Discover how to make Air Fryer Garlic Confit with our simple recipe. Perfectly roasted garlic cloves, infused with olive oil, ready in minutes. Try it today!

Air Fryer Garlic Confit - Roasted garlic cloves in olive oil
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Garlic confit made in an air fryer is a game-changer for garlic lovers. This method delivers perfectly tender, caramelized garlic cloves infused with rich, aromatic olive oil in a fraction of the time compared to traditional stovetop or oven methods.

The circulating hot air ensures even cooking, creating soft, golden cloves bursting with flavor.

Serve with your favorite Air Fryer Homemade Bread, or blend it into Air Fryer Mashed Potatoes, this recipe is so versatile! And it tastes amazing!

What does confit mean?

Confit is a traditional French cooking technique that involves slow-cooking food in fat, oil, or sugar at a low temperature for an extended period. The term “confit” comes from the French word “confire,” meaning “to preserve.” Originally used to store meats like duck or goose by submerging them in their own fat, the method has expanded to include fruits and vegetables. In the case of garlic confit, the garlic is gently cooked in oil until soft, sweet, and fragrant, resulting in a versatile ingredient that enhances a wide variety of dishes.

Air Fryer Garlic Confit with golden roasted garlic cloves submerged in olive oil

Why You Will Love Garlic Confit In The Air Fryer

  • Quick Cooking: Faster than traditional cooking methods.
  • Effortless Cleanup: Minimal mess with easy cleanup.
  • Flavor Boost: Intensely sweet and aromatic garlic flavor.
  • Versatile Usage: Perfect for countless savory recipes.
  • Even Cooking: Perfectly caramelized, tender garlic every time.
  • Simple Method: Easy for beginners and pros alike.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients Needed For Quick Garlic Confit on kitchen table.
  • Garlic Cloves: Use fresh garlic cloves.
  • Oil: Use any high-heat oil, such as olive oil, extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, or grapeseed oil.
  • Seasonings and Spices: Sea salt, black pepper, and fresh thyme

How To Make Air Fryer Garlic Confit

Preheating air fryer to 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120°C)

Step One: Set the air fryer to 250 degrees F (120°C), preheat for 3-5 minutes.

Garlic cloves arranged in a heatproof dish inside an air fryer, evenly spread in a single layer

Step Two: Arrange the peeled garlic cloves in a heatproof dish or an oven-safe container that fits inside your air fryer. Ensure that the garlic cloves are in a single layer and not overcrowded.

Garlic cloves submerged in olive oil inside a heatproof dish, ready for air frying.

Step Three: Pour enough oil into the dish to completely submerge the garlic cloves. You can use olive oil or any other oil of your choice.

Dish with garlic and oil placed in air fryer basket, set to cook until golden and soft

Step Four: Place the dish with the garlic and oil into the air fryer basket or tray. Set cook time for 30-40 minutes or until the garlic cloves become soft and golden.

Step Five: Once cooked, remove the dish from the air fryer and let the garlic confit cool to room temperature. Transfer the garlic cloves and the oil into an airtight container, making sure the cloves are fully submerged in the oil. Store the container in the refrigerator.

Golden, tender garlic confit in olive oil made in an air fryer

Air Fryer Garlic Confit Recipe Tips

  • Use peeled whole garlic cloves: Start with fresh garlic cloves and peel them before placing them in the air fryer.
  • Choose the right oil: Select a neutral oil with a high smoke point for the best results.
  • Keep the garlic cloves submerged: Ensure they are fully submerged in the oil during cooking and storing them.
  • Don’t overcrowd the dish: Arrange the garlic cloves in a single layer in a heatproof dish or container.
  • Consider adding herbs or spices: Enhance the flavor of your garlic confit by adding herbs or spices to the oil.
  • Experiment with different variations: While the classic garlic confit is made with plain peeled cloves, feel free to experiment with different flavor profiles.
  • Store properly: Once the garlic confit has cooled, transfer it to a clean, airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.

Storing

  • Storing Air Fryer Garlic Confit: After cooking, transfer the garlic confit and its oil to a clean, airtight jar. Ensure the garlic cloves are fully submerged in oil to prevent spoilage. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
  • Freezing Air Fryer Garlic Confit: To freeze, place the garlic cloves in an ice cube tray and cover them with the infused oil. Freeze until solid, then transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen garlic confit can last up to 3 months.
  • Reheating Air Fryer Garlic Confit: To reheat, gently warm the desired amount of garlic confit in a small pan over low heat until heated through.
Air Fryer Garlic Confit - Tender roasted garlic cloves in olive oil

How To Use Garlic Confit

Garlic confit is a versatile ingredient that can elevate a wide variety of dishes. You can spread the soft, caramelized garlic cloves directly on toasted bread or use them as a flavorful topping for pizzas and pastas. The infused olive oil can be drizzled over salads, roasted vegetables, or used as a base for sauces and dressings. For a savory twist, blend garlic confit into mashed potatoes or risotto. Its mild, sweet flavor adds depth to any recipe without the overpowering taste of raw garlic, making it perfect for both simple meals and gourmet creations.

Air Fryer Garlic Confit Recipe Faqs

Can I use a different oil for garlic confit? Yes! While olive oil is traditional, you can use other oils like avocado, coconut, or even butter for a different flavor profile.

Can I make garlic confit without an air fryer? Yes! You can make garlic confit on the stove by simmering garlic cloves in oil over low heat until soft and golden, or in the oven at a low temperature.

How can I use garlic confit in recipes? Garlic confit is perfect for spreading on bread, stirring into sauces, mixing into mashed potatoes, or drizzling over roasted vegetables. Its sweet, mellow flavor enhances many dishes.

Can I cook the garlic for a longer time for extra softness? If you prefer an even softer texture, you can cook the garlic a little longer, but be careful not to overcook it, as it can lose its flavor.

Golden roasted garlic cloves in olive oil made in an air fryer

More Air Fryer Recipes

Air Fryer Garlic Confit

Air Fryer Garlic Confit

5 from 3 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings

Description

Garlic Confit – Learn how to make the most flavorful Garlic Confit recipe! It’s the perfect addition to any dish, and the infused olive oil adds a delightful richness!

Ingredients 

  • 8 whole garlic cloves
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, or adjust to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or adjust to taste
  • 3 sprigs thyme

Instructions

  • Set the air fryer to a low temperature, around 250°F (120°C). Preheating is not required but can help speed up the cooking process.
  • Arrange the peeled garlic cloves in a heatproof dish or an oven-safe container that fits inside your air fryer. Ensure that the garlic cloves are in a single layer and not overcrowded.
  • Pour enough oil into the dish to completely submerge the garlic cloves. You can use olive oil or any other oil of your choice.
  • Place the dish with the garlic and oil into the air fryer basket or tray. Cook at a low temperature for about 30-40 minutes or until the garlic cloves become soft and golden. The exact cooking time may vary based on the size of the garlic cloves and your specific air fryer model.
  • Once cooked, remove the dish from the air fryer and let the garlic confit cool to room temperature. Transfer the garlic cloves and the oil into an airtight container, making sure the cloves are fully submerged in the oil. Store the container in the refrigerator.

Equipment

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 62kcalCarbohydrates: 0.5gProtein: 0.1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 73mgPotassium: 7mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 0.01gVitamin A: 18IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 0.1mg

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