
So you’re craving something warm, bready, and ridiculously tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same, friend, *same*.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
Okay, let’s be real. This isn’t gourmet, “I spent all day kneading dough” kind of bread. This is “I need carbs, and I need them NOW” kind of bread. And guess what? Your trusty air fryer is about to become your new best friend for all things warm and doughy. We’re talking stupid-easy garlic and herb knots that taste like you actually tried, but really, you barely lifted a finger. It’s practically idiot-proof. Even I didn’t mess it up, and I once set off a smoke detector making toast. True story.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- One can of refrigerated biscuit dough: The cheap kind, the fancy kind, doesn’t matter. Just make sure it’s the regular size, not the jumbo hockey pucks.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Because butter makes everything better. Don’t fight me on this.
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced: Or a teaspoon of garlic powder if you’re feeling extra lazy. No judgment.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: Or whatever dried herbs you have lurking in your pantry. Oregano, parsley, a pinch of magic dust… go wild!
- A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese (optional but highly recommended): For that extra oomph.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, also optional): Makes it look fancy, like you know what you’re doing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Pop and Prep: Open that can of biscuit dough. Try not to jump when it pops. Separate each biscuit and cut it into 3-4 strips.
- Knot it Up: Take each strip and tie it into a loose knot. Don’t worry about perfection; rustic is in!
- Butter Bath: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Dip each knot into the butter mixture, making sure it’s coated. You can also just toss them all together if you’re feeling less delicate.
- Air Fryer Time! Lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the knots in a single layer, making sure they’re not overcrowding the basket. You’ll likely need to do this in batches.
- Cook ‘Em: Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Halfway through, give the basket a little shake or flip the knots for even browning.
- Garnish & Devour: Once done, transfer them to a serving plate. If using, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve warm and watch them disappear faster than your weekend plans.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the basket: Seriously, don’t do it. Your knots will steam instead of crisp, and no one wants soggy knots. Always cook in batches!
- Forgetting to preheat (if your air fryer requires it): Some air fryers are ready to rock immediately, others like a little warm-up. Check your manual, or just give it 2-3 minutes at temp before adding food. Rookie mistake otherwise.
- Not checking for doneness: Air fryers can vary wildly. Don’t just set a timer and walk away. Check at the 5-minute mark. You’re looking for golden brown gloriousness, not charred nuggets.
- Skipping the butter: IMO, this is a non-negotiable. It’s what makes them delicious.
Alternatives & Substitutions
Feeling adventurous? Or just ran out of something crucial? No problem, we got options!
- Make it sweet: Instead of garlic and herbs, try mixing melted butter with cinnamon sugar and a splash of vanilla extract. Drizzle with a simple glaze (powdered sugar + milk) afterward. Hello, air fryer cinnamon knots!
- Different Dough: No biscuit dough? Puff pastry or even pizza dough cut into strips would work in a pinch, though cooking times might vary. Get creative!
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your butter mixture for a little kick.
- Vegan-ish: Use a plant-based biscuit dough (check labels!) and vegan butter. Easy peasy.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Can I use frozen dough? You absolutely can, but make sure it’s thawed completely first. Otherwise, you’ll have burnt outsides and raw insides. Gross.
- My knots aren’t browning evenly, what gives? Every air fryer is a diva in its own right. Make sure you’re not overcrowding, and definitely give the basket a shake or flip them halfway through. That’s usually the culprit!
- How do I store leftovers? Leftovers? What are those? Kidding (mostly). Store them in an airtight container at room temp for a day or two, or in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly in the air fryer for best results!
- Can I make these ahead of time? You could prep the knots and butter them up a bit ahead of time, but they really are best cooked fresh. They’re so quick, it’s worth the immediate gratification. FYI.
- What about using parchment paper in the air fryer? You can totally use air fryer safe parchment paper to help with cleanup, but make sure it’s specifically for air fryers and has holes for air circulation. Don’t let it fly around when cooking!
Final Thoughts
See? Told ya it was easy! You’ve just whipped up some seriously delicious, warm, garlicky bread goodness without breaking a sweat or dirtying a million dishes. Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it!
