Air-Frying Garlic Bread: A Quick, Crispy Treat?

Air fryer garlic bread is a quick and easy side dish that can be made in minutes. It's perfect for dipping into sauce, having on its own, or as a side for pasta or soup. You can use a variety of breads, such as Italian, French, or sourdough, and the cooking time will depend on how crispy you like your garlic bread. The air fryer method is faster than using an oven and you can make garlic bread that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

How to make garlic bread in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Bread: Italian bread, French bread, Texas toast, or a baguette.
• Butter: Softened, at room temperature.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic cloves or garlic powder.
• Cheese: Parmesan, mozzarella, or a combination of both.
• Herbs: Dried parsley, Italian seasoning, dried basil, or fresh parsley.
• Spices: Red pepper flakes.

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
• Slice the bread: Cut the bread in half or into thick slices that will fit easily into the air fryer.
• Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, garlic, Italian seasoning or dried parsley, and red pepper flakes. You can also add Parmesan cheese to this mixture for extra flavor.
• Spread the mixture: Use a brush or a butter knife to spread the garlic butter evenly over 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.
• Cook: Air fry the garlic bread for 5-7 minutes at 350°F. If you're adding cheese, sprinkle it on top of the bread in the last 1-2 minutes of cooking.
• Serve: Remove the garlic bread from the air fryer and slice it if desired. Serve warm as a side dish or appetizer.

Tips:

• Preheat the air fryer for even cooking and crispiness.
• Leave space between each slice of bread in the air fryer to allow for proper air circulation.
• Adjust the cooking time depending on how crispy you like your garlic bread.
• For a softer texture, cook at 350°F for 2-3 minutes.
• For vegan garlic bread, use olive oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter, and nutritional yeast or omit the cheese.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days and reheat in the air fryer.

The best type of bread to use

• French bread
• Italian bread
• Baguette
• Ciabatta
• Sourdough
• Texas toast-style slices
• Wheat bread

The key is to use a crusty loaf of bread with a soft, fluffy crumb. This will ensure that the garlic bread has a nice contrast of textures, with a crispy exterior and a soft, buttery interior.

Additionally, it is important to cut the bread into slices or pieces that will fit easily into the air fryer. This will ensure even cooking and allow the hot air to circulate properly.

When preparing garlic bread in an air fryer, it is also recommended to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and to leave some space between each piece of bread. This will help ensure that the bread gets crispy on all sides.

How long to cook garlic bread in an air fryer

Air fryer garlic bread is a quick and easy dish to make, and it goes with just about any meal. The cooking time depends on how crispy you like your garlic bread. For softer garlic bread, cook at 350°F for 2-3 minutes. For a crispier texture, the cook time can be as much as 5-7 minutes.

If you are cooking frozen garlic bread, it will take a little longer. You should cook it straight from frozen at 360°F for 10-12 minutes.

It's worth noting that the size and type of garlic bread will also affect the cooking time. For example, slices of toast will take less time than a whole baguette. So, it's a good idea to keep an eye on your garlic bread as it cooks and adjust the time as needed.

Some air fryers may also vary in temperature and cooking time, so it's always good to check the manufacturer's instructions.

How to reheat garlic bread in an air fryer

If you have leftover garlic bread, you can reheat it in an air fryer to restore its crispy texture and warm, buttery flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. This step is important as it ensures the bread will toast evenly. Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to preheat it for a couple of minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Bread

If your leftover garlic bread is frozen, there is no need to thaw it first. Simply place the desired amount of garlic bread slices in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space for air to circulate. For best results, do not stack the slices.

Step 3: Reheat the Garlic Bread

Place the air fryer basket into the air fryer and reheat the garlic bread for 2-5 minutes. The exact time will depend on your desired level of crispiness and the characteristics of your air fryer. Check the bread after 2 minutes and adjust the timing accordingly.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the garlic bread has reached your desired level of warmth and crispiness, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy the warm, buttery flavours and crispy texture!

Tips:

• For optimal results, reheat the garlic bread in batches to ensure even cooking.
• Keep an eye on the garlic bread during the reheating process to prevent over-toasting or burning.
• You can reheat frozen garlic bread directly from the freezer; there is no need to thaw it first.
• Store leftover garlic bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days, or freeze it for up to 2-3 months.

How to store garlic bread

Garlic bread is best stored in an airtight container or a ziplock bag in the fridge. It can last up to 3 days in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer.

To store garlic bread in the freezer, prepare the garlic butter spread and slice the bread. Spread the garlic butter on the bread slices and arrange them on a baking sheet. Freeze the bread for about 30 minutes, or until the garlic spread is firm. Once frozen, transfer the slices to an airtight container or a freezer bag.

When you're ready to eat, you can reheat the garlic bread in the air fryer, oven, or toaster. Avoid microwaving garlic bread, as it can become soggy.

Frequently asked questions