There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked Air Fryer Sourdough Garlic Knots wafting through the kitchen, is there? I can still remember the first time I tried this recipe – it was a Saturday afternoon, and I was craving something savory and satisfying. I’d just gotten an air fryer and was eager to put it to the test, so I decided to whip up a batch of these irresistible knots.
As I kneaded the dough, I couldn’t help but get a little excited. The process of working the sourdough starter into the flour was almost therapeutic, and the way the dough came together under my hands was just so satisfying. When it came time to shape the knots, I’ll admit, I was a bit nervous. Would they turn out as perfectly swirled and golden-brown as the ones I’d seen on Pinterest? But as soon as I popped that first batch into the air fryer and watched them puff up and crisp to perfection, I knew I’d found a new go-to recipe.
Those Air Fryer Sourdough Garlic Knots were gone in no time, with my family fighting over the last one. I knew right then and there that this would be a recipe I’d be making again and again. And I’m willing to bet that once you try them, these Air Fryer Sourdough Garlic Knots will become a staple in your household too.
Why This Air Fryer Sourdough Garlic Knots Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
What sets these Air Fryer Sourdough Garlic Knots apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The sourdough gives the dough a tangy, chewy base, while the garlic butter coating adds a rich, savory punch. And the air fryer? Well, that’s the secret to getting that delightfully crisp exterior without all the grease and hassle of deep-frying.
The Secret Behind Perfect Air Fryer Sourdough Garlic Knots
The key to these Air Fryer Sourdough Garlic Knots is in the technique. By letting the dough proof for just the right amount of time, you end up with a light and airy interior that’s a total contrast to the crisp outer layer. And the garlic butter coating? That’s the real star of the show, infusing every bite with mouthwatering flavor.
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Air Fryer Sourdough Garlic Knots
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 12 knots
Description
Enjoy the classic flavors of sourdough and garlic in these easy-to-make Air Fryer Sourdough Garlic Knots. Soft, fluffy, and infused with buttery garlic goodness, they make the perfect quick and family-friendly snack or side dish.
Ingredients
– 1 cup sourdough starter
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. – In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter and warm water. Stir to combine.
2. – Add the flour and salt, and knead the dough until it forms a smooth, elastic ball.
3. – Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 hour.
4. – Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
5. – Roll each piece into a rope and tie it into a knot.
6. – Place the knots in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch.
7. – Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown.
8. – In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and minced garlic.
9. – Brush the garlic butter over the hot knots, then sprinkle with chopped parsley (if using).
10. – Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
– For extra crispiness, air fry the knots in batches.
– Try different herbs or spices in the garlic butter for added flavor.
– These knots can be made ahead and reheated in the air fryer before serving.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these showstopping Air Fryer Sourdough Garlic Knots, you’ll need:
Sourdough starter – This is the foundation of the dough, providing that signature tangy flavor and chewy texture.
All-purpose flour – The perfect partner for the sourdough starter.
Salt – To enhance all the other flavors.
Warm water – For bringing the dough together.
Butter – The rich, creamy base for the garlic coating.
Garlic – Minced or crushed, this gives the knots their irresistible savory punch.
Parsley – Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and fresh, herbaceous notes.
Step-by-Step Air Fryer Sourdough Garlic Knots Instructions
Preparing Your Air Fryer Sourdough Garlic Knots
Making these Air Fryer Sourdough Garlic Knots is a total breeze, and the results are well worth the (minimal) effort. The whole process, from start to finish, takes just about an hour. You’ll need an air fryer, of course, as well as a few basic kitchen tools like a mixing bowl, baking sheet, and pastry brush.
1- Start by activating your sourdough starter. Feed it with equal parts flour and water and let it sit at room temperature for 8-12 hours until it’s nice and bubbly.
2- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, flour, salt, and warm water. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
3- Cover the dough and let it proof for 30-45 minutes, until it’s doubled in size.
4- Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles, then divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope, then tie it into a knot.
5- Arrange the knots on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave a little space between each one.
6- Air fry the knots at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfectly air-fried sourdough garlic knots is all in the timing and technique. Here are a few pro tips to ensure your knots turn out amazing every time:
– Make sure your sourdough starter is nice and active before using it. The more bubbles, the better the rise.
– Don’t overwork the dough – you want it to be smooth and elastic, but not tough.
– Be gentle when shaping the knots to avoid deflating the dough.
– Keep a close eye on the knots in the air fryer, as cooking times can vary depending on your model.
– For extra garlic flavor, try rubbing the cooked knots with a raw garlic clove before tossing in the butter.
Serving and Storing Your Air Fryer Sourdough Garlic Knots
Perfect Pairings for Air Fryer Sourdough Garlic Knots
These Air Fryer Sourdough Garlic Knots are the ultimate shareable snack or appetizer. They’d be absolutely perfect alongside a big, saucy pasta dish, or paired with a crisp, refreshing salad for a lighter meal. And let’s not forget the dipping sauces – marinara, pesto, or even a creamy garlic aioli would all be incredible with these savory knots.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Luckily, these Air Fryer Sourdough Garlic Knots hold up really well. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop them back in the air fryer for a minute or two to crisp them up again.
You can also make the dough in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to bake, just let the dough come to room temperature, then shape and air fry as usual. And if you want to get a head start, you can even shape the knots ahead of time and freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Just add a couple extra minutes to the air frying time when cooking from frozen.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Air Fryer Sourdough Garlic Knots
Creative Air Fryer Sourdough Garlic Knots Variations
The great thing about this Air Fryer Sourdough Garlic Knots recipe is that it’s super versatile. You can easily switch up the flavors to suit your tastes. Try swapping the garlic butter for pesto, or sprinkling the cooked knots with grated Parmesan and fresh basil. For a spicy kick, mix some cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes into the butter. And don’t be afraid to get creative with the shapes – mini pretzel bites or cinnamon-sugar twists would both be incredible.
Making Air Fryer Sourdough Garlic Knots Diet-Friendly
Looking to make these Air Fryer Sourdough Garlic Knots a little more diet-friendly? No problem! For a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. And to make them vegan, simply swap the butter for your favorite plant-based alternative. You can even go low-carb by using a keto-friendly dough recipe and skipping the garlic butter coating entirely. The possibilities are endless!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular yeast instead of sourdough starter?
A: While you can substitute active dry yeast for the sourdough starter, it won’t give you the same chewy, tangy flavor profile. The sourdough is really what makes these Air Fryer Sourdough Garlic Knots so special.
Q: How do I know when the dough is proofed enough?
A: The dough is ready when it’s doubled in size and springs back gently when poked. Keep a close eye on it during the proofing time, as over-proofing can cause the dough to collapse.
Q: Can I bake these knots in the oven instead of the air fryer?
A: Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can absolutely bake these knots in a 400°F oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Q: How many knots does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 12 individual Air Fryer Sourdough Garlic Knots. Feel free to adjust the serving size as needed – the dough can be divided into more or fewer pieces depending on your preference.
Q: My knots came out a little dry. What did I do wrong?
A: Overcooked or over-proofed dough can lead to dry, tough knots. Make sure you’re keeping a close eye on the air frying time and not letting the dough rise for too long. A little extra moisture in the garlic butter coating can also help.
Conclusion
There’s really nothing quite like warm, freshly baked Air Fryer Sourdough Garlic Knots, is there? I hope this recipe inspires you to get in the kitchen and give them a try. The combination of that irresistible sourdough flavor and the crispy, garlic-buttery exterior is just out of this world.
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up that air fryer, and get ready to enjoy the most delicious snack or appetizer ever. And don’t forget to let me know how they turn out – I love seeing your creations!
