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Air Fryer Garlic Confit

Name: Air Fryer Garlic Confit
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
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

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Air Fryer Garlic Confit — Are you looking for a delicious and healthy snack that bursts with flavor? If so, try making air fryer garlic confit.

This recipe is easy, fast, and perfect for adding depth of flavor to dishes such as roasted vegetables or fish. Furthermore, cooking in the air fryer simplifies clean up too!

So if you’re looking for an amazingly tasty side dish without all the mess – this is it! Keep reading to learn how to make your own flavorful garlic confit at home with just a few simple ingredients.

What Is Garlic Confit

Garlic confit is a cooking technique that involves slow-cooking garlic cloves in oil or fat until they become soft, tender, and deeply infused with flavor. The word “confit” comes from the French verb “confire,” which means to preserve. In this case, it refers to preserving garlic by cooking it gently in oil.

Garlic confit can be used in various ways to enhance the flavor of dishes. The soft, buttery garlic cloves can be spread on bread, mashed into a paste, or used as a flavoring agent in sauces, dressings, or marinades. The oil infused with garlic can be used for cooking or as a flavorful addition to various dishes.

Ingredients Needed For Quick Garlic Confit

Garlic confit is an amazing way to transform ordinary garlic cloves into a flavorful and versatile condiment or topping. You’ll need a few ingredients to make your own version of this classic French dish.

With these simple items combined at just the right temperature and timespan, you can make a savory delicious Garlic Confit that will last in the fridge for up to two weeks! Keep reading if you want to learn how to make your own quick garlic confit from scratch!

Ingredients Needed For Quick Garlic Confit

Remember the step-by-step directions are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page, as well as the nutritional information.

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 Garlic Confit In Air Fryer

Garlic confit is a delicious and versatile condiment often used in French cooking. But did you know it’s simple to make at home – even an air fryer? Preparing garlic confit does take some time, but it’s well worth the effort!

Not only will your finished product taste better than anything you could buy at a store, but it’s also totally customizable — adjust how many cloves of garlic or herbs you use to suit your taste buds. Read on for step-by-step instructions on making garlic confit in an air fryer with minimal fuss and no mess!

Step One: Preheat The Air Fryer

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.

Step Two: Add Garllic To Heatproof Dish

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.

Step Three: Add Your Seasonings and Oil

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

Step Four: Air Fry The Garlic

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.

Step Five: Serving

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.

Pro Tips For Making Garlic Confit In Air Fryer

Use peeled whole garlic cloves: Start with fresh garlic cloves and peel them before placing them in the air fryer. Using whole cloves ensures even cooking and allows the garlic to infuse the oil fully.
Choose the right oil: Select a neutral oil with a high smoke point for the best results. Olive oil is a popular choice, but you can also use other oils like vegetable oil, canola oil, or grape seed oil. Avoid using oils with strong flavors that may overpower the delicate taste of the garlic.
Keep the garlic cloves submerged: Ensure they are fully submerged in the oil during cooking and storing them. This helps preserve the garlic and prevents it from drying out. If necessary, add more oil to the dish to ensure proper coverage.
Don’t overcrowd the dish: Arrange the garlic cloves in a single layer in a heatproof dish or container. Avoid overcrowding them to ensure they cook evenly and have enough space for the oil to circulate.
Consider adding herbs or spices: Enhance the flavor of your garlic confit by adding herbs or spices to the oil. Rosemary sprigs, thyme, or black peppercorns can infuse the oil with additional aromas and flavors.
Experiment with different variations: While the classic garlic confit is made with plain peeled cloves, feel free to experiment with different flavor profiles. Add smashed garlic cloves, sliced garlic, or even a few chili flakes for a spicy kick. This allows you to customize the garlic confit to your taste preferences.
Store properly: Once the garlic confit has cooled, transfer it to a clean, airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Make sure the garlic cloves are fully submerged in the oil to prevent spoilage. Use clean utensils to remove the garlic cloves from the container each time to maintain freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Making Garlic Confit In Air Fryer

Can I reuse the oil from making garlic confit in the air fryer?

You can reuse the oil from making garlic confit in the air fryer. After using the garlic confit, strain the oil to remove any garlic remnants and store it in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator. The oil can be used for cooking or as a flavorful addition to various dishes. It’s important to note that the oil may pick up some garlic flavor, so keep that in mind when using it in different recipes.

How long can I store garlic confit in the refrigerator?

When stored properly in an airtight container and submerged in oil, garlic confit can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to several weeks. However, it’s essential to use clean utensils to remove the garlic cloves from the container each time to prevent contamination.

Can I freeze garlic confit?

Yes, you can freeze garlic confit. Transfer the cooled garlic cloves and the oil into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Ensure the cloves are fully submerged in the oil and leave some headspace for expansion during freezing. Garlic confit can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before using it.

Can I make a large batch of garlic confit?

Absolutely! Making a large batch of garlic confit is a great idea for convenience. Scale up the recipe by increasing the number of garlic cloves and oil. Follow the exact cooking instructions and ensure all garlic cloves are fully submerged in the oil during cooking and storage.

Can I use minced garlic instead of whole garlic cloves for garlic confit in the air fryer?

While whole garlic cloves are typically used for garlic confit, you can use minced garlic if desired. However, minced garlic may cook faster, so you must adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent it from burning or becoming overly soft. Keep a close eye on the minced garlic to ensure it doesn’t become too browned or bitter.

Can I add herbs or spices to the garlic confit?

You can add herbs or spices to the garlic confit for additional flavor. Popular options include rosemary sprigs, thyme, black peppercorns, or bay leaves. Simply add them to the oil along with the garlic cloves before cooking. The infused oil will take on the added herbs or spices’ flavors, enhancing the garlic confit’s overall taste.

How to use air fryer garlic confit

Air fryer garlic confit can be used in various ways to enhance your dishes’ flavor. Here are some ideas on how to use air fryer garlic confit:

Spread on bread: The soft and flavorful garlic cloves from the confit can be spread on toasted bread or baguette slices. Mash the garlic cloves with a fork to create a spreadable consistency. Enjoy it as a simple and delicious garlic bread, or use it as a base for bruschetta toppings.
Blend into sauces and dressings: Incorporate air fryer garlic confit into your homemade ones. Puree the garlic cloves with some infused oil and combine them with mayonnaise, vinaigrettes, or pasta sauces. This adds depth and a subtle garlic flavor to your culinary creations.
Add to mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables: Mash a few cloves of air fryer garlic confit into cooked potatoes for flavorful garlic mashed potatoes. You can also toss roasted vegetables with the soft garlic cloves and a drizzle of the infused oil for extra flavor.
Use in pasta dishes: Stir air fryer garlic confit into pasta dishes to elevate the flavors. Toss it with cooked pasta, vegetables, and a splash of pasta water or cream for a creamy garlic-infused sauce. It works well with pasta shapes like spaghetti, penne, or linguine.
Flavor grilled or roasted meats: Rub air fryer garlic confit onto meats before grilling or roasting for added flavor. Soft garlic cloves can be spread over chicken, steak, or pork chops, enhancing the taste and creating a delicious crust during cooking.
Enhance soups and stews: Drop a few cloves of air fryer garlic confit into soups or stews for a rich and aromatic flavor. The garlic adds complexity and depth to the broth, infusing it with a delightful taste.
Mix into marinades: Combine air fryer garlic confit with other ingredients to create flavorful marinades for meats, poultry, or seafood. Puree the garlic cloves with herbs, spices, and acid (such as lemon juice or vinegar) to make a marinade that imparts a delicious flavor to your protein of choice.
Incorporate into dips and spreads: Blend air fryer garlic confit into dips like hummus, tzatziki, or guacamole for an extra punch of garlic flavor. It adds a savory and aromatic element to these classic spreads.

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