Air Fryer Garlic Bread: The Perfect Time?

Frozen garlic bread in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a tasty side dish or snack. It is also versatile and goes with almost everything, from pasta and soup to chicken and pizza. The best part is that you can cook frozen garlic bread straight from the freezer, with no need to defrost or preheat the air fryer. Depending on the type of air fryer and the size of the bread, the cooking time can vary from 5 to 12 minutes at a temperature of around 350-380 degrees Fahrenheit. So, if you're looking for a convenient and delicious treat, frozen garlic bread in an air fryer is a great option!

How to cook frozen garlic bread in an air fryer

Air fryer frozen garlic bread is a quick and easy way to cook garlic bread straight from the freezer. There's no need to wait for the oven to preheat – simply place the frozen garlic bread in the air fryer and let it cook for around 5-12 minutes.

Step-by-step guide:

Prepare the garlic bread:

If your garlic bread is not already sliced, you may need to cut it into pieces that will fit easily into your air fryer. There should be space around each piece for air to circulate. If your garlic bread has cheese on top, place it with the cheese side facing up.

Preheat the air fryer:

For the best results, preheat your air fryer to between 350-380 degrees F. Preheating ensures that the bread cooks evenly, with a crispy texture.

Cook the garlic bread:

Place the garlic bread in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-12 minutes, depending on the size and type of garlic bread. If your garlic bread is just butter and garlic, you may need to flip it halfway through to ensure even cooking. Check the bread periodically to ensure it doesn't burn.

Add cheese (optional):

If you want to add cheese to your garlic bread, do so with 1-2 minutes left of cooking time. Simply sprinkle grated parmesan or another cheese of your choice on top of the bread and let it melt.

Serve and enjoy:

Remove the garlic bread from the air fryer and serve immediately. Air fryer frozen garlic bread is a delicious side dish or snack, perfect for dipping into soups or sauces.

Tips:

• No oil is needed when cooking frozen garlic bread in an air fryer.
• There is no need to thaw frozen garlic bread before cooking. Simply cook it straight from frozen.
• If you are cooking multiple batches, the following batches may cook faster as the air fryer will already be hot. Reduce the temperature slightly and keep an eye on the bread to avoid burning.

How long does it take to cook frozen garlic bread in an air fryer?

The cooking time for frozen garlic bread in an air fryer varies depending on the type of bread, the amount of butter, the size of the air fryer, and personal preferences for crispiness. However, on average, it takes around 5-12 minutes to cook frozen garlic bread in an air fryer.

Factors Affecting Cooking Time:

• Type of Bread: Different types of frozen garlic bread, such as baguettes, slices, or Texas toast, may have varying cooking times due to differences in thickness and size.
• Amount of Butter: Garlic bread with more butter may take longer to cook and might cause the air fryer to smoke. Adding a little water to the bottom of the air fryer basket can help mitigate this issue.
• Air Fryer Size: The size and model of the air fryer can impact cooking time. Larger air fryers may cook the bread faster, while smaller ones might take a bit longer.
• Personal Preferences: Some people prefer their garlic bread lightly toasted, while others like it crispier. Adjusting the cooking time by a minute or two can make a significant difference in the final texture.

Step-by-step Guide:

• Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically between 350-380°F (180-190°C). Preheating ensures even cooking and helps achieve the desired crispiness.
• Prepare the Garlic Bread: Take the desired amount of frozen garlic bread out of the freezer. If needed, cut it into pieces that fit comfortably in your air fryer with some space around each piece for air circulation.
• Place in the Air Fryer: Arrange the garlic bread pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray. If your garlic bread has cheese on top, place it with the cheese side facing up to prevent sticking.
• Cooking Time: Cook the frozen garlic bread for 5-12 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispiness and the factors mentioned above. For cheesy garlic bread, add the cheese during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking to ensure it melts properly without burning.
• Flip (Optional): If your garlic bread is plain (without cheese), you can flip it halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning on both sides.
• Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the garlic bread during the final minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking or burning. The bread should be golden brown and crispy around the edges when done.
• Serve: Remove the garlic bread from the air fryer and serve immediately while it's still hot and crispy.

Tips for Optimal Results:

• No Thawing Needed: There is no need to thaw frozen garlic bread before air frying. Cooking it straight from frozen helps achieve the best texture and crispiness.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Ensure there is adequate space between each piece of bread in the air fryer to allow for proper air circulation. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Adjust Timing: Every air fryer is different, so use the recommended cooking times as a guide and adjust as needed based on your air fryer's performance and your personal preferences.
• Add Cheese: If you want to add cheese to your frozen garlic bread, sprinkle grated parmesan or your favorite shredded cheese on top about halfway through the cooking process.
• Storage and Reheating: Store leftover garlic bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated air fryer at 350-375°F (180-190°C) for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through.

Tips for cooking frozen garlic bread in an air fryer

Preheating the air fryer

It is recommended to preheat your air fryer before cooking frozen garlic bread. This helps to ensure that the bread gets crispy throughout, rather than just on the top. However, some sources suggest that preheating is not necessary, as the air fryer cooks the bread quickly and efficiently anyway.

Preparing the garlic bread

There is no need to thaw frozen garlic bread before cooking it in the air fryer. Simply take it straight from the freezer and place it in the air fryer basket. If your garlic bread is large, you may need to cut it into smaller pieces or cook it in batches. It is important to ensure that there is space between each piece of bread for air to circulate, so do not overcrowd your air fryer.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time for frozen garlic bread in an air fryer can vary depending on the model of air fryer and the thickness of the bread. Most sources suggest cooking the bread at around 350-380°F for 5-12 minutes, but it is important to keep an eye on it to avoid burning. If your air fryer starts to smoke, this may be due to excess butter in the bread, and you can add a little water to the bottom of the basket to remedy this.

Flipping the bread

If your garlic bread has cheese on it, it is best not to flip it during cooking, as the cheese will stick to the basket or rack. However, if your bread does not have cheese, you can flip it halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

Adding cheese

If your frozen garlic bread does not have cheese, you can easily add some grated parmesan or another type of cheese during cooking. Add the cheese with around 1-2 minutes of cooking time left, so that it has time to melt without burning.

Variations for cooking frozen garlic bread in an air fryer

Add cheese

If you purchase plain garlic bread, you can easily add grated parmesan cheese to the top about halfway through cooking. You can also add mozzarella or a cream cheese and parmesan cheese mixture.

Add herbs

Sprinkle the top of the bread with your favourite herbs, such as parsley.

Turn it into pizza

About halfway through cooking, remove the bread and top with pizza sauce, cheese, and your favourite pizza toppings. Return to the air fryer and cook until the cheese is melted.

Add more garlic flavour

Garlic lovers can top their frozen garlic bread with fresh minced garlic or garlic butter.

Serve with sauce

Add a side of marinara sauce for a tasty appetizer or snack.

How to reheat frozen garlic bread in an air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Frozen Garlic Bread

Take the frozen garlic bread out of the freezer. If it's a large loaf, cut it into smaller pieces that will fit in your air fryer. You can also cut the bread in half lengthwise to make it easier to toast.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to around. Preheating is important if you want the bread to be crispy throughout. It also ensures the top of the bread doesn't get too brown before the bottom crisps up.

Step 3: Place the Bread in the Air Fryer

Place the frozen garlic bread in the air fryer basket. Make sure there's space between each piece to allow for air circulation. If you're cooking a lot of bread, you may need to do this in batches.

Step 4: Cook the Bread

Cook the frozen garlic bread for around 5-8 minutes at 350-375°F (180°C). If your bread has cheese on it, cook it with the cheese side facing up, and don't flip it. If it doesn't have cheese, you can flip it over halfway through.

Step 5: Check and Adjust

Keep an eye on the bread during the final minutes of cooking to make sure it doesn't burn. If you want it crispier, add a few minutes to the cooking time.

Step 6: Serve

Once the bread is golden brown and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Tips:

• You don't need to defrost the garlic bread before cooking it in the air fryer.
• If you want to add cheese to plain garlic bread, sprinkle some grated parmesan on top about halfway through cooking.
• If your air fryer starts to smoke, this is likely due to excess butter in the bread. Just add a little water to the bottom of the air fryer basket, and it should be fine.
• To reheat leftover garlic bread, preheat your air fryer to 350-375°F (180°C) and cook the bread for 1-2 minutes.

Frequently asked questions