Almost everyone loves garlic bread. While it’s easy to buy frozen, making garlic bread from scratch in the air fryer is incredibly quick and simple, and way tastier! This recipe takes the classic dish to the next level. Creating the cheesiest, buttery garlic bread you’ll ever taste, in a fraction of the time.
The beauty of making garlic bread in the air-fryer is how fast and fuss-free it is. In just minutes, you can have perfectly crispy, cheesy garlic bread ready to enjoy. The air-fryer ensures that the bread becomes crispy on the outside while soft and buttery on the inside. Creating the perfect balance of textures. You can easily customize with your favourite herbs and cheeses to suit your taste. I used store-bought garlic and herb butter. But it’s just as simple to make your own by mixing fresh or dried garlic with salted butter. Dried basil and parsley are great options that work wonderfully in this dish.
For the cheese, I opted for mozzarella, which melts beautifully and gives the bread that gooey, cheesy goodness, but feel free to experiment with grated cheddar or Red Leicester for a different twist. The combination of aromatic garlic, creamy butter, and melted cheese on crispy toasted bread is irresistible.
This air fryer garlic bread makes a perfect side dish for pasta, soup, or a salad. But it also works great as a starter or snack. With just a handful of ingredients, you can enjoy this treat in minutes. And it will surely become a regular in your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it alongside a dinner or enjoying it as a quick bite, this cheesy garlic bread will not disappoint.
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 6-8 minutes
SERVES 2 people
KIT you will need an air fryer, mixing bowl and foil
Ingredients for Air Fryer Garlic Bread
1 bake your own baguette (part baked)
90g of garlic and herb butter (or make your own)
75g of grated mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoons of dried parsley
1 tablespoon of olive oil
A pinch of sea salt
Method
Start by softening your butter in the microwave – just for a few seconds. You want it soft enough to mix easily but not fully melted. For convenience, I used a ready-made garlic and herb butter, which is quick and tasty. However, making your own is simple and allows you to tailor the flavours. Just take some plain, unsalted softened butter and mix in garlic powder or minced garlic, a combination of dried herbs like parsley, oregano, and thyme, plus a pinch of salt. Stir everything together in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.
Next, grab a fresh baguette or a similar crusty loaf. Using a serrated bread knife, cut diagonally into the loaf, about three-quarters of the way through. Space the cuts about 1 inch apart. This allows the butter and cheese to melt into every crevice. If you prefer, you can cut the bread into individual slices instead, adjusting the thickness to your liking.
Place the prepared loaf onto a sheet of tin foil and then transfer it into your air fryer basket. Take a generous handful of grated mozzarella cheese and stuff it between each cut in the bread. After that, spread your garlic butter mixture all over the top of the bread, making sure it gets into the slices and across the surface.
Set your air fryer to 190°C and cook for around 5 to 6 minutes. Keep an eye on it – the bread should turn golden brown, and the cheese should be melted and gooey.
Once done, carefully remove the bread from the air fryer and serve immediately while it’s warm, crispy, and delicious. For an extra kick of flavour, sprinkle over some grated Parmesan just before serving. Perfect as a side dish, party snack, or indulgent treat!
Tips for Air Fryer Garlic Bread
1. Use a crusty loaf
Opt for a baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough. A sturdier bread holds up better in the air fryer and gives you that perfect crispy edge with a soft centre.
2. Don’t over-butter
Spread the garlic butter evenly but not too thick as this prevents soggy bread while still packing in flavour.
3. Use softened butter
Room temperature butter mixes easily with garlic, parsley, and seasoning. It also spreads more evenly on the bread without tearing it.
4. Add real garlic
Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavour. For a mellower taste, you can roast it first or use garlic powder as a backup.
5. Optional cheese upgrade
Top with grated mozzarella or parmesan before cooking for a cheesy garlic bread twist. Just keep an eye on it so the cheese doesn’t burn.
6. Preheat your air fryer
It is a good idea to pre heat your air fryer to 180 to 190°C (355–375°F) for a couple of minutes to ensure even toasting from the start.
7. Slice before cooking
Cut your garlic bread into portions before putting it in the air fryer so it cooks more evenly and is easier to serve.
8. Air fry in a single layer
Avoid stacking or overlapping the bread. Cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
9. Watch closely
Air fry for 5 to 7 minutes, checking around the 4-minute mark. It can go from golden to burnt fast!
10. Serve hot
Garlic bread is best enjoyed warm, straight from the fryer, with a side of pasta, soup, or as a snack on its own.
Similar recipes
If you’re a fan of that warm, buttery, garlicky crunch from Air Fryer Garlic Bread, you’ll love these other easy air fryer recipes that make perfect sides or tasty snacks. Whether you’re planning a cosy dinner, a party platter, or a quick fix, these dishes bring flavour and crispiness without any fuss. Plus, they all cook much faster and cleaner than traditional methods.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
So golden, juicy, and crispy, these air fried chicken tenders are a crowd-pleaser and pair brilliantly with garlic bread for a classic combo everyone will love.
Air Fryer Potato Wedges
Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, these air fried wedges make a great side dish and soak up all the garlicky goodness perfectly.
Air Fryer Halloumi Fries
So salty, squeaky, and perfectly crisp, my air fried halloumi fries add a deliciously different twist to your garlic bread feast.
Air Fryer Mushrooms
Juicy, tender, and packed with umami flavour, air fryer mushrooms add a rich, earthy note that balances perfectly with the buttery garlic bread.
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
So add a touch of summer sweetness with perfectly roasted corn on the cob. It’s ideal alongside your garlic bread and other sides.
Mix and match these recipes for a full-on flavour-packed meal that’s so quick, easy, and made healthier in the air fryer. Perfect for impressing guests or simply enjoying a delicious homemade treat any day of the week!
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