Air-Fryer Garlic Bread: Frozen To Toasty In Minutes

Making frozen garlic bread in an air fryer 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 it cooks in 5-12 minutes. The air fryer method is also quicker than using an oven, and produces crispier bread.

Preheat the air fryer to 350-380°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of making frozen garlic bread. While some recipes suggest preheating to 360°F or 375°F, others recommend a slightly higher temperature range of 350-380°F. This temperature range is ideal for achieving the desired level of crispiness and browning on your garlic bread without burning it.

Preheating your air fryer ensures that the heating elements are ready to go, and your garlic bread will start cooking as soon as it's placed in the basket. This step is especially important if you want a nice sear on your bread. Additionally, preheating helps to ensure even cooking, as the basket itself will be heated along with the air.

When preheating your air fryer, it's a good idea to refer to the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of your air fryer model. This will help you achieve the best results and avoid any potential issues.

By following these temperature guidelines and allowing your air fryer to preheat properly, you'll be well on your way to enjoying delicious, crispy frozen garlic bread cooked to perfection.

Cut the bread to fit the air fryer

When preparing frozen garlic bread in an air fryer, it's important to ensure that the bread fits comfortably inside the appliance. If your loaf is too large, you may need to cut it into smaller pieces. This is a simple process and can be done easily with a serrated knife, even while the bread is still frozen.

To cut the bread to size, measure the dimensions of your air fryer basket and compare them to the size of your loaf. Decide how many pieces you will need to cut to ensure they fit inside without overcrowding the basket. It's important to leave space for air to circulate, so the bread cooks evenly and doesn't become soggy. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may be able to cook multiple pieces at once, or you may need to cook in batches.

Once you've determined the number of pieces you need, use a serrated knife to cut the bread to the appropriate size. If your loaf is frozen, apply gentle pressure and use a back-and-forth sawing motion to cut through the bread cleanly.

By taking these steps to cut the bread to fit your air fryer, you'll ensure that your garlic bread cooks evenly and efficiently, resulting in a delicious, crispy treat!

Don't defrost the bread

Firstly, there is no need to wait for the bread to defrost, which saves time and means you can have your garlic bread whenever you want it. It also means less preparation, as you can simply take the bread straight from the freezer and pop it into the air fryer.

Secondly, cooking frozen garlic bread helps to achieve the desired crispy texture. The air fryer is the perfect method to get this texture in just a few minutes. If you defrost the bread first, it may become soggy and unable to crisp up properly.

Finally, cooking frozen garlic bread ensures that the garlic butter melts perfectly, creating a soft and tasty centre.

So, if you're looking for a quick, easy, and delicious way to cook garlic bread, don't defrost the bread—simply follow the air fryer instructions and enjoy!

Don't overcrowd the air fryer

So, you want to make some frozen garlic bread in your air fryer, but you're not sure how to go about it. Well, first things first: don't overcrowd the air fryer! Here are some reasons why:

When cooking with an air fryer, it's important to remember that these appliances rely on hot air circulating around the food to create that delicious, crispy texture. If you overcrowd the air fryer by stacking food or filling it to the brim, you restrict this airflow. This can lead to uneven cooking and soggy food instead of the crispy, golden results you're aiming for.

The key to successful air frying is to give your food enough space to breathe. It's best to cook in batches, even if it means waiting a little longer for your meal. This way, the hot air can circulate effectively, crisping up your garlic bread to perfection. It's worth noting that some vegetables, like Brussels sprouts and broccoli, can be cooked in bulk without sacrificing quality. But for most foods, including garlic bread, it's best to cook in single layers or smaller batches.

Another reason to avoid overcrowding is to maintain the efficiency of your air fryer. Air fryers are designed to cook food faster and more efficiently than traditional ovens. By overcrowding the air fryer, you may end up increasing the cooking time, defeating the purpose of using an air fryer in the first place.

Finally, safety should always be a priority when cooking. Overcrowding your air fryer can lead to uneven heat distribution, potentially causing hot spots and increasing the risk of fires. It's essential to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for how much food to load into your specific air fryer model.

By following these guidelines and giving your garlic bread the space it needs, you'll be rewarded with perfectly cooked, crispy garlic bread. So, take your time, cook in batches, and enjoy the delicious results!

Cook for 5-12 minutes

Now that your air fryer is preheated and your garlic bread is inside, it's time to cook! The cooking time will depend on the type of garlic bread you're making and the model of your air fryer, but generally, it should take between 5 and 12 minutes.

For plain frozen garlic bread, you'll want to cook it for around 5-7 minutes at 375°F (190°C). If your bread has cheese on it, there's no need to flip it. Simply cook it for 5 minutes at the same temperature. If you're making garlic bread with cheese from scratch, add the cheese with about 1-2 minutes of cooking time left.

If you're cooking frozen garlic bread slices, this will take even less time—somewhere between 2 and 8 minutes, depending on your air fryer and how toasted you like your bread. If you're using an air fryer that requires preheating, like the Philips HD9252/90 Air Fryer, you'll need to factor in an extra 5 minutes for this step.

If you're making garlic bread from scratch, you'll want to cook it for around 6-7 minutes at 350°F. However, this time can vary depending on the type of bread you're using and your personal preference for how toasted you like your garlic bread. For example, Texas toast-style slices may take less time than a crusty baguette.

Keep in mind that you don't want to overcrowd your air fryer. Leave some space around each piece of bread to ensure even cooking. If you're cooking a large loaf, you may need to cut it into smaller pieces or cook it in batches.

Now, all that's left to do is keep an eye on your garlic bread to make sure it doesn't burn. Once it's golden and toasted to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and enjoy!

Frequently asked questions