Quick Air Fryer Garlic Knots
Quick Air Fryer Garlic Knots are a delightful twist on a classic appetizer. These delectable, golden-brown treats are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering, enjoying a cozy family dinner, or simply craving a savory snack. In this recipe, you’ll find a step-by-step guide that makes whipping up these tasty knots not just easy, but incredibly satisfying. Bite into one, and be rewarded with a burst of garlicky goodness that’s perfectly complemented by the buttery flavor of fresh parsley.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll fall in love with Quick Air Fryer Garlic Knots for numerous reasons! Firstly, they are delightfully easy to prepare, taking only a handful of ingredients. The fact that they use store-bought pizza dough makes prep even quicker! These knots are family-friendly, perfect for kids (and adults) who love finger foods. Plus, cooking them in an air fryer significantly reduces the cooking time while yielding an irresistible crispy texture. They’re an excellent way to bring people together, whether as an appetizer or a side dish to your favorite pasta.
Ingredients
To create these irresistible garlic knots, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 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
When you gather these ingredients, get ready for the enticing aroma of garlic and butter to fill your kitchen. Each mouthful delivers a soft, yet slightly crispy bite that can elevate any meal or serve as a standalone treat.
Step-by-Step Directions
Let’s dive right into the preparation of these succulent Garlic Knots with this simple yet comprehensive guide:
1. Prepare the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the pizza dough into a rectangular shape, approximately 1/4 inch thick. Once rolled out, cut the dough into strips about one inch wide. This will be the base for your knots.
2. Create Knots
Take each strip of dough and tie it into a knot. Make sure the knots are tight enough to hold their shape during cooking, but not so tight that they lose their fluffy texture. This step can be a fun activity for kids, so feel free to enlist their help!
3. Mix Garlic Butter
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all flavors are well blended. This garlic butter will be the star of your knots!
4. Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the knots.
5. Brush Knots
Generously brush each knot with the garlic butter mixture. Ensure each piece has a good coating to capture all the delicious flavors.
6. Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent the knots from sticking during cooking. This tiny bit of preparation can make a big difference!
7. Cook the Knots
Place the knots in the basket in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. Cook them for 8-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. Keep a close eye on them as cooking times may vary based on your specific air fryer model.
8. Final Touches
Once they are golden and crispy, brush the knots with any remaining garlic butter. If you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor. Serve warm and watch them disappear!
Tips & Tricks
- Dough Handling: If the dough is too sticky, add a touch of flour to your hands or the work surface.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with adding herbs like oregano or thyme to the garlic butter for a twist on flavor.
- Garlic Lovers: For an extra garlic kick, feel free to increase the number of garlic cloves used!
- Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the knots as they cook. Depending on your air fryer, they may finish quicker than expected!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Quick Air Fryer Garlic Knots are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer. They pair perfectly with marinara sauce, ranch dip, or your favorite pizza sauce for dipping. Serve them alongside a crisp salad, a pasta dish, or as part of a larger appetizer spread for gatherings. They can also be accompanied by a chilled glass of white wine or a bubbly soda for a complete dining experience.
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific products used. On average, each serving (2-3 knots) contains approximately:
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
It’s a delightful balance of flavors without a hefty calorie count.
Storing Tips & Variations for Quick Air Fryer Garlic Knots
These Garlic Knots are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispy texture. For variations, you can try different toppings like crushed red pepper flakes, fresh basil, or even cheese-stuffed knots for an indulgent treat!
Conclusion for Quick Air Fryer Garlic Knots
You’ve just discovered how to make Quick Air Fryer Garlic Knots that are not only quick and easy but also bursting with flavor. Whether you’re entertaining guests or looking for a mouthwatering snack, this recipe is sure to impress. Gather your ingredients and try it out—you won’t be disappointed!
FAQs
1. Can I make Garlic Knots with homemade pizza dough?
Absolutely! If you prefer homemade dough, just roll it out to the specified thickness and follow the same steps.
2. Can I freeze the garlic knots?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked knots! After tying the knots, place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a bag. When ready to bake, just cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
3. How do I know when the knots are done?
The knots are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can also test their texture by tapping on them; a hollow sound is a good indicator that they’re cooked through.
4. Can I add cheese inside the knots?
Definitely! For cheesy garlic knots, place a small cube of mozzarella cheese in the center of each knot before tying it.
5. What can I substitute for butter?
You can substitute olive oil or a plant-based margarine if you prefer a healthier or dairy-free option.
Now, get in your kitchen and enjoy the process of making these delicious Quick Air Fryer Garlic Knots!
PrintQuick Air Fryer Garlic Knots
Quick Air Fryer Garlic Knots are a delightful twist on a classic appetizer, featuring golden-brown, garlicky treats perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 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
- Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the pizza dough into a rectangular shape, approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut the dough into strips about one inch wide and tie each strip of dough into a knot.
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and preheat.
- Generously brush each knot with the garlic butter mixture.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil.
- Place the knots in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 8-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Once golden and crispy, brush the knots with any remaining garlic butter and sprinkle Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
Great for dipping in marinara sauce or ranch. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3 knots
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
