The best way to make garlic bread is definitely in an air fryer! You won't believe how quick and easy this crispy, cheesy Air Fryer Garlic Bread is to make. Just 8 minutes in the air fryer and you've got a side for any dinner that is simply irresistible. But don't just have it for dinner, it makes a great appetizer dipped in marinara too!
This post has been sponsored by Minerva Dairy, America's oldest family-owned dairy. All opinions are 100% my own.
I don't know about you but garlic bread or rolls are my favorite side to order when I go out for an Italian meal. There just isn't anything better than a warm, crispy slice of bread just oozing with rich butter and full of garlic and cheese.
This easy garlic bread in air fryer recipe or some might call it the best cheese garlic bread recipe, is so easy to whip up that I make it at least once a week. It's not only delicious but a great way to use up old or stale bread. The older the bread the crisper the finished garlic bread will be.
Table of contents
If you don't have an air fryer, no worries. This can be made in the oven too. (check note section of recipe card) But why don't you own one of these wonderful appliances? It cuts down on the cooking time of most recipes and the cleanup, with its nonstick surface, is a breeze. Plus, it keeps the heat out of the kitchen which is certainly a plus during the summer.
FAQs
You can store the air-fried garlic bread in the refrigerator for 2 days and in the freezer for 2-3 months.
Simply place the chilled sliced in the air fryer for about 3 minutes at 360 degrees, enough to heat it up and revive some of the crispness.
Yep, for sure! To freeze, just let cool then toss into a resealable plastic bag.
To air-fry frozen garlic bread, just cook about 2 minutes per side at 340 degrees. Check to see if the toast is warmed through. If not, allow a few more minutes.
Variations
Best Bread for Garlic Bread
Almost any loaf of bread can be used. I like to use fresh bakery baguettes for my baguette garlic bread but you can also opt for making French bread garlic bread, Italian, ciabatta, or even Texas Toast garlic bread.
Best Butter for Garlic Bread
You want to use the richest, creamiest, and most flavorful butter for the tastiest garlic bread. And I can't state enough how much I love Minerva Dairy's Butter. Whenever I use it, whether it's sea salt or unsalted, I can taste the difference. Check them out at MinervaDairy.com.
Best Cheese for Garlic Bread
Change out the Parmesan for any cheese that melts well. Cheeses such as mozzarella, mild cheddar, or fontina work well.
For cheesier garlic bread, omit the cheese from the butter mixture and cook garlic bread for 5 minutes. Turn and sprinkle with cheese and cook another 3 minutes.
Garlic or more Garlic for Garlic Butter Spread
I like to use minced garlic, either fresh or jarred, for a more garlicky flavor. You can also substitute 2 teaspoons of garlic powder in lieu of the minced garlic. The more you use the more pronounced the garlic flavor will be.
Crispy or Soft Garlic Bread?
The fresher the bread, the softer the final garlic bread will be. Bread thickness can also be a determining factor in how crisp or soft the bread becomes. Thicker will be soft, thinner will be crisper. Varying the cooking time will also change the outcome. Longer cook times will make it crisper, while shorter cooking times will keep it softer.
How to Make Garlic Bread in Air Fryer
Gather the 5 simple ingredients - your choice of bread, salted butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning or fresh herbs.
Garlic Butter Spread
- Measure out all ingredients making sure butter is at room temperature. (photo 1)
- In a small bowl, mix room temperature butter with minced garlic and herbs or Italian seasoning. (photo 2)
- Add grated Parmesan cheese. (photo 3)
- Mix well. (photo 4)
Prepping bread for air frying
- Slice bread into ¾" thick slices.
- Spread flavored butter on both sides of sliced bread.
Air Frying Garlic Bread
- Preheat air fryer to 360 for 5 minutes then place bread slices into air fryer making sure to leave enough room in-between for airflow.
- Air fry on one side for 5 minutes then carefully turn over.
- Air fry for 3 more minutes then carefully remove from the air fryer basket. Serve while buttery hot and delicious.
Crispy, cheesy, garlicky, what more can I say about this tasty, easy side. This cheesy homemade garlic bread goes well with any meal from soup to salad to a full course dinner. If you're a bread lover and a garlic lover you won't be able to get enough of all this deliciousness. Check out the suggestions below on what to serve with this flavorful recipe. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Garlic Bread
- Use the best butter like Minerva Dairy's full 85% butterfat sea salt butter in place of cheap butter or margarine.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese and grate it yourself for better melting. Packaged shredded cheese contains cellulose to keep the cheese from clumping but it also makes the cheese harder to melt.
- For the best flavor, use fresh garlic, minced fine. If you have the time or your garden is growing great guns, use a combination of 1-2 tablespoons of fresh chopped herbs such as oregano, thyme, and basil in place of the Italian Seasoning. You can also opt for a tablespoon of parsley.
What to Serve with Homemade Garlic Bread
- Pasta dishes such as Rattlesnake Pasta and Meatball Casserole
- Dinners such as Chicken Cacciatore and Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
- Tomato Basil Soup
- Fresh salads like Garden Tortellini Salad
- It's also great as a snack dipper in your favorite marinara.
More Bread Recipes
Copycat Macaroni Grill Rosemary Bread is an easy-to-make rustic-style bread, flavored with fresh rosemary and sprinkled with sea salt.
Easy Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread is a mix, one-rise, and bake to golden brown deliciousness and all made in one skillet.
Easy French Bread is a soft on the inside, crusty on the outside bread made with just a little bit of flour, yeast & olive oil.
Air Fryer Asiago Bagels made with simple ingredients are great to make for breakfast.
Use your favorite bread to make grilled cheese in the air fryer.
LOVE QUICK & EASY RECIPES? FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK, & PINTEREST FOR ALL THE LATEST RECIPE INSPIRATION! PLUS JOIN MY EMAIL LIST AND RECEIVE A FREE E-BOOK.
Air Fryer Garlic Bread
Ingredients
- 1 baguette sliced ¾" thick
- 5 Tablespoons Minerva Dairy sea salt butter room temperature
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic or 5-6 fresh cloves chopped fine
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 2-3 teaspoons Italian seasoning parsley or a combination of fresh chopped herbs such as oregano, thyme and basil
- Garnish: Parsley
Instructions
- Slice baguette in ¾" slices and set aside. You will only be suing 5 slices. If making more than 5 slices just double the garlic butter ingredients and make 2 air fryer batches.
- Preheat air fryer for 5 minutes at 360 degrees.
- To make garlic butter, mix soft butter with minced garlic, cheese and herbs in a small bowl until smooth.
- Spread both sides of bread with garlic butter.
- Carefully place 5 slices into hot basket, or what will comfortably fit in your air fryer, and cook for 5 minutes. Turn each slice over and cook another 3 minutes.
- Remove from air fryer basket to plate and garnish with parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use the best butter like Minerva Dairy's full 85% butterfat sea salt butter in place of cheap butter or margarine.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese and great yourself for better melting. Packaged shredded cheese contains cellulose to keep the cheese from clumping but it also makes the cheese harder to melt.
- For the best flavor, use fresh garlic, minced fine. If you have the time or your garden is growing great guns, use a combination of 1-2 tablespoons of fresh chopped herbs such as oregano, thyme, basil and rosemary in place of the Italian Seasoning. You can also opt for a tablespoon of parsley.
