Air-Fried Garlic Bread: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Garlic bread is a delicious side dish that can be made in an air fryer in just a few minutes. It's a quick and easy way to cook garlic bread straight from the freezer without having to wait for the oven to preheat. The air fryer creates a crispy texture and cooks the bread evenly, making it a perfect addition to any meal. You can also add cheese, butter, and seasonings to enhance the flavor. With just four simple ingredients and a short cook time, air fryer garlic bread is a convenient and tasty option for any occasion.

Choosing the right bread

When it comes to choosing the right bread for your garlic bread, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you'll want to make sure the bread is thick-sliced, as this will give you that desirable crispy edge. Texas toast is a popular choice for this reason. You could also opt for a baguette-style garlic bread, which is great for sharing as it allows for even distribution of butter. If you're short on time, pre-sliced frozen garlic bread is a convenient option that can go straight from the freezer to the air fryer.

While thick slices are ideal, it's important to note that most air fryers cannot accommodate a whole loaf of bread or baguette, so you'll need to slice the bread to fit. If you're using a fresh loaf, cut the bread into 1-inch slices. You can then cut each slice in half, exposing the soft inside, and make parallel slits about 2 inches apart, creating a Hasselback potato effect. This will allow the butter to melt into the bread and infuse it with garlic flavour.

When it comes to bread type, French or sourdough loaves are good options, but you can also use sandwich bread in a pinch. If you're feeling indulgent, brioche sandwich buns make for a rich and tasty treat. Whatever bread you choose, just be mindful that thinner slices will cook faster, so you'll need to keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

Lastly, consider adding cheese to your garlic bread. Mozzarella and Parmesan are popular choices, but you can use any variety you prefer. Just be aware that adding cheese will alter the cooking time, as it should be added with only a minute or two left to prevent burning.

Preparing the garlic butter mixture

At this point, you can also add some additional ingredients to the garlic butter mixture. Some suggestions include Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and dried parsley. You could also add some grated cheese to the mixture; mozzarella, parmesan, or a combination of both work well. However, if you're planning on adding cheese, it's best to sprinkle it on top of the bread just before serving, as this will give you a better texture and flavour.

Use a spoon or a butter knife to stir all the ingredients together until they are well combined. You now have a delicious garlic butter mixture ready to be spread onto your bread!

Adding cheese

Choosing the Cheese

The first step to adding cheese is deciding on the type of cheese you want to use. Mozzarella is a popular choice for garlic bread, as it has a mild flavour and melts well. However, you can also use other cheeses such as Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or any other good melting cheese that you enjoy. If you want a stronger flavour, you can try using Parmesan cheese, either on its own or in combination with mozzarella.

Preparing the Cheese

Once you've chosen your cheese, you'll need to prepare it. If you're using mozzarella, you can shred it by hand or use store-bought shredded cheese. Just be aware that bagged shreds may contain anti-caking agents that can give the cheese a waxy texture, so it's best to grate it yourself if you want the best flavour and texture. For Parmesan cheese, it's recommended to grate it yourself as well, as freshly grated cheese melts better and has a nicer texture.

Adding the Cheese

Now it's time to add the cheese to your garlic bread. You can either sprinkle the cheese on top of the bread after you've spread on the garlic butter mixture, or you can mix the cheese directly into the garlic butter. Mixing the cheese into the butter can help to ensure an even distribution and prevent the cheese from burning. However, some people prefer to sprinkle it on top so that they get a nice cheesy crust. If you're adding the cheese on top, it's best to add it during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking so that it has time to melt but doesn't burn.

Cooking the Cheesy Garlic Bread

Once you've added the cheese, it's time to cook your garlic bread in the air fryer. Place the slices of bread in the air fryer basket, making sure they're in a single layer with space between them for even cooking. Set the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 3-7 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your bread. Keep an eye on it, as the cheese can go from melted to burnt very quickly.

Serving the Cheesy Garlic Bread

Once your garlic bread is cooked to perfection, carefully remove it from the air fryer and place it on a serving board. You can sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for added flavour and colour. Serve the garlic bread warm so that the cheese is nice and gooey. Enjoy your cheesy creation!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for garlic bread in an air fryer depend on several factors, including the type of bread used, whether the bread is frozen, and personal preferences for texture and crispiness.

For frozen garlic bread, the air fryer eliminates the need to preheat the oven, making it a faster and more energy-efficient option. The cooking time for frozen garlic bread in an air fryer typically ranges from 5 to 8 minutes at temperatures between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Some sources recommend cooking at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 6 minutes, while others suggest 374 degrees Fahrenheit for a total of 8 minutes, starting with 2 minutes face down and then flipping for even cooking.

For fresh garlic bread, the cooking time in an air fryer is slightly shorter, ranging from 5 to 7 minutes at temperatures between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It's worth noting that some recipes suggest cooking at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 to 7 minutes, while others recommend cooking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes.

It's important to keep in mind that different air fryers may have varying cooking times and temperatures, so adjustments might be necessary based on the specific model used. Additionally, the size and thickness of the bread slices can impact cooking time, with thinner slices cooking faster and requiring closer monitoring to prevent burning.

To achieve the desired level of crispiness, it's recommended to cook the garlic bread in a single layer, allowing for air circulation between the pieces. This ensures that each piece is evenly toasted all around.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer garlic bread is a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of meals. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

Italian Feast

Air fryer garlic bread is a perfect companion to Italian cuisine. Pair it with baked ziti, skillet ravioli, or a hearty pot of spaghetti. The combination of garlicky bread and rich, tomato-based sauces is a match made in heaven. For an extra indulgent treat, sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top of your garlic bread to enhance the flavour.

Soup's Best Friend

Garlic bread toasted in an air fryer adds a crunchy texture to a comforting bowl of soup. Try it with a classic tomato soup or a creamy option like instant pot meatballs. The warm, buttery bread will complement the flavours of the soup, making it a satisfying meal.

Meat Lovers

For those who enjoy a hearty meal, serve air fryer garlic bread as a side with meat-based dishes. It goes well with lasagna, London broil, smothered pork chops, or chicken spaghetti. The garlic bread will help mop up those delicious sauces and juices, ensuring you savour every last bit.

Customise and Experiment

The beauty of air fryer garlic bread is that you can customise it to your taste preferences. Experiment with different types of bread, such as French, sourdough, or brioche. Add pepperoni for a spicy kick, or go heavy on the cheese for an extra indulgent treat. You can also serve it as a snack on its own—it's so good that you might end up eating the whole batch!

Quick and Easy

Air fryer garlic bread is a convenient option when you're short on time. It cooks faster than traditional oven-baked garlic bread, and you don't have to wait for your oven to preheat. Just pop your frozen garlic bread into the air fryer, and in 5-7 minutes, you'll have crispy, golden slices ready to be devoured.

So, there you have it! Air fryer garlic bread is a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. Get creative, and don't be afraid to experiment with different flavours and serving suggestions. Enjoy the crispy, buttery goodness!

Frequently asked questions