Air-Fried Garlic Bread: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Garlic bread is a delicious side dish that can be made in an air fryer in just a few minutes. It's a quick and easy way to make a tasty snack or side, and it goes perfectly with pasta, soup, or salad. You can use frozen garlic bread or make your own by spreading garlic butter on a baguette or ciabatta loaf and sprinkling cheese on top. The air fryer gives the bread a crispy texture and cooks it evenly, making it a convenient and tasty option for any meal.

How to cook garlic bread in the air fryer

How to make garlic butter

Garlic bread is a delicious side dish that can be made in an air fryer in just a few minutes. To make garlic bread in an air fryer, you'll need to start by making garlic butter. This simple recipe will add flavor to your garlic bread and can be used on anything from bread to steaks to vegetables.

To make garlic butter, you'll need just four ingredients: butter, garlic, parsley, and salt. You can use either unsalted or salted butter, but if you use salted butter, omit the salt from the recipe. Let the butter come to room temperature before you begin—this will make it easier to combine with the other ingredients. Once your butter is softened, finely chop or grate 3 to 4 garlic cloves until you have about 1 tablespoon. Chop the leaves from 4 sprigs of fresh parsley until you have 2 teaspoons. Add the garlic, parsley, and salt to the butter, then smash and stir until everything is well combined.

You can shape your garlic butter into a roll by spooning it onto a sheet of plastic wrap and rolling it tightly. Twist the ends of the plastic wrap and tie a knot or use a piece of kitchen twine to secure it. Store your garlic butter in the refrigerator or freezer until you're ready to use it. When you're ready to make your garlic bread, simply spread the garlic butter on the bread and cook it in your air fryer for 6-7 minutes.

How to prepare the bread

To prepare the bread, start by slicing the loaf. If you're using a baguette, slice it diagonally along the top at 2-3cm intervals, ensuring you don't cut all the way through. For a ciabatta loaf, cut it in half crosswise, then split each piece in half through the middle. If you're using a different type of loaf, cut the heels off, then cut the loaf in half vertically so that you have two 6-inch sections that can fit in your air fryer. Next, slice each half horizontally and make parallel slits, 2 inches apart, into each quarter of the loaf, leaving the slices connected at the bottom.

Now it's time to spread the garlic butter. Use a spoon or a butter knife to spread the garlic butter mixture over the horizontal plane of each piece. You don't need to spread the butter into each slit as it will melt down. If you're using cheese, stir it into the butter and garlic mixture. You can also add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, or other seasonings of your choice.

If you want to wrap your bread in foil, place the buttered sides together, wrap them in foil, and cook for around 15 minutes. However, some people prefer to cook the bread without foil in the air fryer to get an even crispiness.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for garlic bread in an air fryer depend on the type of bread used and whether it is frozen or not.

For frozen garlic bread, preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C) and cook for 12 minutes. If you are using slices of toast, reduce the cooking time to 5-8 minutes. If you are using a baguette, increase the cooking time to 10-12 minutes.

If you are using fresh garlic bread, the cooking time will be shorter. Place the bread in the air fryer and cook for about 6-7 minutes. If you are adding cheese, put it on top of the bread for the final 1-2 minutes.

If you are using a higher temperature of 400°F, cook the bread for 5 minutes at a time, repeating as needed.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size and type of garlic bread, as well as the model of the air fryer.

Adding cheese to garlic bread

If you're making garlic bread in an air fryer, you'll want to add the cheese when there are about 2 minutes of cooking time left. This will ensure that the cheese has time to melt without burning. Keep in mind that different air fryers cook at different rates, so you'll need to keep an eye on your bread to make sure it doesn't burn.

To make cheesy garlic bread in an air fryer, start by slicing a French baguette or loaf in half lengthwise. In a small bowl, mix softened butter with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add minced garlic or garlic powder for extra flavor. Spread the garlic butter mixture onto each half of the bread, then top with shredded mozzarella, parmesan, or cheddar cheese. Place the bread in the air fryer, cheese-side up, and air fry at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-5 minutes, or until the bread is cooked to your liking.

If you want to get creative, you can also try making a pizza-style garlic bread by adding pizza sauce and cheese to the bread before air frying. Or, for an extra-cheesy treat, try using a thicker slice of bread and adding a generous amount of cheese to create a gooey cheese center.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer garlic bread is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or a snack. It pairs well with a variety of meals, especially Italian dishes. Here are some serving suggestions to try:

Italian Meals

Garlic bread is a classic side dish for Italian meals. It goes well with pasta, including spaghetti, and can be served with lasagna, Italian salad, or dipped into a bowl of tomato soup. For an extra cheesy experience, sprinkle some parmesan on top or use it in your garlic butter mixture.

Main Courses

Air fryer garlic bread also complements various main courses. Try serving it with meat dishes like London broil or smothered pork chops. It can also be a tasty side for chicken spaghetti with Rotel, air fryer meatloaf, or even simple weeknight casseroles.

Soups

Warm and crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into soups. Pair it with a hot bowl of tomato soup or your favourite soup variety. It adds a nice crunch and flavour to the meal.

Snacks and Appetizers

Garlic bread can be a delicious snack or appetizer on its own. It's so good that you might find yourself eating the whole batch! For extra flavour, dip it into sauces or serve it with instant pot meatballs.

Customizations

Feel free to customize your garlic bread to your taste preferences. Make it more garlicky, add extra cheese, or throw in some pepperoni for a meatier treat. You can also experiment with different types of bread, such as brioche or leftover sandwich buns.

Remember, garlic bread is best served warm and crispy. It's a versatile dish that can enhance your dining experience, whether served as a side or the main event. Enjoy experimenting with different serving suggestions and finding your favourite combinations!

Frequently asked questions