Fluffy, golden, and loaded with garlicky goodness – this easy air fryer recipe yields the most mouthwatering garlic knots. Crisp and airy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, these tasty knots are sure to be a crowd-pleasing appetizer or side.
Baked in the air fryer to perfection in just minutes, they are way simpler to make than their oven-baked counterpart. Thanks to the circulated hot air, these knots bake up with unbelievable texture and flavor every time.
Bursting with delicious flavors from the homemade garlic butter mixture, each warm knot soaks up immense garlicky flavor. Topped with a hit of zesty Parmesan cheese, they are completely irresistible.
Forget settling for limp store-bought garlic knots, these homemade air fryer version will be your new favorite go-to.
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Perfect Snack Or Appetizer: Air fryer garlic knots make the perfect snack or appetizer. They are delicious, savory, and satisfying, and they are sure to please your guests or family members.
Full Of Flavor: These garlic knots are crunchy and full of flavor. The dough is light and fluffy, and the garlic and butter mixture adds a savory kick. Plus, the Parmesan cheese topping adds a nice salty flavor that complements the garlic and butter mixture perfectly.
Quick And Easy to Make: One of the best things about air fryer garlic knots is how quick and easy they are to make. You can have them ready in just minutes, and you don’t need any special skills or equipment to make them.
This recipe is perfect for those who are short on time or who want a quick and easy snack or appetizer.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
For this garlic knots air fryer recipe you will need:
- 1 package Pizza Dough
- Parmesan Cheese (grated, to taste)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 5 1/2 tablespoons Butter (unsalted)
- 2 1/2 teaspoons Dried Parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
👨🍳 How To Make
Follow these easy steps to make the best garlic knots in air fryer:
Step 1
Start by preheating your air fryer to 350F (175C), and then lightly coat the inside of the basket with some olive oil.
Step 2
Roll out the dough and cut it into 12 long pieces. Separate them, and fold them over to make shorter and thicker slices. Tie them into a knot and place them in the air fryer basket.
Step 3
Air fry for 6-7 minutes (until golden brown).
Step 4
Place a saucepan over medium heat. Melt the butter and saute the garlic for 1-2 minutes. Remove and transfer to a bowl. Then. mix in parsley and salt.
Step 5
Dip the baked garlic knots in the garlic butter mixture, and top with Parmesan cheese (this is optional but I really recommend it!). That’s it! Enjoy these delicious air fryer garlic knots!
💡Tips
1. Choose the Right Dough
The type of dough you select for your garlic knots is crucial for getting the perfect texture. I recommend using store-bought pizza dough, as it has the right balance of chewiness and softness once baked.
Making the dough from scratch can work too, but take care not to make the dough too dense. Aim for a light, airy pizza dough loaded with yeast so your knots puff up nicely in the air fryer.
You can experiment with other doughs like bread or biscuit dough, but they may not yield the same hearty yet lightly crisped knots. Pizza dough really is ideal.
2. Give Space for Rising
Be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer when baking garlic knots. Due to the dough rising, the knots can puff up bigger than their starting size. Give them breathing room by placing in a single layer, evenly spaced out in the basket.
If needed, work in batches to avoid cramming them together. Air flow is key for achieving that quintessential light, airy texture. Keeping them packed tight can result in dense spots and uneven cooking if the heat can’t properly circulate.
3. Enjoy Immediately (If You Can!)
Warm from the air fryer and soaked with that melted garlic butter, these knots truly are at their peak when devoured straight out of the basket. The outside maintains ultimate crispness while the interior dough stays heavenly soft and moist.
4. Cheese Choices and Application
While Parmesan is suggested, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for topping. A blend of Parmesan and mozzarella offers a lovely balance of sharpness and meltiness.
Alternatively, a sprinkle of sharp cheddar can add a unique twist. When applying the cheese, do it while the knots are still warm so that the cheese adheres well and melts slightly.
For an extra touch of gourmet, you could even lightly toast the cheese-topped knots in the air fryer for a minute to enhance the melt and flavor.
5. Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These garlic knots are versatile and can be paired with a variety of dishes. Serve them as an appetizer with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. They also complement soups and salads beautifully. For a fun twist, try serving them with a garlic and herb-infused olive oil for dipping.
Variations
1. Pesto Garlic Knots – For an herbal twist, mix some homemade or store-bought pesto into the garlic butter before dipping the knots. The basil, pine nuts and Parmesan add lovely layers of flavor.
2. Everything Bagel Knots – Top with a mixture of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion and garlic for an everything bagel taste. The crunchy, oniony topping takes these knots over the top.
3. Jalapeño Cheddar Knots – Mix shredded cheddar and diced pickled jalapeños into the garlic butter. The spicy, cheesy flavor combo is addictive.
4. Ranch Knots – Instead of just garlic butter, serve with a side of ranch dressing for dunking. The cool, tangy ranch perfectly complements the warm, soft knots.
5. Pretzel Knots – For a pretzel twist, dip the knots in a mixture of baking soda and water before baking. They come out with a delicious chewy pretzel exterior that holds the garlic butter beautifully.
6. Pizza Knots – Top with pizza sauce, mozzarella and pepperoni before baking. All the flavors of pizza wrapped up in tender little knots!
Dipping Sauces
Garlic knots are a delicious Italian appetizer that pair well with a variety of dipping sauces. Here are 5 great options:
1. Marinara Sauce – A classic bright and tangy tomato sauce is always a crowd pleaser with garlic knots. The acidity of the sauce cuts through the richness of the buttery knots. Scooping up bites of warm, soft dough with the vibrant marinara makes for a perfect appetizer.
2. Alfredo Sauce – For a more indulgent dipping sauce, a creamy alfredo is delightful. The smooth, garlicky sauce complements the garlic flavor of the knots. Each bite becomes a heavenly mouthful of comfort food joy.
3. Pesto – Herby pesto sauce makes for a fresh and flavorful dipping companion. The basil and pine nut pesto mingles beautifully with the Italian seasonings already speckled throughout the knots. The pesto’s richness matches the knots’ perfectly.
4. Ranch – Ranch dressing is a cool, creamy dip that people of all ages enjoy. Dunking the knot’s soft, warm dough into the tangy, peppery ranch cools down each bite. The classic flavor pairing is hard to beat!
5. Queso Dip – For a cheesy, Tex-Mex twist, a gooey blended queso sauce makes the ultimate dip. The smooth, melty cheese sauce injects even more flavor and richness into every bite of garlicky goodness. The spicy kick balances beautifully with the dough’s soft texture.
Keto / Low Carb Version
Instead of regular pizza dough, use a keto-friendly dough made with almond flour, cream cheese, and egg. This will significantly reduce the carbs. And.. that’s pretty much it! Enjoy these tasty keto air fryer knots!
Gluten Free Version
To make a gluten free version of this recipe, use a gluten free pizza dough or gluten free bread dough instead of regular pizza dough. There are many store-bought options for gluten free doughs made with rice flour, tapioca flour, or a blend of gluten free flours.
You can also find recipes online for making your own gluten free dough at home using ingredients like rice flour, potato starch, xanthan gum, eggs, yogurt, and oil or butter. Just ensure any gluten free flour blend or dough you choose is certified gluten free.
The remaining ingredients, including the butter, garlic, parsley, and Parmesan cheese should be fine to use from regular recipes. Just confirm any packaged ingredients you use are labeled gluten free.
Follow the same instructions, shaping and tying the gluten free dough into knots before air frying. The gluten free dough may cook slightly faster than regular dough, so keep an eye on it. Adjust air frying time if needed.
Storage
These air fryer garlic knots taste best when fresh. For best quality, it’s recommended to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the uncooked garlic knots for longer term storage.
To freeze: Place the shaped, uncooked garlic knot dough in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. Transfer to an airtight freezer bag or container and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to use, do not thaw. Air fry frozen garlic knots for an extra 2-3 minutes, adjusting time as needed.
The cooked garlic butter mixture can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated before serving over the knots.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought for this recipe?
Yes, homemade pizza dough works great for this recipe. Ensure it’s risen and has the right texture before rolling it out.
2. How do I prevent the garlic knots from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Lightly coating the air fryer basket with olive oil, as mentioned in the recipe, is key. Also, don’t overcrowd the basket to ensure even cooking.
3. Is there an alternative to garlic for someone who is allergic or doesn’t like it?
For a garlic alternative, try shallots or a small amount of onion for a different flavor profile. However, the taste will be significantly different.
4. What are some serving suggestions or dip ideas for these garlic knots?
These knots pair well with marinara sauce, creamy alfredo, or even a simple herbed olive oil dip. Experiment to find your favorite!
These air fryer garlic knots are the perfect easy appetizer or side that can be whipped up in minutes. Crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside, they are bursting with garlic and herb flavor. Be sure to dip them in that melted garlic butter right after air frying for ultimate enjoyment.
For more tasty air fryer recipes, check out my blog where you’ll find everything from appetizers to desserts that are simple to make using the air fryer. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions about substituting ingredients or customizing this garlic knot recipe to suit your tastes.
I’d love to hear if you try them and any tweaks you make! Thanks for reading and happy air frying!
Air Fryer Garlic Knots
- 1 package Pizza Dough
- Parmesan Cheese (grated, to taste)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 5 1/2 tablespoons Butter (unsalted)
- 2 1/2 teaspoons Dried Parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- Preheat your air fryer to 350F (175C), and then lightly coat the inside of the basket with some olive oil.
- Roll out the dough and cut it into 12 long pieces. Separate them, and fold them over to make shorter and thicker slices. Tie them into a knot and place them in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 6-7 minutes until golden brown.
- Place a saucepan over medium heat. Melt the butter and saute the garlic for 1-2 minutes. Remove and transfer to a bowl. Then. mix in parsley and salt.
- Dip the baked garlic knots in the garlic butter mixture, and top with Parmesan cheese.
