Meet your new favorite party snack: Air Fryer Garlic Knots. These buttery, golden bites are impossibly fluffy on the inside, crisp on the outside, and completely irresistible thanks to plenty of fresh garlic and a shower of parmesan. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that comes together in just minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Foolproof and Fast: These Air Fryer Garlic Knots go from fridge to table in under 15 minutes, thanks to refrigerated pizza dough and a quick-working air fryer.
- Gorgeous Pull-Apart Texture: Doubling up the dough creates beautiful layers you can see and tear into, making every bite extra soft and fluffy.
- Irresistible Garlicky Flavor: Plenty of fresh garlic and melted butter infuse every knot, while parmesan and parsley finish them off with a flavor-packed punch.
- Perfect for Any Gathering: From family pizza night to potlucks, these knots serve up big crowd appeal with minimal effort—and they’re endlessly dippable!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the magic of Air Fryer Garlic Knots is that you only need a handful of simple ingredients—each one building incredible flavor and texture. Here’s what makes every bite downright crave-worthy:
- Refrigerated Pizza Dough (13 ounces): The secret shortcut! It creates the perfect soft yet chewy base without any kneading or waiting for dough to rise.
- Butter (6 tablespoons, melted): Coats the dough for that signature golden crust and rich, decadent flavor.
- Fresh Garlic (3 cloves, finely minced): Brings the bold, aromatic garlic punch you expect in every good knot.
- Fresh Parsley (1 tablespoon): Adds color and freshness, making the knots pop both visually and in taste.
- Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup, freshly grated): Melts into the hot knots for a salty, savory finish you’ll want more of.
- Coarse Kosher Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances all the flavors and adds those craveable salty pops throughout.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those who love a subtle kick, this gives your knots a gentle warmth.
Variations
The joys of Air Fryer Garlic Knots are how endlessly customizable they are. You can switch them up to match your pantry, preferences, or any gathering you’re dreaming up—so have fun making them your own!
- Cheesy Twist: Add a sprinkle of mozzarella or fontina inside the knot before baking for gooey, melty centers.
- Spicy Kick: Stir a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chives into the butter for a flavor upgrade.
- Vegan-Friendly: Use plant-based butter and your favorite vegan parmesan to keep these completely dairy-free.
- Homemade Dough: Try them with your favorite homemade pizza dough recipe for a from-scratch spin (and serious bragging rights!).
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Knots
Step 1: Prep the Flavorful Butter
Start by melting your butter, then mix in the finely minced garlic and half of the chopped parsley. This simple blend becomes the aromatic glue that soaks into every craggy fold of the dough, guaranteeing big flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Slice, Fold, and Shape the Knots
With the pizza dough still rolled up, use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut it into 12 equal strips. Gently unroll each strip, then fold it in half lengthwise so you have a double-thick piece of dough. This little trick is key to creating those gorgeous, layered knots everyone will swoon over!
Step 3: Brush and Tie
Brush each dough strip with a generous swipe of your garlic-parsley butter, making sure you get into every nook and cranny. Tie each strip into a loose knot and set it aside on a baking sheet. If you like, give them a sprinkle of coarse kosher salt and black pepper for extra flavor.
Step 4: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Set 5–6 knots in the basket, leaving a little breathing room between each one so they puff up beautifully. Cook for 6–7 minutes, watching closely near the end—they should be deeply golden and just cooked through.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Serve Hot
As soon as the knots come out of the air fryer, brush them with another round of melted butter. Shower them with freshly grated parmesan and the rest of your parsley. Serve piping hot for maximum deliciousness—just the way Air Fryer Garlic Knots should be devoured!
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Garlic Knots
- Layer the Dough for Fluffiness: Folding the dough strips before knotting creates those dreamy, tear-apart layers—don’t skip this trick!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Give each knot plenty of space so the hot air can circulate; you’ll get beautifully crisp edges and pillowy centers every time.
- Watch the Final Minute: Air fryers cook quickly, and the garlic knots go from golden to overbaked in a flash, so peek early and pull them as soon as they’re golden brown.
- Finish While Hot: Brushing with extra butter and sprinkling on the parmesan as soon as they come out of the air fryer ensures a melty, flavorful finish that soaks right in.
How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Knots
Garnishes
Play up the “wow” factor by finishing your Air Fryer Garlic Knots with a generous snowfall of fresh parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley. Add a pinch of flaky sea salt or even some red pepper flakes for color and heat—they look as good as they taste!
Side Dishes
These knots were born for dipping! Serve them alongside warm marinara, creamy ranch, or even a simple olive oil and balsamic mixture. They’re amazing paired with a classic Caesar salad, bowls of pasta, or with soup for a cozy, comforting meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Air Fryer Garlic Knots in a rustic bread basket lined with a checkered kitchen towel for a homestyle touch, or arrange them in a wreath shape on a platter with a bowl of dipping sauce in the center—perfect for holidays or parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, place leftover garlic knots in an airtight container or ziplock bag and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. They stay surprisingly soft and are just as snackable the next day!
Freezing
If you want to stash some away, freeze your cooked Air Fryer Garlic Knots in a single layer on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat straight from frozen anytime you need a fast, homemade bread fix.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked texture, pop cold or frozen knots back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F until hot and crispy. You can also warm them up in a regular oven (or even the microwave, if you’re in a hurry).
FAQs
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Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of refrigerated dough?
Absolutely! Homemade dough makes these knots even more special—simply substitute an equal amount of homemade pizza dough and follow the same steps. Your baking time may be slightly longer, depending on your dough’s thickness and hydration.
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What’s the best way to stop the knots from sticking together in the air fryer?
Leave space between each knot in the air fryer basket and cook in batches if needed. This ensures even cooking and prevents them from fusing into one big (though delicious) blob.
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How can I make these Air Fryer Garlic Knots vegan?
It’s wonderfully easy: use a plant-based butter and vegan parmesan (or omit the cheese), making sure your pizza dough doesn’t contain any dairy or eggs. You’ll still get all the golden, garlicky magic!
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Can I bake these knots in the oven instead?
Yes! Arrange the knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 12–14 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. They’re just as delicious, with a slightly different crust.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the easiest way to put warm, fresh bread on your table, you truly can’t beat these Air Fryer Garlic Knots. Whether you’re whipping them up for friends, family, or just yourself (no judgment!), I hope you love every buttery, garlicky bite as much as I do. Happy cooking!
Print
Air Fryer Garlic Knots Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 12 knots
- Category: Air Frying
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Air Fryer Garlic Knots are a quick and easy appetizer or side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Soft and fluffy on the inside, with a crispy exterior and a delicious garlic butter coating, these knots are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 13 ounce can refrigerated pizza dough
- 6 tablespoon butter, melted
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees: Get your air fryer ready for cooking.
- Prepare garlic butter: Mix melted butter, minced garlic, and half of the parsley in a bowl.
- Slice and knot the dough: Cut the pizza dough into strips, fold each strip in half, brush with the butter mixture, and tie into knots.
- Air fry the knots: Place the knots in the air fryer, cook until golden brown and cooked through.
- Finish and serve: Brush with more butter, sprinkle with parmesan, and serve hot with dipping sauce.
Notes
- You can make your own pizza dough for a homemade touch.
- Air fry the knots in batches for best results.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To bake in the oven, follow the temperature and time instructions provided.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 knot
- Calories: 138 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 246mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 17mg
