Air Fryer Garlic Bread: How Long To Fry?

Garlic bread is a staple side dish for many meals, and it can be made even more quickly and easily in an air fryer. But how long does it need to be in the air fryer to achieve the perfect level of crispiness?

How to make garlic bread in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Bread ( baguette, ciabatta, Italian bread, French bread, or Texas toast)
• Butter ( softened, preferably salted)
• Garlic ( freshly minced or powder)
• Cheese ( Parmesan, mozzarella, or cheddar)
• Italian seasoning/dried parsley/fresh parsley
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Method

• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer, but some say it's not necessary.
• Prepare the garlic butter. In a bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, Italian seasoning/dried parsley/fresh parsley, and red pepper flakes (if you want a kick). You can also add Parmesan cheese to this mixture for extra saltiness.
• Slice the bread. Cut the bread into halves or slices that will fit easily into the air fryer. You can also cut slits into the bread, Hasselback-style, to allow the butter to melt into every bite.
• Spread the garlic butter. Use a brush or spoon to spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the bread. If you're adding cheese, sprinkle it on top.
• Place the bread in the air fryer. Arrange the bread in a single layer to avoid sogginess. Make sure there's space between each piece for air to circulate. You may need to cook in batches.
• Air fry for 4-7 minutes. Cooking time will depend on your air fryer and how crispy you like your garlic bread. Check after 4 minutes and adjust as needed. If you're adding cheese, do so in the last 1-2 minutes.
• Serve warm. Enjoy your homemade garlic bread as a side or snack!

Tips:

• No need for aluminum foil. Cooking garlic bread directly in the air fryer basket will give you a crispier result.
• Avoid stacking. For even toasting, cook the bread in a single layer and avoid stacking.
• Adjust cooking time. Keep an eye on your garlic bread the first time you make it to determine the ideal cooking time for your air fryer.
• Experiment with different breads and cheeses. Get creative and customize your garlic bread to your taste!

The best type of bread for garlic bread

French bread is a popular choice for garlic bread due to its soft interior and flaky, crispy crust. It has a similar texture to ciabatta, another good option for garlic bread. Ciabatta is a flat Italian bread with a soft interior and a porous crumb, which makes it perfect for garlic bread.

Other crusty breads such as Italian bread, sourdough, and baguettes are also great options for garlic bread. The type of bread you choose will depend on your personal preference for texture and flavour. For example, if you prefer a chewier texture, French bread or baguettes are a better option than ciabatta, which has a flatter and softer texture.

When making garlic bread, it is important to split the loaf of bread in half lengthwise, similar to how you would split a roll for a sandwich. You can then spread your garlic butter mixture on the open face of the bread and bake it in the oven until the butter has melted.

How to store garlic bread

Garlic bread can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 5 days. If you're looking to freeze your garlic bread, you can do so by placing it in a ziplock bag and storing it in the freezer for up to two months. When you're ready to eat it, reheat the frozen garlic bread in an air fryer or preheated oven.

To store garlic bread, follow these steps:

Step 1: Let the Bread Cool Down

If you've just baked or cooked garlic bread, let it cool down to room temperature before storing it. This will help prevent condensation from forming inside the container, which can make the bread soggy.

Step 2: Choose an Airtight Container

Place the garlic bread in an airtight container, such as a plastic container with a lid or a resealable bag. This will help keep the bread fresh and prevent it from drying out.

Step 3: Store in the Fridge

Once the garlic bread is sealed in an airtight container, store it in the refrigerator. As mentioned earlier, garlic bread can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 to 5 days.

Step 4: Reheat Properly

When you're ready to enjoy your garlic bread, take it out of the fridge and reheat it. You can reheat it in an air fryer, oven, or toaster. Avoid reheating it in the microwave, as it can make the bread soggy. If you're reheating from frozen, you can use an air fryer or preheated oven.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Garlic Bread!

That's it! By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your garlic bread for a few days after it's been prepared. Just make sure to consume it within the recommended time frame for the best taste and texture.

How to reheat garlic bread

Using an Air Fryer

If you're looking to reheat your garlic bread, an air fryer is a great option. It's super quick and easy, and you don't even need to preheat it! Simply place your leftover garlic bread in the air fryer basket and heat it up for around 2 minutes at 350°F (180°C). You can also reheat frozen garlic bread in the air fryer—cook it for 5-6 minutes at 380°F (190°C) until it's hot and golden.

In the Oven

If you don't have an air fryer, you can always use a conventional oven to reheat your garlic bread. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and wrap your garlic bread in aluminum foil. Place it in the oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

Storing Garlic Bread

To store your garlic bread, wrap it in aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay fresh for up to 4-5 days. If you want to freeze your garlic bread, simply place it in a ziplock bag and store it in the freezer for up to two months.

Tips for the Best Garlic Bread

When making garlic bread, it's important to use softened butter that's easy to spread but still firm. This will ensure your bread doesn't become soggy. It's also best to cook the garlic bread in a single layer to avoid sogginess and ensure even cooking. If you're cooking a large batch, it's better to do it in smaller batches to ensure each piece of bread gets crispy.

How to prevent soggy garlic bread

There are several ways to prevent soggy garlic bread when using an air fryer. Firstly, always cook the garlic bread in a single layer. If your air fryer is not big enough to fit all the slices of bread in one layer, cook the bread in batches. This ensures that hot air circulates evenly around each slice of bread, resulting in a crisp texture.

Another tip is to leave space for air circulation between the pieces of bread. If the slices are touching, they will not get as crispy as those that are not. You can also add aluminum foil or parchment paper to the base of the air fryer to prevent the garlic bread from crisping up too much.

Additionally, make sure to preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature before adding the bread. This helps ensure that the bread cooks evenly and prevents the top from browning too quickly before the bottom has a chance to crisp up.

Finally, when storing leftover garlic bread, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, use the air fryer or a preheated oven, rather than a microwave, to maintain the crispy texture.

Frequently asked questions