Roasted Garlic in the Air Fryer
Preparation Time and Servings
Preparation Time: 7 minutes
Cooking Time: 11 minutes
Servings: 5
Ingredients
– 1 cup garlic cloves, peeled
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1. Prepare the Garlic:
– Begin by choosing firm, fresh garlic bulbs. The cloves should be plump, with no evidence of mould or sprouting.
– After removing the cloves from the bulb, peel them. You may gently crush the cloves with the flat side of a knife to facilitate peeling. The skins will then slide off more easily.
– Measure out 1 cup of peeled garlic cloves. Ensure that all cloves are roughly the same size for even roasting.
2. Season the Garlic:
– Place the peeled garlic cloves in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Olive oil not only adds flavor but also helps the garlic to roast evenly and develop a creamy texture.
– Season the garlic cloves with salt and pepper to taste. The amount of seasoning can be adjusted according to your preference, but a good starting point is about ½ teaspoon of salt and a few grinds of black pepper.
3. Prepare for Roasting:
– Toss the garlic cloves in the bowl to ensure they are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
– Tear off a piece of aluminum foil large enough to wrap the garlic cloves in a single layer. Place the seasoned garlic in the center of the foil and spread them out evenly.
– Fold the edges of the foil up and over the garlic to create a sealed packet. This will help to trap the heat and moisture, allowing the garlic to roast evenly without drying out.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
– Preheat your air fryer to 370 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Preheating ensures that the garlic starts cooking immediately, leading to a better roasted texture.
5. Roast the Garlic:
– Place the foil packet with the garlic cloves in the air crisper tray or basket of your air fryer. Ensure that the packet is sealed well to prevent the oil from leaking out and to maintain the moisture inside.
Put the tray or basket into the air fryer that has been warmed. Choose the air fry option and adjust the temperature to 370 degrees F. Garlic is cooked for fifteen minutes. The size of the cloves and the particular model of your air fryer might have a minor impact on the actual cooking time.
6. Check for Doneness:
– After 15 minutes, carefully open the foil packet (beware of the hot steam) and check the garlic cloves. They should be golden brown and soft enough to mash with a fork. If they are not quite done, reseal the packet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, checking periodically.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 84
Fat: 7.7g
Protein: 14g
Tips for Perfect Roasted Garlic
Uniform Size: Use garlic cloves of similar size to ensure even roasting.
Oil: Don’t skimp on the olive oil; it helps the garlic to roast evenly and prevents it from drying out.
Sealing the Foil: Make sure the foil packet is sealed well to trap the heat and moisture, which is essential for achieving a soft, creamy texture.
Monitoring: Keep an eye on the garlic during the last few minutes of roasting to prevent it from burning.
Why Use an Air Fryer?
Air fryers are an excellent tool for roasting garlic. Here are some benefits:
Efficiency: Air fryers cook food quickly and evenly, saving time in the kitchen.
Healthier Cooking: Using an air fryer requires less oil than traditional roasting methods, resulting in lower calorie content.
Consistent Results: The hot air circulation ensures that the garlic cloves come out evenly roasted with a creamy texture.
Variations to Try
1. Herb-Infused Roasted Garlic:
– Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the foil packet for an extra layer of flavor.
2. Spicy Roasted Garlic:
– Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper over the garlic cloves before roasting for a spicy kick.
3. Cheesy Roasted Garlic:
– After roasting, sprinkle the garlic with grated Parmesan cheese and return to the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Lemon-Garlic Roasted Garlic:
– Add a few slices of lemon to the foil packet for a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the sweetness of the roasted garlic.
5. Balsamic Roasted Garlic:
– Drizzle the garlic cloves with balsamic vinegar before closing the foil packet for a tangy and sweet twist.
Serving Suggestions
Storing and Reheating
Storage: Store any leftover roasted garlic cloves in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Reheating: Reheat the garlic in the air fryer at 320 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-4 minutes or until warmed through. You may also use the microwave, but the air fryer preserves the texture.
Health Benefits of Garlic
Garlic is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits:
Boosts Immune System: Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties, helping to fight off colds and infections.
-Decreases Hypertension: Garlic may help decrease blood pressure in hypertensive individuals, according to studies.
Improves Cholesterol Levels: Garlic has been shown to reduce total and LDL cholesterol, which can lower the risk of heart disease.
Rich in Antioxidants: Garlic contains antioxidants that protect against cell damage and aging.
Anti-Inflammatory: Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Roasted garlic is a simple yet transformative ingredient that elevates any dish with its sweet, mellow, and aromatic flavor. To prepare, peel the garlic cloves and drizzle them with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Wrap the cloves in foil and roast in the air fryer at 370°F for 15 minutes. The result is a creamy, spreadable garlic that enhances everything from mashed potatoes to pasta sauces. Not only does roasting garlic reduce its pungency, making it more palatable, but it also brings out a caramelized sweetness that adds depth to your recipes. This versatile ingredient is perfect for spreading on bread, blending into dressings, or even enjoying on its own. With its rich flavor and numerous health benefits, roasted garlic is a must-have in any kitchen.
How long does you preserve the roasted garlic?
We recommend keeping roasted garlic in a compact, covered container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
The healthiest way to eat Roasted Garlic?
Allicin, a sulfur-containing component that is responsible for many of the health benefits of garlic, is also retained in greater amounts when garlic is raw. Try to consume 1-2 cloves daily for optimal effects.