Easy Air Fryer Garlic Knots: Perfectly Golden & Garlicky in Minutes

Prepare to fall in love with these Air Fryer Garlic Knots – a recipe so simple yet so utterly delicious, you’ll find yourself making them time and again! They offer the ideal combination of a soft, pillowy interior and a golden, slightly crisp exterior, all infused with a rich, aromatic garlic flavor. Thanks to the magic of the air fryer, these delightful knots are incredibly quick to prepare, making them a fantastic choice for last-minute appetizers, a speedy side dish for dinner, or a crowd-pleasing snack for any gathering.

If you’re a true garlic aficionado, this recipe is about to become your new obsession. The vibrant, fresh garlic flavor truly shines through in the rich garlic-parsley butter mixture that generously coats each knot. This isn’t just a hint of garlic; it’s a bold, savory embrace that transforms simple pizza dough into an extraordinary treat.

Beyond their incredible taste, homemade garlic knots are a phenomenal addition to any meal, especially on a bustling weeknight when time is of the essence. They make the perfect quick finger food for parties, game nights with the family, or as a delightful accompaniment to your favorite dinner, particularly pizza night!

Why Use an Air Fryer for Garlic Knots?

The air fryer is a game-changer for this recipe, offering several advantages over traditional baking methods. Its rapid hot air circulation ensures that your garlic knots cook quickly and evenly, achieving that coveted golden-brown crispness on the outside while remaining incredibly soft and fluffy on the inside. This method also often requires less oil than deep-frying, making it a slightly healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor or texture. Plus, preheating is much faster, meaning you can go from craving to serving in a fraction of the time!

Ingredients You Will Need for Delicious Air Fryer Garlic Knots

Creating these heavenly garlic knots requires just a handful of simple ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the ability to transform basic items into something truly special.

• Refrigerated Store-Bought Pizza Dough: This is your secret weapon for speed and convenience! Using a pre-made dough means minimal effort and fantastic results. Look for a 13.8 oz can, or two 8 oz cans of thin crust pizza dough for a slightly crispier texture.
• Unsalted Butter, Melted: Butter provides that rich, indulgent base for our garlic sauce and helps the seasonings adhere beautifully to the knots. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese, Grated: Adds a savory, slightly salty, and utterly delicious cheesy topping that melts slightly when brushed onto the warm knots. Freshly grated Parmesan will always yield the best flavor.
• Fresh Garlic Cloves, Minced: The star of the show! Freshly minced garlic is crucial for that authentic, pungent, and irresistible garlic flavor. Avoid garlic powder if possible; fresh truly makes a difference here.
• Dried Parsley Flakes: These add a lovely touch of color and a mild, fresh herbal note that complements the garlic and cheese without overpowering them. Fresh parsley, finely chopped, can also be used for an even brighter flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of classic Italian herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary that enhances the overall taste profile, giving your garlic knots a wonderfully aromatic and savory depth.

Delicious Variations to Customize Your Garlic Knots

While the classic Air Fryer Garlic Knots are perfect as is, they also serve as an excellent canvas for creativity. Feel free to experiment with these delicious variations to suit your taste or what you have on hand!

• Cheesy Garlic Knots: For an extra layer of gooey deliciousness, sprinkle shredded mozzarella, provolone, or an Italian cheese blend over the knots during the last 2-3 minutes of air frying, or immediately after they come out of the air fryer and before brushing with garlic butter. The residual heat will melt the cheese beautifully.
• Savory Herb Knots: Elevate the herbal notes by adding fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, or oregano to your melted butter mixture. A pinch of dried dill or a touch of chives can also add a unique twist.
• Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, mix a quarter to half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes into your garlic butter. This adds a subtle warmth that is incredibly satisfying.
• Everything Bagel Seasoning: For a textural and flavorful crunch, sprinkle a generous amount of everything bagel seasoning over the knots before or after air frying.
• Garlic & Herb Paste: Instead of just melted butter, create a thicker paste with softened butter, minced garlic, a variety of fresh or dried herbs, and a touch of salt. Spread this directly onto the dough strips before tying for an intense flavor burst.
• Different Dough Types: While pizza dough is ideal, you can also use refrigerated crescent roll dough (for a flakier knot) or puff pastry sheets (for an even crispier, more delicate texture). Adjust cooking times accordingly as these may cook faster.

How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Knots: Step-by-Step Guide

Making these garlic knots is incredibly straightforward, even for beginner cooks. Follow these simple steps for perfectly golden and flavorful results every time.

STEP 1 – Prepare the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, unroll your refrigerated pizza dough. Gently stretch it into an even rectangle. The flour helps prevent sticking and makes it easier to work with. If your dough is a bit cold, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before unrolling.

STEP 2 – Cut and Tie the Knots: Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, carefully slice the dough into twelve approximately 1-inch wide strips. For best results, try to make them as uniform as possible. Then, take each strip, fold it in half lengthwise, and gently tie it into a simple knot. Don’t pull too tightly, as the dough will expand during cooking. Aim for consistency in size so they cook evenly.

STEP 3 – Arrange in Air Fryer: Carefully arrange the tied knots in a single layer in your air fryer basket. It’s crucial not to overcrowd the basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy results. For easier cleanup and to prevent sticking, you can line the basket with parchment paper designed for air fryers or lightly spray it with olive oil spray. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

STEP 4 – Air Fry to Golden Perfection: Air fry the knots at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, especially during the last few minutes. They are ready when they turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your specific air fryer model and its wattage.

STEP 5 – Prepare the Garlic Butter: While your knots are air frying, it’s time to whip up that irresistible garlic butter. In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, freshly minced garlic, dried parsley flakes, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until well combined. The aroma alone will make your mouth water!

STEP 6 – Brush and Serve: As soon as the knots are done and come out of the air fryer, generously brush them with the prepared garlic butter mixture. The warmth of the knots will help the butter soak in and the Parmesan cheese to slightly melt, creating an incredible flavor and aroma. Serve these garlicky delights immediately while they are still warm for the absolute best experience!

I personally use my Cosori 5.8 qt. air fryer for this recipe, and it consistently delivers perfect results. Remember that air fryer models can vary significantly in size, wattage, and heating elements, so your cooking times might differ by a few minutes. Always use the suggested cooking time as a guideline and adjust as needed.

Expert Tips for the Best Air Fryer Garlic Knots

Achieving perfectly golden, fluffy, and flavor-packed garlic knots is easy with a few simple tricks up your sleeve. These tips will help you get the most out of your air fryer and your ingredients.

• Avoid Overcrowding the Basket: This is perhaps the most important tip for air frying. Placing too many knots in the basket at once prevents the hot air from circulating properly, leading to uneven cooking and a steamed rather than crispy result. Cook in batches if necessary, ensuring each knot has enough space around it.
• Monitor Cooking Time Closely: Air fryers can vary, so it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your knots, especially during the last few minutes of cooking. Look for that perfect golden brown color. If they are browning too quickly, you can reduce the temperature slightly or shorten the cooking time. For a deeper brown, cook for an additional minute or two, watching carefully.
• Serve Immediately for Optimal Enjoyment: Garlic knots are at their absolute best when served fresh and warm from the air fryer. The dough is at its softest, the exterior is perfectly crisp, and the garlic butter is fragrant and melted.
• Room Temperature Dough: Allow your refrigerated pizza dough to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before you start. This makes it much easier to unroll, stretch, and tie into knots without tearing.
• Fresh Garlic is Key: While garlic powder can work in a pinch, fresh minced garlic provides a superior, more vibrant flavor that truly makes these knots shine. Take the extra minute to mince fresh cloves.
• Consider Parchment Paper or Oil Spray: Lining your air fryer basket with air-fryer-specific parchment paper or a light spray of olive oil can prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
• Don’t Skimp on the Butter Brush: Once the knots are cooked, be generous when brushing them with the garlic butter mixture. This is where most of the flavor comes from, and a good coating ensures every bite is savory and delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Garlic Knots

Here are answers to some common questions about making and enjoying these delightful garlic knots.

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