When golden, buttery garlic fills your kitchen with its irresistible aroma, you know something amazing is about to happen. Making roasted garlic in the air fryer is a game-changing 25-minute process that delivers perfectly caramelized, spreadable cloves – without heating up your entire oven.

This quick method transforms raw garlic into a mellow, nutty delicacy that’s ready to elevate your dishes. At just 22 calories per serving, it’s a flavorful addition to breads, sauces, and marinades.

Fresh Ingredients

Garlic Heads: 2 whole bulbs, fresh and firm to touch
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, preferably extra virgin for best flavor
Kosher Salt: 1/8 teaspoon, adds perfect seasoning

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Garlic: Cut about 1/4 inch off the top of each garlic head to expose the cloves while keeping the root intact
Season: Generously drizzle olive oil over the exposed cloves and sprinkle with kosher salt
Wrap: Carefully envelop each garlic head in aluminum foil, creating a snug package
Position: Place wrapped heads in air fryer basket with cut sides facing upward
Air Fry: Cook at 360°F for 25 minutes until cloves turn beautifully golden and tender
Cool & Extract: Allow to cool slightly, then gently squeeze to release the roasted cloves from their skins

Ways to Use Roasted Garlic

Roasted garlic is like butter – it makes everything better! Spread it on warm bread, mix it into mashed potatoes, or stir it into pasta dishes. The mellow, sweet flavor adds magic to homemade salad dressings and dips. My favorite trick is mixing it with softened butter for the most amazing garlic bread you’ve ever tasted!

Storage Tips

Once your roasted garlic has cooled completely, you can store the cloves in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, pop them in a freezer-safe container – they’ll keep for up to 3 months! Pro tip: freeze individual cloves on a parchment-lined baking sheet first, then transfer to a container. This way, you can grab just what you need.

Quick Tips for Success

Want perfectly roasted garlic every time? Pick heads that feel firm and heavy for their size. If any cloves in the head look dried out or shrunken, pick a different one. When you’re wrapping in foil, make sure it’s nice and snug – this helps the garlic steam properly as it roasts. And don’t skip the oil! It helps the garlic roast evenly and adds wonderful flavor.

Why Air Fryer Roasted Garlic is Amazing

Using your air fryer to roast garlic is a game-changer! It’s super quick compared to oven roasting, uses less energy, and doesn’t heat up your kitchen. Plus, the results are just as good – you’ll get that same sweet, caramelized flavor and buttery-soft texture that makes roasted garlic so special.