Air Fryer Garlic Bread: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Garlic bread is a delicious side dish that can be made in an air fryer in a matter of minutes. With a simple recipe and a handful of ingredients, you can make buttery, crispy, and cheesy garlic bread to perfection. The air fryer circulates hot air, ensuring your garlic bread is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. This guide will walk you through the steps to make the best garlic bread in your air fryer.

How to make garlic bread in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Bread ( French bread, Italian bread, baguette, or ciabatta)
• Butter ( salted or unsalted)
• Garlic ( freshly minced or powder)
• Cheese ( Parmesan, Mozzarella, or Cheddar)
• Italian seasoning or dried parsley
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
• Slice the bread in half or cut it into pieces that fit your air fryer.
• In a bowl, mix softened butter with garlic, Italian seasoning or dried parsley, and red pepper flakes (if you want a little spice).
• Spread the garlic butter mixture on the bread. You can brush or baste it on, or use the back of a spoon.
• Place the bread in the air fryer basket in a single layer, with space between each slice.
• Air fry for 4-7 minutes, until golden and crispy. If you're adding cheese, put it on top for the last 1-2 minutes.
• Remove the garlic bread from the air fryer and slice it, if needed. Serve warm!

Tips:

• If you're using frozen garlic bread, it will only need 5 minutes in the air fryer.
• You don't need to use aluminium foil in the air fryer. Cooking without it will give you a crispier result.
• If your bread is soggy, your butter mixture might be too runny. It should be soft but still firm enough to spread.

The best types of bread to use

Some of the best options include:

• Baguette
• Ciabatta
• French bread
• Italian bread
• Sourdough

You can also use frozen garlic bread, which is readily available in many shapes and sizes, including baguette-style, slices, and cheesy bread.

For the best results, cut the bread into slices or pieces that will fit easily into your air fryer. This will ensure even cooking and crispiness.

The best types of cheese to use

There are many different types of cheese that you can use to make delicious garlic bread in an air fryer. Here are some of the best options:

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a popular choice for garlic bread as it has a mild flavour and melts easily, creating a gooey, stretchy texture that is perfect for pulling apart. It is also a classic cheese to use for garlic bread and pairs well with other ingredients such as herbs and spices.

Parmesan

Parmesan cheese is another great option for air fryer garlic bread. It has a strong, nutty flavour that can enhance the taste of the bread. Parmesan can also add a nice golden crunch to the top of the bread. It is best to grate the cheese yourself, but you can also buy pre-grated Parmesan.

Cheddar

Cheddar cheese is a versatile option that can add a sharp, tangy flavour to your garlic bread. It melts well and is a good choice if you want a more pronounced cheese flavour.

Colby Jack

Colby Jack cheese is a combination of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses. It has a mild, creamy flavour and melts easily, making it a great option for garlic bread.

Provolone

Provolone is a type of Italian cheese with a slightly sweet and nutty flavour. It melts well and can add a creamy texture to your garlic bread.

When making garlic bread in an air fryer, it is important to note that the cheese should be mixed into the butter mixture instead of being sprinkled on top. This will prevent the cheese from blowing off the bread due to the air fryer fan.

How to store garlic bread

Garlic bread can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four to five days. To prevent it from going stale, you can also store it in a ziplock bag or wrap it in aluminium foil before placing it in the airtight container.

If you want to freeze your garlic bread, place it in a ziplock bag and store it in the freezer for up to two to three months. When it's time to cook, there's no need to thaw it first. Simply place the slices in the air fryer for a minute or two longer than usual, and they'll be ready to serve.

How to reheat garlic bread

Using an Air Fryer

If you're reheating garlic bread in an air fryer, it's best to use pre-cooked frozen garlic bread. Place the frozen garlic bread in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes at 350°F (180°C) or until hot and golden. You can also reheat fresh garlic bread in an air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 350°F (180°C).

Using an Oven

Alternatively, you can reheat garlic bread in the oven. Wrap the garlic bread in aluminium foil and place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. When it's time to eat, reheat the bread in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for a few minutes until it's warm and toasty.

Storing Garlic Bread

You can store garlic bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four or five days. If you want to freeze your garlic bread, place it in a ziplock bag and store it in the freezer for up to two or three months.

Frequently asked questions