Air Fryer Garlic Bread is the game-changing side you didn’t know you needed. Whether it’s for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy night in, you can count on this recipe for crispy, buttery, flavor-packed garlic bread that takes just minutes to make. If you’ve ever craved restaurant-style bread without the wait or oven heat, this recipe is tailored perfectly for you.
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Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a timeless classic, but making it in an air fryer changes everything. Here’s why:
- Ready in just 7 minutes
- Minimal cleanup with no baking sheet required
- Perfectly crispy edges and a soft, buttery center
- Easy to customize with cheese, herbs, or spices
- Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
Once you try it this way, you’ll never want to go back.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Crispy Garlic Bread in the Air Fryer
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Bread (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Mix the Garlic Spread
Combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, and a touch of olive oil. This forms a spreadable mixture that’s easy to layer over the bread.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
Choose your bread slices and lay them on a flat surface. Spread the garlic mixture evenly over each slice.
Step 3: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Place the slices in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Set the temperature to 350°F and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and crispy.
Step 4: Chill for 10 Minutes
After cooking, let the garlic bread rest for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and the texture to set perfectly.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Garlic Bread
- Use day-old bread: Slightly stale bread toasts better and absorbs the spread more evenly.
- Don’t skip preheating: Some air fryers benefit from a 2-minute preheat.
- Cheese it up: Add mozzarella or cheddar for a cheesy variation.
- Don’t crowd the basket: Arrange in a single layer for consistent crisping.
Serving Ideas for Garlic Bread Made in the Air Fryer
Garlic bread complements almost any dish, but it shines brightest with:
- Spaghetti or fettuccine Alfredo
- Tomato or creamy soups
- Grilled chicken salads
- Appetizer boards (served with dips like marinara or ranch)
It also makes a delicious base for mini pizzas or open-faced sandwiches.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Garlic Bread
Leftovers? No problem.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes
- For long-term storage, freeze uncooked slices with garlic spread and cook from frozen
FAQ – Air Fryer Garlic Bread
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, but fresh garlic gives a more intense and aromatic flavor. Use garlic powder in a pinch.
Can I make garlic bread in the air fryer without butter?
You can substitute with olive oil or a butter-flavored spread for a lighter or dairy-free version.
How long should I cook garlic bread in the air fryer?
It generally takes 6–8 minutes at 350°F, depending on your air fryer model and bread thickness.
What kind of bread works best?
Thick-sliced bread like French baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough holds up well in the air fryer and delivers a great crunch.
Air Fryer Garlic Bread is a simple yet impressive recipe you can count on. From quick dinners to dinner parties, this buttery, crunchy delight comes through every time. It’s easy to prep, fast to cook, and endlessly customizable. So grab your ingredients, power up the air fryer, and elevate your garlic bread game in just minutes.
Print7-Minute Air Fryer Garlic Bread That’ll Win Dinner Time
Air Fryer Garlic Bread is the ultimate quick side dish — crispy, buttery, and loaded with garlic flavor, ready in just minutes with minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Bread slices – French or sandwich bread for structure
- Butter – provides rich flavor and crispy texture
- Garlic (minced) – for bold, aromatic flavor
- Parsley – adds freshness and color
- Parmesan cheese – for savory depth and golden top
- Olive oil (optional) – enhances spreadability and adds healthy fat
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, Parmesan, and a bit of olive oil until well combined.
- Spread the garlic butter evenly onto each bread slice.
- Place slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry at 350°F for 6–8 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving to set flavors and texture.
Notes
- Use slightly stale bread for better toasting.
- Preheat the air fryer for even cooking.
- Add extra cheese like mozzarella for variation.
- Freeze uncooked slices to air fry later.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg