Air Fryer Garlic Bread Slices: Quick, Crispy, Delicious!

Air fryer garlic bread is a quick and easy side dish that can be made in just a few minutes. It is perfect for dipping into sauce or soup, or as a side for pasta dishes. You can use a variety of breads, such as a baguette, ciabatta, or Italian loaf, and the bread can be fresh or frozen. The key to success is to cook the garlic bread in a single layer to ensure even toasting, and to avoid stacking the slices. You can also add cheese to your garlic bread; mozzarella and parmesan are popular choices.

How to make garlic bread in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Bread: French bread, Italian bread, baguette, ciabatta, Texas toast, or any thick-sliced bread of your choice.
• Butter: Softened, unsalted or salted, at room temperature.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic cloves or garlic powder.
• Cheese: Parmesan, mozzarella, or a combination of both.
• Herbs: Dried parsley, dried basil, or fresh parsley (optional).

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Some air fryers may not require preheating, so check your model instructions.
• Slice the bread: Cut the bread in half or into pieces that will fit easily into your air fryer. For a baguette, slice it into 2-inch thick slices.
• Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, and any desired herbs. You can also add Parmesan cheese to this mixture for extra flavour.
• Spread the mixture: Use a brush or the back of a spoon to spread the garlic butter evenly over the top of the bread slices.
• Place the bread in the air fryer: Arrange the bread slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each slice for even cooking.
• Air fry: Cook the garlic bread at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. If adding cheese, do so during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking.
• Serve and enjoy: Remove the garlic bread from the air fryer and cut into slices, if desired. Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy on its own.

Tips:

• If you want to add cheese, mozzarella and Parmesan are great options, but you can also experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or goat cheese.
• For extra crispy bread, preheat your air fryer before adding the bread slices.
• Avoid stacking the bread slices in the air fryer to ensure even toasting. Cook in batches if necessary.
• You can use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic, but fresh garlic will give a stronger flavour.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer for a few seconds.

What ingredients are needed

Ingredients for Air Fryer Garlic Bread

The ingredients for making garlic bread in an air fryer are simple and can be adjusted to your taste. Here is a list of what you will need:

• Bread: A fresh baguette, Italian bread, French bread, ciabatta, or any thick-sliced bread of your choice. You can also use frozen garlic bread or make your own garlic bread from scratch before air-frying.
• Butter: Softened butter, preferably unsalted, but salted butter works too.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic cloves are recommended for the best flavour. However, you can substitute it with garlic powder if needed.
• Cheese: Parmesan cheese is a popular choice, but you can also use mozzarella, cheddar, or any cheese of your preference.
• Herbs: Dried or fresh parsley is commonly used, but you can also add dried basil or other herbs to enhance the flavour.

Once you have your ingredients, you can move on to preparing the garlic bread for the air fryer. Here are the steps to follow:

Preparation:

• Mix the softened butter with the minced garlic and any desired herbs in a bowl. You can also add cheese to this mixture if you like.
• Slice the bread to your desired thickness.
• Spread the garlic butter mixture generously on the slices of bread.
• Place the slices of bread in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not stacked.
• Set the air fryer to the recommended temperature and time (this may vary depending on your air fryer, but most recipes suggest around 350-400°F for 5-7 minutes).
• If you are adding cheese, put it on top of the bread for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking.
• Enjoy your freshly made air-fried garlic bread!

How long does it take

The time it takes to make garlic bread in an air fryer depends on the type of bread and the desired level of crispiness. For example, frozen garlic bread will take longer to cook than fresh garlic bread. Additionally, different types of bread, such as baguette slices or thicker slices of bread, may require different cooking times.

On average, it takes around 5-7 minutes to cook garlic bread in an air fryer at a temperature of 350°F (180°C). However, some recipes suggest a higher temperature of 400°F for 5 minutes to get the bread crispy. If you are using frozen garlic bread, it may take a little longer, around 6-8 minutes at 350°F (180°C). For a softer middle, wrap the bread in foil and cook for an additional 10 minutes.

It is important to note that different air fryers may vary in cooking time, so it is always a good idea to keep an eye on your garlic bread while it is cooking to ensure it doesn't burn. Additionally, if you are adding cheese to your garlic bread, it is recommended to add it during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking.

What type of bread is best

The best type of bread for air fryer garlic bread is a matter of personal preference, but there are a few options that are commonly used. These include:

• Ciabatta
• French bread
• Baguette
• Italian bread
• Sourdough
• Texas toast
• Wheat bread

When choosing a bread for air fryer garlic bread, it is important to select a sturdy loaf with a crusty exterior. This will ensure that the bread holds up to the weight of the toppings and crisps up nicely in the air fryer.

Additionally, the type of bread you choose can also depend on the size and shape of your air fryer. For example, if you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cut your bread into smaller pieces to fit, so a larger loaf like a baguette might not be the best option.

Ultimately, the best bread for air fryer garlic bread is the one that you enjoy the most, so feel free to experiment with different types of bread to find your favorite.

How to store leftovers

Garlic bread is a delicious treat, but what happens when you have leftovers? Well, the good news is that you can certainly store them for later! Here's a detailed guide on how to store your leftover garlic bread to keep it fresh and flavorful.

Storing Cooked Garlic Bread at Room Temperature

If you plan on enjoying your leftover garlic bread within a day or two, storing it at room temperature is a convenient option. Here's what you need to do:

• Allow the garlic bread to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation and keeps the bread from becoming soggy.
• Wrap the cooled garlic bread tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, ensuring no openings are left for air to seep in.
• Store the wrapped garlic bread in a cool, dry place, like a pantry or kitchen cabinet. Avoid areas with direct sunlight or temperature fluctuations.
• Consume the garlic bread within 1-2 days for optimal flavor and texture. After that, it may start to dry out or lose its freshness.

Storing Cooked Garlic Bread in the Refrigerator

For longer storage, you can keep your leftover garlic bread in the refrigerator. This method will extend its shelf life by a few days. Here's how:

• As with room-temperature storage, allow the garlic bread to cool completely before wrapping and storing.
• Wrap the cooled garlic bread tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, or place it in an airtight container. Ensure there are no gaps in the packaging.
• Label the packaging with the date of storage. This helps you keep track of its freshness.
• Store the wrapped garlic bread in the refrigerator, preferably in the main compartment, at a temperature between 35-40°F (1-4°C).
• Consume the garlic bread within 3-5 days for the best flavor and quality. After that, it may start to lose its freshness.

Storing Cooked Garlic Bread in the Freezer

If you want to store your leftover garlic bread for an extended period, the freezer is your best bet. Freezing allows you to preserve the bread for weeks or even months. Here's the process:

• Allow the garlic bread to cool completely before freezing to maintain its quality.
• Wrap each slice or the entire loaf tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. You can also place the wrapped bread in a resealable freezer bag to protect it further.
• Label the freezer bag or wrapping with the date of freezing so you know how long it's been stored.
• Place the wrapped garlic bread flat in the freezer to prevent any breakage or distortions.
• You can store the garlic bread in the freezer for up to 3 months while maintaining its taste and quality.
• When you're ready to enjoy your frozen garlic bread, thaw it properly. Transfer the wrapped bread from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw slowly.
• Reheat the thawed garlic bread in the oven, toaster oven, or microwave until it reaches your desired warmth.

General Tips for Storing Cooked Garlic Bread:

• Always cool the garlic bread completely before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.
• Properly wrap or seal the garlic bread to prevent air from drying it out or odors from affecting its flavor.
• Label and date the packaging to keep track of storage time and ensure freshness.
• Store garlic bread separately from moisture-rich foods to prevent it from becoming soggy.
• Keep the stored garlic bread away from direct sunlight, as it can affect its flavor and texture.
• If storing multiple batches, rotate them to ensure you use the older bread first and maintain freshness.

Frequently asked questions