegan butter and skip cheese for a fully vegan-friendly version.
What dipping sauces go best with garlic knots?
Marinara, ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or even honey butter make delicious dips that complement the flavors perfectly.
How long do Air Fryer Garlic Knots keep fresh?
They’re best enjoyed fresh but will maintain good quality for up to 2 days when stored properly in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
If you love the warm, garlicky goodness of classic garlic knots but want a faster, less messy way to enjoy them, this Air Fryer Garlic Knots recipe is just what you need. Simple ingredients, quick air frying, and endless customization options make it a kitchen win. Give this recipe a try and watch these tender, flavorful knots become your new go-to snack or meal side. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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Air Fryer Garlic Knots
These Air Fryer Garlic Knots are soft, fluffy, and bursting with garlic and herb flavor. Made quickly and easily using store-bought dough and air frying for a golden, tender bite, they’re a perfect snack, side dish, or party appetizer with minimal mess and time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 garlic knots 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free dough is used)
Ingredients
Dough
- Store-bought pizza or biscuit dough, enough for 8-10 knots
Garlic Butter Coating
- 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, etc.)
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Parmesan cheese (optional), for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza or biscuit dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into strips about 1 inch wide and 5 to 6 inches long.
- Tie the Knots: Take each dough strip and tie it into a loose knot, pinching the ends to keep the shape secure for even cooking.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, freshly minced garlic, Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt, and chopped parsley to make the flavorful coating.
- Air Fry the Knots: Place knots in a single layer inside the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve an even golden crust.
- Brush with Garlic Butter: Immediately after cooking, brush the hot knots generously with the garlic butter mixture. Optionally, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese while still warm so it melts beautifully.
Notes
- Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor.
- Arrange knots in a single layer with space around each to ensure crispiness.
- Brush extra garlic butter after air frying to keep knots moist and flavorful.
- Line the air fryer basket with perforated parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- If using refrigerated dough, bring to room temperature before shaping for easier handling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 knot
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: garlic knots, air fryer, easy appetizer, garlic bread, quick snack, Italian side dish, gluten free option
