Buttery Air Fryer Garlic Knots

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowl
• Pastry brush
• Knife or dough cutter
• Measuring spoons

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

• 1 pound pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Garlic Butter Topping

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

Optional Serving Additions

• Marinara sauce
• Red pepper flakes
• Extra parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. If using refrigerated pizza dough, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes before shaping. This makes the dough easier to stretch and tie.
2. Lightly flour your work surface and divide the dough into 12 equal pieces.
3. Roll each piece into a rope about 6–7 inches long.
4. Intensity Level: Easy Time Required: 10 minutes

Step 2: Shape the Garlic Knots

1. Tie each rope into a simple knot shape by looping the dough and pulling one end through the center.
2. Tuck the loose ends underneath slightly to help maintain the knot shape while cooking.
3. Place the knots onto a lightly greased tray or plate.
4. Intensity Level: Medium Time Required: 10 minutes

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

1. Cover the shaped garlic knots lightly with a towel and let them rise for about 30 minutes in a warm area.
2. This short rise helps create soft and fluffy garlic knots with airy centers.
3. Intensity Level: Easy Time Required: 30 minutes

Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Butter

1. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt.
2. Mix thoroughly so the garlic and herbs distribute evenly throughout the butter.
3. Reserve a small amount of garlic butter for brushing after cooking.
4. Intensity Level: Easy Time Required: 5 minutes

Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer

1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes.
2. Preheating helps the garlic knots cook evenly and develop golden-brown exteriors.
3. Intensity Level: Easy Time Required: 3 minutes

Step 6: Brush and Arrange the Knots

1. Brush the garlic knots lightly with some of the prepared garlic butter mixture.
2. Arrange the knots in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving small spaces between each knot for proper airflow.
3. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
4. Intensity Level: Easy Time Required: 5 minutes

Step 7: Air Fry the Garlic Knots

1. Cook the garlic knots in the air fryer for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking if necessary.
2. The knots should become golden brown on the outside while remaining soft inside.
3. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the air fryer model.
4. Intensity Level: Medium Time Required: 10 minutes

Step 8: Add Final Garlic Butter Topping

1. Immediately after cooking, brush the warm garlic knots with the remaining garlic butter mixture.
2. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and extra parsley if desired.
3. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
4. Intensity Level: Easy Time Required: 2 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 170 · Protein: 4g · Fat: 8g · Carbohydrates: 20g · Saturated Fat: 4g · Fiber: 1g · Sugar: 1g · Sodium: 240mg