If you’re a garlic lover, learning how to roast garlic in your air fryer is a game-changer! This quick air fryer roasted garlic recipe delivers soft, caramelized cloves in just 25 minutes—half the time it takes in a conventional oven. With just two simple ingredients and virtually no prep work, you’ll be enhancing your favorite recipes with rich, mellow garlic flavor in no time. Whether you’re spreading roasted garlic on crusty bread, adding it to pasta sauces, mixing it into mashed potatoes, or blending it into dips like hummus or aioli, this air fryer method is the fastest and most convenient way to get it done. And the best part? You can make multiple garlic bulbs at once and freeze any extras for future use!
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Roasted Garlic
Ready in under 25 minutes
No mess
Rich, caramelized flavor
Make-ahead friendly
Healthy and versatile
Equipment You’ll Need
Air fryer
Aluminum foil
Sharp knife
Tongs or oven mitts
Ingredients
1 whole garlic bulb
1 tablespoon olive oil
How To Make
Step 1: Prep the Garlic Bulb
Keep the garlic bulb intact and in its papery shell. Using a sharp knife, slice off about ¼ inch from the bottom (the root end, where the bulb has a brown base). This exposes the tops of the garlic cloves without separating them.
Step 2: Add Olive Oil & Wrap
Place the trimmed bulb in the center of a piece of aluminum foil large enough to wrap it completely. Drizzle the olive oil generously over the exposed garlic cloves, letting the oil seep into the bulb and around the sides. Wrap the foil tightly to seal in the moisture.
Step 3: Air Fry the Garlic
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (198°C). Place the foil-wrapped garlic directly in the basket or on the cooking tray. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the garlic is soft, golden, and caramelized. Larger bulbs may take closer to 25 minutes.
Pro Tip: Place a drip tray or liner beneath the air fryer basket to catch any oil that escapes the foil.
Step 4: Cool & Use
Carefully remove the foil-wrapped garlic using tongs or heatproof gloves. Let it cool slightly, then gently squeeze from the base of the bulb to release the roasted cloves. They should slide right out, soft and golden.
Serving Ideas
Spread on toast or crostini with butter
Stir into mashed potatoes or risotto
Mix into pasta sauces or marinades
Blend into hummus or salad dressings
Top grilled meats, pizza, or roasted veggies
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
Refrigerator: Store roasted garlic cloves in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days. Cover with olive oil to extend freshness and add flavor.
Freezer: Freeze roasted garlic for up to 6 months. You can freeze whole cloves or mash them and portion into ice cube trays for easy use in recipes later.
Variations & Add-Ins
Add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the foil for extra aroma
Use flavored olive oils such as chili or garlic-infused oil for a punch
Combine with butter for a homemade garlic spread or compound butter
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I roast multiple garlic bulbs at once in the air fryer?
Yes. As long as they fit comfortably in the basket or tray without overcrowding, feel free to roast several at a time.
Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
While many air fryers don’t require preheating, it’s recommended for even cooking. Preheating helps jump-start the caramelization process.
What if I don’t have foil?
You can use parchment paper folded into a pouch and secured with toothpicks or kitchen twine. However, foil is better at trapping steam for soft, tender cloves.
Why is my garlic burning?
Ensure your foil is tightly wrapped, and consider checking it at the 20-minute mark. Each air fryer is slightly different in power.
Pro Tips for Success
Use fresh, firm garlic bulbs—older garlic can be bitter or dry
If the garlic looks dry mid-cook, add another teaspoon of oil before re-wrapping
Let the garlic rest for a few minutes after cooking to finish softening and cooling
Quick & Easy Air Fryer Roasted Garlic Recipe
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 23 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 1 garlic bulb
Equipment: Air fryer, foil, knife, tongs
Ingredients
1 garlic bulb (whole, unpeeled)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Slice off the bottom (root end) of the garlic bulb to expose the cloves
Place on foil, drizzle olive oil over the cut side, and wrap tightly
Air fry at 390°F (198°C) for 20–25 minutes, until cloves are golden and soft
Let cool, then squeeze the bulb to release the roasted cloves
Use immediately or store in the fridge or freezer
Storage
Refrigerate up to 10 days in an airtight container
Freeze up to 6 months in small portions or whole cloves
Serving Ideas
Use in pasta, toast, mashed potatoes, salad dressings, sauces, dips, or on roasted vegetables
Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: 64 kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Monounsaturated Fat: 5g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
Sodium: 1mg
Potassium: 6mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Vitamin A: 1 IU
Vitamin C: 1mg
Calcium: 3mg
Iron: 1mg
