These air fryer garlic knots bring the classic New York pizzeria side dish home in about 20 minutes. Made from pizza dough, brushed with garlicky butter, and air-fried until golden and chewy, they’re a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer or side that beats takeout.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) store-bought pizza dough (or homemade, see Tips)
- 2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tbsp / 15 ml)
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
- 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp (3 g) fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1/2 tsp (2 g) salt
- 1/4 tsp (1 g) black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 tsp (1 g) red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Let the pizza dough sit at room temperature for 30 minutes if it’s been refrigerated. This makes it easier to stretch.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about 12×8 inches (30×20 cm). Use a knife or pizza cutter to slice it into 8 strips, each about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide.
- Roll each strip into a rope, then tie it into a loose knot, tucking the ends underneath. Repeat with all strips.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes.
- Lightly brush the knots with olive oil (use a pastry brush or your hands). Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each knot. You may need to work in batches depending on your air fryer size.
- Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, until golden brown and puffed. Check at 8 minutes; if they’re not deep golden, add 1–2 minutes.
- While the knots cook, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- As soon as the knots come out, brush them generously with the garlic butter. Sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley. Serve warm.
Tips
- Dough handling: If the dough is too sticky, flour your hands and work surface lightly. If it’s too tight and springs back, let it rest for 5–10 minutes before rolling.
- Don’t overcrowd: Air fryers need airflow. Cook in batches if necessary; overcrowding makes them pale and doughy.
- Garlic intensity: For a mellower garlic flavor, use roasted garlic or sauté the minced garlic in the butter for 30 seconds before brushing.
- Make ahead: You can prep the knots and refrigerate them on a baking sheet for up to 4 hours before air frying. Add 1–2 minutes to cook time if cold.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these garlic knots as an appetizer with marinara sauce for dipping, alongside a fresh green salad, or as a side to pasta, soup, or a hearty Italian-style main. They’re also great as a snack straight from the air fryer.
Variations
- Cheesy knots: After brushing with butter, add an extra sprinkle of mozzarella and broil for 1 minute (if your air fryer has a broil setting) or just let the residual heat melt it.
- Herb butter: Add 1/2 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning to the butter mixture.
- Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes to the butter or sprinkle them on top before serving.
- Whole wheat: Use whole wheat pizza dough for a nuttier flavor; note that it may need 1–2 extra minutes of cooking.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover garlic knots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes until warm and crisp. You can also microwave them for 20 seconds, but they won’t be as crispy. Freeze unbaked knots on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months; air fry from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade pizza dough? Yes, any pizza dough works. Just ensure it’s at room temperature before shaping. If using a very wet dough, add a little extra flour when rolling.
Why are my garlic knots doughy in the middle? This usually happens if the knots are too thick or the air fryer is overcrowded. Roll the dough ropes thinner (about 1/2 inch thick) and cook in batches if needed. Also, check that your air fryer is fully preheated.
Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, use a gluten-free pizza dough. These may cook faster, so start checking at 6 minutes.
How do I get the garlic butter to stick better? Brush the butter on while the knots are still hot from the air fryer. The heat helps the butter melt into the surface. You can also toss the knots in a bowl with the butter to coat evenly.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic? Yes, substitute 1/2 teaspoon (1.5 g) garlic powder for the fresh cloves. Add it to the melted butter and let it sit for 5 minutes to rehydrate.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? You can bake these in a conventional oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, until golden. The texture will be slightly less crispy but still delicious.
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Safety notes: safe minimum internal temperatures from USDA FSIS; raw and undercooked fish guidance from the U.S. FDA. Food safety notes
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