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

Garlic bread is a great side dish for pasta, soup, or salad, and it's even better when it's cooked in an air fryer. The air fryer gives the bread a golden-brown crust and a soft, tender interior, ensuring a delightful texture with every bite. Plus, it's a quick and easy dish to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. In this article, we'll teach you how to make delicious air-fried garlic bread in just a few simple steps.

Choosing your bread

Choosing the right bread is crucial to making delicious garlic toast in an air fryer. The bread should be sturdy and thick enough to hold up in the air fryer and provide a satisfying crunch. Here are some recommended types of bread to use:

• French Baguette: This type of bread is an excellent choice for garlic toast as it has a crispy crust and a soft interior, making it perfect for achieving that golden-brown crust and tender texture.
• Sourdough: Sourdough bread is a sturdy and thick option that holds up well in the air fryer. It provides a satisfying crunch and a unique flavour that pairs well with garlic.
• Ciabatta: Ciabatta bread is another crusty bread option that is recommended for garlic toast. Its sturdy texture and airy crumb make it ideal for holding up to the weight of the toppings and the air frying process.
• Italian Bread: A thick slice of Italian bread, such as a baguette or pane bread, is a great choice for garlic toast. It has a nice crust and a soft interior, making it perfect for that crispy yet tender texture.
• White or Whole Wheat Bread: While thicker bread slices are generally recommended, you can also use regular sliced bread for garlic toast. Just keep in mind that thicker slices yield better results in terms of crunch and texture.

When selecting your bread, opt for a fresh, room-temperature loaf instead of frozen. This will ensure the best results in terms of texture and flavour. Also, consider the size of your air fryer and choose a bread that fits comfortably inside, allowing room for air circulation between the slices.

Preparing the garlic butter

Firstly, you will need to gather your ingredients. The exact measurements may vary depending on how much garlic toast you wish to make, but as a general rule, you will need more butter than garlic. A good place to start is a ratio of 4 tablespoons of butter to 3 tablespoons of garlic. You will also need a small bowl and a utensil to mix the ingredients together.

For the butter, you will want it to be softened so that it is easy to mix and spread. If your butter is hard, you can soften it by leaving it at room temperature for a while or by microwaving it for a few seconds. You can use either unsalted or salted butter, depending on your preference. If you opt for unsalted, you may wish to add a pinch of salt to your garlic butter.

For the garlic, you can use either freshly minced or grated garlic cloves or garlic powder. If you are using fresh garlic, make sure it is minced or grated as finely as possible so that it mixes smoothly with the butter. You can also add other ingredients to your garlic butter at this stage. Some recipes suggest Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, or dried or fresh herbs like parsley, basil or thyme. You could also add a small amount of olive oil, as this can help to prevent the garlic bread from becoming soggy.

Once you have prepared your ingredients, simply mix them together in the bowl until they form a smooth, well-combined paste. Your garlic butter is now ready to be spread onto your chosen bread and placed in the air fryer!

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in making garlic bread. It ensures that the air fryer is at the optimal temperature for achieving crispy and evenly toasted bread. The ideal temperature for preheating your air fryer is 350°F (175°C). You should preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the garlic toast. This will ensure that your garlic bread comes out perfectly toasted and crispy.

Different air fryer models may have varying preheating times, so it is important to refer to your air fryer's instructions manual for specific guidelines. However, on average, it takes around 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to preheat an air fryer adequately.

Additionally, if you are making a large batch of garlic toast, you may need to cook the bread in batches to maintain even cooking and crispiness. By preheating the air fryer between batches, you can ensure consistent results with each batch of garlic toast.

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step that should not be skipped, as it helps to create the ideal environment for cooking your garlic bread to perfection.

Arranging the bread in the air fryer basket

When arranging the bread in the air fryer basket, it's important to place the slices in a single layer, buttered-side up. This ensures even cooking and browning. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the bread in batches to avoid overcrowding. Leave some space between each slice to allow for proper air circulation, which will help the bread get crispy.

If you're cooking thicker slices of bread, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Keep an eye on the bread as it cooks, and feel free to flip it halfway through to ensure even browning on both sides. If you're adding any toppings, such as cheese or fresh herbs, it's best to do so halfway through the cooking process to prevent them from burning.

Additionally, it's recommended to preheat your air fryer to ensure the bread cooks evenly. The ideal temperature for crispy toast is around 350°F (175°C).

Remember to clean the air fryer basket after use to remove any leftover crumbs or residue. This will help maintain the air fryer's performance and prevent burning during future use.

Serving suggestions

Garlic toast made in an air fryer is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your garlic toast experience:

As a Side Dish

Pair your air fryer garlic toast with a bowl of hot soup, such as tomato soup, or dip it into your favourite sauce. It also makes an excellent companion to simple pasta dinners, including lasagna, baked ziti, or chicken tortellini Alfredo. For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside a protein-packed dish like London broil or smothered pork chops.

Standalone Snack

Enjoy the garlic toast on its own as a tasty snack. The crispy exterior and soft interior make it a delightful treat any time of the day.

Bruschetta or Sandwich

Use the garlic toast as a base for bruschetta or a sandwich. For a bruschetta option, try a Caprese-inspired topping with sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving. Alternatively, create a Greek-inspired sandwich by topping the garlic toast with crumbled feta cheese, sliced Kalamata olives, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of dried oregano.

Appetizer

Serve the garlic toast as an appetizer or starter for your next dinner party or casual gathering. Offer a variety of dips on the side, such as marinara sauce or hummus, for your guests to enjoy.

Salad Companion

Add some crunch and flavour to your salad by serving the garlic toast on the side. It can complement a variety of salad options, providing a savoury and satisfying contrast to fresh greens and vegetables.

Frequently asked questions