Oh my gosh, you have to try these air fryer garlic knots made with pizza dough! I stumbled upon this trick last week when I desperately needed a quick appetizer for unexpected guests. In just 20 minutes, I transformed basic pizza dough into golden, crispy knots dripping with garlic butter goodness. The air fryer works magic here – it gives that perfect crunch on the outside while keeping the centers soft and pillowy.
I’ve made garlic knots every way imaginable (oven-baked, deep-fried, you name it), but the air fryer version? Absolute game-changer. No more soggy middles or uneven browning. And the best part? My kitchen didn’t heat up like it normally does when baking. These little knots disappeared faster than I could make them – my husband may or may not have hidden a few for himself!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Garlic Knots Pizza Dough
Listen, these aren’t just any garlic knots – they’re your new secret weapon for impressing people with zero effort. Here’s why you’ll be obsessed:
- Speed demon: From dough to done in 20 minutes flat (perfect for last-minute cravings)
- That crunch: The air fryer gives that irresistible crispy exterior that makes you keep reaching for “just one more”
- Easy cleanup: One bowl, no greasy pans – just toss the air fryer basket in the dishwasher
- Garlic heaven: Fresh minced garlic (none of that powder nonsense) makes these smell like an Italian bakery
- Endless options: Dress them up or down – I’ve even used these as “fancy” garlic bread with pasta night!
Seriously, once you try these, you’ll wonder how you ever made garlic knots any other way.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Garlic Knots Pizza Dough
You won’t believe how few ingredients you need for these addictive knots! Here’s what you’ll grab from your pantry (or make a quick grocery run for):
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade – no judgment here!)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (real butter, please – it makes all the difference)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best – you’ll smell why)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (the green flecks make them look fancy)
- 1/4 tsp salt (to balance all that garlicky goodness)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked if you’re feeling extra)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (for that perfect salty finish)
See? Nothing weird or complicated – just simple ingredients that pack serious flavor!
Equipment Needed
You’ll be shocked how little you need for these garlic knots! Just grab your:
- Air fryer (any size works, but don’t crowd the basket)
- Mixing bowl (small one’s fine for the garlic butter)
- Pastry brush (or your fingers if you’re feeling wild)
- Cutting board (for rolling those dough ropes)
That’s it – no fancy gadgets required!
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Knots Pizza Dough
Okay, let’s turn that dough into garlicky perfection! Don’t worry if you’ve never shaped knots before – I’ll walk you through every step. The first time I made these, I was shocked how simple the process really is. Just follow along and you’ll have restaurant-worthy knots in no time!
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
First, lightly flour your work surface – this keeps the dough from sticking when you’re working your magic. Take your pizza dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces (I eyeball it, but you can weigh them if you’re feeling precise). Now comes the fun part: roll each piece between your palms into a rope about 6 inches long. Don’t stress about perfection here – rustic is charming! Then simply tie each rope into a loose knot, tucking the ends underneath. They’ll puff up beautifully in the air fryer.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter
While your air fryer preheats to 350°F (trust me, this step matters!), melt your butter in a small bowl. Add the minced garlic – I like to really go heavy here because the flavor mellows while cooking. Toss in the chopped parsley (it adds such a fresh pop), salt, and pepper, then give it all a good stir. Your kitchen should smell amazing by now! This garlic butter is liquid gold – you’ll want to put it on everything.
Step 3: Air Fry the Knots
Time for the magic! Brush each knot generously with your garlic butter mixture – get in all the nooks and crannies. Arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer basket (they need breathing room to crisp up properly). Cook for 8-10 minutes, but peek at 7 minutes – you want them golden brown with some darker toasted spots. When they come out, immediately sprinkle with Parmesan while they’re still hot. That salty, cheesy crust is everything! Let them cool just enough so you don’t burn your tongue, then dig in while they’re still warm and crispy.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Garlic Knots Pizza Dough
After burning through more pizza dough than I’d care to admit (oops!), here are my hard-earned secrets for garlic knot perfection:
- Peek early: All air fryers run differently – start checking at 7 minutes to avoid over-browning
- Fresh is best: That jarred minced garlic can’t compete with freshly chopped cloves
- Don’t crowd: Give each knot space in the basket – they need airflow to crisp up properly
- Double dip: For extra garlic punch, brush with more butter right after cooking
- Room temp dough: Let refrigerated dough rest 30 minutes first – it’s way easier to shape
Follow these, and you’ll get golden, garlicky knots every single time!
Variations for Air Fryer Garlic Knots Pizza Dough
Oh, the possibilities! Once you’ve nailed the basic recipe, try these fun twists:
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter
- Cheesy goodness: Stuff knots with mozzarella before tying (hello, pull-apart magic!)
- Herb garden: Mix in rosemary or oregano with the parsley
- Everything flavor: Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning post-air fry
- Sweet surprise: Swap garlic butter for cinnamon sugar – breakfast knots!
Really, the dough is your canvas – get creative!
Serving Suggestions
These garlic knots disappear fast no matter how you serve them, but here are my favorite ways: dunk them in warm marinara like an appetizer, pair them with pasta instead of boring bread, or just devour them straight off the plate while they’re still hot (no shame!).
Storage and Reheating
If by some miracle you have leftovers (rare in my house!), pop them in an airtight container – they’ll keep for 2 days at room temperature. To bring back that fresh-from-the-air-fryer crispness, reheat at 350°F for just 2-3 minutes. No soggy knots here! For longer storage, freeze before the final butter brushing, then thaw and cook when cravings strike.
Nutritional Information
Just so you know, these numbers are estimates – your exact counts might vary slightly based on your ingredients. Each glorious garlic knot clocks in at about:
- 120 calories
- 16g carbs (that doughy goodness!)
- 5g fat (mostly from that delicious butter)
- 3g protein
- 220mg sodium
Not bad for something that tastes this indulgent, right? Just don’t ask me how many I can eat in one sitting!
FAQ About Air Fryer Garlic Knots Pizza Dough
I’ve gotten SO many questions since I started making these garlic knots – here are the ones that pop up most often:
Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Absolutely! My grandma’s pizza dough recipe works beautifully here. Just make sure it’s risen properly – too stiff and your knots won’t be as fluffy.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake these at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, but honestly? They won’t get that same magical crispiness. This is one recipe where the air fryer really shines! You can learn more about the benefits of cooking food safely.
Help! My knots stuck to the basket!
Been there! Lightly spray your basket or use parchment with holes cut out. Also, make sure you’re brushing enough garlic butter – it acts as a natural release.
Can I make these ahead?
Totally! Shape the knots and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 8 hours. Just add the garlic butter right before cooking.
Why are mine doughy inside?
Probably needed another minute or two – air fryers vary wildly. Next time, cook one test knot first to nail your timing! Understanding how air fryers work can help prevent this.
For more information on general food preparation and safety, you can consult resources like the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.
Print
Air Fryer Garlic Knots in 20 Minutes – Irresistibly Crispy
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 garlic knots
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Make crispy garlic knots using pizza dough in your air fryer. Quick, easy, and full of garlic flavor.
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
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Divide pizza dough into 8 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a rope and tie into a knot.
- Mix melted butter, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Brush garlic butter mixture over each knot.
- Place knots in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Use store-bought pizza dough for convenience.
- Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model.
- Serve warm for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian