Air-Fryer Garlic Toast: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryers are a super convenient way to make garlic bread. It's quicker than using an oven, and you can get the same crispy texture. All you need is a few simple ingredients: bread, butter, garlic, and any herbs or spices of your choice. You can also add cheese to make it extra indulgent. The process is straightforward: mix your garlic butter, spread it on the bread, and then air fry for a few minutes until toasted. It's a versatile side dish that goes with almost anything, and you can easily adjust the recipe to suit your taste.

Ingredients and preparation

Ingredients

The ingredients you will need to make garlic toast in an air fryer are:

• Bread of your choice (such as white, whole wheat, sourdough, French baguette, Italian, or ciabatta)
• Butter (softened, preferably at room temperature)
• Garlic (freshly minced or grated; alternatively, use garlic powder)
• Italian seasoning or parsley (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Other optional toppings: shredded mozzarella, sun-dried tomato pesto, avocado, basil pesto, feta cheese, etc.

Preparation

• Prepare the garlic butter by mixing softened butter with minced or grated garlic in a small bowl. You can also add Italian seasoning or chopped parsley, salt, and pepper to taste.
• Spread a generous amount of the garlic butter mixture onto one side of each bread slice.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
• Place the garlic butter-coated bread slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with the buttered side facing up.
• Air fry the bread slices for 3-6 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, as cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the bread and the model of your air fryer.
• Once the garlic toast is cooked to your desired level of crispiness, remove it from the air fryer and serve it warm.

Tips and Variations

• You can adjust the amount of garlic, butter, and seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
• If you want to add cheese, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or parmesan on top of the garlic butter mixture before air frying.
• To make vegan garlic bread, substitute olive oil or vegan butter for regular butter, and use a vegan substitute for parmesan cheese or simply omit it.
• While fresh garlic cloves are recommended, you can use garlic salt or garlic powder if necessary. If using garlic salt, be careful with the amount as it can make the dish very salty.
• If you want to add extra herbs, try dried basil or fresh parsley.
• For a crispy exterior and soft interior, preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking.
• Leave room for air circulation between the pieces of bread to ensure they get crispy.
• Serve the garlic toast immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for garlic bread in the air fryer depend on how crispy you like your toast. For softer garlic bread, cook at 350°F for 2-3 minutes. For a crispier texture, the cooking time can be increased to 5-7 minutes. It is recommended to check the bread after 3 minutes and determine if you would like it crispier, then add a minute or two at a time.

If you are adding cheese to your garlic bread, place it on top of the bread with about 1-2 minutes of cooking time remaining.

To reheat garlic bread, preheat the air fryer to 300°F and add the slices wrapped in foil. Air fry for 2-3 minutes, or until warm and crispy.

If you are cooking frozen garlic bread, cook at 350°F for 5 minutes in a preheated air fryer.

Different air fryers cook at different rates, so it is important to stay nearby and use your judgement to determine when your garlic bread is ready.

Customisation and personalisation

Customisation is a key benefit of making garlic bread in an air fryer. The beauty of this cooking method is that you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences, allowing you to create a personalised garlic bread experience every time.

Firstly, you can choose your preferred type of bread. A sturdy bread like a French baguette or sourdough is ideal, as these varieties hold up well in the air fryer and provide a satisfying crunch. However, you can also opt for white, whole wheat, or even wheat bread if you prefer a softer texture.

The next step is to prepare the garlic butter, which is where you can really make your garlic bread your own. Combine softened butter or margarine with freshly minced or grated garlic cloves. You can adjust the amount of garlic to your liking; if you're a garlic lover, don't hold back! You can also add Italian seasoning, parsley, or other herbs for extra flavour and visual appeal. A pinch of salt and pepper can further enhance the overall taste. Mix these ingredients until well combined, and feel free to adjust the seasonings to your preference.

If you're feeling adventurous, there are several variations you can try to jazz up your garlic bread. Here are some ideas:

• Cheesy Garlic Bread: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese on top before air frying. You can even add multiple types of cheese for an extra indulgent treat.
• Spicy Garlic Bread: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter for a kick.
• Herb-Infused Garlic Bread: Mix in some finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme for a burst of freshness.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Garlic Bread: Spread a thin layer of sun-dried tomato pesto on the bread before adding the garlic butter for a tangy twist.
• Avocado Garlic Bread: For a creamy and healthy variation, top your garlic bread with mashed avocado, sea salt, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
• Caprese Garlic Bread: Layer sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves on top of the bread before air frying for a taste of summer.
• Pesto Garlic Bread: Spread a thin layer of basil pesto on the bread before adding the garlic butter for an extra punch of flavour.
• Greek Garlic Bread: For a Mediterranean twist, top your garlic bread with crumbled feta cheese, sliced Kalamata olives, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of dried oregano.

The possibilities for customisation are endless, so don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and create unique flavour combinations. You can also adjust the cooking time to suit your desired level of crispiness. Whether you like your garlic bread soft and buttery or golden and crispy, the air fryer is a versatile appliance that can deliver your perfect garlic bread experience.

Reheating and storage

Garlic bread can be reheated in an air fryer by placing the slices in a single layer in the basket and cooking them for 2-3 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Check the bread after this time and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes if required.

If you're reheating frozen garlic bread, follow the same instructions, adjusting the time as needed.

When storing garlic bread, it's best to keep it at room temperature for one to two days, wrapped in plastic wrap or foil. If you want to keep it for longer, it's best to freeze it. To freeze garlic bread, allow it to cool, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. Frozen garlic bread can be stored for up to three months.

To defrost frozen garlic bread, you can let it thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator. You can also bake frozen slices in the oven at 350°F for a couple of minutes, or place them in the microwave for 20 seconds.

Serving suggestions

Garlic toast made in an air fryer is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal:

As a Standalone Snack

The crispy and buttery garlic toast is delicious on its own and can be enjoyed as a tasty snack. It's perfect for satisfying those sudden cravings, and you can customise the flavours to suit your taste preferences.

Side Dish

Garlic toast is a classic side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals. It is an ideal companion to pasta dishes, especially those with saucy components like spaghetti alla nerano or Italian chicken broccoli ziti. The garlic toast can be used for dipping, adding an extra layer of texture and flavour to your meal.

It also goes well with soup, particularly tomato-based soups like tomato soup, minestrone, or pasta e fagioli. The garlic toast provides a contrasting crunch to the soup's soft textures.

Bruschetta or Sandwich

For a more substantial offering, garlic toast can be the base for bruschetta or an integral part of a sandwich. Layer on fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a Caprese-inspired bruschetta. Alternatively, top it with savoury ingredients like crumbled feta cheese, sliced Kalamata olives, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of dried oregano for a Mediterranean-style open-faced sandwich.

Appetiser

For a pre-meal bite, serve the garlic toast with dips like marinara sauce or hummus. The warm, buttery toast is perfect for scooping up your favourite dip, and the garlic flavour complements a variety of appetisers.

Salad Companion

Add some carbs to your salad by serving it with a side of garlic toast. The toast provides a different texture and flavour profile to the salad, making it a more filling and satisfying meal.

Pairings

When serving garlic toast as a side, consider pairing it with a protein like lasagna, London broil, smothered pork chops, or chicken spaghetti. It also goes well with soup, as mentioned earlier, or a simple pasta dish. For a complete meal, add a vegetable side like air fryer squash or air fryer asparagus.

No matter how you choose to serve it, garlic toast made in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and delicious addition to your meal. It's a versatile dish that can be customised to suit your taste preferences and the specific requirements of the meal.

Frequently asked questions