The smell stopped me mid-scroll. Warm, buttery garlic? Yes, please. That’s how I stumbled into Air Fryer Garlic Confit landthank you, Pinterest rabbit hole. Folks love it because it’s creamy, rich, and zero percent fussy. Just flavor packed into a tiny golden scoop.
This one’s just garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of magicall done in your air fryer without turning your kitchen into a sauna. It’s like roasted garlic’s cool cousin who shows up already dressed for dinner. Pair it with chickpeas, wings, or smeared on toast. Full details in the blog!
I burned my first batch because I forgot it mid-laundry. But hey, round two was dreamy. I learned this trick from Momexcept we used to roast it in the oven all afternoon. This cheats the clock. I tested it. You’ll love the secret!
This Air Fryer Garlic Confit recipe is quick and simple, delivering buttery soft garlic perfect for many dishes. Enjoy it alongside Garlic Parmesan Wings Air Fryer or add it to your Roasted Garlic Recipes for flavorful results. A must-try for garlic lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
2–3 heads garlic – peeled about 20–30 cloves use as many as you want
½ – 1 cup olive oil – enough to completely cover the garlic in a small oven-safe container
sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary – optional it looks fancy and adds an herbal aroma
Instructions
Put peeled garlic cloves and thyme or rosemary into your baking dish.
Pour enough olive oil to cover the garlic and herbs completely.
Cook in the air fryer at 250F for one hour without preheating. If the air fryer heats quickly, consider lowering to 200F and check halfway to avoid browning.
Let the container cool until it can be safely handled but keep it inside the air fryer to cool faster if needed.
Use the garlic and oil right away or store in the fridge for up to one month, warming oil to room temperature before use.
Notes
Mash garlic confit onto toast with sea salt, blend into mashed potatoes, spread on avocado toast, use as an appetizer topping, or incorporate the infused oil into dressings and cooking for enhanced flavor
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:1 hour
Category:Appetizer
Method:Air Fryer
Cuisine:American, French
Nutrition
Calories:44kcal
Sugar:0.1g
Sodium:1mg
Fat:4g
Saturated Fat:1g
Unsaturated Fat:0.4g + 3g
Carbohydrates:2g
Fiber:0.1g
Protein:0.4g
Why You’ll Love This Small-Batch Air Fryer Garlic Confit
Expert Says
Using an air fryer for garlic confit allows for gentle, controlled heat that slowly softens garlic cloves without the risk of burning. This method preserves allicin, the compound responsible for garlic’s health benefits, while enhancing its natural sweetness and mellow flavor in a convenient, time-efficient way.
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Mastering the Air Fryer Garlic Confit
This air fryer garlic confit took a few rounds to nail downlike the time I almost turned it into garlic chips by rushing the timing. After learning to slow down and watch for that perfect soft golden texture, I finally have a recipe that’s rich, mellow, and foolproof, earned through plenty of tasty trial and error.
FAQs ( Air Fryer Garlic Confit )
How long does it take to make garlic confit in the air fryer?
This recipe usually takes about 40-45 minutes at a low temperature around 180°F to 200°F. Cooking slowly allows the garlic to soften and develop a rich, mellow flavor without burning. Check every 10-15 minutes to ensure it cooks evenly and the cloves become tender and golden.
Can I use the garlic confit oil for cooking?
Yes, the garlic-infused olive oil leftover from this dish is perfect for drizzling over salads or sautéing vegetables. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Just make sure to heat it gently to preserve its delicate flavor and avoid overheating.
What are some creative ways to use garlic confit?
Try spreading the softened garlic on toasted bread or mixing it into mashed potatoes for extra depth. It can also be mashed into dressings or sauces for richer flavor. The oil works great for roasting sliced potatoes in the air fryer or adding a tasty boost to chickpea airfryer recipes.
How do I store leftover garlic confit safely?
Store the garlic confit in a clean, airtight container and keep it refrigerated. Use within two weeks for best freshness. To prevent spoilage, always use a clean spoon when taking garlic from the jar and keep it submerged in oil to limit air exposure.
Is it possible to make garlic confit in the oven instead of the air fryer?
Yes, you can make it in the oven by cooking garlic cloves slowly at about 200°F for 40-60 minutes until tender. The process is similar to the air fryer but requires more attention to avoid burning. Using a low, consistent heat helps the cloves soften and mellow evenly.
Conclusion
There’s something truly magical about how this Air Fryer Garlic Confit comes together in under an hoursoft, golden cloves swimming in fragrant garlic infused olive oil that smells like a warm kitchen hug. You’ll love how it effortlessly transforms simple meals, giving you that rich, cozy roasted garlic flavor without hours of babysitting. It’s comfort food that feels fancy but plays nice on even the busiest nights.
Try swirling this garlic confit into your favorite garlic parmesan roasted potatoes or toss it with chickpeas for a quick, crispy boost (chickpea airfryer recipes for the win!). If you want a little twist, add fresh herbs before cooking, or store leftovers in the fridge for up to a weekreheat gently to keep all that buttery goodness intact. Honestly, a little trick I picked up from my aunt’s kitchen magic.
Do you have your own garlicky family favorites or funny cooking slip-ups? I’d love to see your photos or hear your stories! Save this recipe for those cozy dinners ahead, and share it with anyone who needs a little extra love on their plate. Here’s to more golden, garlicky moments in your kitchenit’s what makes home feel like home.
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
