Air-Fried Cheesy Garlic Bread: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Air fryers are a quick and easy way to make garlic bread, and it can be done in just a few simple steps. This recipe is versatile and can be made with a variety of different breads, cheeses, and spices. It is also a very quick process, taking only 5-10 minutes to cook.

Choosing the right bread

A French baguette is a popular choice for garlic bread, as it has a soft, fluffy interior and a pale, crusty exterior. Ciabatta bread is another option that will give you a similar soft and chewy texture. Italian bread, such as a rustic Italian-style artisan loaf or Italian Pane bread, is also a good choice and is commonly used for garlic bread. These types of bread will give you the perfect balance of a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior after air frying.

If you prefer a denser and more filling bread, a small sourdough loaf can also work well for garlic bread. Texas toast-style slices or wheat bread are other options if you want a thicker slice of bread. However, it is important to note that thinner sandwich bread is not recommended as it will not be substantial enough to hold the cheese.

When choosing your bread, consider whether you want a fresh or day-old loaf. Fresh bread will give you a softer texture, while a day-old loaf will result in crispier and chewier garlic bread.

Additionally, if you have specific dietary restrictions, you can opt for gluten-free bread or vegan-friendly options to suit your needs.

Using the right cheese

When it comes to the amount of cheese, some recipes call for a generous amount to make the bread extra cheesy. On the other hand, you can reduce the quantity to suit your preferences. If you're looking for a more subtle cheese flavour, you can simply sprinkle some cheese on top of the bread. This will give your garlic bread a nice golden crunch without overwhelming the other ingredients.

In addition to the type and amount of cheese, the quality of the cheese also matters. Using freshly grated parmesan cheese, for example, will give you a better flavour than pre-grated cheese. Freshly grated cheese melts better and has a richer taste.

So, when making cheese garlic bread in an air fryer, feel free to experiment with different types and amounts of cheese to find what suits your taste. Just remember that the key to a great dish is often in the quality of the ingredients!

Preparing the garlic

Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need fresh garlic cloves, as most recipes recommend against using garlic powder. The amount of garlic you need will depend on your taste preferences and the number of servings you are making. For a stronger garlic flavour, you can increase the amount of garlic used.

Next, you will need to mince or finely chop the garlic cloves. This step is important to ensure that the garlic integrates well with the other ingredients and spreads evenly on the bread. You can use a sharp knife to mince the garlic, or you can use a garlic press or a microplane to make the process easier and faster.

Once you have minced the garlic, it's time to mix it with the other ingredients to create a garlic butter spread. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, and any additional ingredients such as Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, dried parsley, or grated Parmesan cheese. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until you have a homogeneous mixture.

You can also add a small pinch of salt to enhance the flavour, especially if you are using unsalted butter. If you want a more pronounced garlic flavour, you can increase the amount of garlic in the mixture or use garlic paste instead of fresh cloves.

Now that your garlic butter is ready, it's time to spread it onto the bread. Slice your baguette or French bread into pieces that will fit easily into your air fryer. You can cut them into 2-inch thick slices or halve the bread lengthwise, depending on your preference. Spread a generous amount of the garlic butter mixture onto each slice of bread, making sure to cover the surface evenly.

If you want an extra garlic kick, you can even spread the mixture on both sides of the bread. However, be mindful that too much butter can make the bread soggy, so aim for a generous but not excessive amount.

Once your bread is prepared, you can move on to the next steps of assembling and air-frying your delicious cheese garlic bread!

Spreading the mixture

Now for the fun part: spreading the mixture! Take your garlic butter mixture and spread a generous amount onto each slice of bread. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies of the bread for maximum flavour. You can use a butter knife or the back of a spoon for this step. If you're feeling extra indulgent, you can also spread some butter on the other side of the bread. This will give your garlic bread an extra crispy texture.

Once you've spread the mixture, it's time to assemble your creation in the air fryer. Place the buttered bread in the air fryer basket, making sure that the slices don't overlap. You want to give the hot air enough space to circulate and create that perfect crispy texture. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook the bread in batches.

Now, let's talk about cheese. If you're a cheese lover, feel free to sprinkle your favourite shredded cheese on top of the bread. Mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, or a combination of these cheeses work great. The cheese will melt into the bread as it cooks, creating a delicious, gooey texture.

If you're adding cheese, it's best to put it in the air fryer with about 1-2 minutes left in the cooking process. This will ensure that the cheese melts evenly and doesn't burn.

So, you've spread the mixture, assembled the bread in the air fryer, and added your cheese (if desired). Now, it's time to let the air fryer work its magic! Set the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook your garlic bread for 4-7 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. Keep an eye on it, as you don't want it to burn!

And that's it! With just a few simple steps, you've created delicious, cheesy garlic bread in your air fryer. Enjoy the mouthwatering aroma and indulge in the crispy, buttery goodness. Serve it as a side dish, dip it in your favourite sauce, or enjoy it on its own—the choices are endless!

Cooking the bread

To cook the bread, you'll want to start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F. While that's heating up, prepare your bread by spreading a generous amount of the garlic butter mixture on each slice. Place the slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they're not overlapping. This will ensure even cooking and that delicious crispy texture we're after. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the bread in batches.

Now, air fry that garlic bread! For a super crispy texture, cook for around 5 minutes. If you prefer your bread a little softer, 3-4 minutes should do the trick. Keep an eye on it, as different air fryers may vary in cooking time. If you're adding cheese, pop it on top for the last minute or two of cooking.

Once the bread is golden and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and serve it up! It's best enjoyed fresh and hot from the fryer, but if you have any leftovers, they can be stored and reheated.

Frequently asked questions