Air-Fryer Garlic Bread: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Garlic bread is a delicious side dish, and it's even better when it's cooked in an air fryer. If you're looking for a quick and easy way to cook store-bought garlic bread, then an air fryer is a perfect option. In this article, we'll show you how to cook store-bought garlic bread in an air fryer, including tips on how to get the perfect crispy texture and how to add your own cheese.

How to cut garlic bread for an air fryer

To cut garlic bread for an air fryer, first, cut the heels off the loaf of bread, about 2 inches from each end. Then, cut the loaf in half vertically, so you have two sections of about 6 inches that can fit in your air fryer. Next, slice each half horizontally, like cutting a sub roll, to expose the soft inside of the loaf. Finally, cut parallel slits, 2 inches apart, into each quarter of the loaf, stopping just before cutting through so that the slices stay connected at the bottom. This will ensure that the garlic bread cooks evenly in the air fryer.

If your garlic bread is store-bought, it may already be cut into slices. In this case, simply separate the slices and cut them to fit your air fryer if needed. It is important to cut the garlic bread to the appropriate size to ensure it cooks evenly and fits in your air fryer.

Additionally, if your garlic bread is frozen, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Frozen garlic bread will take around 5-6 minutes to cook in an air fryer, depending on your air fryer model. Be sure to check the bread a few times during the final minutes of cooking to ensure it doesn't burn.

How to make garlic butter

To cook store-bought garlic bread in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350-380 degrees. Cut the bread in half or to size to fit your air fryer. Mix softened butter, garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. You can also add cheese to the mix. Baste the garlic butter mixture on top of the bread evenly. Place the garlic bread in the air fryer side by side and cook for about 5-7 minutes.

To make garlic butter, you will need butter, garlic, and Italian seasoning. You can also add red pepper flakes, parsley, and salt to taste. Cut the butter into tablespoons and add to a small bowl to come to room temperature. Separate a head of garlic into cloves, then flatten them with the side of a knife and peel. Finely grate or mince the garlic and add to the bowl of softened butter. You can also add the remaining ingredients to the bowl and process until smooth. To shape the garlic butter into a roll, spoon the garlic butter lengthwise onto a sheet of plastic wrap a few inches longer than a stick of butter. Roll the garlic butter up tightly in the plastic wrap and twist the ends. Holding a twisted end in each hand, roll the log along the work surface to tighten and shape the roll.

How to cook garlic bread in an air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the garlic bread

First, preheat your air fryer to 350-380 degrees. Then, cut the bread in half or to a size that fits your air fryer. If you're using a loaf, cut the heels off (about 2 inches from each end), then cut the loaf in half vertically so that you have two 6-inch sections. Next, slice each half horizontally to expose the soft inside. Finally, cut parallel slits, 2 inches apart, into each quarter of the loaf, stopping just before cutting through so that the slices stay connected at the bottom.

Step 2: Make the garlic butter

In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic. You can also add cheese to this mixture if you like.

Step 3: Baste the bread

Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over the top of the bread. If you're adding cheese, sprinkle it on top of the bread with about 1-2 minutes of cooking time left.

Step 4: Cook the garlic bread

Place the bread pieces side by side in the air fryer basket or tray and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until hot and golden on the edges. If you're cooking frozen garlic bread, it may take a little longer, around 5-6 minutes.

Step 5: Serve

Remove the garlic bread from the air fryer and cut into thick slices. Serve immediately.

Troubleshooting

If your air fryer starts to smoke, it's likely due to excess butter in your garlic bread. Simply add a little bit of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket to resolve this issue.

How to cook frozen garlic bread in an air fryer

To cook frozen garlic bread in an air fryer, first preheat the air fryer to 350-380 degrees. Cut the bread in half or to a size that fits your air fryer. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic. You can also add cheese to this mixture. Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over the top of the bread.

Place the bread pieces side by side in the air fryer basket or tray and cook for about 5-7 minutes. If you are adding cheese, place it on top of the bread with about 1-2 minutes left. Remove the garlic cheese bread from the air fryer and cut into thick slices.

Check the bread a few times during the final few minutes of cooking to make sure it doesn't burn. If your air fryer starts to smoke, it's likely due to the garlic bread having a lot of butter. Just add a little bit of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket and you should be fine.

How to store leftover garlic bread

To cook store-bought garlic bread in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350-380 degrees. Cut the bread in half or to a size that fits your air fryer. Mix softened butter, garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over the top of the bread. Place the bread pieces side by side in the air fryer and cook for about 6-7 minutes. If you are adding cheese, place it on top of the bread with about 1-2 minutes left.

To store leftover garlic bread, slice the bread and let it cool to room temperature. Place the slices in an airtight bag and squeeze out the excess air. Store for up to 3 days on the counter. If you need to store the bread for an extended period, freeze it instead of refrigerating it, as refrigeration can cause the bread to dry out and become stale.

Frequently asked questions