Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with garlic buttery goodness, air fryer garlic bread is a quick and delicious side dish or snack. Perfectly golden in just minutes, it pairs wonderfully with pasta, soups, or salads.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 10 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
- Perfectly crispy: The air fryer ensures a golden, crunchy texture every time.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the seasonings, bread type, or toppings to suit your taste.
- Versatile: Works as a side dish, appetizer, or even a base for mini pizzas.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Bread (baguette, Italian bread, or your favorite loaf)
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt
Directions
- Prepare the garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Parmesan cheese (if using), and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Prepare the bread: Slice the bread into 1-inch thick slices. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over each slice.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for 2-3 minutes.
- Cook the garlic bread: Arrange the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 4-6 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove the garlic bread from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy it on its own or as a side dish!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes 4-6 slices (depending on the size of the bread).
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 minutes
- Total Time: 10-12 minutes
Variations
- Cheesy garlic bread: Top the slices with shredded mozzarella before air frying for a gooey, cheesy delight.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture for a bit of heat.
- Herb-infused: Use Italian seasoning or dried oregano for an extra flavor boost.
- Vegan option: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative to make it dairy-free.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover garlic bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-sliced bread?
Yes, pre-sliced bread works well and saves time. Adjust the cooking time if the slices are thinner.
2. What type of bread is best for garlic bread?
Baguettes, Italian bread, or sourdough are ideal choices, but any sturdy loaf will work.
3. Can I make this without an air fryer?
Yes, bake the garlic bread in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes.
4. Can I prepare garlic bread ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the bread with the garlic butter and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 day before air frying.
5. Is fresh garlic necessary?
Fresh garlic provides the best flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
6. Can I freeze garlic bread?
Yes, assemble the bread and freeze it before air frying. Cook directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the cooking time.
7. What’s the best way to soften butter quickly?
Cut the butter into small pieces and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, or microwave it for 5-10 seconds.
8. Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
Yes, olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to butter.
9. How do I prevent the bread from burning in the air fryer?
Monitor the cooking time closely and reduce the temperature slightly if your air fryer tends to run hot.
10. Can I add more toppings?
Absolutely! Try adding toppings like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or even chopped bacon for a unique twist.
Conclusion
Air fryer garlic bread is a game-changer for busy weeknights and entertaining. With its crispy texture and mouthwatering flavor, it’s a versatile dish that’s always a hit. Whether you’re serving it alongside your favorite pasta or enjoying it as a snack, this quick and easy recipe is sure to become a favorite. Try it today and savor the deliciousness!
Print
Air Fryer Garlic Bread
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 4 slices 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Air Fryer Garlic Bread is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with garlicky, buttery goodness. Ready in under 10 minutes, it’s the perfect side dish or snack for pasta night, soups, or salads.
Ingredients
- 4 slices of French bread or Italian bread (about 1-inch thick)
- 4 tbsp (60g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Butter:
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt until well combined.
- Spread the Butter:
- Spread a generous layer of the garlic butter mixture evenly over one side of each bread slice.
- Preheat the Air Fryer (Optional):
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes.
- Cook the Garlic Bread:
- Place the slices of bread in a single layer in the air fryer basket, buttered side up. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 5-6 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy.
- Optional Parmesan Topping:
- If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it on top of the garlic bread during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Serve:
- Remove the garlic bread from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy on its own or as a side dish with your favorite meal.
Notes
- Use a baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough for variety.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
- This garlic bread is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes.