Can I Roast Garlic in the Air Fryer Discover the Easy Method

Yes, you can roast garlic in the air fryer—quick, easy, and with deliciously caramelized results every time. With just a few cloves, a drizzle of oil, and 15–20 minutes at 375°F (190°C), the air fryer delivers perfectly roasted garlic that’s soft, golden, and full of flavor. No oven needed, minimal cleanup, and maximum taste—this method is a game-changer for garlic lovers.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can roast garlic in the air fryer—it’s fast, easy, and mess-free.
• Prep garlic by cutting tops and drizzling oil for even roasting and rich flavor.
• Cook at 375°F for 12–15 minutes until cloves are golden and tender.
• No need to peel beforehand—roast whole heads and squeeze out soft cloves after.
• Store roasted garlic in oil for up to 2 weeks in the fridge.
• Use roasted garlic in dips, spreads, or sauces to elevate everyday meals effortlessly.

Can I Roast Garlic in the Air Fryer? Discover the Easy Method

Let’s be honest—roasted garlic is one of those kitchen magic tricks that feels like it should be harder than it is. You take a humble clove, roast it until it’s soft and golden, and suddenly it transforms into a sweet, mellow, buttery flavor bomb that elevates everything it touches. But here’s the thing: traditional oven roasting takes time, preheats the whole kitchen, and sometimes leaves you with uneven results. That’s where the air fryer swoops in like a tiny, turbocharged hero.

So, can you roast garlic in the air fryer? The short answer is a resounding yes. In fact, it might just be the fastest, most convenient way to get perfectly roasted garlic at home. I first tried it on a whim after a long day when I didn’t want to heat up my oven for a simple side dish. To my surprise, the results were not only delicious but also incredibly consistent. Now, I rarely reach for the oven when I’ve got a head of garlic to roast. In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to do it, why it works so well, and a few little tricks I’ve picked up along the way—because yes, even something as simple as roasting garlic can have a few nuances worth exploring.

Why Roast Garlic in the Air Fryer?

Speed and Efficiency

Let’s talk about time. Roasting garlic in a conventional oven typically takes 35–45 minutes at 400°F (200°C). That’s not just cooking time—it’s also the time it takes to preheat the oven, which can add another 10–15 minutes. In contrast, the air fryer heats up almost instantly. Most models are ready to go in under 3 minutes. And the actual roasting? That usually takes just 15–20 minutes. That’s a total time savings of 20–30 minutes—a game-changer on busy weeknights.

Think about it: you can prep a head of garlic while your air fryer heats up, pop it in, and have it ready before your pasta finishes boiling. I’ve done this exact routine when making garlic mashed potatoes or garlic butter for grilled bread. The speed doesn’t compromise flavor—it actually enhances it by sealing in the natural juices faster.

Even Heat Distribution

One of the biggest frustrations with oven roasting is uneven results. Sometimes the top cloves burn while the bottom ones are still raw. The air fryer’s rapid, circulating hot air ensures even heat distribution, which means every clove roasts at the same rate. No more babysitting or rotating trays. Just set it and forget it (well, almost—you’ll want to check at 15 minutes).

I remember my first oven attempt: I used a muffin tin to hold the garlic heads upright, but the ones near the edges browned faster than those in the center. With the air fryer, I place the garlic directly in the basket, cut side up, and they all come out uniformly golden and soft. It’s almost foolproof.

Minimal Cleanup

No parchment paper, no foil, no baking sheet. All you need is a little olive oil and a head of garlic. The air fryer basket wipes clean with a damp cloth, and if you’re using a silicone liner or parchment round (optional), cleanup is even easier. Compare that to scrubbing a sticky baking sheet or peeling garlic from parchment paper that’s fused to the cloves. The air fryer wins every time.

And if you’re cooking for one or two people, the air fryer is also more energy-efficient. You’re not heating a massive oven cavity—just a small basket. That’s better for your electricity bill and the environment.

How to Roast Garlic in the Air Fryer Step-by-Step

Prep the Garlic

Start with a fresh head of garlic. Look for plump, firm cloves with no soft spots or sprouts. Using a sharp knife, slice about ¼ inch off the top (the pointed end) to expose the cloves. You don’t need to peel them—just remove the papery outer layer if it’s loose.

Place the garlic head, cut side up, in the air fryer basket. Drizzle 1–2 teaspoons of olive oil over the top, making sure it seeps down into the cloves. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Optional: add a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary on top for extra aroma. I once used a mix of thyme and a pinch of smoked paprika, and it added a lovely depth to my garlic butter.

Air Fry the Garlic

Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook for 15 minutes, then check. The cloves should be soft when pierced with a fork and golden brown on top. If they’re not quite there, cook for another 3–5 minutes. Total time usually ranges from 15 to 20 minutes, depending on your air fryer model and the size of the garlic head.

Pro tip: If you’re roasting multiple heads, don’t overcrowd the basket. Give them space so the air can circulate. I once tried to squeeze three heads in my 5.8-quart air fryer, and the ones in the middle came out slightly undercooked. Now I roast one or two at a time for best results.

Cool and Extract

Let the garlic cool for 5–10 minutes. This is crucial—hot garlic is too soft to handle and can burn your fingers. Once cool, gently squeeze the cloves from the bottom, and they’ll pop right out. The roasted garlic should be soft, spreadable, and golden, with a sweet, nutty flavor.

Store the cloves in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Or mash them into a paste and freeze in ice cube trays for longer storage. I keep a small jar of roasted garlic in my fridge at all times—it’s my secret weapon for quick sauces, dips, and dressings.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Air Fryer Roasted Garlic

Choose the Right Garlic

Not all garlic is created equal. For roasting, I prefer softneck garlic (common in supermarkets) because it has larger cloves and a milder flavor. Hardneck garlic, while more flavorful when raw, can be a bit more pungent when roasted. If you’re using hardneck, consider roasting it at a slightly lower temperature (350°F) to avoid bitterness.

Also, avoid pre-peeled garlic. It’s convenient, but it often loses flavor and moisture. Whole heads retain their freshness much better.

Oil Matters

Use a good-quality olive oil with a neutral flavor. Extra virgin olive oil is fine, but its strong taste can sometimes overpower the garlic’s subtle sweetness. I’ve also used avocado oil and grapeseed oil with great results—both have high smoke points and don’t burn easily in the air fryer.

How much oil? Just enough to coat the exposed cloves. Too much can cause splattering or make the garlic soggy. A light drizzle is all you need.

Seasoning Ideas

While salt and oil are all you technically need, a few extras can take your roasted garlic to the next level:

• Fresh herbs: Thyme, rosemary, or oregano add earthy notes.
• Spices: A pinch of smoked paprika, cumin, or red pepper flakes for heat.
• Citrus zest: A little lemon or orange zest brightens the flavor.
• Honey or maple syrup: A tiny drizzle adds a hint of sweetness—great for roasted garlic aioli.

I once made a batch with a sprinkle of za’atar and it was insanely good on grilled chicken. Experiment and find your favorite combo.

Batch Cooking

If you love roasted garlic, roast a few heads at once. They freeze beautifully. I usually roast 2–3 heads, mash them into a paste, and store in small portions. To use, just thaw and stir into soups, sauces, or mashed potatoes.

For even longer storage, mix the roasted garlic with olive oil and freeze in an ice cube tray. Each cube is about 1 tablespoon—perfect for sautéing vegetables or making garlic butter.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Overcrowding the Basket

Air fryers rely on circulating hot air. If you pack the basket too full, the garlic won’t roast evenly. Stick to one or two heads at a time, depending on your air fryer size. If you’re using a small 3-quart model, one head is ideal.

I learned this the hard way when I tried to roast four heads at once. The ones on the outside were perfect, but the center ones were still raw. Now I always leave at least an inch of space around each head.

Not Checking Early

Air fryers vary in power. A 20-minute cook time on one model might be 18 minutes on another. Always check at 15 minutes. The garlic is done when the cloves are soft and golden, not blackened.

If you’re unsure, insert a fork into a clove. It should slide in easily. If it meets resistance, give it a few more minutes.

Using Too Much Oil

While oil helps the garlic roast evenly, too much can cause splattering or make the cloves greasy. A light drizzle is all you need. If you see pooling oil in the basket, blot it with a paper towel after cooking.

Skipping the Cooling Step

Hot garlic is too soft to squeeze cleanly. Let it cool for at least 5 minutes. This also helps the cloves firm up slightly, making them easier to extract.

And never try to peel hot garlic. The skins stick to the cloves when hot, but release easily when cool.

Creative Ways to Use Air Fryer Roasted Garlic

In Spreads and Dips

Roasted garlic is a game-changer in spreads. Try it in:

• Hummus: Add 2–3 cloves to your blender for a smoky, sweet twist.
• Garlic aioli: Mix with mayo, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
• Compound butter: Mash into softened butter with parsley and lemon zest. Perfect for steaks or bread.

I once made a roasted garlic and white bean dip that was so good, my friends asked for the recipe. It was just canned white beans, lemon juice, tahini, and 3 roasted cloves—blended until smooth. Simple, but unforgettable.

In Cooking and Baking

Add roasted garlic to:

• Soups and stews: Stir in at the end for a deep, mellow flavor.
• Mashed potatoes: Mix in 1–2 cloves per serving for a rich, buttery taste.
• Pasta sauces: Sauté with onions and tomatoes for a quick marinara.
• Roasted vegetables: Toss with carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts.

I love making a roasted garlic vinaigrette: just whisk together 1 part roasted garlic paste, 3 parts olive oil, 1 part vinegar (balsamic or red wine), and a pinch of salt. It’s incredible on salads or drizzled over grilled fish.

In Baking (Yes, Really!)

Roasted garlic isn’t just for savory dishes. Try it in:

• Focaccia: Press cloves into the dough before baking.
• Savory scones: Fold into the dough with cheese and herbs.
• Garlic bread: Mix with butter and spread on a baguette before toasting.

I once made garlic and rosemary focaccia with roasted garlic cloves baked right in. The flavor was so rich, I didn’t need any other seasonings.

Comparison: Air Fryer vs. Oven Roasted Garlic

To help you decide which method works best for you, here’s a quick comparison based on my experience and some data from home cooks:

Factor	Air Fryer	Oven
Cook Time	15–20 minutes (no preheat)	35–45 minutes (plus 10–15 min preheat)
Energy Use	Low (smaller appliance)	High (larger oven cavity)
Cleanup	Easy (wipe basket)	Moderate (baking sheet/parchment)
Evenness	Excellent (circulating air)	Good (may need rotation)
Capacity	1–2 heads (smaller basket)	Multiple heads (larger tray)
Best For	Quick, single-serve roasting	Batch cooking or large quantities

As you can see, the air fryer wins on speed, energy, and ease of use. The oven still has its place if you’re roasting a dozen heads for a party or meal prepping, but for everyday use, the air fryer is hard to beat.

And here’s a fun fact: roasted garlic has more antioxidants than raw garlic, thanks to the heat breaking down its cell walls. So you’re not just making it tastier—you’re making it healthier too.

Final Thoughts: The Easiest Way to Roast Garlic

So, can you roast garlic in the air fryer? Absolutely. And if you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend giving it a shot. It’s faster, cleaner, and just as delicious as the oven method—sometimes even better. The key is to keep it simple: a little oil, a pinch of salt, and 15–20 minutes in the air fryer. No fuss, no muss.

What I love most about this method is how accessible it makes roasted garlic. It’s no longer a “special occasion” ingredient—it’s something you can have on hand any night of the week. Whether you’re stirring it into a quick pasta, spreading it on toast, or folding it into mashed potatoes, it adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate.

And the best part? Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever used the oven. It’s one of those small kitchen upgrades that makes a big difference. So grab a head of garlic, fire up your air fryer, and get roasting. Your taste buds (and your future meals) will thank you.

Happy cooking—and don’t forget to save a clove or two for your next batch of garlic butter. Trust me, you’ll want to make it again soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I roast garlic in the air fryer?

Yes, you can roast garlic in the air fryer! It’s a quick and easy method that yields soft, caramelized cloves with minimal effort—just prep the garlic and let the air fryer do the work.

How long does it take to roast garlic in an air fryer?

Roasting garlic in the air fryer typically takes 15–20 minutes at 350°F (175°C). The exact time depends on the size of the garlic bulbs and your air fryer model.

Do I need to peel garlic before roasting it in the air fryer?

No, you don’t need to peel the garlic before roasting. Simply cut the top off the bulb, drizzle with oil, and wrap it in foil or place it directly in the basket—the skins will loosen during cooking.

What’s the best way to prepare garlic for air fryer roasting?

For the best results, slice the top off a whole garlic bulb, drizzle it with olive oil, and wrap it in foil. This keeps the cloves moist while allowing them to roast evenly in the air fryer.

Can I roast multiple garlic bulbs in the air fryer at once?

Yes, you can roast multiple garlic bulbs at once if they fit in a single layer without overcrowding. Just ensure there’s enough space for air circulation to achieve even roasting.

How do I store roasted garlic from the air fryer?

Store roasted garlic cloves in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze them for longer storage. Squeeze the cloves out of their skins before using in recipes.