If you’re craving a snack that’s warm, crispy, and bursting with garlicky goodness, this Quick Air Fryer Garlic Knots Recipe is exactly what you need. Perfectly golden and fragrant, these little bites deliver that fresh-baked bakery experience right at home in minutes. Whether as a snack, appetizer, or side, they come together quickly with simple ingredients and the magic of the air fryer. Dive in for a taste sensation you’ll want to make over and over!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Fast Preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute cravings or busy days.
- Healthier Than Frying: Uses an air fryer to create crispy knots with less oil, so you get the crunch without the guilt.
- Incredibly Flavorful: Coated in a perfect blend of garlic, butter, and herbs that enhance every bite.
- Versatile Snack: Works wonderfully as a side, appetizer, or quick snack that pleases everyone.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples that you probably already have, with no fancy additions needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Quick Air Fryer Garlic Knots Recipe is delightfully simple yet packed with layers of flavor. Each ingredient plays its role—whether for softness, crispiness, or that irresistible garlic butter coating.
- Pizza Dough: Store-bought dough makes this recipe super easy without sacrificing texture or taste.
- Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic provides the bold, aromatic flavor that defines garlic knots.
- Butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps the garlic and herbs stick perfectly.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Optional, but adds a savory, cheesy layer that elevates the flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning to balance and enhance the overall taste.
- Olive Oil Spray: A light spritz ensures an extra crisp exterior in the air fryer.
Variations for Quick Air Fryer Garlic Knots Recipe
Feel free to tailor this Quick Air Fryer Garlic Knots Recipe to suit your palate or dietary preferences. These easy changes can bring exciting new twists without extra effort.
- Cheesy Knots: Stuff the dough with mozzarella or cheddar before tying for a gooey surprise inside.
- Spicy Kick: Add red chili flakes or a dash of cayenne to the garlic butter for heat.
- Herb Mix: Swap parsley for basil, oregano, or rosemary to experiment with fresh herb flavors.
- Vegan Version: Use vegan butter or olive oil and skip the Parmesan for a fully plant-based treat.
- Whole Wheat Dough: Use whole wheat dough for a healthier, nuttier twist.
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How to Make Quick Air Fryer Garlic Knots Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the pizza dough into a rectangular shape. Cut the dough into strips about one inch wide to ensure uniform cooking and easy knot tying.
Step 2: Shape the Knots
Take each strip and tie it into a simple knot. Make sure the knots are tight enough to hold but not so tight that they won’t expand during cooking.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, finely minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well so the flavors meld evenly.
Step 4: Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) while you brush each knot generously with the garlic butter. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Cook the Garlic Knots
Place the knots in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 8-12 minutes until golden brown and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Step 6: Final Coating and Serve
Once cooked, brush the knots with remaining garlic butter and sprinkle with Parmesan if desired. Serve warm for maximum flavor and delight.
Pro Tips for Making Quick Air Fryer Garlic Knots Recipe
- Use Fresh Dough: Fresh pizza dough rises better and yields softer knots compared to frozen.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Air circulation in the fryer is key to crispiness; leave space between knots.
- Control Garlic Intensity: Adjust the amount of garlic butter if you prefer a milder or bolder taste.
- Brush Twice: Brushing knots before and after cooking locks in flavor and moisture.
- Keep Warm: Cover cooked knots loosely with foil to keep them warm while finishing the batch.
How to Serve Quick Air Fryer Garlic Knots Recipe
Garnishes
Garnish your garlic knots with finely chopped fresh parsley or basil and a light sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for pops of green and savory highlights.
Side Dishes
These garlic knots pair beautifully with a warm marinara sauce for dipping, fresh garden salads, or alongside your favorite Italian dishes like lasagna or pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve knots in a basket lined with parchment paper for a casual vibe, or arrange them on a large platter with small bowls of garlic butter and herb-infused olive oil for dipping, turning snack time into a social event.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover garlic knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft but ready to re-crisp as needed.
Freezing
To freeze, let cooked knots cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to one month and thaw quickly when needed.
Reheating
Reheat knots in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 350°F to refresh their crispiness, or warm them in the oven wrapped in foil to maintain softness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen pizza dough for this recipe?
Yes, frozen pizza dough works well; just thaw it completely before shaping and cooking to ensure the best texture and knot formation.
Do I have to use an air fryer?
You can bake the garlic knots in a conventional oven at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes, though the air fryer gives a superior crispness and faster cooking time.
How can I make these knots vegan?
Replace butter with vegan margarine or olive oil, and omit cheese or use a plant-based Parmesan alternative for a delicious vegan-friendly version.
Can I add other seasonings besides garlic?
Absolutely! Try incorporating herbs like rosemary or thyme, or spices like smoked paprika or chili flakes for a flavorful twist.
What dipping sauces go well with garlic knots?
Classic marinara is a favorite, but ranch, garlic aioli, or even pesto offer tasty alternatives that pair wonderfully with the knots.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about sinking your teeth into fresh, buttery, and perfectly crispy garlic knots that come together in just minutes. This Quick Air Fryer Garlic Knots Recipe not only saves you time but fills your kitchen with those mouthwatering aromas that bring everyone together. Give it a try and watch how this simple snack quickly becomes a cherished favorite in your home!
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Quick Air Fryer Garlic Knots Recipe
- Total Time: 20-25 minutes
- Yield: 12 knots 1x
- Diet: Not Gluten Free
Description
Quick Air Fryer Garlic Knots are warm, crispy, and bursting with garlicky goodness. Made with simple ingredients including pizza dough, garlic, butter, and herbs, these flavorful knots deliver a fresh-baked bakery experience in under 30 minutes. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they are cooked in an air fryer for a healthier, guilt-free crunch.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Knots
- 1 lb store-bought pizza dough
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the pizza dough into a rectangular shape. Cut the dough into strips about one inch wide to ensure uniform cooking and easy knot tying.
- Shape the Knots: Take each strip and tie it into a simple knot. Make sure the knots are tight enough to hold but not so tight that they won’t expand during cooking.
- Make the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, finely minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well so the flavors meld evenly.
- Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) while you brush each knot generously with the garlic butter. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Garlic Knots: Place the knots in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 8-12 minutes until golden brown and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Final Coating and Serve: Once cooked, brush the knots with remaining garlic butter and sprinkle with Parmesan if desired. Serve warm for maximum flavor and delight.
Notes
- Use fresh pizza dough for softer knots compared to frozen dough.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; leave space to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Adjust garlic butter quantity to control flavor intensity.
- Brush the knots before and after cooking to lock in moisture and flavor.
- Keep cooked knots warm by loosely covering them with foil while finishing the batch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-12 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 garlic knot
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg