bowl of sliced garlic bread, air fryer tray in the background with more slices next to some unpeeled garlic cloves

GARLIC BREAD IN THE AIR FRYER

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Homemade garlic bread has never been easier! If you were ever wondering if you can make Garlic Bread in the Air Fryer, the answer is YES! It comes out perfectly crispy every single time and cooks up in just 5 minutes!

Up until the day that someone tried to instill into my brain that “carbs are bad for you” (spoiler alert: they’re not!) I’ve thought it perfectly okay to eat garlic bread for breakfast, lunch, AND dinner on a daily basis.

Ok, ok. Maybe I didn’t eat it thhhhaaat much. But let’s just say that garlic and bread are two of my all time favourite things. So putting them together feels nothing short of a match made in Heaven (and I know I’m not the only one that thinks so!).

bowl of crispy garlic bread with a knife next to some unpeeled cloves of garlic, an air fryer basket with more slices and a ramekin of garlic butter

It’s just like, no matter what you’re serving – it can be a good ol’ plate of pasta aglio e olio or maybe it’s a hearty beef stew on a cold Winter night – garlic bread always fits the bill. It seriously is the best side dish to pretty much any meal! It’s super easy to whip up (especially with an air fryer, might I add), perfect for feeding large crowds, and great as a snack all on its own (I’m guilty as charged!).

I mean, seriously! Have you ever met anyone that doesn’t love garlic bread? There’s just something special about a piece of mouthwatering garlic bread that’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and absolutely bursting with flavour. And once you see just how easy it is to whip up in the air fryer, you might really be having it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the daily. The good news is that I’m not judging! 😉

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE GARLIC BREAD IN THE AIR FRYER

ingredients for garlic bread in the air fryer - fresh bread, butter, garlic, parmesan cheese, salt and dried parsley
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Did you know that making your own garlic butter spread from scratch is easier than going to the store to get a pre-made one that’s loaded with way more (unnecessary) ingredients than this one? Trust me. Once you start making your own spread – homemade garlic bread is never off limits!

Let’s get into exactly what you’re going to need to make your own garlic bread in the air fryer in a little bit more detail down below:

  • Fresh Bread: You can pretty much use any kind of bread you want to make homemade garlic bread. Personally, I think French bread (aka a baguette), with its soft interior and crispy crust, is the perfect base for garlic bread. French bread is typically made with simple ingredients like flour, water, yeast, salt, and sometimes a bit of sugar, resulting in a neutral flavour that pairs well with the garlic butter.

    No matter what kind of bread you choose to use, you’ll want to use a fresh loaf for the best results. If you’re feeling adventurous (and really have the urge to make every component from scratch!), try this easy garlic bread recipe with my no knead bread as the base!

  • Butter: Adds richness and flavour to the garlic bread. Butter also helps achieve that golden brown and crispy exterior during the air frying process. PRO TIP: Make sure you soften the butter so it’s easy to mix with the other ingredients and spread evenly onto the bread slices.

  • Garlic: Why, of course! We can’t have garlic bread without garlic, am I right? Garlic is the star of garlic bread, providing its signature aromatic and savoury flavour. Minced garlic is mixed with the softened butter. This creates a spread that infuses each slice of bread with delicious garlic goodness.

    Adjust the amount of garlic to your taste preference—if you love garlic, feel free to add more cloves! But for this homemade garlic bread recipe, fresh garlic works best. If you’re feeling adventurous or looking for a more caramelized garlic flavour, try using roasted garlic instead!

  • Parmesan Cheese: Optional. But adds a nutty and salty flavour to the garlic bread while also contributing to its crispy texture. Grated Parmesan cheese is mixed into the garlic butter mixture, providing a savoury umami boost. You can use either freshly grated or pre-grated Parmesan cheese for convenience.

  • Dried Parsley: Primarily used for its vibrant green colour and subtle herbaceous flavour. It adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal to the garlic bread. While you can use fresh parsley, dried parsley is more convenient and easier to distribute evenly in the garlic butter mixture. If you don’t have any on hand, dried basil, oregano, or Italian seasoning will do the job just fine.

  • Salt: Enhances the flavour of the garlic bread and helps balance the other ingredients. It’s important to taste the garlic butter mixture and adjust the amount of salt according to your preference. Keep in mind that Parmesan cheese is already salty, so you may need less additional salt than you think.
slices of garlic bread on an air fryer basket tray, bowl of more slices in the background next to a few garlic cloves

HOW TO MAKE GARLIC BREAD IN THE AIR FRYER (KEY TIPS)

hand holding a slice of garlic bread over a bowl with more

You can find full instructions for how to make garlic bread in the air fryer in the recipe card down below. But here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:

  • Use fresh ingredients. Use fresh French bread, garlic, and Parmesan cheese for the best flavour and texture. Fresh ingredients will yield superior results compared to stale or low-quality ingredients.

  • Soften the butter properly. Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before mixing it with the other ingredients. Softened butter is easier to mix and spread evenly onto the bread slices.

  • Mince garlic finely. This ensures even distribution of its flavour throughout the garlic butter mixture, enhancing the overall taste of the garlic bread.

  • Mix ingredients thoroughly. Ensure that the minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and softened butter are mixed together thoroughly to create a cohesive garlic butter mixture. This ensures that each slice of bread is evenly coated with flavour.

    EXTRA TIP: Don’t be shy with the garlic butter when you’re spreading it onto the bread. Make sure each slice has a generous amount and that its surface is completely covered.

  • Slice the French bread into evenly thick slices to ensure uniform cooking in the air fryer. Aim for slices that are about 1-inch thick for optimal texture.

  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Arrange the garlic bread slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. This allows for proper air circulation and ensures that each slice cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.

  • Monitor cooking time. Keep a close eye on the garlic bread while it’s cooking in the air fryer to prevent burning. Cooking times can vary depending on the air fryer model and the thickness of the bread slices. So it’s important to monitor the progress and adjust the cooking time as needed. I have an “oven model” air fryer that comes with a baking sheet. My homemade garlic bread was ready in just 5 minutes.

  • Serve immediately. Garlic bread is best enjoyed fresh and hot from the air fryer. Serve it immediately for optimal flavour and texture.
bowl of garlic bread, knife with garlic butter and 2 unpeeled garlic cloves in the front
FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

IS AIR FRYING BREAD SAME AS TOASTING?

Air frying bread and toasting bread share some similarities, but they are not exactly the same. Both methods involve heating bread to achieve a crispy exterior and a warm, flavourful interior. However, there are distinct differences in the cooking process and results.

When air frying bread, hot air circulates around the bread slices, creating a convection effect that cooks them evenly and crisps them up without the need for excessive oil. This results in a texture that is similar to baking or roasting, with a golden-brown crust and a soft interior.

On the other hand, toasting bread typically involves direct heat from a toaster or oven broiler, which quickly browns the surface of the bread while leaving the interior relatively softer. Toasting tends to produce a drier and crunchier texture compared to air frying.

While you can use either method to achieve delicious results, air frying offers a healthier alternative with less oil and a more even cooking process. Ultimately, whether you choose to air fry or toast your bread depends on personal preference and desired texture.

CAN YOU PUT FOIL IN AN AIR FRYER?

While it’s generally safe to use aluminum foil in an air fryer, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Using foil can help prevent certain foods from sticking to the air fryer basket and make cleanup easier. However, there are a few precautions to take to ensure safe and effective use of foil in an air fryer.

First, avoid covering the entire surface of the air fryer basket with foil, as this can restrict airflow and affect the cooking process. Instead, use small pieces of foil to line the bottom of the basket or wrap around individual food items as needed. Additionally, make sure that the foil is not in direct contact with the heating element of the air fryer, as this can cause uneven cooking or even damage to the appliance.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for using foil in your specific air fryer model. Mine is perfectly okay as I have an oven style air fryer that comes with a baking sheet. Therefore, with proper precautions, using foil in an air fryer can be a convenient way to cook a variety of foods while minimizing mess and sticking.

CAN YOU DO SHOP BOUGHT GARLIC BREAD IN THE AIR FRYER?

Yes, you can certainly cook store-bought garlic bread in the air fryer for a quick and convenient meal or snack. Simply preheat your air fryer according to the package instructions on the garlic bread packaging, then place the frozen garlic bread slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at the recommended temperature and time specified on the package, usually around 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

However, while store-bought garlic bread offers convenience, making your own garlic bread from scratch using a recipe like this one can be just as easy and allows you to customize the flavours to your liking while avoiding any preservatives or artificial additives commonly found in pre-made products.

HOW LONG IS LEFTOVER GARLIC BREAD GOOD FOR?

Leftover garlic bread can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days if it is kept in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in aluminum foil to maintain its freshness. If you need to store it for a longer period, place the garlic bread in the refrigerator, where it can last for up to 3 to 4 days.

For even longer storage, you can freeze garlic bread for up to 3 months by wrapping it tightly in foil and placing it in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, reheat the bread in the oven to restore its crispy texture, avoiding the microwave as it can make the bread soggy.

bowl of crispy garlic bread, unpeeled cloves and ramekin of garlic butter with a knife in the background

DON’T HAVE AN AIR FRYER? NO PROBLEM. TRY MY OVEN BAKED GARLIC BREAD RECIPE INSTEAD!

WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS AIR FRYER GARLIC BREAD

WHITE WINE SHRIMP WITH GARLIC AND LEMON

CHICKEN PARMESAN PASTA BAKE

HOMEMADE SUN-DRIED TOMATOES

BROCCOLI AND CHEDDAR CHEESE SOUP

ITALIAN VEAL SCALLOPINI

CHEESY CHICKEN AND BOCCONCINI SKILLET

LOVE THIS RECIPE? PIN IT FOR LATER!

PIN FOR GARLIC BREAD IN THE AIR FRYER
bowl of sliced garlic bread, air fryer tray in the background with more slices next to some unpeeled garlic cloves

GARLIC BREAD IN THE AIR FRYER

Yield: ~18 Slices
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Homemade garlic bread has never been easier! If you were ever wondering if you can make Garlic Bread in the Air Fryer, the answer is YES! It comes out perfectly crispy every single time and cooks up in just 5 minutes!

Ingredients

  • 1 fresh loaf French Bread, sliced into 1-inch thick slices
  • 1/2 cup Butter, softened
  • 4 Cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 1 tsp Dried Parsley, Basil, Oregano, or Italian Seasoning*
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, and salt.
    shredded parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, garlic and butter unmixed in a bowl
    bowl of garlic butter with a fork
  2. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on each slice of bread. Place the slices of bread in the air fryer basket (mine is a baking tray) in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded.
    sliced bread with garlic butter on a foil lined baking sheet
  3. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-6 minutes, or until the bread is crispy and golden brown.
    slices of crispy garlic bread on a foil lined baking sheet

Notes

Try making your own Italian seasoning at home by following this easy recipe.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 18 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 124Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 240mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 3g

Nutrition is only an estimate and calculated using Nutritionix.

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