Air-Fried Garlic Cheese Bread: Quick, Crispy, Cheesy Delight!

Garlic bread is a delicious side dish that can be made in an air fryer in just a few minutes. The key to making garlic bread in an air fryer is to spread a garlic butter mixture on sliced bread, such as a baguette or French loaf, and then cook it in the air fryer for a few minutes until it is crispy and golden. The garlic butter mixture typically includes softened butter, garlic, and various herbs and spices, such as Italian seasoning, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Cheese, such as mozzarella or parmesan, can also be added to the bread before cooking for an extra cheesy garlic bread.

Choosing your bread

Choosing the right bread is crucial to making delicious garlic cheese bread in an air fryer. The bread should be crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, with a chewy texture that can hold up to the weight of the cheese and butter.

The best options are a French baguette or loaf, as these are easy to cut and have a chewy crust that becomes crispy in the air fryer. Ciabatta is also a good choice and will give your garlic bread a more authentic Italian flavour. If you want to switch things up, you could try a small sourdough loaf or even wheat bread.

You can use fresh or day-old bread, depending on your preference. Fresh bread will give you a softer texture, while day-old bread will result in a crispier, chewier garlic bread.

When preparing your bread, slice it in half lengthwise. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cut the bread into smaller pieces so they fit inside. You might also need to toast the bread in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer, which can cause uneven cooking.

Now you know how to choose and prepare your bread, you're ready to start making some delicious garlic cheese bread in your air fryer!

Making the garlic butter

Ingredients:

• Salted or unsalted butter (softened)
• Freshly minced garlic (3-4 tablespoons)
• Olive oil (optional)
• Italian seasoning or dried parsley
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Method:

Start by taking the softened butter and mashing it with a fork until it is smooth. If you are using salted butter, skip adding salt. Add in some olive oil for flavour and texture. Next, add the garlic. You can adjust the amount of garlic to your taste, but generally, 1-2 tablespoons or 3-4 cloves of garlic are used. Add in your choice of herbs and spices. You can use Italian seasoning, dried or fresh parsley, and red pepper flakes for a kick of heat. Mix everything until well combined. Your garlic butter is now ready to be spread onto the bread of your choice!

Tips:

• Make sure your butter is softened and at room temperature before you start. This makes mashing and mixing much easier.
• Fresh garlic is recommended over bottled or powdered garlic for the best flavour.
• If using unsalted butter, you may want to add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavour.
• You can adjust the amount of garlic and herbs to your taste preferences.
• The garlic butter can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until needed.

Once you have your garlic butter ready, you can spread it onto your chosen bread, top with cheese, and air fry for a delicious, crispy treat!

Preparing the bread

Firstly, gather your ingredients and slice your chosen loaf of bread. A French baguette or Italian loaf is a popular choice, but you can also use ciabatta or sourdough. Cut the bread in half lengthwise, and then cut each half into two or three pieces, depending on the size of your air fryer. You want the bread to fit comfortably inside the air fryer, leaving some space for air circulation.

Next, prepare the garlic butter spread. In a bowl, mix together softened butter (unsalted or salted, according to your preference), olive oil, Italian seasoning or dried herbs, red pepper or chilli flakes, and freshly minced garlic. You can adjust the amount of garlic to your taste, but most recipes call for a generous amount of garlic to give the bread a punch of flavour. You can also add some grated parmesan cheese to the mix for an extra cheesy kick. Mix everything together until you have a smooth, spreadable paste.

Now, it's time to assemble the garlic bread. Spread the garlic butter mixture generously onto each slice of bread, making sure to cover the surface evenly. If you want to add cheese, sprinkle your favourite variety on top. Mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, and Colby Jack are all excellent choices, but you can use whatever you have available.

Finally, place the prepared bread slices into your air fryer. It's important not to overcrowd the air fryer, so cook the bread in batches if necessary. Leave some space between each slice to allow for even cooking and that sought-after crispy texture.

Air frying

Ingredients:

• Bread: French bread, Italian bread, baguette, or ciabatta.
• Butter: Softened, unsalted or salted.
• Garlic: Freshly minced or garlic powder.
• Cheese: Mozzarella, Parmesan, or a combination of both.
• Herbs: Parsley (fresh or dried), Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, etc.

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (some air fryers may not require preheating).
• Slice the bread: Cut the bread in half or into pieces that will fit easily into your air fryer.
• Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, garlic, and any desired herbs. You can also add a little olive oil for a better consistency.
• Assemble: Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the bread slices. If using cheese, sprinkle it on top.
• Air fry: Place the bread slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each slice for even cooking. Air fry for 4-7 minutes, until the bread is golden and crispy. If you're adding cheese, put it on top for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking.
• Serve: Remove the garlic cheese bread from the air fryer and cut into thick slices. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips:

• For extra crispy bread, preheat your air fryer and leave space between each slice for proper air circulation.
• If not using cheese, add a little salt to enhance the flavour.
• You can also add aluminium foil or parchment paper to the base of the air fryer to prevent the bread from crisping up too much.
• Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or goat cheese.
• For a meaty twist, try adding shredded chicken or pepperoni to your garlic bread.

Serving suggestions

This garlic bread is a versatile side dish that can accompany a variety of meals. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of your air-fried garlic bread:

• Pasta Dishes: Garlic bread is a classic side dish for pasta nights. Serve it with your favourite pasta dishes, such as spaghetti, lasagna, or chicken Parmesan. It's perfect for dipping into sauces or cleaning up leftover sauce from your plate.
• Soups: The warm and comforting garlic bread pairs well with a variety of soups. Try it with tomato soup, mushroom bisque, chicken corn soup, or wild rice soup. It adds a crunchy and cheesy element to your bowl of soup.
• Salads: If you're looking for a heartier side to accompany your salad, garlic bread is a great option. It adds a warm and cheesy element to your meal, making it a satisfying lunch or dinner option.
• Meat Dishes: Garlic bread can also be served alongside meat dishes. Pair it with chicken, beef stew, Mississippi pot roast, or Italian meatloaf for a complete meal.
• Appetizer: This garlic bread is also perfect as an appetizer or snack. Serve it at parties, game nights, or as a starter for your next dinner gathering. It's sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
• Customise with Toppings: Jazz up your garlic bread with various toppings. Try adding crushed chilli flakes for a touch of heat, or sprinkle on some chopped parsley for a fresh herb flavour. You can also get creative and top it with shredded chicken, pepperoni, black olives, or diced bell peppers to make it a more substantial snack.

Frequently asked questions