Air Fryer Hack: Garlic Bread Perfection

Garlic bread is a staple side dish for many meals, and an air fryer is a great way to cook it quickly and easily. But how long does it take to cook garlic bread in an air fryer?

The cooking time for garlic bread in an air fryer depends on a few factors, such as the type of bread used, the thickness of the slices, and the brand of the air fryer. On average, it takes around 5-7 minutes to cook garlic bread in an air fryer at a temperature of 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it's important to keep an eye on the bread to ensure it doesn't burn.

Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer, while others recommend cooking the bread from a cold start. It's also important to note that if you're cooking frozen garlic bread, it may take a little longer, around 5-7 minutes at 350-380 degrees Fahrenheit.

To make garlic bread in an air fryer, simply spread a garlic butter mixture on slices of bread and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for the recommended time, and enjoy!

How to make garlic bread in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Bread: French baguette, Italian bread, ciabatta, or any bread of your choice.
• Butter: Unsalted or salted butter, softened at room temperature.
• Garlic: Finely minced or freshly pressed garlic cloves.
• Cheese: Parmesan, mozzarella, cheddar, or any other shredded cheese of your choice (optional).
• Herbs: Parsley, dried or fresh, finely chopped. You can also use other herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary.

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C).
• Prepare the garlic butter by mixing softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, and cheese (if using) in a small bowl.
• Cut the bread into slices or halves that will fit easily into the air fryer. If making sliced garlic bread, cut the bread into 1/2-inch thick slices.
• Spread the garlic butter mixture onto the bread. For sliced bread, spread about 1 teaspoon of the mixture onto each slice. For halved bread, brush or spread the mixture evenly over the cut side.
• Place the bread into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space for air circulation. Avoid stacking or overlapping the bread slices. You may need to cook in batches.
• Air fry the garlic bread for 5-7 minutes at 350°F (180°C) until golden and crispy. If adding cheese, do so in the last 1-2 minutes of cooking.
• Remove the garlic bread from the air fryer and serve warm.

Tips:

• If you prefer a softer middle to your garlic bread, wrap the buttered bread in aluminum foil and cook for 15 minutes at 350°F (180°C).
• To reheat garlic bread, preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C) and warm the bread for 2-3 minutes.
• To cook frozen garlic bread, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and cook for 5-7 minutes.
• For a more savory flavor, use salted butter or add a pinch of salt to the butter mixture, especially if not using cheese.
• You can substitute garlic powder for fresh garlic, or use roasted garlic cloves for a richer taste.

How long to cook frozen garlic bread in an air fryer

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to cook frozen garlic bread, using an air fryer is a great option! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Preparation:

First, take your frozen garlic bread out of the freezer. You don't need to defrost it, as it will go straight into the air fryer. Cut the garlic bread into pieces if necessary, so they fit nicely into your air fryer basket.

Cooking Time and Temperature:

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). The preheating step is important as it ensures the bread cooks evenly and gets crispy. Place the frozen garlic bread into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure there is space between each piece for air to circulate.

Cook the garlic bread for 5-7 minutes at 350°F (180°C). Keep an eye on it, as the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of the bread. You want the bread to be golden brown and crispy.

Serving:

Once the garlic bread is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. It's a perfect side dish for soups, stews, pasta, or chicken, or enjoy it as a snack on its own!

Tips:

• If you're cooking multiple batches, the subsequent batches may cook faster since the air fryer is already hot. Reduce the temperature to 360°F and keep a close eye to avoid burning.
• If your air fryer starts to smoke, don't panic. It's likely due to excess butter in the garlic bread. Simply add a little water to the bottom of the air fryer basket to resolve the issue.
• If you're using cheesy garlic bread, keep a closer eye on it towards the end of the cooking time to ensure the cheese doesn't burn.

How to reheat garlic bread in an air fryer

Ingredients

Leftover garlic bread

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 300°F.
• Place the garlic bread in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Reheat for 2-3 minutes at 300°F, or until golden brown.
• Enjoy!

Tips

• This method works for reheating frozen garlic bread, but you may need to increase the reheating time to 4-5 minutes.
• If you're reheating multiple batches, the second batch may cook faster as the air fryer will already be hot. Reduce the heat to 360°F and keep an eye on the bread to prevent burning.
• To prevent the bottom of the garlic bread from crisping up too much, you can add aluminium foil or parchment paper to the base of the air fryer.
• For best results, reheat the garlic bread in a single layer to ensure even browning.
• If your garlic bread has been stored in the fridge, bring it to room temperature before reheating.

What type of bread to use for garlic bread in an air fryer

Air fryer garlic bread is a quick and easy dish to make, and you can use a variety of bread types to make it.

The most popular choice is a French baguette, but you can also use ciabatta, Italian bread, or even a small sourdough loaf. The key is to use a crusty, sturdy bread that can hold up to the weight of the toppings and get crispy in the air fryer.

If you want to make garlic bread with a softer bread, like wheat bread or Texas toast, you can do that too, but be aware that it might not get as crispy. You could also try using leftover bread, like brioche buns, to make an easy and delicious garlic bread.

For the best results, cut the bread into slices or pieces that will fit easily into your air fryer basket and arrange them in a single layer to ensure even cooking.

Now, let's get into the specifics of how long to heat garlic bread in an air fryer.

What to serve with garlic bread

Garlic bread is a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of meals. Here are some ideas on what to serve with garlic bread:

Soups and Stews

Garlic bread goes well with many types of soup, including tomato soup, broccoli cheddar soup, beef stew, and cabbage soup. It can also be served with a hearty bowl of chili, providing a crunchy contrast to the creaminess of the chili.

Pasta and Italian Dishes

Garlic bread is a classic side dish for pasta dishes. It pairs well with spaghetti Bolognese, chicken Alfredo, linguine with clam sauce, and spinach and artichoke stuffed shells. It is also a perfect complement to eggplant Parmesan, baked ziti, and mushroom risotto.

Meats and Proteins

Garlic bread can be served with a variety of meats and proteins, such as London broil, chicken vesuvio, shrimp scampi, and beef stroganoff. It is also a tasty side for grilled vegetable platters and spinach-stuffed chicken breasts. For a quick and easy option, pair it with meatball subs or a pulled pork sandwich.

Salads and Dips

Although less conventional, garlic bread can be served with a Caprese salad, a fresh and refreshing combination of tomato, mozzarella, and basil. It also goes well with tzatziki sauce, a Greek dip made with yogurt, cucumber, and herbs. For a hearty option, try it with a chicken Caesar salad.

Seafood

Garlic bread is a great side for seafood dishes, especially those with garlic and lemon flavours. Lemon garlic shrimp and teriyaki-glazed salmon are delicious options. For a light and refreshing meal, serve it with lemon butter salmon.

Snacks and Appetizers

Garlic bread can be served as a snack or appetizer on its own or with a variety of dips, such as cheese dip, buffalo chicken dip, or guacamole. It also pairs well with shrimp skewers and can be used to make garlic toast or grilled cheese sandwiches.

Frequently asked questions