Air-Fryer Garlic Bread: Frozen To Toasted Perfection

Making frozen garlic bread in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook garlic bread straight from the freezer. It's a simple recipe that takes less than 10 minutes and doesn't require any prep or thawing. The air fryer's efficient hot air circulation significantly reduces the cook time compared to using an oven, and you don't need to use any oil or cooking spray. Simply preheat the air fryer to around 350-380°F (180-190°C), place the frozen garlic bread inside, and cook for 5-10 minutes until golden brown. You can also add cheese, herbs, or other toppings to your garlic bread for extra flavour.

Preheat settings and timings

There is also no need to spray the bread with oil to get it crispy. However, it is recommended that you preheat your air fryer to get the best results. The ideal temperature for preheating your air fryer is between 350-375°F (180-190°C). You should preheat for around 5 minutes.

When it comes to cooking the bread, the timings vary depending on the source. Some sources suggest cooking the bread for 5-6 minutes at 380°F, while others suggest 5-8 minutes at 375°F. One source recommends cooking the bread for 2 minutes at 375°F, then rotating the bread and cooking for a further 6 minutes. It is important to note that air fryer temperatures can vary, so you should adjust the timings and temperatures accordingly.

If you are cooking multiple batches of garlic bread, the second batch will cook faster as the air fryer will already be hot. Therefore, you should reduce the temperature and keep an eye on the bread to avoid burning it.

How to prepare the garlic bread

Ingredients

Frozen garlic bread (with or without cheese)

Method

• Preheat the air fryer to 360-380°F (180-190°C).
• Cut the frozen garlic bread in half lengthwise, or into smaller pieces if necessary to fit your air fryer.
• Place the frozen garlic bread in the air fryer basket, buttered-side up. If your garlic bread has cheese, place it cheese-side up.
• Cook for 5-8 minutes at 360-380°F (180-190°C) until golden brown. If your garlic bread has cheese, cook for 5 minutes.
• If you are adding cheese to your frozen garlic bread, do so after 5 minutes of cooking. Allow the bread to sit in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes with the air fryer turned off to melt the cheese.
• Remove the garlic bread from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Tips

• There is no need to thaw frozen garlic bread before air frying. Cook it straight from frozen.
• Do not overcrowd your air fryer. There should be space around your bread for air to circulate.
• You do not need to use oil when cooking garlic bread in an air fryer.
• If your air fryer starts to smoke, this is likely due to your garlic bread having a lot of butter. Add a little water to the bottom of the air fryer basket to stop it from smoking.

Cooking methods

Air fryer frozen garlic bread is a quick and easy dish to make. It's a perfect side for a variety of meals and can be made in less than 10 minutes. The air fryer's efficient hot air circulation significantly reduces the cooking time compared to using an oven.

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-380 degrees Fahrenheit. Preheating is important as it heats up the basket, ensuring better cooking results.
• Take your frozen garlic bread out of the freezer. If it's a large loaf, cut it into smaller pieces that fit your air fryer. Most air fryers cannot accommodate a whole loaf, so it's important to slice the bread along the pre-sliced lines.
• Place the frozen garlic bread in the air fryer basket. Make sure there is space between the slices for even cooking. Do not overcrowd the basket, as air circulation is crucial.
• Cook for 5-8 minutes at 350-380 degrees Fahrenheit. If your garlic bread has cheese, cook it for 5 minutes, then remove it from the air fryer. If you're adding cheese, do so after 5 minutes and let it sit in the residual heat.
• Check the bread halfway through cooking and adjust the time as needed. Different air fryers and bread sizes may require different cooking times.
• Once the bread is golden brown and the butter has melted, remove it from the air fryer using tongs and serve immediately.

Some additional tips for making frozen garlic bread in an air fryer:

• There is no need to thaw frozen garlic bread before air frying. Cooking it straight from frozen will give you a crispier texture.
• Avoid using foil as it will prevent the bread from crisping up.
• If your air fryer starts to smoke due to excess butter, add a little water to the bottom of the air fryer basket.
• You can add various toppings to your garlic bread, such as cheese, herbs, or fresh minced garlic.

Serving suggestions

Garlic bread is a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of meals. Here are some serving suggestions for your air-fried frozen garlic bread:

Soups

Soups and bread are a classic combination, and garlic bread is no exception. Try serving your garlic bread with a comforting bowl of soup, such as tomato soup, chicken gnocchi soup, or a creamy roasted red pepper soup. Dip your garlic bread into the soup for a warm and satisfying meal.

Salads

Salads are another great option to serve with garlic bread. During the summer months, when fresh produce is abundant, a light and refreshing salad paired with garlic bread can make a well-balanced and satisfying meal. Try a grilled shrimp salad or a summer pasta salad with walnut pesto, tomatoes, and snap peas.

Pasta

Garlic bread is a classic side dish for pasta, and it pairs well with a variety of pasta dishes. Try serving it with a creamy chicken pasta, such as chicken fettuccine Alfredo, or a spicy arrabbiata sauce. If you're looking for something meatier, pair your garlic bread with a classic spaghetti bolognese or a hearty beef lasagna.

Grilled Dishes

In the summer, break out the grill and pair your garlic bread with grilled proteins or vegetables. Garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any excess sauce or juices from your grilled dishes. Try it with grilled flank steak or grilled vegetables like corn or eggplant.

Stews

During the colder months, garlic bread is a perfect side dish for hearty stews. Dipping your garlic bread into a beef stew or a French cassoulet adds a crisp texture and soaks up all the delicious flavours. Beef bourguignon, a rich stew of beef braised in Burgundy wine and stock, is a perfect match for garlic bread.

Curries

For something a little different, try serving your garlic bread with a curry. It may be an unconventional pairing, but it can be a delicious combination. A Goan prawn curry or a chicken tikka masala can be a spicy and satisfying meal when served with garlic bread.

Sandwiches

Garlic bread can also be used to make delicious sandwiches. Try a BBQ pulled pork or chicken sandwich on garlic bread, or get creative with your favourite fillings. The garlic bread adds a punch of flavour to your sandwich.

Pizza

Pizza and garlic bread are a match made in heaven. Whether you're making your own pizza or ordering in, add a side of garlic bread to complete the meal. It's a kid-friendly option that's perfect for a weekend treat.

Dips

Garlic bread is also a great vehicle for dips. Try serving it alongside a warm spinach artichoke dip or a hot crab dip. The garlic bread will impress your guests and take your dip game to the next level.

Mains

Garlic bread pairs well with a variety of mains, such as chicken wings, chicken marsala, Italian sausage and peppers, or hunter's chicken. It adds a carb element to your meal and is perfect for mopping up any sauces or juices.

Reheating and storing

Leftover garlic bread is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is not recommended to refreeze frozen garlic bread after cooking.

Leftover garlic bread can be reheated in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350-375°F (180-190°C) and heat the bread for 1-3 minutes, until heated through.

For reheating, you can also pop the bread back into the air fryer (no need to preheat) for a few minutes until it is heated through.

If you are reheating garlic bread with cheese, start at a low temperature of 325°F (around 160°C) for 2-3 minutes, then flip the bread and heat for another 2-3 minutes.

When reheating, it is important to be gentle as the heating element is close to the food.

The bread should be crispy and heated through after reheating.

Garlic bread can be stored in the freezer for about 3 to 6 months if stored properly in an airtight container or freezer bag. Beyond this timeframe, the quality may start to deteriorate, and the bread may develop freezer burn or lose its original flavour and texture.

It is a good idea to label the container with the date of freezing to keep track of its freshness.

Leftover garlic bread can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

Frequently asked questions