Air Fryer Garlic Bread
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Ready to level up your garlic bread game? This Air Fryer Garlic Bread is the crispy, golden perfection you didn’t know you needed. In just minutes, you’ll have a side dish that’s buttery, garlicky, and so easy to make you’ll wonder why you ever used the oven. Ideal for busy weeknights or when you just need a quick snack, this recipe will be your new go-to for deliciously simple comfort food.
This side dish recipe is so good with so many things, but especially pasta recipes! Try it with my lasagna, Alfredo, or even soups and salads!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Perfection: The air fryer delivers a perfectly crispy crust while keeping the inside soft and buttery.
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples—bread, butter, garlic, and herbs.
- No Need to Heat the Oven: Keep your kitchen cool and save energy by skipping the oven altogether.
- Perfect for Leftover Bread: A great way to use up day-old bread and avoid waste.
You know that feeling when you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and a little indulgent, but you don’t want to spend forever in the kitchen? That’s where this Air Fryer Garlic Bread comes in. I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s a total game-changer. In just minutes, you’ve got perfectly crispy, buttery garlic bread that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant. And if you’re into cheesy garlic toast (who isn’t?), this recipe takes it to a whole new level—seriously, 10x better than anything you’d grab from the freezer aisle.
I’ve made this so many times, it’s basically a household staple now. The best part? You can whip it up with whatever bread you’ve got lying around. Plus, there’s no need to heat up the whole kitchen—thank you, air fryer! So next time you’re eyeing that sad loaf of bread or just need a quick side to go with dinner, trust me, give this a try. It’s so good, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for store-bought.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Butter: Soften your butter to room temperature before mixing in the garlic and herbs. This makes it easier to spread evenly across the bread, ensuring every bite is deliciously buttery.
- Garlic: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic and finely mince it. If you’re short on time, garlic paste or pre-minced garlic can work, but fresh will give you that bold, aromatic punch.
- Parmesan: Opt for freshly grated Parmesan rather than the pre-packaged stuff. It melts better and has a richer flavor that really elevates your garlic bread.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh note to the garlic bread. Chop it finely to distribute it evenly and sprinkle some on top after cooking for a burst of color and flavor.
- French Bread: Use a crusty French bread with a soft interior for the best texture contrast—crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Slightly stale bread actually works better as it soaks up the butter mixture without getting soggy.
- Mozzarella (optional): If you’re adding mozzarella, go for low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella. It melts perfectly without making the bread too greasy, and you’ll get that lovely, stretchy cheese pull that everyone loves.
Ingredient Substitutions
This easy air fryer recipe is fairly basic, but there are a few substitutions you can make!
- Butter: Substitute with olive oil for a dairy-free option.
- Garlic: Use garlic powder instead of fresh for a milder flavor.
- Parmesan: Swap with grated Pecorino Romano for a similar taste.
- French Bread: Try using baguette, sourdough, or ciabatta instead.
- Spice: Add red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
- Herbs: Sprinkle on Italian seasoning for an extra herbaceous flavor.
- Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a unique twist.
How To Make Garlic Bread In An Air Fryer
This recipe could not be easier to make. It takes just a few minutes and really does taste better than anything you’ll get from the freezer section!
- Mix the Butter: In a bowl, mix together the butter, garlic, parmesan cheese, and parsley.
- Add the Bread: Spread this mixture thickly on one side of each slice of French bread.
- Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top of the buttered side.
- Cook: Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees. Once it’s hot, place the bread slices in the air fryer with the cheese side facing up. Cook for 5 minutes. Enjoy your delicious garlic bread!
Storage and Reheating
Got leftovers? Store your garlic bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in foil. It’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until it’s warm and crispy again.
Freezer Option: You can also freeze your garlic bread before cooking! Assemble the bread with the butter, garlic, and cheese, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply cook it straight from the freezer in the air fryer—no need to thaw. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time, and you’re good to go!
Tips for Success:
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating your air fryer for a few minutes ensures that your garlic bread starts cooking immediately, giving you that perfect crispy exterior.
Spread Evenly: Make sure the garlic butter mixture is spread evenly over the bread slices. This helps each slice get that full garlic flavor in every bite.
Don’t Overcrowd: If you’re making multiple slices, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Air circulation is key for even cooking, so give each slice some space.
Check Halfway Through: Keep an eye on the garlic bread as it cooks—air fryers can vary in power, so it’s a good idea to check halfway through to prevent overcooking.
Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs the garlic butter mixture better without getting too soggy, making it ideal for this recipe.
Recipe FAQs
Keep an eye on it as it cooks, especially the first time you make it. Air fryers can vary, so check the bread halfway through the cooking time. If it looks like it’s browning too quickly, lower the temperature slightly.
Yes! While French bread is classic, you can use any crusty bread like a baguette, ciabatta, or even sourdough. Just adjust the cooking time if the bread is thicker or thinner.
Definitely! You can assemble the garlic bread and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Alternatively, you can freeze it and cook it directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Yes, you can bake the garlic bread in a conventional oven at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, or until it’s golden and crispy. However, the air fryer gives it a uniquely crispy texture that’s hard to beat!
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Air Fryer Garlic Bread
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter (softened)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese
- 1½ teaspoons chopped parsley (plus more for topping)
- 6 slices French bread
- 1/2 cup mozzarella (shredded)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together the butter, garlic, parmesan cheese, and parsley.
- Spread this mixture thickly on one side of each slice of French bread.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top of the buttered side.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees.
- Once it’s hot, place the bread slices in the air fryer with the cheese side facing up.
- Cook for 5 minutes. Enjoy your delicious garlic bread!
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Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
