Let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite snacks that I’ve made time and time again: air fryer garlic knots! Seriously, if you haven’t tried making these yet, you’re in for a treat. These little bites of heaven have become a staple in my kitchen, and I can confidently say I’ve whipped them up at least a dozen times. Friends and family are always asking for the recipe, and once you make them, you’ll understand why! They’re perfectly golden, bursting with flavor, and so easy to prepare that you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Garlic Knots Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time, you’ll have these delightful knots ready in no time, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Serve them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish — they fit into any meal seamlessly!
- Deliciously Flavorful: Each knot is infused with garlic and herbs, giving you a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Visually Appealing: These golden knots not only taste amazing, but they also look fantastic on a serving platter.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the fridge, making it easy to bake fresh knots whenever you want!
The Secret to Perfect Air Fryer Garlic Knots
The secret ingredient that takes these garlic knots to the next level is, without a doubt, the garlic butter mixture. Trust me, it’s the game-changer you didn’t know you needed! The combination of melted butter, minced garlic, and fresh parsley creates an aromatic glaze that elevates the flavor profile of the knots. The key technique? Make sure to brush the knots generously with that garlic butter before and after cooking. This not only gives them a beautiful sheen but also ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Anyone can nail this recipe with just a little attention to detail!
Rave Reviews from Friends and Followers
“These air fryer garlic knots were a hit at our family gathering! Everyone wanted the recipe!” – Sarah J.
“I made these for game night, and they disappeared in minutes. Definitely a new favorite!” – Mike T.
“I love how easy and quick these are to make! They are now a staple in my snack rotation.” – Jen R.
Creative Variations to Try
- Cheesy Garlic Knots: Add mozzarella cheese to the center of each knot for a gooey surprise.
- Herb-Infused Knots: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or thyme for a unique twist.
- Spicy Garlic Knots: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for some heat.
- Parmesan Garlic Knots: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before air frying for an extra cheesy flavor.
Bonus: Try dipping them in marinara sauce for an extra layer of deliciousness!
FAQs – All Your Questions Answered!
Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough can save you time, and it works perfectly for these air fryer garlic knots.
How do I store leftover garlic knots?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness!
Can I freeze the garlic knots?
Yes! You can freeze the uncooked knots. Just freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just air fry from frozen; you may need to add an extra 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
What can I substitute for garlic?
If you’re not a fan of garlic, try using a mix of herbs and spices, like Italian seasoning or onion powder, for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Serving Tips
- Store leftover knots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-4 minutes to restore their crispiness.
- Serve them warm with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dip for an irresistible snack!
Perfect Occasions for Air Fryer Garlic Knots
- Game nights with friends
- Family movie marathons
- Potluck parties
- Casual get-togethers
- Weeknight dinners when you need a quick side
- Celebrating special occasions with a delicious touch
The Complete Recipe
Thank you for sticking with me! Now, let’s dive into the deliciousness with the full recipe for these air fryer garlic knots.
Air Fryer Garlic Knots
Ingredients
- 1 package (16 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Tip: Make sure your dough is at room temperature for easier handling. If you like, you can let the dough rest for about 30 minutes before shaping the knots.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F. While it heats up, take your pizza dough out of the package and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into strips, about 1 inch wide. Don’t worry about them being perfect; rustic is the name of the game here!
Step 2: Shape the Knots
Take each strip and tie it into a knot. If you’re feeling fancy, twist the dough a couple of times before knotting. Place the knots onto a parchment-lined plate as you shape the rest. This is where you can get creative — they don’t have to be uniform!
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. This mixture is where the magic happens! Brush a little of the garlic butter over each knot before placing them in the air fryer.
Step 4: Air Fry the Knots
Carefully place the knots in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching. You might have to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry for 8-10 minutes or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Halfway through, give them another brush of the garlic butter for that extra flavor boost.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once they’re done, remove the knots from the air fryer and give them a final brush with the garlic butter. If you’d like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top while they’re still warm. Serve them up with marinara sauce or your favorite dip, and watch them disappear!
Nutrition Info: Each garlic knot contains approximately 120 calories, 5g of fat, 15g of carbs, and 3g of protein. These are perfect for snacking without the guilt!
Final Thoughts
There you have it! Air fryer garlic knots that are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious. I can’t stress enough how much of a crowd-pleaser these little gems are. The combination of the crispy outside and the soft, buttery inside is nothing short of heavenly. I encourage you to try this recipe; it’s a game-changer! Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked. Happy cooking!