13-Minute Savory Rosemary and Garlic Knots That Wow

Oh my gosh, you have to try these savory rosemary and garlic knots. I swear, they’re the easiest little bites of heaven you’ll ever make in your air fryer. When my sister showed up unannounced last weekend with hungry kids in tow, I whipped these up in literally 13 minutes flat – dough to done. The smell of garlic and fresh rosemary filling my kitchen was insane, and those golden, buttery knots disappeared faster than I could say “game day snack” Trust me, once you see how simple these are to make, you’ll be tossing that refrigerated pizza dough in your cart every shopping trip.

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Why You’ll Love These Savory Rosemary and Garlic Knots

Listen, these little knots are about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen. I can’t count how many times they’ve saved me when I needed something delicious in a pinch. Here’s why they’re absolutely magical:

• That irresistible garlic-rosemary aroma will have everyone hovering around your kitchen
• Seriously – from fridge to table in just 13 minutes? Yes please.
• Only 6 simple ingredients (and you probably have most already)
• Crowd-pleasing flavor that works for kids and foodies alike

Quick and Easy

I’m not kidding about the 13-minute promise. The air fryer works its magic so fast. Just roll, twist, cook, and brush – that’s it. No waiting for dough to rise or dealing with messy deep frying. Even my 10-year-old nephew can make these (with supervision around the air fryer, of course).

Perfect for Any Occasion

Game day? Check. Last-minute appetizer for unexpected guests? Double check. Late-night snack attack? Oh absolutely. These knots transform any moment into something special. I’ve served them at everything from fancy wine nights to backyard BBQs – they always disappear first.

Ingredients for Savory Rosemary and Garlic Knots

Okay, let’s gather the goods. The beauty of this recipe is how few ingredients you need – I bet you’ve got most of them in your pantry right now. Here’s what makes these knots so darn delicious:

• 1 can refrigerated pizza dough – Don’t stress about making dough from scratch here. That trusty Pillsbury can in your fridge? Perfect.
• 2 tbsp olive oil – Use the good stuff here, not the cheap cooking oil. That rich, fruity flavor makes all the difference.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh is best. The pre-minced jarred stuff just doesn’t give the same punch of flavor.
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped – Please, please use fresh rosemary. Those dried little sticks in your spice rack won’t do this recipe justice. The fragrant, piney aroma of fresh rosemary is what makes these knots special.
• 1/4 tsp salt – Just enough to make all the flavors pop.
• 1/4 tsp black pepper – Freshly ground if you’ve got it, but regular pepper works too.

See? I told you it was simple. Now go check your kitchen – you’re probably already halfway there. Oh, and pro tip: have all your ingredients measured and ready before you start. When things move this fast in the air fryer, prep is everything.

How to Make Savory Rosemary and Garlic Knots

Alright, let’s get these heavenly knots going. I promise it’s easier than tying your shoes (and way more delicious). Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have golden, aromatic knots ready before your guests finish their first drink.

Step 1: Prep the Dough

First, pop open that can of pizza dough – you know, the satisfying “pop” that always makes me jump a little? Flour your counter lightly (trust me, sticky dough is no fun) and gently roll it out into a rectangle about 12 inches long. No need to be perfect here – rustic is charming. Now grab a pizza cutter or sharp knife and slice it into 8 equal strips. I usually eyeball it, but if you’re feeling precise, they should be about 1½ inches wide each.

Step 2: Shape and Cook

Here comes the fun part. Take each strip and give it a little twist – like you’re wringing out a tiny towel – then fold it into a loose knot. Don’t stress about making them identical; irregular knots have character. Pop them into your preheated air fryer basket at 350°F, leaving a little space between each one so they can puff up properly. Set your timer for 6 minutes, but peek at 5 – every air fryer runs a bit different. You’re looking for that perfect golden-brown color that makes your mouth water instantly.

Step 3: Add Flavor

While those beauties are cooking, whisk together your olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Oh, that smell. When the knots come out all puffed and gorgeous, immediately brush them generously with your garlic-rosemary oil. The warm knots will soak up all that flavor like little sponges. Warning: resisting the urge to eat them straight from the basket requires serious willpower.

See? Three easy steps to snack heaven. Now try not to burn your fingers as you dive in – though honestly, I won’t judge if you can’t wait.

Tips for the Best Savory Rosemary and Garlic Knots

After making these garlic knots more times than I can count (seriously, my neighbors start sniffing the air when I make them), I’ve picked up some tricks that take them from good to “oh-my-gosh-give-me-the-recipe” amazing:

• Fresh is best: That jar of dried rosemary in your spice rack? Leave it there. Fresh rosemary makes all the difference – the aromatic oils in the fresh leaves infuse the oil beautifully. Just run your knife through it right before mixing for maximum flavor.
• Don’t crowd the basket: I learned this the hard way when my first batch came out doughy in the middle. Give each knot about an inch of breathing room so the hot air can circulate properly. You might need to cook in batches, but it’s worth it.
• Brush while hot: The second those knots come out of the air fryer, hit them with the garlic-rosemary oil. Warm knots absorb flavors like magic, creating that perfect balance of crispy outside and flavorful inside.
• Watch the garlic: If you’re using a powerful air fryer, check at 5 minutes – burnt garlic is no one’s friend. The knots should be golden, not brown, when done.
• Serve immediately: These are at their absolute peak when fresh from the air fryer. That said, if you must wait, keep them uncovered on a rack so they don’t get soggy.

One last tip from my many kitchen experiments: if your dough seems extra sticky, dust your hands lightly with flour before shaping. Sticky dough fingers are the worst when you’re trying to tie those cute little knots.

Variations for Savory Rosemary and Garlic Knots

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how easily you can mix it up. While the classic version is perfection, sometimes you want to play around with flavors. Here are my favorite tweaks that still keep things quick and delicious:

• Cheesy Twist: Oh my goodness, try adding a sprinkle of parmesan or asiago cheese to the oil mixture. About 2 tablespoons grated right into the garlic-rosemary oil takes these to another level. For extra cheesiness, you can even stuff little nuggets of mozzarella inside each knot before air frying – just be careful, the melted cheese gets HOT.
• Herb Swaps: No fresh rosemary? Don’t panic. While fresh is best, in a pinch you can use 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (crush it between your fingers first to wake up the oils). Or get creative – thyme or oregano make fantastic substitutes. My sister swears by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
• Garlic Options: Fresh garlic is ideal, but if you’re really short on time, ½ teaspoon garlic powder works in the oil mix. For garlic lovers (like me), roast a whole head of garlic and mix the soft cloves into your oil instead of mincing – the mellow, sweet flavor is incredible.
• Everything Bagel Style: Before cooking, brush the knots with egg wash and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning. The onion, garlic, sesame and poppy seeds add fantastic texture and flavor. My kids go nuts for this version.

Honestly, the possibilities are endless – that’s what makes this recipe such a keeper. Just remember the golden rule: don’t overload the knots with too many add-ins, or they won’t cook evenly in the air fryer. Keep it simple and let those delicious flavors shine through.

Serving Suggestions

Okay, let’s talk about how to serve these little bundles of joy. While they’re absolutely delicious plain (I’ve been known to eat them straight from the basket), here are my favorite ways to make them shine:

• Classic Dipping: Warm marinara sauce is my go-to – that tangy tomato flavor pairs perfectly with the garlic and rosemary. But don’t stop there. Ranch dressing makes a surprisingly delicious dip, especially if you add a pinch of extra garlic powder to it. My kids love dunking them in melted garlic butter (because you can never have too much garlic, right?).
• Soup’s Best Friend: These knots are magical alongside a bowl of creamy tomato soup or minestrone. Tear off little pieces and let them soak up the broth – it’s comfort food heaven. I always make extra when serving soup because they disappear fast.
• Party Platter: Arrange them on a wooden board with small bowls of different dips – marinara, pesto, and a spicy aioli make a gorgeous trio. Throw in some olives and cured meats, and suddenly you’ve got an impressive antipasto spread.
• Breakfast Twist: Leftover knots? (Ha, as if) But if by some miracle you have any, warm them up and serve with soft scrambled eggs. The rosemary gives breakfast such a fancy feel – perfect for lazy weekend brunches.

Honestly, these knots are so versatile they’ll elevate any meal. Just be warned – no matter how you serve them, they’ll be gone before you know it.

Storage and Reheating

Okay, let’s be real – chances are slim these garlic knots will last long enough to need storing. But just in case you’ve got superhero-level self-control (or made a double batch like I sometimes do), here’s how to keep them tasting fresh:

First, let them cool completely – no sealing them up while they’re still warm or you’ll get soggy knots (and nobody wants that). Then pop them into an airtight container with a paper towel at the bottom to absorb any excess moisture. They’ll keep at room temperature for about 2 days, though honestly, they’re best eaten the same day for maximum crispness.

When you’re ready for round two, reheating is a breeze. Just toss them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 1-2 minutes until they’re warm and crispy again. The air fryer works magic on day-old knots – they come out tasting almost fresh-baked. Microwave works in a pinch, but they’ll lose that perfect crisp texture, so I don’t recommend it unless you’re desperate.

Pro tip: If you’re planning ahead, you can actually freeze the unbrushed, cooked knots in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When cravings hit, reheat frozen knots in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, then brush with fresh garlic-rosemary oil. The flavor will be just as amazing as day one.

Nutritional Information

Now, I’m no nutritionist, but I know some folks like to keep track of what they’re eating (especially when snacks are this addictive). Here’s the scoop on what’s in each of these heavenly garlic knots – just remember these are estimates since ingredients can vary:

• Calories: About 120 per knot – totally reasonable for such a flavor-packed bite.
• Fat: 5g (mostly from that good olive oil we used)
• Carbs: 16g (hey, it’s bread – what did you expect?)
• Protein: 2g (not bad for an appetizer)
• Sugar: Just 1g (most coming from the pizza dough)
• Sodium: 220mg (that’s why we only use 1/4 tsp salt)

Important note: These numbers can change depending on your exact ingredients – especially the brand of pizza dough you use or how generous you are with the olive oil brush at the end. My philosophy? Life’s too short to stress over every calorie when you’re eating something this delicious. But if you’re tracking closely, it’s always good to calculate based on your specific products.

And hey – compared to deep-fried appetizers or buttery garlic bread, these air fryer knots are practically health food. At least that’s what I tell myself when I “accidentally” eat three in a row…

FAQ About Savory Rosemary and Garlic Knots

I get so many questions about these irresistible knots – seems like everyone wants to make them perfect. Here are answers to the most common ones that pop up in my kitchen and inbox:

Final Thoughts

Well folks, there you have it – my absolute obsession in snack form. These savory rosemary and garlic knots have saved my bacon (and my reputation as a host) more times than I can count. Whether it’s last-minute guests or just a serious carb craving, this 13-minute miracle never lets me down.

The best part? Seeing people’s faces light up when they take that first bite. That golden crunch giving way to soft, garlicky herb perfection? Pure magic. I can’t wait for you to experience it too – and I’d love to hear how yours turn out. Did you add parmesan? Try the everything bagel twist? Have a meltdown over how good they are? (That last one happens a lot.)

Seriously, drop me a note or tag me when you make them. There’s nothing I love more than seeing your kitchen adventures. Now go grab that pizza dough and get twisting – your taste buds will thank you. And hey, if you eat three before they even hit the serving plate… well, that’s between you and the air fryer.

These 13-Minute Savory Rosemary and Garlic Knots are the ultimate quick bread that will wow any crowd with their aromatic flavor and soft, buttery texture. If you love easy baked sides, you’ll adore our Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie or our Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Rosemary. We’d love to see your beautiful knots—share them with us on Facebook Find more quick and impressive recipes in our Dinner collection. Print