Do you love warm, buttery garlic knots? With this easy air fryer recipe, you can enjoy them at home in no time! I’ll walk you through step-by-step, from dough preparation to the perfect cooking method. No need for fancy skills or hours in the kitchen. Just gather a few simple ingredients, and let’s create a savory snack that will impress everyone. Get ready to elevate your appetizer game with these delicious garlic knots!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for both novice cooks and busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Goodness: The combination of garlic, butter, and herbs creates a mouthwatering aroma and taste that everyone will love.
- Perfectly Golden: Cooking in the air fryer ensures that the knots are crispy on the outside while remaining soft and chewy on the inside.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the toppings or add your favorite seasonings to make these knots uniquely yours.
Ingredients
To make delicious air fryer garlic knots, you'll need a few simple ingredients. Each ingredient plays a key role in flavor and texture. Here’s the list:
- Refrigerated pizza dough
- Unsalted butter
- Garlic
- Fresh parsley or dried parsley
- Italian seasoning
- Fine sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
The refrigerated pizza dough is the base for our knots. It saves time and is easy to work with. Unsalted butter adds richness, while garlic gives those knots a bold kick. Fresh parsley or dried parsley brings a fresh taste and lovely color. Italian seasoning adds a warm blend of herbs. Fine sea salt enhances all the flavors, and freshly ground black pepper gives a bit of spice. If you want to elevate your knots, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be ready to create a tasty snack that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat Air Fryer
First, I preheat my air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is key. It helps the garlic knots cook evenly. The heat gives them a great color and texture.
Prepare Pizza Dough
Next, I take the refrigerated pizza dough. I place it on a clean, floured surface. I roll it out into a rectangle, about ¼ inch thick. Then, I slice the dough into strips that are about 1 inch wide and 6 inches long. This size makes it easy to tie into knots.
Form Garlic Knots
I take each strip of dough and tie it into a knot. I tuck the ends under for a nice look. As I form each knot, I place them on a tray lined with parchment paper. This keeps them organized and easy to move.
Make Garlic Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, I mix melted butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper. I stir this until it’s well combined. The smell is amazing and makes the knots extra tasty.
Coat Knots with Garlic Butter
Using a pastry brush, I generously coat each knot with the garlic butter. I make sure every part gets some flavor. This step is important for a rich taste.
Air Fry Garlic Knots
I arrange the knots in the air fryer basket in a single layer. I avoid overcrowding them. If needed, I cook them in batches. I air fry them for about 8-10 minutes. I keep an eye on them to make sure they don't overcook.
Serve and Enjoy
Once they are golden brown, I take the garlic knots out. While they are still warm, I sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top, if I want. I serve them warm, with marinara sauce for dipping. Sometimes, I drizzle any leftover garlic butter on top for extra flavor.
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Perfect Garlic Knots
To make perfect garlic knots, use fresh pizza dough. Check the dough for any tears before starting. Roll it out evenly to avoid uneven cooking. Make each knot uniform in size for the best results. This helps them cook at the same rate. Always coat the knots well with garlic butter for great flavor. After air frying, they should be golden brown and crispy.
Avoiding Overcrowding in Air Fryer
Crowding the air fryer can lead to uneven cooking. Each knot needs space for hot air to circulate. Cook in batches if needed. This ensures that every knot gets crispy and delicious. Overcrowded knots may become soggy instead of crispy. Take your time for the best outcome.
Storing Leftover Garlic Knots
For leftover garlic knots, store them in an airtight container. Let them cool completely before sealing to avoid moisture build-up. They can stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, use the air fryer for a few minutes. This keeps them crispy and tasty. If you freeze them, wrap each knot in plastic wrap first. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They last up to three months frozen.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Garlic: For the best flavor, always use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced garlic. Fresh garlic has a more vibrant taste and aroma that will elevate your garlic knots.
- Don’t Rush the Dough: Allow the pizza dough to come to room temperature before rolling it out. This makes it easier to shape the knots and results in a fluffier texture.
- Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to add other herbs such as oregano or thyme to the garlic butter mixture for a unique twist on flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Garlic knots are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer. Serve them warm for the best taste and texture, and consider pairing them with a dipping sauce.
Variations
Adding Cheese to Knots
You can easily add cheese to your garlic knots. Simply sprinkle grated cheese on top before cooking. Parmesan or mozzarella works great. The cheese melts and adds a delicious layer of flavor. This makes the knots even more tasty and fun to eat.
Spicy Garlic Knots Option
Want a kick? Try making spicy garlic knots. Add red pepper flakes to your garlic butter mix. Start with a pinch and add more to taste. This will give your knots a nice heat that pairs well with the savory garlic. Serve these with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Gluten-Free Pizza Dough Alternative
If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pizza dough. Many stores sell ready-made gluten-free dough. Just follow the same steps to form knots. These knots will still taste great and be safe for those with gluten allergies. Enjoy the same flavors without worry.
Storage Info
Refrigerating Garlic Knots
You can store your garlic knots in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to three days. When ready to eat, just reheat them for the best taste.
Freezing Garlic Knots
Freezing is a great option if you want to save some for later. Allow the garlic knots to cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them, just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the garlic knots in the basket. Heat them for about 4-5 minutes. This keeps them crispy on the outside and warm inside. You can also use the oven at 350°F if you prefer. Just wrap them in foil to keep them moist. Enjoy your tasty garlic knots again!
FAQs
How long do air fryer garlic knots take to cook?
Air fryer garlic knots cook for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want them to be golden brown. Check them after 8 minutes to avoid overcooking. Each air fryer can vary, so keep an eye on them.
Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Yes, you can use homemade pizza dough. Just roll it out to about ¼ inch thick. Cut it into strips like you would with store-bought dough. Homemade dough can add a nice personal touch to your garlic knots.
What can I serve with garlic knots?
Garlic knots pair well with marinara sauce for dipping. You can also serve them with salads or soups. They make a great side for pasta dishes too. Their buttery, garlicky flavor enhances any meal.
How do I make garlic knots without an air fryer?
You can bake garlic knots in a regular oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the knots on a baking sheet. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown. Brush them with garlic butter after baking for that extra flavor boost.
Air fryer garlic knots are simple and fun to make. We covered all the key steps, from prepping the dough to serving. You can enjoy variations with cheese or even spicy twists. Remember to store extras properly so they stay fresh. With these tips, you’ll make perfect knots every time. Now, it's your turn to try this recipe. Enjoy the crunchy, buttery goodness with your favorite soups or salads. Garlic knots are sure to please everyone!
