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Air Fryer Tahini Sauce - Creamy, Toasty, and Fast

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Raw tahini (well-stirred): 1/2 cup
  • Fresh lemon juice: 3–4 tablespoons (about 1 large lemon)
  • Garlic: 1 large clove (or 2 small), grated or very finely minced
  • Water: 1/4 to 1/2 cup, as needed to thin
  • Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (optional, for extra silkiness)
  • Ground cumin: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Fine sea salt: 1/2 teaspoon, plus more to taste
  • Black pepper: a few grinds
  • Optional add-ins: 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt, pinch of smoked paprika, pinch of cayenne, or a drizzle of honey
  • Fresh herbs (optional): chopped parsley or cilantro, for serving

Method
 

  1. Preheat the air fryer. Set to 300°F (150°C). You want gentle heat—nothing scorching.
  2. Prep your garlic. Grate or mince it as fine as you can. Fine pieces mellow quickly and blend smoothly.
  3. Warm the aromatics. Place the garlic on a small piece of foil or in a shallow, oven-safe ramekin with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Air fry for 3–4 minutes until just fragrant and slightly softened. Avoid browning.
  4. Loosen the tahini. Stir your tahini jar well. In a heat-safe bowl, whisk the tahini with lemon juice. It will seize and thicken—this is normal.
  5. Add warm water gradually. Whisk in 2–3 tablespoons warm water at a time until the sauce turns smooth and pourable. Aim for a texture like heavy cream for drizzling or a bit thicker for dipping.
  6. Season it up. Whisk in the softened garlic, cumin, salt, pepper, and olive oil (if using). Taste and adjust: more lemon for brightness, more salt for punch, or a pinch of sugar/honey if it tastes too sharp.
  7. Optional air fryer finish. For deeper flavor, place the bowl back in the air fryer at 250–275°F (120–135°C) for 3–4 minutes, stirring halfway. This warms the sauce and lightly toasts the tahini without drying it out.
  8. Serve. Drizzle over roasted carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, salmon, chicken, or grain bowls. Sprinkle with herbs and a dusting of paprika if you like.