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If you love easy snacks that taste amazing, you’ll love my Air Fryer Garlic Knots recipe. With simple ingredients like pizza dough and garlic, you can whip them up in no time. These knots are crispy on the outside and soft in the middle, making them perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into this quick and tasty recipe that will impress your family and friends!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for a quick snack or appetizer.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of garlic, butter, and herbs provides a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level or add extra toppings like cheese to suit your taste.
- Perfectly Crispy: The air fryer gives these garlic knots a delightful crispy exterior while keeping them soft and fluffy inside.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 package of refrigerated pizza dough
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt to taste
Optional Ingredients
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
These ingredients make your air fryer garlic knots simple yet full of flavor. The pizza dough serves as the base, creating a soft and chewy texture. The melted butter and minced garlic add richness and aroma. You can adjust the salt to match your taste.
For extra flavor, you can use dried herbs like oregano and parsley. If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes. Fresh parsley is perfect for garnish, and grated Parmesan cheese adds a nice touch on top.
Once you have your ingredients ready, you will be just a few steps away from enjoying these tasty bites!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Air Fryer
First, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that the garlic knots cook evenly.
Preparing the Dough
Next, roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface. Cut the dough into strips about 1 inch wide. Once you have the strips, take each one and tie it into a knot. Tuck the ends under or into the knot for a tidy look.
Combining Ingredients
Now, let’s make the garlic butter mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried parsley. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes and a pinch of salt. Mix it all well until combined.
Cooking the Knots
Place the knots in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer to cook well. You might need to cook them in batches. Cook the garlic knots for about 8-10 minutes. Check them until they turn golden brown and look cooked through.
Finishing Touches
Once cooked, remove the knots from the air fryer. Brush them again with any leftover garlic butter mixture for extra flavor. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top if you want to. Enjoy your tasty garlic knots!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Perfect Texture
To get that nice crispy outside, do not skip preheating your air fryer. A hot air fryer helps form a great crust. Place the knots in a single layer. This step ensures even cooking. Avoid stacking them too high. For a soft inside, let them rise a bit after tying. This allows air to get in and keeps them fluffy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One big mistake is overcrowding the air fryer. When knots touch, they can steam instead of crisp. Cook in batches if needed. Another mistake is under-seasoning. Garlic knots need flavor! Use enough garlic butter and seasonings. Taste the garlic butter mix before brushing it on. Adjust salt and spices to your liking.
Enhancements for Flavor
Want to jazz up your knots? You can add herbs like basil or thyme to the butter. They will make the knots pop! For a twist, try sprinkling cheese on top before cooking. You can also use different toppings, like everything bagel seasoning or even sun-dried tomatoes. Explore different flavors to find your favorite!
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs will enhance the flavor of your garlic knots significantly compared to dried alternatives.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Air needs to circulate around the knots for even cooking. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain the right spacing.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like mozzarella cheese before air frying for a cheesy twist.
- Store Leftovers Properly: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.

Variations
Classic Garlic Knots
Classic garlic knots are simple and delicious. You can stick closely to the original recipe. Use the basic ingredients: pizza dough, garlic, butter, and herbs. The magic lies in how you tie the knots and brush on the garlic mixture. This method gives you a soft inside and a crisp outside. The flavor is rich and buttery with garlic goodness.
Cheesy Garlic Knots
Want to add a twist? Try cheesy garlic knots! For this version, mix shredded cheese into the dough. Mozzarella works great, but you can use any cheese you like. Just sprinkle some cheese inside the knot before tying it. This addition makes them gooey and extra tasty. These knots are perfect for cheese lovers.
Spicy Garlic Knots
If you like heat, spicy garlic knots are for you! Add extra spices to the garlic butter mixture. A pinch of cayenne or more red pepper flakes can give them a kick. You can also mix in chopped jalapeños for added flavor. The heat brings a fun twist to the classic taste. Enjoy these knots for a bold snack!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your garlic knots fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their taste and texture. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them.
Reheating Tips
To reheat your garlic knots, use your air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about three to five minutes. This method keeps them crispy outside and soft inside. You can also use an oven. Just wrap them in foil and warm them up at 350°F (175°C) for about ten minutes.
Freezing Garlic Knots
If you want to freeze garlic knots, follow these steps:
1. Let the knots cool completely.
2. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Freeze them for about two hours.
4. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
To thaw, simply leave them in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps them tasty and fluffy.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Yes, you can use homemade pizza dough. Making your own dough is a great option. It allows you to control the ingredients. You can add your favorite herbs or spices to the dough. If you don’t want to make it, there are many store-bought options available. Look for dough that is fresh and easy to work with. You can find it in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores.
How long do they last in the fridge?
Garlic knots last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh and soft. If you notice any mold or a strange smell, it’s best to toss them. Always check before eating leftovers to ensure they are safe.
Can I make these in advance?
Yes, you can make garlic knots in advance. You can prepare the knots and keep them in the fridge. Just cover them tightly. When ready to cook, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps them rise a bit before cooking. You can also freeze them before cooking. Just make sure to thaw them in the fridge before air frying. This way, you can enjoy warm and tasty garlic knots anytime!
In this article, we covered how to make delicious garlic knots using pizza dough. You learned about main and optional ingredients, plus step-by-step cooking instructions. We also went over tips for perfect texture and storage methods.
To sum it up, these garlic knots are easy to make and perfect for sharing. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try variations, you’ll enjoy tasty bites. Enjoy your cooking adventur
Air Fryer Garlic Knots
Delicious garlic knots made in an air fryer, perfect as an appetizer or snack.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- to taste salt
- for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
- for topping grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and cut it into strips about 1 inch wide.
Take each strip and tie it in a knot, tucking the ends underneath or into the knot for a neat appearance.
In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt; mix well.
Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over each knot, ensuring they are well-coated.
Place the knots in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches).
Cook in the air fryer for about 8-10 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the garlic knots from the air fryer and brush them once again with any remaining garlic butter mixture.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Optional red pepper flakes can be added for heat. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Keyword air fryer, appetizer, garlic knots, snack
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