You know those days when you want something warm, buttery, and garlicky without spending hours in the kitchen? That’s exactly why I fell in love with these air fryer garlic parmesan knots. They’re my go-to when friends drop by unexpectedly or when I need a quick snack that feels indulgent. It all started when I was testing air fryer recipes, and wow—this one surprised me. In less than 20 minutes, you get golden, crispy knots with a punch of garlic and just the right amount of parmesan. Trust me, they disappear faster than you can say, “Pass the marinara!”

Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Knots
These little knots are pure magic, and here’s why:
- Crazy fast: From fridge to table in under 20 minutes – perfect for last-minute cravings
- Minimal effort: No dough-making stress (thank you, refrigerated biscuits!)
- That perfect crunch: The air fryer gives them an irresistible golden crispiness
- Flavor bomb: Garlicky, buttery, cheesy goodness in every bite
- Endless possibilities: Dress them up or down for any occasion
Seriously, I make these at least twice a week – they’re that good and that easy.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Knots
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these addictive little knots – and yes, I’ve tried shortcuts, but trust me, this combo works best:
- 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough: The flaky kind works magic here
- 1/4 cup melted butter: Real butter only – it makes all the difference
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh is non-negotiable for that punchy flavor
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese: The good stuff from the refrigerated section
- 1 tsp dried parsley: Or fresh if you’re feeling fancy
- 1/4 tsp salt: Just enough to make the flavors pop
20-Minute Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Knots – Irresistible
- Total Time: 18 mins
- Yield: 16 knots 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy garlic parmesan knots made in an air fryer for a quick and flavorful snack.
Ingredients
- 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut each biscuit into 4 strips and roll into knots.
- Mix melted butter, garlic, parmesan, parsley, and salt in a bowl.
- Coat each knot with the butter mixture.
- Place knots in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Check knots halfway to ensure even cooking.
- Use fresh garlic for best flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 8 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 knots
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: air fryer garlic parmesan knots, quick snack, easy appetizer
See? Nothing weird or hard-to-find. I always keep these basics on hand for impromptu knot emergencies!
Equipment Needed
You probably have most of this already, but here’s what I grab before starting:
- Air fryer: Any size works – just cook in batches if needed
- Small mixing bowl: For that glorious garlic butter mixture
- Pastry brush: Helps coat every nook of those knots evenly
That’s it! No fancy gadgets required – just like Grandma would’ve wanted (if she’d had an air fryer).
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Knots
Now for the fun part! I’ve made these dozens of times, and here’s my foolproof method for perfect knots every single time. The secret is in the technique – don’t skip any steps!
Preparing the Dough
Pop open that biscuit can (that little “pop” never gets old, does it?). I like to lightly flour my hands and work surface to prevent sticking. Here’s my method:
- Separate the biscuits and lay them flat
- Cut each into 4 equal strips – kitchen shears work great for this
- Roll each strip gently between your palms to about 5 inches long
- Tie in a simple knot, tucking the ends underneath
Pro tip: Don’t stress about perfection! Rustic, slightly uneven knots actually look more homemade and charming.
Mixing the Garlic Parmesan Coating
This is where the magic happens! In that small mixing bowl, combine:
- Melted butter (not too hot – just warm enough to blend easily)
- Freshly minced garlic (I press mine through a garlic press for extra potency)
- Parmesan, parsley, and salt
Stir until it’s all beautifully combined – you want every knot to get equal parts of all that flavor. The mixture should be thick enough to cling to the knots but still pourable.
Air Frying the Knots
Finally, the grand finale! Here’s how to get them golden and perfect:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for about 3 minutes
- Use that pastry brush to coat each knot thoroughly with the garlic butter
- Arrange in a single layer with some breathing room – no touching!
- Cook for 6 minutes, then check – they should be just starting to brown
- Give the basket a gentle shake and go another 1-2 minutes until beautifully golden
Watch closely at the end – that last minute makes all the difference between perfect and overdone. When they smell irresistible and look like little golden crowns, they’re done!

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Knots
After making these dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds), here are my foolproof tips to guarantee knot success every time:
- Fresh garlic is key: That jarred stuff just doesn’t give the same punch – trust me, I learned the hard way
- Check early, check often: All air fryers run differently – my first batch is done in 6 minutes flat
- Give them space: Overcrowding = soggy knots. I’d rather do two perfect batches than one sad, crowded one
- Brush, don’t dunk: Too much butter makes them greasy. A light brushing gets flavor in every crevice
- Serve immediately: They’re at their crispy best straight from the air fryer – but good luck not eating them all!
Variations for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Knots
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these fun twists – I’ve tested them all, and each brings something special:
- Spicy kick: Add 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to the butter mixture – just enough heat to keep things interesting
- Cheesy pull: Mix in 2 tbsp shredded mozzarella with the parmesan for that irresistible stretch
- Herb garden: Swap parsley for fresh rosemary or thyme when I’m feeling fancy
- Everything flavor: Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning after brushing for extra crunch
My husband’s favorite? The spicy version with extra garlic – no surprise there!
Serving Suggestions
These garlic parmesan knots deserve fabulous company! Here’s how I love serving them:
- Classic combo: Warm marinara sauce for dipping (I use my favorite jarred sauce heated with extra garlic)
- Soup’s best friend: Dunk them in tomato basil soup – pure comfort food heaven
- Salad sidekick: Pair with a crisp Caesar salad for a light-but-satisfying meal
- Cocktail party star: Stack them high on a board with olives and charcuterie
Honestly? They’re magical straight from the basket while hovering over the air fryer too – no judgment here!
Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Knots
Let’s be real – these knots rarely last long enough to store! But when they do (miracles happen), here’s my method: Cool completely, then tuck them into an airtight container for up to 2 days. To revive that fresh-from-the-fryer magic, pop them back in at 350°F for just 1-2 minutes. They’ll come out nearly as crispy as day one – just maybe hide them from your family first!
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Knots Nutritional Info
Here’s the scoop on what you’re biting into (per serving of 4 knots): about 180 calories with that perfect balance of crispy, garlicky goodness. Remember – nutrition varies slightly based on the exact ingredients and brands you use. But let’s be honest, when they’re this delicious, who’s counting?
Common Questions About Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Knots
I get asked about these knots all the time – here are the questions that pop up most often in my kitchen (and my tried-and-true answers):
Can I use frozen dough instead?
Absolutely! Thaw it first though – frozen dough won’t knot properly. The texture might be slightly denser, but still delicious.
How do I prevent sticking?
A quick spritz of oil on the basket works wonders. Also, don’t skimp on the butter coating – it acts as a natural non-stick barrier.
Can I make these ahead?
Prep the knots and keep them coated in the fridge for up to 2 hours before air frying. Any longer and the dough gets soggy.
Why are my knots dry?
You probably overcooked them – start checking at 5 minutes. Also, make sure your butter mixture fully coats each knot for maximum moisture.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just work in batches – overcrowding is the enemy of crispy knots. I usually do two perfect batches rather than one crowded one.
Still have questions? Drop them in the comments – I test every variation imaginable and love helping troubleshoot!
For more delicious recipes and inspiration, check out our Pinterest page!