Roasting garlic in the air fryer is one of my favorite ways to unlock deep, buttery flavor with almost no effort. I love how the cloves turn soft, mild, and slightly sweet, making them perfect for spreading, mixing, or enhancing everyday meals. This method is quick, reliable, and ideal when I want roasted garlic without heating up the oven.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it is simple, fast, and consistently delicious. I get beautifully caramelized garlic in under 30 minutes, and the air fryer keeps the process hands-off and mess-free. I also enjoy how versatile the finished garlic is, since I can use it immediately or save it for later recipes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 large heads of garlic
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 pinch black pepper
Directions
I begin by slicing the tops off each head of garlic, just enough to expose the cloves while leaving them attached at the base. I place each head on a piece of aluminum foil, forming a small packet to hold everything together.
In a small bowl, I whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, kosher salt, and black pepper until well combined. I drizzle this mixture evenly over the exposed garlic cloves so each head is well coated.
I wrap the foil loosely around the garlic and place the packets in the air fryer basket, making sure there is space between them for proper air circulation. I cook the garlic at 380°F for about 25 minutes, until the cloves are soft, golden, and fragrant.
After cooking, I let the garlic cool slightly, then gently squeeze the roasted cloves out of their skins and use them as needed.
Servings And Timing
I usually prepare four heads of garlic, which yields about four servings depending on how I use them. The prep time takes around 5 minutes, the cook time is approximately 25 minutes, and the total time comes to about 30 minutes.
Variations
I sometimes add lemon zest before roasting for a brighter flavor. When I want an herbal note, I sprinkle dried rosemary, thyme, or oregano over the garlic. For a deeper, tangy sweetness, I replace the maple syrup with balsamic vinegar, which adds a rich twist to the final flavor.
Storage/Reheating
When I plan to use the roasted garlic within a week, I store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, I mash the cloves while they are still warm, freeze them in an ice cube tray, and then transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe container. When I need some, I simply thaw a portion and stir it directly into my dish.
FAQs
Can I Roast Garlic In The Air Fryer Without Foil?
I prefer using foil because it helps the garlic cook evenly and stay tender, but I can also use a small heat-safe dish with a lid if needed.
Does Roasting Garlic Make It Less Strong?
I find that roasting softens garlic’s sharp bite and transforms it into a mellow, slightly sweet flavor that blends easily into recipes.
Can I Roast Individual Garlic Cloves Instead Of Whole Heads?
I can roast individual cloves, but I reduce the cooking time slightly so they do not dry out or burn.
What Dishes Pair Well With Air Fryer Roasted Garlic?
I love adding it to mashed potatoes, pasta sauces, soups, spreads, and salad dressings for extra depth and richness.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead Of Time?
I often make roasted garlic ahead and store it in the refrigerator or freezer so I always have some ready to use.
Conclusion
Roasting garlic in the air fryer has become a staple in my kitchen because it is fast, easy, and packed with flavor. I love how this simple method turns basic garlic into a rich, versatile ingredient that instantly improves so many dishes. Once I started making it this way, it quickly became part of my regular cooking routine.
Roasting garlic in the air fryer creates soft, caramelized cloves with a mellow, buttery flavor in under 30 minutes. It’s an easy, mess-free method that transforms garlic into a versatile ingredient for countless dishes.
Ingredients
4 large heads of garlic
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 pinch black pepper
Instructions
Slice the tops off each head of garlic to expose the cloves while keeping the base intact.
Place each garlic head on a piece of aluminum foil to create individual packets.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
Drizzle the mixture over the exposed cloves, ensuring they’re well coated.
Wrap the foil loosely around the garlic heads and place them in the air fryer basket.
Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 25 minutes until the cloves are golden, soft, and fragrant.
Let cool slightly, then squeeze the cloves from their skins and use as desired.
Notes
Foil helps garlic roast evenly and retain moisture.
Add herbs or lemon zest for extra flavor.
Substitute maple syrup with balsamic vinegar for a richer, tangy taste.
Roasted garlic keeps for up to 1 week in the fridge or can be frozen in portions.
Use in mashed potatoes, pasta, soups, dressings, and more.
