Air Fryer Garlic Knots Recipe

The Fluffiest Air Fryer Garlic Knots Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Garlic knots emerge as a crowd-pleasing appetizer that reimagines simple dough into crispy, flavor-packed delights.

These twisted bread morsels capture the essence of comfort food with their irresistible aroma and golden-brown exterior.

Home cooks adore how quickly air fryers reimagine basic ingredients into restaurant-quality treats.

Soft yet crunchy textures blend perfectly with the robust garlic infusion that makes these knots so memorable.

Butter, herbs, and a touch of parmesan elevate these humble bread bites into something truly spectacular.

Crisp edges and pillowy centers create a delightful contrast that keeps people coming back for more.

Bold flavors and minimal effort make this recipe a game-changer for anyone seeking delicious shortcuts in the kitchen.

Air Fryer Garlic Knots That Fill the Kitchen with Warm, Buttery Joy

  • Unlock Speedy Satisfaction: These air fryer garlic knots deliver restaurant-quality appetizers in just minutes, perfect for sudden cravings or last-minute gatherings without complex preparation.
  • Embrace Effortless Flavor Explosion: Using simple pizza dough and a quick spice blend, you'll create irresistibly tasty knots with minimal cooking skills required, ensuring delicious results every single time.
  • Customize Your Comfort Bite: The recipe allows easy personalization through optional Parmesan cheese and parsley topping, letting home cooks add their unique touch while maintaining a foolproof cooking method.

Key Ingredients in These Fluffy Air Fryer Garlic Knots

Main Ingredients:

Pizza Dough:
  • Pizza Crust Dough: Soft, pliable base that creates the classic knot shape, premade dough saves time and ensures consistent texture.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Garlic Salt, Dried Basil, Onion Powder: Aromatic spice mixture that adds depth and classic Italian-style flavor to the knots.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil Spray: Light coating that helps achieve golden brown exterior and promotes even browning.
  • Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that provides extra savory notes and fresh visual appeal.
Cooking Accessories:
  • Air Fryer: Modern kitchen tool that delivers crispy results with minimal oil and quick cooking time.
Optional Topping:
  • Melted Butter: Rich finishing touch that enhances the golden surface and adds extra richness to the knots.

How to Twist, Fry, and Serve Air Fryer Garlic Knots

Step 1: Prepare Seasoning Mix

  • Create a flavor blend by combining
  • Garlic salt
  • Dried basil
  • Onion powder

Mix ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Dough Surface

Spread pizza crust dough onto a clean cutting board. Ensure surface is dry and smooth for easy handling.

Step 3: Shape Dough Strips

Slice dough horizontally into ten equal rectangular strips. Aim for consistent width to guarantee uniform cooking.

Step 4: Create Knot Formations

Gently twist each dough strip’s center, forming a loose knot. Carefully tuck loose ends underneath to create a compact shape. Avoid pulling dough too tightly.

Step 5: Season Knots

Lightly coat knots with olive oil spray. Sprinkle seasoning mixture evenly across each piece.

Step 6: Air Fry Knots

Place knots in air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch. Cook at 400°F for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Final Touch

Remove knots from air fryer. Brush with additional olive oil or melted butter. Optional: Garnish with:
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped fresh parsley

Step 8: Serve Warm

Transfer knots to serving plate. Enjoy immediately while hot and crispy.

Tips to Keep Your Garlic Knots Buttery and Light

  • Prevent Sticking: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray before placing the garlic knots to ensure easy removal and clean-up.
  • Control Moisture: Pat the pizza dough dry with a paper towel before cutting to remove excess moisture, helping create crispier knots.
  • Seasoning Secret: Crush dried herbs between your fingers before mixing to release more intense flavors and enhance the overall taste of the garlic knots.
  • Even Cooking Trick: Rotate the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to guarantee uniform browning and prevent any uneven spots on the knots.
  • Cheese Enhancement: Let the Parmesan cheese melt slightly by sprinkling it on the hot knots immediately after cooking, creating a deliciously savory coating.

Store and Reheat Air Fryer Garlic Knots Without Drying Them Out

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover garlic knots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Reheat in Air Fryer: Warm knots at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid overcrowding the basket to maintain their original texture.
  • Microwave Option: Quick reheat works best in short 15-second bursts to prevent knots from becoming soggy. Add a tiny sprinkle of water to help maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

Perfect Dips and Sips with Air Fryer Garlic Knots

  • Savor Marinara Magic: Dip these crispy garlic knots into a rich, tangy marinara sauce that complements their golden-brown exterior and garlicky flavor. The sauce adds a zesty brightness that elevates the knots' savory profile.
  • Pair with Chilled Craft Beer: Grab a light, hoppy pale ale or crisp pilsner to balance the knots' rich, garlicky taste. The beer's refreshing carbonation cuts through the knots' buttery texture, creating a perfect casual appetizer combo.
  • Fresh Salad Sidekick: Serve alongside a crisp arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette. The salad's peppery greens and bright acid will contrast beautifully with the warm, garlicky knots, creating a well-rounded light meal.
  • Wine Lover's Delight: Choose a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to match the knots' garlic and herb notes. The wine's clean, light character will enhance the appetizer without overwhelming its delicate flavors.

Garlic Knot Variations for Every Carb Lover

  • Cheese Burst Knots: Add cubes of mozzarella inside each knot before wrapping, creating a gooey cheese center that melts during air frying.
  • Mediterranean Herb Knots: Replace dried basil with a blend of oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Garlic Knots: Mix finely chopped jalapeños into the dough and sprinkle red pepper flakes on top for a fiery kick.
  • Whole Wheat Wellness Knots: Substitute regular pizza dough with whole wheat dough for a healthier, nutty alternative that adds extra fiber and nutrients.
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Air Fryer Garlic Knots Recipe

Air Fryer Garlic Knots Recipe


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4.6 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savory Italian air fryer garlic knots deliver irresistible comfort with crispy edges and aromatic herb-infused goodness. Golden, pillowy dough wrapped in garlic butter promises a delightful experience you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 13.8-ounce (391.5 grams) can pizza crust

Seasonings:

  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) garlic salt
  • ¼ teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) dried basil
  • ¼ teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) onion powder

Garnish and Preparation:

  • Olive oil spray
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Minced parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare a clean, flat work surface for dough manipulation and gather all necessary tools for creating delectable garlic knots.
  2. Carefully unroll the pizza crust dough, ensuring a smooth, even surface.
  3. Slice the dough into ten short, uniform rectangular strips, cutting widthwise to maintain ideal proportions for knotting.
  4. Create loose, elegant knots by gently wrapping each strip around itself, carefully tucking loose ends underneath to secure the shape.
  5. Combine garlic salt, dried basil, and onion powder in a small mixing bowl to craft a fragrant seasoning blend.
  6. Delicately mist each knot with olive oil spray, ensuring light and even coverage.
  7. Sprinkle the prepared herb mixture over the knots, distributing the seasonings with a gentle hand.
  8. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F, allowing it to reach optimal temperature for crispy results.
  9. Arrange the knots in the air fryer basket, maintaining space between each piece to promote even cooking and crisp texture.
  10. Cook for 5-6 minutes, watching carefully as the knots transform into golden-brown delicacies.
  11. Remove the knots and apply an additional light mist of olive oil or melted butter for enhanced flavor and sheen.
  12. Optionally, elevate the presentation by garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and finely chopped parsley.
  13. Serve immediately while warm, allowing guests to savor the aromatic and crispy garlic knots.

Notes

  • Perfectly sized strips create ideal knots, ensuring even cooking and a beautiful twisted shape.
  • Loose wrapping prevents dense, tough texture, keeping the knots light and airy.
  • Olive oil spray helps achieve golden-brown crispy exterior while maintaining soft interior.
  • Spice blend adds depth of flavor, transforming simple pizza dough into gourmet appetizer.
  • Spacing knots in air fryer basket is crucial for achieving uniform crispiness and preventing steaming.
  • Finishing with extra olive oil or melted butter enhances richness and provides restaurant-style finish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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