Air Fryer Roast Garlic

Roasted garlic is a quick, flavorful addition to just about anything—mashed potatoes, soups, spreads, or even on toast. Here's how to get perfect, caramelized garlic using your air fryer.

Ingredients

• 2 Heads of Garlic

• Salt

• Pepper

• EVOO

Instructions

1. Prep the Garlic
   Slice the top off the head of garlic—about ½ inch down—to expose the tops of the cloves.

2. Season
   Place the garlic head on a square of aluminum foil large enough to wrap it completely. Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil, making sure it seeps into the cloves. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

3. Wrap & Roast
   Wrap the garlic tightly in the foil. Place it in the air fryer basket and cook at 380°F (193°C) for 16–20 minutes, until the cloves are soft, golden, and fragrant.

4. Rest
   Let the roasted garlic sit for a few minutes to cool and soften further before handling.

Variations and Substitutions

Even though this recipe is the very soul of simplicity, a few small adjustments can make a big difference.

• Garlic
  Not all garlic heads are created equal. Some are larger, spicier, or milder depending on variety and freshness.

  • Softneck garlic: Milder, not as pungent, longer storage time if cured properly. This is what you usually find in the grocery stores, and while it is readily available, it lacks the complexity that can be found in other varieties

  • Hardneck garlic: Generally more robust and aromatic. It is hard to find in stores and does not keep as well, but it has a much more complex and interesting flavor.

  • Elephant garlic: Not actually garlic, it is more closely related to leeks and has a very mild flavor. Due to its large size, add 5-8 minutes to cooking time.

• Oil
  While extra virgin olive oil is the classic go-to for roasting garlic, changing up your oil is a simple way to experiment with flavor and texture. Don’t be afraid to match the oil to the dish you plan to use the garlic in.

  • Avocado Oil
    Has a smooth and thick finish. It adds a richer mouthfeel to the dish, mellowing out what remains of the garlic’s pungent qualities.

  • Infused Oils
    Use rosemary, chile, or thyme to add flavors complimentary to the dish in which you will use the garlic.

• Herbs
  Herbs can change the flavor profile of your garlic, play around with flavors.

  • Thyme

  • Chili flakes

  • Smoked paprika

  • Rosemary