Air Fryer Garlic Bread: Reheating Tips And Tricks

Garlic bread is a delicious side dish that can be made in an air fryer in just a few minutes. The air fryer's high temperature and air circulation create the perfect crispy texture for garlic bread, with a soft and fluffy middle. You can use a variety of breads, such as a baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough, and the choice of butter, garlic, and cheese remains the same. The key to success is to cook the bread in a single layer and keep a close eye on it to avoid burning. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a snack, and you can even make it vegan by substituting olive oil or vegan butter for the butter.

How to make garlic bread in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Bread (baguette, ciabatta, Italian loaf, or sourdough)
• Butter (salted or unsalted)
• Garlic (freshly minced or powder)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Parsley (dried or fresh)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (or 180°C).
• Prepare the garlic butter by mixing softened butter with garlic, parsley, parmesan cheese (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Cut the bread into slices or halves. If slicing, cut the bread into 1/2-inch thick slices. If halving, cut the ends off the loaf and then cut in half vertically.
• Spread the garlic butter mixture onto the bread. If slicing, spread it on one side of each slice. If halving, spread it onto the cut, horizontal plane of each piece.
• Place the bread into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring the slices do not overlap. You may need to cook in batches.
• Air fry for 4-6 minutes, or until golden and crispy. For softer garlic bread, cook for 2-3 minutes.

Tips

• If using salted butter, there is no need to add extra salt to the garlic butter mixture.
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese works better than the prepared kind as it melts more easily.
• If using sliced bread, spread the butter mixture evenly, using about 1 teaspoon per slice to avoid sogginess.
• Keep a close eye on the bread while it cooks, especially if you have added parmesan cheese, as it can burn easily.
• For vegan garlic bread, substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter, and parmesan cheese with a vegan substitute, nutritional yeast, or simply omit the cheese.

The best type of bread to use

When cutting the bread, it is important to ensure that the slices are even and not too thick. This is because the thickness of the slices will affect the cooking time. For most types of bread, a thickness of 1/2 inch is recommended. If you are using a French baguette, you can cut the bread into 2-inch thick slices.

The best type of butter to use

When it comes to making garlic bread, the best type of butter to use is unsalted butter. This is because, with unsalted butter, you can control the seasoning to your taste. However, if you only have salted butter, that will work too!

How to prepare the bread

Preparing garlic bread in an air fryer is simple and only requires a few steps. Here is a detailed guide on how to make delicious, crispy garlic bread:

Ingredients:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need:

• Bread: A French baguette is recommended, but you can also use Italian bread, sourdough, ciabatta, or any crusty roll of your choice.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter to prevent the dish from becoming too salty, especially if you're adding cheese. If your recipe doesn't include cheese, salted butter is a good option.
• Garlic: Finely minced or crushed fresh garlic is best to ensure an even distribution of flavour. However, garlic powder or garlic salt can be used in a pinch.
• Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavour. You can also use mozzarella, cheddar, or goat cheese.
• Herbs: Parsley is a classic choice, adding colour and herby undertones. You can use dried or fresh parsley, thinly chopped. Other options include thyme, oregano, or rosemary.
• Seasoning: A little salt and pepper can enhance the flavour.

Preparing the Bread:

Now that you have your ingredients, it's time to prepare the bread:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (170°C to 180°C).
• Make the garlic butter by mixing softened butter, garlic, parsley, cheese, and seasonings in a bowl. You can adjust the amounts to your taste preferences.
• Slice your bread: For a baguette, cut it into 1/2-inch thick slices. If using a loaf, cut off the ends, then cut it in half vertically and then slice each half horizontally to create planes for spreading the garlic butter. You can also make parallel slits, stopping before cutting through, to create a Hasselback-style loaf.
• Spread the garlic butter: Use a butter knife or the back of a spoon to spread a generous amount of the garlic butter mixture onto each slice of bread or into the slits.
• Place the bread in the air fryer: Arrange the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. You may need to cook in batches if you have a lot of bread.
• Air fry: Cook the garlic bread for approximately 4-6 minutes at 350°F (adjusting the time depending on your desired level of crispiness). Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, especially with cheese.

Tips:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
• Watch your bread closely: Different air fryer brands may vary in cooking time, so keep a close eye to prevent burning.
• Make-ahead option: You can make the garlic butter mixture and slice your bread ahead of time. Store them separately, and spread the butter on the bread just before air frying.

How to store garlic bread

Garlic bread is best stored in an airtight container or ziplock bag in the fridge, where it will keep for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze it. To do this, prepare the garlic bread as usual but do not bake it. Instead, freeze the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the slices to an airtight container or ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, there's no need to defrost—simply pop the frozen garlic bread into the air fryer for 5-7 minutes at 340°F.

Frequently asked questions