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 is a quick and easy recipe that can be made with simple ingredients like bread, butter, garlic, and cheese. The air fryer circulates heat, making the bread crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. This recipe is versatile and can be served with pasta, soup, or as a snack.

Choosing the right bread

When selecting a loaf, look for a crusty bread with a soft interior. French bread, Italian bread, and ciabatta are all excellent options. These types of bread have a sturdy exterior that can withstand the high heat of the air fryer without burning, and their soft interior will soak up all the garlic butter flavour. A baguette is another good choice, especially if you're looking for a more authentic garlic bread experience. If you want to switch things up, you could also try using a small sourdough loaf or even thick slices of wheat bread.

The size of the bread is also an important consideration. You'll want to choose a loaf that fits comfortably in your air fryer with a little room around the edges to allow for air circulation. If your loaf is too large, you can always cut it in half or slice it into pieces that will fit easily into the air fryer.

Once you've selected the perfect loaf, it's time to slice it. For the best results, cut the bread into 2-inch thick slices. This will ensure that the garlic bread is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. If you want to get creative, you can try cutting parallel slits into the bread, about 2 inches apart, without cutting all the way through. This will create a Hasselback potato-like effect and allow the butter to melt into every slice.

Now that you've chosen and sliced your bread, you're ready to move on to the next steps of making garlic bread in your air fryer. Remember, the right bread will make all the difference in the final result, so take the time to select a loaf that fits your needs and preferences.

Preparing the garlic butter

Ingredients:

First, gather your ingredients. You will need butter, garlic, and some optional ingredients like Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese. The butter should be softened at room temperature for easy mixing. Freshly mince the garlic cloves to ensure the best flavour.

Mixing:

Now, it's time to mix your ingredients. Combine the softened butter, garlic, Italian seasoning (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small bowl. Mix them together until they form a homogeneous mixture. You can adjust the proportions according to your taste preferences. For a more intense garlic flavour, add more minced garlic. If you're using Parmesan cheese, grate it finely and add it to the mixture. You can also add other types of cheese, like mozzarella, for a creamier texture.

Spreading:

Once you have a well-combined garlic butter mixture, it's time to spread it onto your bread. You can use a butter knife or the back of a spoon to evenly distribute the mixture onto the bread. If you've cut your bread into slices, spread the mixture on one side of each slice. If you're using a whole loaf, cut the bread as desired and spread the garlic butter generously.

Customization:

Feel free to customize your garlic butter by adding other ingredients like chopped fresh parsley or dried parsley flakes. You can also experiment with different types of cheese or add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavours.

Storage:

If you have any leftover garlic butter, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for later use. Simply spread it on bread and follow the air-frying instructions when you're ready to enjoy freshly made garlic bread again!

Spreading the garlic butter

Now for the fun part: spreading the garlic butter!

First, you'll want to get your hands on a fresh baguette or loaf of Italian bread. Something straight from the bakery section of your local grocery store will do just fine.

Next, grab your softened butter, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese. Using a spoon or butter knife, mix these ingredients together in a bowl until well combined. If you're feeling fancy, you can even add some Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to the mix.

Now it's time to spread the garlic butter onto your bread. For the perfect garlic bread, we recommend cutting the bread in half horizontally to expose the soft inside. This way, you can really slather on the garlic butter and ensure every bite is packed with flavor. Don't be shy—spread a generous amount onto each half of the bread.

If you're feeling extra indulgent, you can also sprinkle some shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the garlic butter. This will take your garlic bread to the next level and give it that gorgeous golden crunch.

Once your bread is nicely coated, it's almost ready for the air fryer. But before you pop it in, there's one more important step: decide whether you want to wrap it in foil. Some people prefer to wrap their garlic bread in foil before air frying, as it can help contain any mess. However, others find that this method results in softer bread, as the foil prevents the bread from getting toasty all over. So, if you're after that crispy texture, you might want to skip the foil and place the bread directly into the air fryer basket.

Now, you're ready to air fry! Place your garlic bread in the air fryer, buttered side up, and cook for 5-7 minutes at 350-400°F. Keep an eye on it, as the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model.

And that's it! With just a few simple steps, you'll have delicious, buttery garlic bread that's perfect for dipping or enjoying as a side with your favorite pasta dish.

Air-frying the bread

First, preheat the air fryer to 350°F. While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the garlic butter by mixing softened butter with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. You can also add Parmesan cheese to the mixture for extra flavor.

Next, slice the bread into pieces that will fit easily into the air fryer. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the top of the bread slices. You can also add shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top of the bread for an extra cheesy garlic bread.

Place the bread slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each slice to allow for proper air circulation. Cook the garlic bread for 5-7 minutes, or until it is golden brown and crispy. If you are adding cheese, place it on top of the bread for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking.

Once the garlic bread is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and slice it into thick pieces. Serve warm and enjoy!

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:

Italian Meals

Garlic bread is a classic side dish for Italian cuisine. Serve your air fryer garlic bread with a big bowl of pasta, such as spaghetti, or with Italian-inspired dishes like lasagna, Italian wedding soup, or beefy stuffed shells. It also pairs well with tomato-based dishes, helping you to savour every last drop of sauce.

Soups

The crunchy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for dipping into a hot bowl of soup. Try it with a simple tomato soup or a more complex Italian wedding soup.

Meat Dishes

Garlic bread can be a tasty accompaniment to meat-based meals. Try it with London broil, smothered pork chops, or chicken spaghetti with Rotel. It's also a great side for a simple weeknight dinner of meatballs.

Appetiser or Snack

This garlic bread can be served as a quick and easy snack or appetiser. Enjoy it on its own or with a dip, such as sauce or soup.

Other Meals

Air fryer garlic bread is a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of other meals. Try it with chicken, soup, or even a simple pasta dinner. It's a great way to add some extra flavour and texture to your meal.

Frequently asked questions