Air Fryer Frozen Garlic Knots: Quick, Crispy, and Utterly Delicious

When your Italian feast calls for a lightning-fast yet incredibly satisfying side, look no further than these **frozen garlic knots in the air fryer**. They emerge from the air fryer basket loaded with rich butter, aromatic garlic, and savory goodness, nestled in a warm, soft roll with a hint of crispiness. The best part? **Air fryer frozen garlic knots** are ready to eat in under 10 minutes, making them an unbeatable choice for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. This method is truly a game-changer for preparing these delightful bread bites!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Air Fryer Garlic Knot Recipe

There are countless reasons why cooking **frozen garlic knots in your air fryer** will become your new go-to method. This recipe takes all the hassle out of preparing a delightful yet effortless side dish. Forget about the extensive prep work that comes with homemade bread – no more kneading, no waiting for dough to rise, and certainly no tedious rolling! Instead, you simply retrieve them from their package and place them directly into your air fryer basket, without any need for defrosting.

In less than 10 minutes, you’ll be treated to piping hot, savory, and incredibly soft garlic knots. Each one is perfectly cooked, boasting a deliciously crisp exterior and a tender, buttery interior. I often serve mine alongside a rich lasagna and a refreshing side salad for a complete and satisfying meal. For a quick snack or appetizer, I love reheating any leftovers and serving them with a generous bowl of marinara sauce for dipping – it’s pure comfort food!

Another fantastic benefit is how it frees up your main oven. You won’t have to juggle cooking times for your baked pasta and these rolls, hoping they finish simultaneously. This method is incredibly convenient if your oven is already occupied or if you simply want to avoid heating up your entire kitchen, especially during warmer months. The **air fryer frozen garlic knots** truly offer unmatched convenience and quality.

Essential Ingredients for Air Fryer Frozen Garlic Knots

One of the beauties of this recipe is its simplicity, requiring minimal ingredients to achieve maximum flavor. You’ll only need a couple of items to get started on your journey to perfectly cooked **air fryer garlic knots**.

• Frozen garlic knots (any brand will do!)
• Marinara sauce for dipping (optional, but highly recommended for an extra flavor boost)

Simple Steps: How to Cook Frozen Garlic Knots in an Air Fryer

Cooking **frozen garlic knots in the air fryer** is incredibly straightforward, transforming them into golden, tender, and garlicky delights in just a few minutes. Follow these easy steps for perfect results every time.

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This crucial step ensures that the garlic knots start cooking immediately at the correct temperature, leading to a perfectly crisp exterior without overcooking the inside.
2. Arrange the Garlic Knots: Carefully remove the frozen garlic knots from all packaging. Place them, garlic butter side up, into the preheated air fryer basket. It’s essential to arrange them in a **single layer**, ensuring there’s some air space between each knot. This allows the hot air to circulate freely around each one, promoting even cooking and that desirable crispy texture. Avoid stacking them, as this will result in unevenly cooked and potentially soft spots.

3. Air Fry to Perfection: Set your air fryer to the ‘air fry’ setting and cook the garlic knots for approximately 6 minutes. During this time, the knots will warm through, become soft, and develop a lovely golden-brown crust. I generally recommend against flipping them mid-cook, as you might lose some of the delicious garlic butter and seasoning that makes them so flavorful.
4. Check for Doneness and Adjust: After 6 minutes, gently check the garlic knots. You can use a kitchen thermometer to ensure they are warmed through to an internal temperature of about 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, lightly press the center with your finger; it should feel warm and give easily. If you prefer them a little browner or find they aren’t quite heated through, add additional cooking time in 1-minute increments until they reach your desired level of crispness and warmth.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked to your liking, immediately remove the **air fried frozen garlic knots** from the basket. Serve them hot with your favorite Italian entrees, a comforting bowl of soup, or as a delightful snack with a side of marinara or garlic sauce for dipping. Their warm, garlicky, and buttery flavor will be an instant hit!

Delicious Pairings: What to Eat With Garlic Knots

Garlic knots are incredibly versatile and can complement a vast array of dishes. Their savory, buttery, and garlicky profile makes them a fantastic addition to almost any meal, especially those with an Italian flair. Here are some of our favorite pairings:

• Classic Italian Pasta Dishes:
  • Pasta (all kinds, from spaghetti to penne)
  • Chicken Alfredo (creamy and indulgent)
  • Gnocchi (soft potato dumplings)
  • Lasagna (layered pasta goodness)
  • Stuffed Shells or Manicotti (cheesy and rich)
  • Ravioli or Tortellini (filled pasta delights)
• Hearty Meat and Seafood Options:
  • Meatballs (in marinara sauce)
  • Italian Sausage (spicy or mild)
  • Roasted Chicken (a perfect complement)
  • Chicken Parmesan (breaded chicken with cheese)
  • Buttered Lobster (luxurious pairing)
  • Linguine with Clam Sauce (seafood and pasta perfection)
  • Cioppino (Italian-American fish stew)
• Comforting Soups and Fresh Salads:
  • Tomato Soup (a classic duo)
  • Vegetable Soup (hearty and healthy)
  • Wedding Soup (Italian-American favorite)
  • Green Salad (light and refreshing contrast)
  • Caprese Salad (fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil)
• Casual Meal Ideas:
  • Pizza (the ultimate Italian comfort food)
  • Submarine Sandwiches or Hoagies (great for soaking up flavors)

When it comes to what to eat with garlic knots, the possibilities are truly endless! You really can’t go wrong with any type of pasta or sauce. They also pair wonderfully with various seafood and chicken dishes, as well as a range of other meals, elevating any dining experience with their irresistible flavor.

For an exceptional meal, try your **air fryer frozen garlic knots** with my homemade Air Fryer Roasted Tomato Soup, comforting Air Fryer Baked Spaghetti, easy Air Fryer Gnocchi, Air Fryer Frozen Stuffed Shells, or Air Fryer Frozen Scallops served with a savory garlic butter sauce that perfectly complements these fluffy rolls.

Recipe Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Frozen Garlic Knots

Achieving perfectly cooked **air fryer frozen garlic knots** is simple, but a few expert tips can elevate your results from good to absolutely amazing. Keep these pointers in mind for a consistently delicious outcome:

• Air Fryer Model Variations: My **frozen garlic knots** achieved perfect results after just 6 minutes in a Ninja Dual Zone air fryer. However, cooking times can vary slightly depending on the brand and model of your air fryer. Some air fryers run hotter than others, so it’s always a good idea to monitor your knots closely during their first cook and adjust the time as necessary. A good practice is to check them at the 5-minute mark and add more time if needed.
• Customizing Crispness and Browning: If you have a preference for a darker brown, crustier exterior, you can adjust the cooking method. Instead of 350°F for 6 minutes, you might bump the temperature up to 390°F (200°C) and cook for 3-4 minutes. This higher temperature will quickly crisp up the outside. Personally, I prefer my garlic knots to be soft and fluffy on the inside with just a delicate golden crust, which is why I typically stick with the lower temperature for a slightly longer duration. Experiment to find your ideal texture!
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Always cook your garlic knots in a single layer. Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation, leading to uneven cooking and potentially soggy spots. If you’re making a larger batch, cook them in multiple rounds.
• Enhance the Flavor Post-Cooking: For an extra burst of flavor, consider brushing the hot garlic knots with a little melted butter and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or Parmesan cheese immediately after they come out of the air fryer. This simple addition can make them even more irresistible!

Storage and Reheating Tips for Garlic Knots

Proper storage and reheating are key to enjoying your delicious **air fryer frozen garlic knots** even after they’ve cooled. Here’s how to keep them fresh and bring them back to life:

• Storing Cooked Garlic Knots: Once your garlic knots have cooled completely, store any leftovers in an **airtight container or a resealable zippered bag**. At room temperature, they will stay fresh for up to 2 days. For a slightly longer shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to 4 days, though they might become a bit firmer in texture. It’s important to note: **do not refreeze cooked garlic knots** once they have been thawed and cooked. Also, if you’ve added any dairy products to your knots, such as cheese, they should always be stored in the refrigerator, not at room temperature, for food safety.
• Reheating Garlic Knots: The best way to reheat garlic knots is in your **air fryer**. Simply place them in the basket and cook for 2-3 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until they are thoroughly warmed through and have regained a pleasant crispness. This method helps restore their texture, making them taste almost as good as fresh. While you *can* microwave them for 20-30 seconds, be aware that they will likely become gummier and lose their delightful crispy edges. For optimal results, stick with the air fryer.

Final Thoughts on Air Fryer Frozen Garlic Knots

These **frozen garlic knots cooked in the air fryer** are an absolute triumph! They emerge warm, bursting with garlicky flavor, wonderfully buttery, and most importantly, utterly delicious. They are the perfect savory sidekick to a wide variety of pasta and Italian dishes, as well as comforting soups, fresh salads, and so much more. Their versatility truly makes them a kitchen essential.

Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy snack or a delightful appetizer, simply heat a few up and pair your knots with some savory marinara or a rich garlic sauce for dipping. This simple addition transforms them into an irresistible treat that everyone will love.

The convenience of this method is unparalleled – it’s incredibly easy to make just one or two for a personal portion, or to prepare a whole batch to feed your entire family or guests. You don’t even need to bother preheating your oven and heating up the house, saving both time and energy. **Air fryer frozen garlic knots** have firmly established themselves as one of my absolute favorite simple sides for those hectic weeknight meals, proving that quick and easy can also be incredibly flavorful and satisfying!