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Air Fryer Roasted Garlic: A Simple Guide to a Savoury Delight

Roasted garlic is a culinary gem, transforming ordinary dishes into extraordinary feasts with its rich, sweet, and nutty flavour. Traditionally, roasting garlic can be a time-consuming process that often involves preheating the oven and waiting for ages for the cloves to caramelise perfectly. However, with the advent of the air fryer, this beloved ingredient can now be prepared with ease and in a fraction of the time. Sure to elevate your meals, air fryer roasted garlic is a must-try for any food enthusiast.

What Is Roasted Garlic?

Roasted garlic is simply whole garlic bulbs that have been cooked until soft and caramelised. When exposed to heat, the cloves undergo a remarkable transformation. They become mellow and creamy, losing much of their pungency while developing a rich, sweet flavour perfect for spreading on bread, mixing into sauces, or incorporating into a variety of dishes.

Why Use an Air Fryer?

Using an air fryer for roasted garlic has several advantages:

1. Speed: Traditional oven roasting can take up to an hour, while the air fryer can achieve similar results in about 20-30 minutes.
2. Efficiency: The air fryer uses far less energy compared to heating up a full-size oven, making it an eco-friendly choice.
3. Versatility: The air fryer allows for easy adjustments in temperature and time, providing precise control for the perfect roast.

How to Make Air Fryer Roasted Garlic

Making air fryer roasted garlic is straightforward and requires only a few ingredients. Here’s how you can achieve that deliciously caramelised garlic at home.

Ingredients

• 2-3 whole garlic bulbs
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Aluminium foil (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Garlic: Start by peeling away the outer layers of the garlic bulb, leaving the individual cloves intact. Trim the tops of the garlic bulbs about a quarter-inch down to expose the tops of the cloves.

2. Drizzle with Olive Oil: Place the prepared garlic bulbs on a piece of aluminium foil (this is optional but helps to contain any oil) or directly in the air fryer basket. Drizzle with olive oil, ensuring each bulb is well-coated. Add a pinch of salt for extra flavour.

3. Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F). Once preheated, place the garlic in the basket and roast for 20-25 minutes. Check for doneness; the cloves should be golden brown and soft when squeezed. If you prefer a deeper flavour, you can continue roasting for an additional 5-10 minutes.

4. Cool and Serve: Once roasted, carefully remove the garlic from the air fryer and let it cool slightly. To serve, simply squeeze the soft cloves out of their skins and use them as desired.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer roasted garlic must be tried in various dishes. Here are a few ideas on how to incorporate your tasty creation:

• Spread: Use as a spread on toasted bread or bruschetta for an instant gourmet starter.
• Pasta: Mash and blend the cloves into your pasta sauces for a rich, complex flavour.
• Soups: Stir into soups or stews for added depth.
• Mashed Potatoes: Mix in roasted garlic for a luxurious twist on traditional mashed potatoes.
• Dressings: Combine with vinegar and herbs for a delightful salad dressing.

Conclusion

Air fryer roasted garlic is an incredible addition to your kitchen repertoire. Not only does it enhance the taste of your dishes, but it can also be prepared with minimal effort and time. Embrace the rich, savoury goodness that roasted garlic brings, and enjoy experimenting with it in your meals. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply indulging yourself, air fryer roasted garlic is sure to impress!