If you’re craving a snack that’s irresistibly crispy on the outside, airy and fluffy on the inside, and infused with a punch of garlic flavor, then you are in for a treat with this Air Fryer Garlic Knots Recipe. These delightful little bread bites come together quickly and are perfect as a savory side or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its incredible taste but also in how effortlessly the air fryer turns simple ingredients into golden, aromatic knots that will have everyone asking for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round ball of dough rests on a wooden board, dusted lightly with white flour. The dough is smooth and pale yellow with a soft, slightly puffy texture, and a light dusting of flour on its surface. In the background, a white and blue checkered cloth is softly folded, adding a cozy touch. The scene sits on a white marbled surface, highlighting the warm tones of the wooden board and dough. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Air Fryer Garlic Knots Recipe calls for a handful of everyday ingredients that work in harmony to create a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma. Each component adds its own magic, from the tender pizza dough that forms the base to the fragrant garlic salt and herbs that bring a burst of savory goodness.

½ tsp garlic salt: Provides a savory garlic punch and a hint of saltiness to season the knots perfectly.
¼ tsp dried basil: Adds an earthy, aromatic flavor that complements the garlic beautifully.
¼ tsp onion powder: Infuses subtle sweetness and depth to the seasoning mix.
13.8 ounce can pizza crust: The soft yet sturdy dough that effortlessly shapes into the classic garlic knot form.
Olive oil spray: Helps achieve a crispy, golden crust while keeping the knots moist inside.
Grated parmesan cheese (optional garnish): Adds a nutty, cheesy topping that enhances flavor and appearance.
Parsley minced (optional garnish): Gives freshness and a pop of color, making the knots inviting and vibrant.

How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Knots Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Start by setting your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s perfectly heated and ready. Preheating helps achieve that ideal crisp crust on the knots while keeping the inside soft and tender.

Step 2: Prepare the Seasoning Mix

In a small bowl, whisk together garlic salt, dried basil, and onion powder. This blend is your key to the irresistible flavor that coats each knot, marrying all the spices into a harmonious seasoning.

Step 3: Roll Out and Cut the Dough

Unroll the pizza crust onto a clean surface and slice it widthwise into ten 1-inch rectangular strips. Cutting the dough widthwise ensures you get manageable strips that form perfect-sized knots without being too long or unwieldy.

Step 4: Shape the Garlic Knots

Take each strip and loosely wrap the middle around itself to create a knot. Make sure to tuck the loose ends underneath and keep the knot loose enough because it won’t tighten once cooked. This step gives the knots their iconic twist and tasty shape.

Step 5: Spray and Season

Lightly coat all the knots with olive oil spray to encourage a golden-brown exterior. Then sprinkle the prepared spice mix over each knot, providing an even distribution of savory flavor before placing them in the air fryer basket.

Step 6: Air Fry the Knots

Cook the knots at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 6 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. The air fryer’s heat circulates evenly to crisp the outside while loving the inside soft and fluffy.

Step 7: Final Touch and Garnish

Once cooked, give the knots a final light spray of olive oil or melted butter for extra gloss and richness. Then sprinkle grated parmesan cheese and minced parsley on top if you like, bringing extra flavor, texture, and an irresistible look.

How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Knots Recipe

Inside a black air fryer basket, there are nine golden brown knotted rolls sprinkled with chopped green herbs and black pepper. The rolls have a shiny, slightly crisp texture and are arranged closely together, filling most of the basket. Around the air fryer on a white marbled surface, there is a green and white striped towel on the left, fresh curly green parsley on the top left and top right, a white plate with some parsley on the upper right, and a wedge of light yellow cheese in the top center. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The classic garnish combo of parmesan and parsley is a sure-fire way to elevate your garlic knots. The parmesan adds a salty, nutty layer, while the fresh parsley injects color and bright herbal notes that balance the richness.

Side Dishes

These knots are incredibly versatile, pairing wonderfully with soups, salads, or pasta dishes. They’re also fantastic alongside a tangy marinara sauce dip or creamy ranch for a super satisfying snack or appetizer on game day.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your garlic knots threaded onto skewers for easy munching at parties. You can also line them up in a bread basket or pile them high on a platter with small bowls of dipping sauces for a festive and interactive spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover garlic knots, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them sealed prevents the knots from drying out and keeps them soft until you’re ready to enjoy them again.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the garlic knots on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to two months. Just thaw them before reheating to enjoy that fresh-baked quality.

Reheating

To bring back that just-made crispness, reheat the knots in the air fryer or oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 4 minutes. This quick method revives their crunch and warmth without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use homemade dough instead of canned pizza crust?

Absolutely! Homemade dough works beautifully and lets you customize flavors and thickness. Just make sure it’s rolled thin enough to tie easily into knots for even cooking in the air fryer.

What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I bake these in the oven?

Yes! You can bake the knots in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Using the oven won’t give you quite the same crispiness as an air fryer, but they’ll still taste delicious.

Are these garlic knots gluten-free?

This recipe uses regular pizza crust, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free pizza dough brands that behave similarly in the air fryer if you need a gluten-free option.

Can I add other herbs or spices to the seasoning?

Definitely! Feel free to mix it up with oregano, thyme, or red pepper flakes for added heat. Personalizing the seasoning lets you tailor the garlic knots to your own taste preferences.

How do I make sure the knots don’t get soggy in the center?

The key is not to over-tighten the knots when tying them and to air fry at the right temperature. The hot circulating air crisps the outside while gently cooking the inside to a soft but not doughy finish.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Air Fryer Garlic Knots Recipe enough for when you want a quick, satisfying bite that feels special. The combination of crispy, fluffy, and garlicky is just pure comfort food magic. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to impress your family and friends with these tasty little knots!

Air Fryer Garlic Knots Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 5 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 15-16 minutes
Yield: 10 garlic knots
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Air Fryer Garlic Knots are crispy, crunchy, light, and fluffy bread bites made quickly in the air fryer. These flavorful garlic knots are perfect as a side dish or game day appetizer, featuring a seasoned garlic and herb blend with optional parmesan and parsley garnish.

Ingredients

For the Dough

13.8 ounce can pizza crust

For the Seasoning

½ tsp garlic salt
¼ tsp dried basil
¼ tsp onion powder

Other

Olive oil spray
Grated parmesan cheese (optional garnish)
Minced parsley (optional garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the knots at the optimal temperature setting.
Prepare seasoning blend: In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic salt, dried basil, and onion powder. Set this aromatic mix aside for later use.
Prepare dough: Unroll the pizza crust dough onto a clean, flat work surface for easy handling.
Cut dough into strips: Cut the dough widthwise into ten 1-inch wide rectangular strips. Cutting widthwise prevents overly long strips and ensures manageable knot sizes.
Form garlic knots: Wrap the middle of each strip around itself to form a loose knot and tuck the loose ends underneath. Do not tighten the knots fully as they need space to expand while cooking.
Apply olive oil and seasoning: Lightly spray the knots all over with olive oil spray. Then sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over each knot, distributing a small pinch per knot for balanced flavor.
Air fry garlic knots: Place the prepared knots into the preheated air fryer basket and bake at 400°F for 5-6 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Finish and garnish: Once cooked, lightly spray the knots again with olive oil or melted butter for added moisture and richness. Optionally, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese and minced parsley on top before serving.

Notes

Ensure the knots are loosely tied; tight knots won’t cook evenly inside.
The air fryer temperature may vary, so check knots a minute before time to prevent burning.
For a richer flavor, use melted butter instead of olive oil spray for the finishing spray.
Parmesan cheese and parsley garnish are optional but add extra flavor and a fresh look.
These knots are best served warm immediately after air frying.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5-6 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: Italian-American