Air-Fryer Garlic Bread: The Perfect Toast Time

Garlic bread is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that can be prepared in an air fryer in just a few minutes. The air fryer's high temperature and air circulation ensure that the bread is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The key to making perfect garlic bread in an air fryer is to use the right combination of ingredients, including butter, garlic, parsley, and cheese, and to cook it at the right temperature for the right amount of time.

How to make garlic bread in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Bread: French baguette, Italian bread, ciabatta, or any crusty bread of your choice.
• Butter: Unsalted or salted butter, softened.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic cloves or garlic powder.
• Cheese: Parmesan, mozzarella, or a combination of both.
• Herbs: Parsley, dried or fresh, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes.

Instructions

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
• Slice the bread: Cut the bread in half or into pieces that fit easily into the air fryer. You can also cut slits into the bread, Hasselback-style, for more butter coverage.
• Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, garlic, herbs, and cheese (optional).
• Spread the butter mixture: Use a brush or spoon to spread the garlic butter evenly over the bread slices.
• Place the bread in the air fryer: Arrange the bread slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each slice for even cooking.
• Air fry: Cook the garlic bread for 5-7 minutes at 350°F, until golden brown. If adding cheese, do so in the last 1-2 minutes of cooking.
• Serve: Remove the garlic bread from the air fryer, slice if desired, and serve warm.

Tips:

• Preheat the air fryer for even cooking and crispiness.
• Leave space between bread slices for optimal crispiness. Cook in batches if needed.
• Adjust the cooking time to your desired level of crispness.
• For extra salty flavour, sprinkle coarse sea salt on the buttered bread before air frying.
• For cheesy garlic bread, stir extra cheese into the butter mixture instead of sprinkling on top.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days and reheat in the air fryer.

The best type of bread for garlic bread

Garlic bread is a perfect side to any Italian meal, and you can use a variety of breads to make it. The best bread for garlic bread is subjective and depends on personal preference. However, French bread and Italian bread are two of the most popular choices.

French bread has a soft interior with a flaky, crispy crust. This balance between a firm crust and a chewy, airy crumb makes it a prime candidate for garlic bread.

Italian bread is also a great option. Ciabatta, a flat Italian bread with a soft, porous crumb, is a good choice. It can be easily cut horizontally and has a crunchy exterior, which is a characteristic of excellent garlic bread.

Other crusty bread options are also suitable for garlic bread, including baguettes and country white bread.

When making garlic bread, the bread is typically split in half lengthwise, and a garlic-butter mixture is spread across the open-faced side before baking. The garlic-butter mixture can be adjusted to suit your taste, and extra toppings can be added, such as cheese, meat, or vegetables.

How long to cook frozen garlic bread in an air fryer

Air-frying 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 minutes.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Bread

If using a store-bought frozen garlic bread, simply take it out of the freezer. If you're making your own garlic bread, prepare a garlic butter mixture by mixing softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, and Parmesan cheese. Spread the mixture over the bread. You can use a baguette, ciabatta, or French bread for this recipe.

Step 2: Air-Fry the Garlic Bread

Place the frozen garlic bread in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure there is space between each piece of bread to allow for proper air circulation. Set the air fryer to a temperature of between 350°F and 380°F and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy.

Tips for Cooking Frozen Garlic Bread in an Air Fryer

• There is no need to defrost the garlic bread before air-frying. Cook it straight from frozen.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer. There should be space between each piece of bread to allow for proper air circulation.
• No oil is needed when cooking garlic bread in the air fryer.
• If using a cheesy garlic bread, keep a close eye on it towards the end of the cooking time to ensure the cheese doesn't burn.
• If your air fryer starts to smoke, this is likely due to excess butter in the garlic bread. Simply add a little bit of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket to resolve this issue.
• If you're cooking multiple batches of garlic bread, the second batch will cook faster as the air fryer will already be hot. Reduce the temperature and keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

Storing and Reheating Garlic Bread

Leftover garlic bread can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. To reheat, place the garlic bread in the air fryer or oven for 1-2 minutes, or until warm and toasty.

How to store garlic bread

Garlic bread is a delicious treat, but what happens when you have some leftover? Well, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Here's how to properly store your garlic bread to make sure it stays fresh and tasty.

Storing Garlic Bread in the Fridge

Firstly, make sure your garlic bread has cooled down completely. Then, wrap it tightly in aluminium foil or place it in an airtight container. It should stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the air fryer, oven, or toaster. Just be careful not to over-toast it!

Freezing Garlic Bread

If you want to keep your garlic bread for longer, freezing is a great option. First, let the bread cool completely. Then, wrap the slices individually in plastic wrap or place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the slices to an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, there's no need to thaw. Just pop the frozen slices into your air fryer for 5-7 minutes at 340°F, and they'll be as good as new!

Tips for Storing Garlic Bread

• If you're storing garlic bread in the fridge, it's best to consume it within 3-4 days, as it may start to dry out and become stale after that.
• When freezing garlic bread, it's important to wrap the slices individually or freeze them in a single layer first to prevent them from sticking together.
• To reheat garlic bread, avoid using the microwave, as it can make the bread soggy. Instead, use the air fryer, oven, or toaster to retain that delicious crispy texture.

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 chili. It can also be served with a hearty bowl of chili con carne, providing the perfect crunch to dip into the spicy and hearty dish.

Pasta Dishes

Garlic bread is a classic side dish for pasta meals. It pairs well with spaghetti Bolognese, chicken Alfredo, linguine with clam sauce, and baked ziti. The garlic bread can be used to scoop up the cheesy sauces or soak up the briny, garlic-infused juices of the pasta dishes.

Meat Dishes

For a hearty meal, serve garlic bread with beef stroganoff, shrimp scampi, or lemon butter salmon. The garlic bread will complement the savory flavors of these dishes. You can also use garlic bread to make meatball subs or roast beef sandwiches, creating a satisfying and flavorful combination.

Salads and Vegetarian Options

Garlic bread can add a crunchy texture to a chicken Caesar salad or a grilled vegetable platter. For a refreshing option, serve it with a Caprese salad, which includes slices of fresh tomato, mozzarella, and basil leaves drizzled with balsamic glaze.

Dips

Garlic bread is excellent for dipping! Pair it with a cheese dip, tzatziki sauce, or guacamole for a unique and tasty combination. The richness of the garlic bread goes well with the creamy avocado spread of guacamole or the tangy, refreshing twist of tzatziki sauce.

Other Ideas

• Spinach and artichoke stuffed shells
• Eggplant Parmesan
• Mushroom risotto
• Buffalo chicken dip
• Lemon garlic shrimp

Frequently asked questions