The scent hits firstsweet roasted garlic, soft and buttery, with just a whisper of olive oil warmth. Making Air Fryer Garlic Confit feels like pure kitchen magic. It turns something as simple as garlic into a rich, golden spread you’ll want on everything. Lately it’s popped up in all my feeds, and yepit’s totally earned its moment.
This cozy recipe only needs garlic, olive oil, and time in the air fryer. It’s slow-roasted flavor, done faster. Like your grandma’s garlic bread upgrade… but in a jar of melty cloves. No stovetop fuss, no oven heatjust your air fryer doing all the heavy lifting. Spoon it onto sliced potatoes, swirl it into soups, or try a dollop with those garlic parmesan wings you’ve been meaning to make.
I first made this back in early 2021, when I was testing roasted garlic recipes for a winter dinner guide. My wife walked past the kitchen and said, “Whatever that is, I need it on toast now.” The trick that stuck? Let the cloves cool right in the oillocks in that soft, velvety texture. After 10+ years of writing and testing home recipes, this one’s an easy favorite that never goes out of style.
Joe Rooney
Air Fryer Garlic Confit Easy Delicious Recipe
This Air Fryer Garlic Confit recipe is the quickest and simplest way to prepare soft, buttery, and caramelized garlic using your air fryer. Perfect for enhancing dishes like Garlic Parmesan Wings Air Fryer or incorporating into Roasted Garlic Recipes, this method also produces flavorful garlic-infused olive oil. Enjoy a versatile condiment that elevates spreads, dressings, and more with minimal effort.
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)
Method
Place peeled garlic cloves and fresh thyme or rosemary into a small baking-safe container.
Pour olive oil over the garlic and herbs until they are fully submerged.
Set the air fryer to 250°F and cook the garlic mixture for 1 hour, checking halfway and lowering the temperature to 200°F if the garlic starts to brown too quickly.
Make sure the oil is gently bubbling but not frying the garlic to avoid burning.
Once cooked, carefully let the container cool inside the air fryer until it’s safe to handle to avoid hot oil splatters.
Transfer the garlic and oil to a sealed jar and refrigerate; it can be stored up to 1 month.
Allow the oil to warm to room temperature before use, letting it return to liquid form if solidified in the fridge.
Use the confit garlic and infused oil in various dishes like dressings, spreads, or cooking for added depth and flavor.
Notes
Try mashing a few confit cloves on toast or savory scones with sea salt.
Add garlic confit and oil into mashed potatoes for richness.
Spread confit garlic on avocado toast with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
Use as a topping on crostini for appetizers.
Prepare garlic confit butter or mix into roasted garlic dip.
Utilize the infused olive oil for sautéing, seasoning hummus, roasted potatoes, or no-mayo potato salad.
Remember, the nutrition info is approximate depending on oil usage.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Garlic Confit
Garlic confit might sound like a gourmet endeavor, but this air fryer version makes it wonderfully simple. You’ll achieve buttery, caramelized garlic with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Here’s why this recipe will become a favorite:
Effortless: Say goodbye to constant stove-top monitoringyour air fryer handles the gentle cooking process with ease.
Versatile: It’s incredibly adaptable! Spread it on toast, mash it into potatoes, or toss it with roasted vegetables for an instant flavor boost.
Cozy Comfort: This homemade garlic confit adds a rich, comforting depth to nearly any dish you pair it with.
Beginner-Friendly: With just two core ingredients (plus optional herbs), it’s an approachable recipe for cooks of all skill levels.
Key Ingredients and Tools
This recipe focuses on simplicity and robust flavor, requiring just a few key components:
Garlic: You’ll need 2-3 heads of garlic (approximately 20-30 cloves), peeled to ensure a smooth, ready-to-use confit.
Olive oil: Enough to fully submerge the garlic in your baking container, which is crucial for achieving that luscious, savory finish.
Optional herbs: A sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary can be added for a subtle, earthy aroma that beautifully complements the garlic.
As for tools, you’ll need your air fryer, a small oven-safe container (such as a ceramic ramekin), along with essential kitchen items like oven mitts for safety and a trivet for cooling.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Garlic Confit in the Air Fryer
This method is straightforward and yields perfectly mellow garlic every time. Here’s how to do it:
Prep the garlic: Peel your garlic cloves and place them in a small oven-safe container. If using, add a sprig of thyme or rosemary now.
Cover in oil: Pour enough olive oil over the garlic and herbs to fully submerge them. This ensures even cooking and prevents any cloves from burning.
Cook in the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 250°F and cook for 1 hour. It’s a good idea to check halfway through the cooking timeif you notice the garlic browning too quickly, reduce the temperature to 200°F. The goal is gentle bubbling, not vigorous frying.
Cool safely: Allow the garlic and oil to cool completely in the container while it’s still in the air fryer basket. The oil helps to minimize splatters, but remember that the contents will remain very hot for a while, so handle with care.
Store or serve: The garlic confit is ready to use immediately, or you can transfer it to a clean jar for storage. Keep it refrigerated for up to a month. Don’t forget about the infused olive oilit’s a golden treasure perfect for dressings, drizzling over air fryer chips, or enhancing chickpea dishes!
Storage Tips and Ideas for Using Garlic Confit
This air fryer garlic confit is a versatile ingredient, ready to elevate your favorite savory dishes. Here’s how to store it and make the most of every last drop:
Refrigeration: Once cooled, transfer the garlic confit and its oil to a clean, airtight jar. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to a month. The oil may solidify when chilled; simply let it come to room temperature before using.
Ways to use it:
Spread the soft, mellow cloves on toasted bread or crostinia perfect accompaniment to soups.
Mash the cloves into creamy mashed potatoes for an incredibly rich, garlicky flavor.
Use the infused oil to roast sliced potatoes or to toss with chickpeas for a quick and flavorful air fryer side dish.
Drizzle the aromatic oil over your garlic parmesan wings for an extra layer of gourmet flavor.
Food Safety Note: For optimal food safety, always ensure the garlic cloves remain fully submerged in the oil during storage, and refrigerate promptly after cooling.
Quick Summary: Timing Chart for Perfect Garlic Confit
Step
Temperature
Time
Tips
Cooking
250°F
1 hour
Bubbling, not frying, is key!
Cooling
Room temp
20 minutes
Let it cool in the oil to lock in flavor.
Storage
Refrigerated
Up to 1 month
Keep fully submerged in oil.
Expert Says
Using an air fryer for garlic confit leverages controlled, even heat that gently breaks down garlic’s fibers, enhancing its natural sweetness without overcooking. This method also reduces moisture efficiently, resulting in a rich, caramelized flavor while preserving beneficial compounds like allicin, known for its antioxidant properties.
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Mastering the Air Fryer Garlic Confit
This air fryer garlic confit recipe was perfected through several rounds of testing, including one batch that nearly burnt due to my impatience! Through trial and error, I discovered the ideal balance of low heat and slow cooking. Now, it’s a simple and reliable method to achieve deeply mellow, tender garlic every time.
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
After about an hour in the air fryer, your homemade Air Fryer Garlic Confit will emerge silky, incredibly aromatic, and ready to be spread, swirled, or drizzled onto your favorite foods. You’ll appreciate how effortlessly the garlic caramelizes to a tender perfection, filling your kitchen with a comforting aroma in every bite.
Feel free to stir in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary directly into the oil for an added subtle twist, or leverage that flavorful garlic-infused olive oil to roast sliced potatoes or create delicious air fryer chips for an easy weeknight meal upgrade. For storage, remember to keep the cloves fully submerged in oil and refrigeratedthis simple tip ensures its magic lasts for weeks, and reheating is always a breeze.
We encourage you to try this delightful recipe and share your creationswhat dishes did you enhance with your garlic confit? Whether it’s a cherished family classic or a new culinary experiment, save and pass this recipe along. Because delicious food like this is truly best when shared and savored together.
