Air-Fryer Garlic Toast: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Garlic bread is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that can be prepared in an air fryer in just a few minutes. With its crispy exterior and soft interior, it is the perfect complement to a variety of meals, such as pasta, soup, or salad. Making garlic bread in an air fryer is not only quick and convenient but also reduces the amount of oil needed compared to traditional frying methods, making it a healthier option. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to make your own garlic bread in an air fryer, including the ingredients you'll need, preparation instructions, and useful tips for achieving the best results.

Choosing the right bread

Type of Bread

The type of bread you choose will significantly impact the taste and texture of your garlic toast. While you can use any type of bread, such as white, whole wheat, or even regular sliced bread, sturdy and crusty bread works best in the air fryer. Here are some recommended options:

• French Baguette: A French baguette is an excellent choice for garlic toast as it provides a more authentic base for the garlic butter. Its size is perfect for making smaller rounds of bread that fit nicely in the air fryer.
• Ciabatta: Ciabatta bread has a crispy exterior and a soft interior, making it ideal for garlic toast. It holds up well in the air fryer and delivers a satisfying crunch.
• Sourdough: Sourdough bread has a unique flavour and texture that pairs well with the garlic butter. Look for a small sourdough loaf or thick slices that will fit nicely in your air fryer.
• Italian Bread: Italian bread, such as a crusty Pane loaf, is a great option for garlic toast. It has a delicious flavour and texture that complements the garlic and butter perfectly.

Bread Thickness

When selecting your bread, consider the thickness of the slices. Thicker slices, such as those from a French baguette or sourdough loaf, tend to yield better results in the air fryer. They provide a more substantial base for the toppings and ensure that the bread doesn't get soggy. If you're using a softer type of bread, aim for thicker slices to prevent them from becoming too crispy or burning.

Freshness of Bread

For the best results, opt for fresh, room-temperature bread instead of frozen. Fresh bread will give you a nicer crust and a more enjoyable texture. If you're using a softer variety of bread, make sure it's not stale, as this can affect the overall quality of your garlic toast.

Bread Size

Pay attention to the size of the bread and how it fits in your air fryer. You want to ensure that there is enough room for air to circulate around the bread. If the slices are too large, you may need to cut them to fit properly in the air fryer basket. It's crucial to leave some space between the slices to allow for even cooking and browning.

Experiment with Different Breads

Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of bread to find your favourite. You can try various options, such as Texas toast-style slices, wheat bread, or even brioche sandwich buns, as mentioned in some recipes. Each type of bread will give your garlic toast a unique flavour and texture, so feel free to explore and discover your preferred combination.

Preparing the garlic butter

Ingredients:

• Softened Butter: Start with softened butter, which will be the base of your garlic butter. You can use unsalted or salted butter, depending on your preference. Take about 4-5 tablespoons of butter and ensure it is at room temperature to make mixing easier.
• Garlic: The star ingredient! Use fresh garlic cloves and mince or grate them. The amount of garlic can vary depending on your taste preferences, but a good starting point is about 3 tablespoons of minced garlic.
• Cheese: While optional, adding some grated Parmesan cheese to the mix can take your garlic toast to the next level. You can add about 1/2 a cup of grated Parmesan, but feel free to adjust the amount to your liking.
• Herbs: For added flavor and freshness, you can include some herbs like Italian seasoning, parsley, or basil. You can use fresh or dried herbs. If using fresh parsley, you'll need about 1 tablespoon, and if using dried parsley, 1/2 teaspoon should be enough.

Mixing the Garlic Butter:

• Combine the Ingredients: In a small bowl, add the softened butter, minced or grated garlic, and your chosen herbs and cheese.
• Mix Well: Using a spoon or spatula, mix all the ingredients until they are well combined. Make sure the garlic and herbs are evenly distributed throughout the butter. You can also add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, though this is optional.

Once you have your garlic butter ready, it's time to spread it on your chosen bread slices and follow the remaining steps to make your air fryer garlic toast!

Spreading the garlic butter

Now for the fun part: spreading the garlic butter! Take your softened butter and mix it with the minced garlic, grated or chopped garlic, Italian seasoning or parsley, salt, and pepper. You can also add in some shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese for a delicious cheesy garlic bread. Mix it all together until you have a well-combined, spreadable mixture.

Now it's time to spread this fragrant garlic butter onto your bread slices. Be generous! You want a nice, even coating on one side of each slice. Don't be afraid to really work that garlic butter into the bread. You can use a butter knife or the back of a spoon for spreading.

If you're feeling extra fancy, you can sprinkle some dried oregano or Italian seasoning on top of the garlic butter for an extra flavor boost. Or, for a little kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to your garlic butter.

Once your bread slices are nicely coated, it's time to get them into the air fryer! Place them in a single layer, buttered-side up, making sure they're not touching to ensure even cooking. Now, it's time to air fry!

Air-frying the toast

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, combine softened butter with your chosen seasonings and flavourings. You can use ingredients such as minced or grated garlic cloves, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix these ingredients together until you have a well-combined, spreadable mixture.

Step 2: Spread the Garlic Butter

Take your chosen bread—this could be a baguette, ciabatta, or sliced bread—and spread a generous amount of the garlic butter mixture onto one side of each slice. You can butter both sides if you prefer, but a single side will still give delicious results.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175-180°C). This step is important to ensure your garlic toast cooks evenly and achieves the desired crispiness.

Step 4: Arrange the Bread in the Air Fryer

Place the garlic butter-coated bread slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with the buttered side facing up. Make sure to leave some space between the slices to allow for proper air circulation. You may need to cook in batches if your air fryer is on the smaller side.

Step 5: Air Fry the Garlic Toast

Now it's time to air fry your garlic toast! Depending on your preferred level of crispiness and the efficiency of your air fryer, this should take between 3 and 7 minutes at 350°F (175-180°C). Keep a close eye on the toast to prevent burning, and feel free to adjust the time as needed.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Once your garlic toast has reached the desired level of crispiness, remove it from the air fryer and serve it warm. Enjoy it as a snack or as a side dish with your favourite meals, such as pasta, soup, or salad.

Customisation and Variations:

Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and toppings to create unique flavour combinations. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Cheesy Garlic Toast: Top your garlic toast with mozzarella or parmesan cheese before air frying.
• Spicy Garlic Toast: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to your garlic butter mixture.
• Herb-Infused Garlic Toast: Mix in some fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Garlic Toast: Spread a layer of sun-dried tomato pesto on your bread before adding the garlic butter.
• Avocado Garlic Toast: Top your toasted bread with mashed avocado, sea salt, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Serving and storing

Air fryer garlic bread is best served warm and fresh out of the fryer while it's still crispy. It pairs well with pasta, soups, salads, or as an appetiser with dips like marinara sauce or hummus. You can also enjoy it on its own as a tasty snack or side dish.

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. To reheat, pop the garlic bread into a preheated air fryer or oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

You can also freeze your garlic bread. Place the slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then cover with plastic wrap and transfer to the freezer. The slices will stay good for up to two to three months. When it's time to cook, there's no need to thaw; simply place the slices in the air fryer for a minute or two longer than usual, and they'll be ready to serve.

Frequently asked questions