Air-Fryer Garlic Bread

When it comes to putting together a quick side for a big pasta dinner or a weeknight casserole, nothing is more of a crowd-pleaser than garlic bread. But if that oven is occupied, don’t fret; the air fryer will do all of the work for you.

This air-fryer recipe is easy to assemble, and in less than five minutes, you’ll have a toasty garlic bread ready for munching with whatever meal you have on deck.

Ingredients for Air-Fryer Garlic Bread

• Butter: Butter works as the fatty base to give that fried-like quality to the bread. It also serves as the glue for the toppings.
• Parmesan: Buy pre-grated Parmesan or grate it yourself!
• Garlic cloves: Because garlic bread needs freshly minced garlic cloves, of course.
• Parsley: You can either use 2 teaspoons of fresh parsley or 1/2 teaspoon of dried parsley flakes, depending on what you have on hand.
• Crusty bread: We prefer ciabatta or French bread for this recipe.

Directions

Step 1: Prep the garlic bread

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Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, grated Parmesan, garlic and parsley. Spread the mixture over the bread.

Step 2: Air-fry the bread

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Arrange a single layer of bread slices in your air-fryer basket. Air-fry each batch for two to three minutes or until the bread is golden brown. Serve warm.

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Recipe Variations

• Amp up the cheese: If you’re looking to turn your air-fryer garlic bread into a cheesy garlic bread, all you have to do is stir extra cheese into your butter mixture. We’d go with extra Parm or add some shredded mozzarella. Be sure to stir any cheese into the butter instead of sprinkling it on top: The air fryer fan could blow loose cheese off of the bread, but the butter mixture should hold it on.
• Switch up the bread: We recommend using sturdy slices of crusty bread, such as an Italian bread, baguette or even thick slices of sourdough. This bread holds up nicely with the butter topping and will get crispy in the air fryer.
• Finish with salt: If you prefer a bread that is super salty as well as garlicky, sprinkle some coarse sea salt on the buttered bread before it goes into the air fryer. It adds a nice finishing touch!

How to Store Air-Fryer Garlic Bread

For the best results, wrap your air-fryer garlic bread in aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. You can toast it in the oven or air fryer again when it’s time to eat. Or, feel free to slice it up and make seasoned croutons!

Can you freeze air-fryer garlic bread?

Yes! Air-fryer garlic bread easily freezes. All you have to do is align the slices on a parchment-paper lined baking sheet, then cover with plastic wrap and transfer to the freezer. The slices will stay good for up to three months in the freezer. When it’s time to cook, 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.

Air-Fryer Garlic Bread Tips

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Why is my air-fryer garlic bread soggy?

If your garlic bread too soggy, that’s likely because the butter mixture was too soupy. Instead, you want to make sure the butter is soft enough to spread but firm enough to keep a hold. Melted butter will saturate the bread and won’t deliver the consistency you’re going for.

How long do you cook garlic bread in the air fryer?

Garlic bread won’t take long in the air fryer, which is why you should check it after two minutes. How long it cooks depends on the specific type of air fryer you use, so the first time you make it, keep a close eye to determine the proper cook time in your air fryer.

What can you serve with air-fryer garlic bread?

Garlic bread is an easy side with any of your favorite Italian meals, including our best-ever lasagna, our Italian chopped salad or even dipped in tomato soup. There are also a number of recipes that start with garlic bread if you want to give this recipe an encore presentation.