How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Knots Fast

If you’ve ever craved soft, buttery bread with a kick of garlic but want to skip the hassle of traditional baking, this is your go-to solution. Making Air Fryer Garlic Knots is the quickest way to get crispy, flavorful bites that are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. These golden knots combine the best of garlic butter goodness with a crunchy exterior, all made effortlessly in your air fryer. Ready in minutes, they turn simple dough into an irresistible treat you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Fast Preparation: You can have fresh, warm garlic knots ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy days or last-minute cravings.
• Healthier Option: Using an air fryer reduces oil usage significantly while keeping the knots crispy and delicious.
• Minimal Ingredients: Requires just a handful of common pantry staples without sacrificing flavor or texture.
• Versatile Snack: These knots pair wonderfully with pasta, soups, or on their own as a flavorful bite anytime.
• Customizable Flavors: Easy to tweak with herbs, cheeses, or spice to suit your palate or dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Air Fryer Garlic Knots recipe plays a crucial role to ensure the perfect combination of taste, crumb, and crispness. The essentials are straightforward, highlighting ease without sacrificing that delicious homemade vibe.

• Pre-made pizza dough: Using store-bought dough saves time and still yields soft, fluffy knots.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic delivers the essential pungent flavor that garlic knots are famous for.
• Unsalted butter: Melted butter helps create that rich, buttery coating that keeps the knots moist and tasty.
• Fresh parsley: Adds a dynamic pop of color and a fresh herbal note to balance the richness.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle on top adds a savory, cheesy finish that elevates the flavor profile.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances the natural flavors without overpowering the knots.

Variations for Air Fryer Garlic Knots

Feel free to get creative with this Air Fryer Garlic Knots recipe! Whether you are adapting for dietary needs or just want to experiment with flavors, it’s easy to modify without losing that irresistible garlic knot charm.

• Herbed Garlic Knots: Add dried Italian herbs or rosemary to the garlic butter for extra aromatic depth.
• Cheesy Stuffed Knots: Insert small mozzarella or cheddar pieces inside the dough before knotting for a melty surprise.
• Spicy Garlic Knots: Mix red pepper flakes in the garlic butter for a gentle heat kick.
• Gluten-Free Twist: Use gluten-free pizza dough to cater to gluten sensitivities without compromising taste.
• Vegan Version: Swap butter for vegan butter and skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese alternative.

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How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Knots

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by rolling out your pre-made pizza dough onto a clean surface and cutting it into evenly sized strips, roughly 1 inch wide and 6 inches long. This shape makes tying the classic knot easy and ensures even cooking.

Step 2: Tie the Knots

Take each dough strip and shape it into a loose knot by looping one end over the other and pinching the ends to secure. Place the knots on a parchment-lined tray to prevent sticking as you work through the batch.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Mince fresh garlic cloves finely and stir into the melted butter along with chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. This sauce will coat the knots both before and after air frying to lock in flavor.

Step 4: Preheat and Brush

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Lightly brush each garlic knot with a generous layer of the garlic butter mixture. The butter helps them turn golden and crisp during cooking.

Step 5: Air Fry the Knots

Arrange the knots in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for air circulation. Cook for 7-9 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning, until the knots turn golden and crisp.

Step 6: Final Butter Brush

Once out of the air fryer, immediately brush the knots again with the garlic butter to keep them moist and flavorful. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top while still warm for that perfect finishing touch.

Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Garlic Knots

• Use fresh garlic: Always opt for fresh minced garlic over powders for vibrant, intense flavor.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket: Leave room between knots for crispy surfaces every time.
• Watch air fryer times closely: Depending on the model, cooking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye to avoid burning.
• Butter temperature matters: Melted but not hot butter ensures the garlic doesn’t cook prematurely and turn bitter.
• Add cheese last: Applying Parmesan after air frying avoids burning while maximizing gooey goodness.

How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Knots

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a dusting of extra Parmesan cheese not only brightens the dish visually but also enhances the fresh flavors.

Side Dishes

Air Fryer Garlic Knots pair wonderfully with classic Italian dishes like spaghetti marinara, creamy Alfredo pasta, or alongside a hearty bowl of tomato basil soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve knots in a bread basket lined with parchment paper for casual sharing or drizzle with a balsamic glaze or chili oil to elevate them as an impressive appetizer at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover garlic knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheating will refresh their crispiness and flavor.

Freezing

To freeze, place cooled knots in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They freeze well up to three months and can be cooked from frozen later.

Reheating

Reheat garlic knots in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes or until crispy and warmed through. This restores that fresh-baked texture better than microwaving.

FAQs

Can I make Air Fryer Garlic Knots from scratch without store-bought dough?

Absolutely! Homemade dough adds extra flavor and freshness, though store-bought is a great shortcut when you’re short on time.

How can I prevent garlic knots from getting soggy?

Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and brush the knots with garlic butter only once before cooking and immediately after for a balanced crispness without sogginess.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

While garlic powder works in a pinch, fresh garlic provides a brighter, more vibrant taste that really makes the knots stand out.

Is it necessary to flip the knots halfway through air frying?

Flipping ensures even browning and crispness on all sides, so it’s highly recommended for the best results.

Can I make these knots vegan?

Yes! Swap out butter for a vegan alternative and use plant-based cheese or skip cheese to keep these delicious garlic knots vegan-friendly.

Final Thoughts

Making Air Fryer Garlic Knots fast is a game-changer for any garlic bread lover. It’s simple, quick, and so rewarding to pull warm, crispy, buttery knots out of your air fryer with minimal effort. Whether it’s a snack, appetizer, or side, these knots bring comfort and flavor to the table every time—go ahead and treat yourself!

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