You know those nights when you need something warm, buttery, and garlicky in a hurry? That’s when my air fryer garlic knots pizza dough recipe saves the day. I stumbled on this trick one desperate evening when my kids were begging for “something like breadsticks but better” – and wow, did these deliver! In just 20 minutes, basic pizza dough transforms into golden knots with that perfect crisp outside and pillowy center. The garlic butter soak makes them irresistible – we usually fight over the last one. Best part? You probably have everything you need in your kitchen right now.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Garlic Knots Pizza Dough
Listen, I know you’re going to flip for these garlic knots – they’re the kind of snack that disappears before you can even take a photo! Here’s why they’ve become my secret weapon:
- Crazy fast: From dough to done in 20 minutes flat – no waiting for the oven to preheat!
- Pantry magic: Just grab that leftover pizza dough and basic ingredients you already have
- Texture heaven: That gorgeous golden crunch gives way to the softest, pull-apart center
- Your rules: Toss in some red pepper flakes, swap Parmesan for mozzarella – make ’em yours
Seriously, once you taste that garlic butter soaking into the warm knots, you’ll understand why I make these at least twice a week!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Garlic Knots Pizza Dough
Here’s what you’ll need to make these heavenly garlic knots – I promise it’s nothing fancy! I always keep these basics on hand for last-minute cravings:
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade – thawed completely if frozen)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (I prefer unsalted to control the saltiness)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon – don’t skimp!)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (those green flecks make them pretty)
- 1/4 tsp salt (adjust to your taste – I usually add a pinch more)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked if you’ve got it)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (the powdery kind sticks best)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Ran out of something? No worries – here’s how to improvise:
- Parsley: Use 1 tsp dried parsley if fresh isn’t available (it’ll still taste great!)
- Cheese: Skip it for dairy-free, or try nutritional yeast for that umami kick
- Garlic: In a pinch, 1/2 tsp garlic powder works (but fresh is magic)
- Dough: Gluten-free pizza dough works beautifully too – just check cooking times
See? I told you this was flexible! The only non-negotiable is that garlic butter – that’s where the magic happens.
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Knots Pizza Dough
Okay, let’s turn that dough into golden, garlicky perfection! Trust me, it’s easier than you think – I’ve burned enough batches to know all the tricks now.
Step 1: Shape the Dough
First, grab your dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces (roughly golf ball sized). Roll each piece into a 6-inch rope, then tie it in a simple knot – don’t overthink it! The rustic look is part of the charm.
Step 2: Air Fry the Knots
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes. Arrange the knots in the basket with space between them – they’ll puff up! Cook for 8 minutes, then peek. You want them golden brown with that irresistible crispiness.
Step 3: Add Garlic Butter
The second those knots come out hot, brush them generously with your garlic butter mix. The warmth makes them drink it all in, creating that signature flavor in every bite!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Garlic Knots Pizza Dough
After making these garlic knots more times than I can count, here are my tried-and-true secrets for absolute perfection:
- Give them space: Crowding the basket leads to sad, stuck-together knots – they need room to puff and crisp!
- Butter timing is everything: Brush that garlic butter the second they come out – hot knots soak it up like little flavor sponges.
- Go bold with garlic: Double the minced garlic if you’re like me and want that punchy, aromatic flavor in every bite.
- Check early: Air fryers vary – start checking at 8 minutes to prevent over-browning (learned this the hard way!).
- Salt smart: Sprinkle a tiny bit of flaky salt on top after buttering – it makes all the flavors pop.
Follow these simple tricks, and you’ll get garlic knots so good, you’ll want to eat the whole batch yourself (no judgment here!).
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Garlic Knots Pizza Dough
Oh, the possibilities with these garlicky beauties! I love serving them still warm from the air fryer – that’s when they’re at their absolute best. Here’s how we enjoy them most often:
- Classic dipper: A bowl of warm marinara sauce for dunking (just like pizza night!)
- Creamy option: Cool ranch dressing makes a surprisingly perfect contrast
- Pasta partner: Toss them alongside spaghetti for an instant restaurant feel
- Soup’s best friend: Amazing with tomato soup or a cozy minestrone
Honestly? They rarely make it to the table – we usually end up devouring them straight off the cutting board while they’re still too hot to handle!
Storage & Reheating
Now, let’s be real – these garlic knots rarely last long enough to store! But if you somehow have leftovers (miracles do happen), here’s how to keep them tasting fresh:
- Store: Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheat: Bring back that crispy magic by air frying at 300°F for just 2 minutes – no soggy knots here!
Pro tip: If you’re planning ahead, you can shape the knots and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 2 hours before cooking – perfect for dinner prep!
Nutrition Information
Now, I’m no dietitian, but here’s the general nutrition scoop per garlic knot – keep in mind these are rough estimates since ingredients can vary:
- Calories: About 120 per knot (but who stops at just one?)
- Carbs: Around 18g (thanks to that delicious dough)
- Fat: Roughly 4g (mostly from the butter and cheese)
- Protein: Approximately 3g
Remember – these numbers can change based on your exact ingredients. Using whole wheat dough? That’ll tweak the fiber. Extra cheese? Well, I won’t tell if you don’t! The important thing is enjoying every garlicky bite.
FAQs About Air Fryer Garlic Knots Pizza Dough
I get asked about these garlic knots all the time – here are the questions that pop up most often in my kitchen (and my honest answers!):
Can I use frozen dough?
Absolutely! Just thaw it overnight in the fridge first, and pat it dry with paper towels before shaping. Wet dough makes for sad, soggy knots – trust me, I’ve been there!
How do I prevent burning?
Start checking at 8 minutes – every air fryer runs a bit differently. If they’re not golden yet, add time in 1-minute bursts. That little peek could save your snack from disaster!
Can I make these ahead?
They’re definitely best fresh, but you can shape the knots and keep them chilled for up to 2 hours before cooking. Any longer and they might over-rise – learned that lesson the hard way!
Did these air fryer garlic knots pizza dough make your kitchen smell like an Italian bistro? I’d love to hear how they turned out for you! Drop a quick star rating below – your feedback helps me create more recipes you’ll adore. And hey, if you snapped a photo of your golden, buttery knots, I’m totally living for those kitchen wins! Now, who’s ready to make another batch?
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20-Minute Air Fryer Garlic Knots Pizza Dough Recipe
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 8 knots
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy air fryer garlic knots made with pizza dough, perfect as a side or snack. Ready in minutes with minimal ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Divide pizza dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each into a knot shape.
- Place knots in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
- While knots cook, mix melted butter, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Brush garlic butter over hot knots and sprinkle with Parmesan.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use store-bought or homemade pizza dough.
- Adjust cooking time based on air fryer model.
- Add red pepper flakes for extra spice.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian-American