Air-fryer roasted garlic delivers the deep, mellow flavor of traditional oven-roasted garlic in a fraction of the time. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, this method produces soft, caramelized cloves that spread easily on bread, enrich sauces, or brighten salads and dressings.
I’m a big fan of roasted garlic — so much so that I bought a basket-style air fryer to make it regularly. I also use that fryer for other recipes like baked potatoes and crispy bacon, but its primary role in my kitchen is for roasting garlic. My favorite way to enjoy the result is to toast crusty bread, squeeze the soft cloves onto the slices, and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
Pro tips
- This recipe works in both basket-style and tray-style air fryers; I prefer the basket for even browning.
- Choose firm, plump garlic heads with tight skins for a sweeter, more flavorful result.
- Generously coat the exposed cloves with olive oil so they roast evenly and caramelize well.
- Air-fryer models vary, so begin checking at about 20–22 minutes. Press the foil packet gently—if it feels soft, the garlic is done.
- Try mixing additions into the oil before roasting: grated Parmesan and a pinch of salt, fresh herbs (basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, parsley, or tarragon), sun-dried tomatoes, or red pepper flakes.
- Serving ideas: spread on garlic toast, add to pizza, fold into mashed potatoes, whisk into dressings, drizzle over roasted vegetables, or blend into pasta sauces.
- Roasted garlic freezes well: remove the cloves from their skins, store in an airtight container, and freeze for up to two months.
- Store leftovers in a glass jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for several weeks.
How to make air-fryer roasted garlic
Pre-step
Gather a basket air fryer, a sharp knife, and a sheet of aluminum foil.
Step one
Ingredients: 3 whole heads of garlic, about 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (or more as needed).
Step two
Cut a piece of aluminum foil large enough to enclose the garlic, shiny side down.
Step three
Using a sharp knife, slice off about 1/4 inch from the top of each garlic head to expose the tops of the cloves. Keep the papery skins intact to protect the cloves while roasting.
Step four
Place the garlic heads on the foil, cut side up. Drizzle each head with olive oil so the oil seeps into the exposed cloves, then sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt over the tops.
Step five
Gather the foil around the garlic to form a sealed packet — think a rounded shape like a large Hershey’s Kiss — and press the top slightly to one side so it lies flatter in the basket.
Step six
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (190°C), which should take about 5 minutes. Place the foil packet in the basket and set the timer for 25 minutes.
Step seven
Check for doneness at 22 minutes. Wearing an oven mitt, remove the packet and gently squeeze the sides — the garlic should feel soft and yielding.
Step eight
Carefully unwrap the foil and allow the garlic to cool for a few minutes before handling.
Step nine
When cool enough to touch, gently squeeze each head to release the soft roasted cloves from their skins or use a small fork to remove them. Spread the cloves on crusty bread with a drizzle of olive oil, fold into mashed potatoes, mix into sauces, or use anywhere you want a mellow garlic boost.
This quick air-fryer method brings out the best in garlic and makes roasted cloves convenient to add to weeknight meals or special recipes. It’s an easy technique that quickly becomes a kitchen staple.
Other air-fryer recipes
- Twice baked potatoes
- Chicken wings
- Steak tips
- Salmon
- Cornish hens
- Turkey tenderloin
Enjoy — and may your dishes always be delish.
Air Fryer Roasted Garlic
Ingredients
- 3 heads garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or more)
Instructions
- Cut a large piece of aluminum foil and lay it shiny side down.
- Trim about 1/4 inch off the top of each garlic head to expose the cloves.
- Place the garlic, cut side up, on the foil.
- Sprinkle the garlic with salt and drizzle oil over each head. Seal the foil into a packet and press the top so it lies flatter.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (190°C). Place the packet in the basket and air-fry for 25 minutes, checking for doneness at 22 minutes by carefully squeezing the packet—cloves should feel soft.
- Open the foil carefully and let the garlic cool for a few minutes. Squeeze or use a fork to remove the roasted cloves from their skins.
- Serve immediately or store for later use.
Equipment
- Aluminum foil
- Basket-style air fryer
- Sharp knife
Notes
Pro tips
- Use fresh, firm garlic for the best flavor.
- Adjust oil and salt to taste; add herbs or grated cheese before roasting for extra flavor.
- Freeze extra roasted cloves in an airtight container for up to two months.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for several weeks.