The Ultimate Air Fryer Garlic Knots Recipe
Get ready to fall head over heels for these incredibly buttery, golden-brown air fryer garlic knots that deliver restaurant-quality flavor in just 15 minutes! These heavenly bites are crispy on the outside, pillowy soft on the inside, and bursting with aromatic garlic goodness that’ll make your kitchen smell absolutely divine.
Here’s a fun fact: garlic knots were actually invented by Italian-American pizzerias in the 1940s as a way to use up leftover pizza dough scraps – talk about turning waste into wonder! What makes this recipe truly special is its incredible simplicity and lightning-fast preparation time. Unlike traditional oven-baked versions that take 30+ minutes, your air fryer transforms simple ingredients into golden perfection in half the time.
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These family-friendly treats are perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute appetizers, or whenever you’re craving something warm and comforting. Just like our popular air fryer cinnamon rolls that readers absolutely adore, these garlic knots prove that the air fryer is truly a game-changer for quick, delicious homemade treats. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this foolproof recipe that’s about to become your new obsession!
What Are Air Fryer Garlic Knots?
Ever wondered why they’re called “knots” when they look more like twisted little clouds of carb heaven? These delightful treats get their name from their distinctive twisted, knotted shape that resembles tiny rope knots. Legend has it that Italian bakers would twist leftover dough into knots to prevent it from rising too much – pretty clever, right?
The air fryer version takes this classic concept and gives it a modern twist, creating the perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender interior. As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and these garlic-infused beauties are guaranteed to steal hearts at first bite. Ready to tie yourself up in knots over how delicious these are?
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Garlic Knots Recipe
The Perfect Texture Combination
These air fryer garlic knots deliver the ultimate textural experience with their golden, crispy exterior giving way to a soft, pillowy interior that melts in your mouth. The hot circulating air creates that coveted crunch without any oil splattering or lengthy preheating times.
Budget-Friendly Home Cooking
Making these garlic knots at home costs a fraction of what you’d pay at restaurants or bakeries. With simple pantry staples, you can create dozens of these treats for less than the price of a single appetizer order.
Irresistible Flavor Profile
Each knot is brushed with a heavenly mixture of melted butter, fresh garlic, and aromatic herbs that penetrate every nook and cranny. The combination of savory garlic, rich butter, and fragrant parsley creates an addictive flavor that rivals our popular air fryer breadsticks recipe.
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Knots
Quick Overview
This recipe delivers restaurant-quality garlic knots in just 15 minutes from start to finish. The air fryer’s rapid air circulation creates the perfect golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside wonderfully soft and tender.
Total Time: 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Serves: 4-6 people (makes 12 knots)
Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Garlic Knots
- 1 tube (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Cooking spray
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Air Fryer Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Shape the Knots Remove biscuits from the tube and separate them. Roll each biscuit into a 6-inch rope on a lightly floured surface. Tie each rope into a simple knot, tucking the ends underneath.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, salt, and half of the chopped parsley. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Brush and Season Place the shaped knots in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one. Brush each knot generously with the garlic butter mixture, reserving some for later.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection Cook at 350°F for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The tops should be beautifully bronzed and spring back when lightly touched.
Step 6: Final Touch Remove from air fryer and immediately brush with remaining garlic butter. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and remaining fresh parsley while still warm.
What to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Knots With
These versatile garlic knots pair beautifully with Italian classics like spaghetti marinara, creamy fettuccine Alfredo, or hearty minestrone soup. They also make excellent appetizers alongside antipasto platters, Caesar salads, or warm spinach artichoke dip.
For a casual meal, serve them with pizza night or alongside grilled chicken and roasted vegetables. Don’t forget a cold Italian soda or a glass of Chianti to complete the experience!
Top Tips for Perfecting Air Fryer Garlic Knots
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
Leave adequate space between each knot to ensure proper air circulation. Cook in batches if necessary – it’s worth the extra few minutes for perfectly golden results.
Fresh vs. Dried Herbs
Fresh parsley provides the best flavor and color, but you can substitute with 1 tablespoon dried parsley if needed. Add dried herbs to the butter mixture earlier to allow flavors to develop.
Dough Temperature Matters
Let refrigerated dough sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before shaping. This makes rolling and knotting much easier and prevents tearing.
Garlic Intensity Control
For milder garlic flavor, use roasted garlic cloves instead of raw. For extra punch, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storage: Store leftover garlic knots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating: To restore that crispy exterior, reheat in the air fryer at 325°F for 2-3 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it will make them soggy. For frozen knots, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can shape the knots and brush with garlic butter up to 4 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then air fry when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade dough instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Pizza dough, bread dough, or even pretzel dough work wonderfully. Just ensure the dough is at room temperature for easier shaping.
What if my air fryer is smaller?
Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Most compact air fryers can fit 6-8 knots comfortably. The cooking time remains the same.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with olive oil or vegan butter, and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
How do I know when they’re done?
The knots should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. Internal temperature should reach 190°F (88°C) for fully cooked dough.
Can I add different seasonings?
Definitely! Try Italian seasoning, rosemary, oregano, or even everything bagel seasoning for variety. The possibilities are endless!
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (2 knots) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 245 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 25mg |
| Sodium | 520mg |
| Total Carbs | 28g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 4g |
| Protein | 6g |
Pro Chef Secrets
The Butter Hack: Melt butter with whole garlic cloves, then remove them before brushing. This infuses incredible flavor without bits of garlic burning in the air fryer.
Double Brush Method: Brush once before cooking and once after for maximum flavor penetration and gorgeous shine.
Steam Trick: Place a small oven-safe dish with 2 tablespoons of water in the air fryer during the first 3 minutes of cooking. This creates steam that keeps the knots extra soft inside.
Flavor Variations to Try
Cheesy Herb Knots: Add mozzarella cheese inside each knot before tying Spicy Garlic: Include red pepper flakes and a dash of hot sauce in the butter Mediterranean Style: Use olive oil instead of butter and add sun-dried tomatoes Sweet & Savory: Brush with honey garlic butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds
These air fryer garlic knots are proof that the best comfort foods don’t require hours in the kitchen. With their irresistible aroma, perfect texture, and incredible flavor, they’re destined to become a regular feature at your dinner table. Whether you’re hosting a party, feeding hungry kids, or treating yourself to something special, these golden knots of joy deliver every single time!
Ready to get knotted up in deliciousness? Fire up that air fryer and let the magic begin!
