Four golden brown air fryer garlic knots, seasoned with herbs, on a white plate.

Quick Air Fryer Garlic Knots: 10 Minute Magic

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August 4, 2025

Okay, confession time! When I’m craving hot, garlicky bread but the dinner clock is ticking, my go-to secret weapon is these Air Fryer Garlic Knots. Seriously, they are SO ridiculously easy, and yes, they use that wonderful canned biscuit dough you probably have stashed away. It’s one of those genius little kitchen hacks that makes you feel like a culinary wizard without all the fuss. My whole philosophy here at Unfold Recipes is about making beautiful, delicious food feel accessible, and these knots totally nail that. They’re born from my love for good food and knowing how hectic life can get. So whether it’s a surprise pasta night or you just need something yummy to munch on while hanging out, these turn boring dough into pure magic in minutes.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Garlic Knots

Honestly, it’s hard not to love these little guys! They’re like the ultimate shortcut to deliciousness. Here’s why they’ve practically become a permanent fixture in my kitchen:


  • Incredibly Quick Preparation


    Seriously, we’re talking minutes here. You just pop open that can of dough, do a little twisty-turny magic, and boom – ready for the air fryer. It’s the perfect answer when you need a warm, savory bread side in a flash.



  • Packed with Garlic Flavor


    That melted butter, fresh garlic, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning mixture? Oh my goodness. It soaks right into the fluffy dough, making every bite bursting with that savory, garlicky goodness we all crave.



  • Perfect Air Fryer Bread Side


    These knots are just begging to be dipped into your favorite marinara sauce or served alongside a big bowl of pasta. They’re the perfect easy bread side that elevates any meal without any effort.



  • A Simple Refrigerated Dough Hack


    This is what I call smart cooking! Using refrigerated dough is such a clever trick to get that homemade-style bread texture and flavor with minimal fuss. It’s proof you don’t need to spend hours baking to get amazing results.


Gather Your Ingredients for Air Fryer Garlic Knots

Alright, getting these little flavor bombs going is super simple. You really only need a few pantry staples, and the star of the show is definitely that can of refrigerated biscuit dough – seriously, what would we do without it? Here’s what you’ll need to have on hand:

  • 1 (13.8 ounce) can refrigerated biscuit dough – the big flaky layers kind works great!
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, perfectly melted
  • 2 cloves garlic, all minced up nice and fine
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – the real stuff, please!
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning – for that classic herby touch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped – this gives it that pop of color and freshness at the end

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Air Fryer Garlic Knots

Alright, let’s get these delicious little knots into the air fryer! Trust me, it’s way simpler than you might think. I like to get my air fryer preheating to 370°F (that’s 188°C) while I do the prep, just to keep things moving fast. It honestly makes such a difference!


  1. Preparing the Biscuit Dough


    First things first, carefully pop open that can of biscuits. You’ll get about 8 individual biscuits. Gently separate them. Now, take one biscuit at a time and carefully stretch it out into a rope shape. You don’t want to tear it, just gently pull and twist until it’s a nice, long strand. Then, just twist that rope into a little knot. It’s like a mini dough sculpture!



  2. Creating the Garlic Butter Topping


    While you’re wrestling with the dough (in a fun way, of course!), grab a small bowl. Melt your butter – I usually pop it in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. Then, just stir in that minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix until it’s all combined into this super fragrant, garlicky butter goodness.



  3. Air Frying Your Garlic Knots


    Now, carefully arrange your little dough knots in a single layer in your preheated air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them – give them a little breathing room so they can get nice and golden all around. Once they’re nestled in, grab a brush and generously slather that glorious garlic butter mixture all over the tops of the knots. Pop that basket back into the air fryer and let ’em cook for about 6 to 8 minutes. You’re looking for that perfect golden-brown color; they should smell amazing and be cooked through.



  4. Finishing Touches


    As soon as they’re out of the air fryer and still nice and hot, give them a sprinkle of that fresh, chopped parsley. It just adds a little brightness and makes them look extra special. Ta-da! Easy, garlicky perfection.


Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Garlic Knots Every Time

Okay, so we’ve all been there – you follow a recipe, and something still goes a tiny bit sideways, right? Don’t you worry, I’ve learned a few little tricks over the years that really make these air fryer garlic knots sing. These are the things I do every single time to make sure they turn out beautifully fluffy on the inside and perfectly golden on the outside. It’s all about loving the process and giving these amazing little dough knots the attention they deserve!


  • Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer


    This is probably the biggest one! Seriously, give those knots some space to breathe in the air fryer basket. If you pile them up, the hot air can’t circulate properly, and you’ll end up with pale, sadly undercooked spots. Just do them in batches if you have to; it’s totally worth it for that gorgeous, even golden-brown crust.



  • Adjust Air Frying Time as Needed


    Every air fryer is a little bit different, kind of like people! Yours might run a smidge hotter or cooler. So, keep an eye on those knots after about 6 minutes. They’re usually done when they’re puffed up and golden, but trust your eyes and nose! If they need another minute or two, that’s totally fine. Better a little longer than not cooked enough.



  • For Extra Garlic Kick


    If you’re a true garlic fanatic like me, you can totally amp up that garlicky flavor. Just add about another half teaspoon, maybe even a full teaspoon, of garlic powder right into that melted butter mixture. It gives them an even more intense punch of flavor that’s just out of this world. Trust me on this one!


Ingredient Spotlight: The Magic of Refrigerated Dough

You know, one of my favorite things about this recipe is how it embraces the sheer genius of refrigerated dough. It’s such a clever little hack, isn’t it? I mean, who knew you could take a can of biscuits and transform them into these gorgeous, savory garlic knots? It’s one of those kitchen shortcuts that feels incredibly satisfying because it doesn’t sacrifice flavor or that lovely homemade taste one bit. As Catherine always says, it’s all about making delicious food accessible, and this refrigerated dough is just the perfect start for a quick bread side that really hits the spot for busy weeknights or when company pops over unexpectedly!

Frequently Asked Questions about Air Fryer Garlic Knots

Got questions about these speedy little knots? I totally get it! It’s always good to know the little details. Here are some of the things people often ask me:

Can I make these without an air fryer?

Oh, absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, no worries at all. You can totally bake these in your oven. Just place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at around 375°F (190°C) until they’re nice and golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as oven times can vary!

How do I store leftover garlic knots?

These are honestly best when they’re fresh out of the air fryer. But if you do have leftovers, let them cool completely first. Then, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. They’ll lose a little bit of their crispiness, but they’re still yummy!

Are these knots spicy?

Nope, not typically! They’re super garlicky and savory thanks to all that garlic butter and Parmesan, but they don’t have any intentional spice. If YOU like a little heat, though, feel free to toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the seasonings in the butter mixture. That’s the beauty of making them yourself!

Serving and Storage for Your Air Fryer Garlic Knots

Okay, so these little guys are SO good, they’re practically begging to be devoured right away. Seriously, the best way to enjoy them is when they’re still warm and that garlic butter is melty. But if you happen to have any survivors (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to handle them.


  • Serving Suggestions


    These air fryer garlic knots are truly the ultimate sidekick! They’re absolutely perfect alongside a big bowl of your favorite pasta – think marinara, bolognese, or even a creamy Alfredo. They’re also fantastic with hearty soups or stews, or honestly, just on their own as a delightful snack with some ranch for dipping!



  • Storage and Reheating


    If, by some miracle, you have any left, make sure they cool down completely. Then, just pop them into an airtight container or a zip-top bag at room temperature. They’re best eaten the same day, but if you need to reheat them to bring back that lovely warmth and a bit of crispness, just pop them back in the air fryer for a couple of minutes at around 350°F (175°C). They won’t be *exactly* like the first go, but they’ll still be wonderfully tasty!


Estimated Nutritional Information

Now, I always like to give you a little heads-up on the nutritional side of things, just so you know what you’re working with! These estimates are based on the ingredients we used, but remember, they can vary a tiny bit depending on the brands you choose. So, think of these as a good ballpark, giving you about 150 calories per knot, with around 8 grams of fat and 15 grams of carbs. It’s crazy how you can get such a yummy bread side without totally going overboard on the calories, especially when you’re just looking for that perfect little addition to your meal!

Share Your Air Fryer Garlic Knots Creations!

Oh, I just love seeing what you all whip up! If you make these super easy air fryer garlic knots, please, please, *please* let me know how they turned out! Drop a comment below, tell me what you thought, or even better, tag me on social media! Seeing your amazing creations makes my day and totally inspires me (and everyone else who reads this!). Don’t be shy – share the garlic knot love!

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Air Fryer Garlic Knots

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Quick and easy garlic knots made with canned dough in the air fryer, perfect for pasta nights or as a snack.

  • Author: Cat
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 8 min
  • Total Time: 13 min
  • Yield: 8 knots 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (13.8 ounce) can refrigerated biscuit dough
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Separate the biscuit dough into individual biscuits.
  2. Stretch each biscuit into a rope shape.
  3. Twist each rope into a knot.
  4. Place the knots in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  5. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  6. Brush the garlic butter mixture over the knots.
  7. Air fry at 370°F (188°C) for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  8. Remove from the air fryer and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For extra garlic flavor, you can add a pinch of garlic powder to the butter mixture.
  • Serve immediately with your favorite pasta dish or as a snack.
  • These are best enjoyed fresh.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 knot
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

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Catherine Valdès is the creator, recipe developer, and food photographer behind Unfold Recipes. With a rich heritage blending Spanish traditions and Californian sensibilities, she believes that every meal has a story. After leaving a successful career in public relations to pursue her passion, Catherine honed her skills in a professional culinary arts program. Her focus is on creating approachable yet elegant recipes that inspire confidence in the kitchen. She combines her expertise in recipe development with a love for wine pairing and effortless entertaining, showing her audience how to create beautiful, delicious meals to share with loved ones.

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