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These Air Fryer Garlic Knots are soft, buttery, and bursting with garlicky flavor — all made from store-bought pizza dough and ready in minutes. They’re the ultimate warm-up to any meal and honestly steal the show every time.

The first time I made these for a dinner party, everyone hovered around the air fryer just waiting for the next batch. They’re golden on the outside, fluffy inside, and so easy to pull apart and dip in marinara or ranch.

You only need 5 ingredients, no kneading, and zero stress. The air fryer gives them that oven-baked look and feel in under 10 minutes. Great for holiday gatherings, game days, or just a cozy pasta night.

Let’s make the garlic knots of your dreams!

🥕 Ingredients Overview

Here’s what you need for garlic knots:

Refrigerated Pizza Dough: One can is all you need — store-bought shortcuts FTW!
Butter: Melted for brushing before and after air frying.
Garlic Powder: Flavor without burning in the air fryer.
Parsley: Adds color and freshness.
Parmesan: Optional but amazing — adds salty bite and that classic pizzeria vibe.

Pro Tip: Want a flavor upgrade? Add Italian seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter.

🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

Cut the Dough: Unroll 1 can of pizza dough and cut into 12 strips.
Tie into Knots: Gently tie each strip into a loose knot.
Brush with Butter: Mix 3 tbsp melted butter with 1 tsp garlic powder and 1 tbsp chopped parsley. Brush over knots.
Preheat Air Fryer: Set to 350°F and preheat for 2–3 minutes.
Air Fry: Arrange in a single layer and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden.
Top & Serve: Sprinkle with Parmesan and serve warm.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd — work in batches for even browning.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Tying knots too tightly (they won’t puff properly)
Overcrowding the basket (they won’t brown evenly)
Skipping the butter before air frying (less flavor)
Forgetting to preheat the air fryer
Using raw garlic (can burn)

🎨 Variations & Add-Ons

Cheesy: Add shredded mozzarella inside each knot before tying.
Vegetarian: This recipe is vegetarian as-is!
Kid-Friendly: Serve with marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.
Holiday: Shape into mini wreaths and sprinkle with red pepper and parsley.
Extra Garlicky: Add a second brushing of garlic butter after cooking.

You can also try a sweet version by brushing with cinnamon sugar butter instead!

📦 Make Ahead & Storage

These knots are best fresh but here’s how to prep ahead:

Make Ahead: Tie knots and refrigerate up to 12 hours before air frying.
Fridge: Store cooked knots in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 320°F for 3–4 minutes.
Freezer: Freeze after baking and reheat straight from frozen for 4–5 minutes at 350°F.

🥗 Nutrition Highlights

These garlic knots are lighter than deep-fried versions and easy to portion. Pair with a side salad for balance!