Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Bread Recipe

Buttery Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Bread Recipe You’ll Love

Garlic bread takes on a delightful twist with this air fryer garlic bread that promises a golden, crunchy exterior and soft, buttery center.

The secret weapon of air frying ensures every slice emerges perfectly crisp without excess oil.

Melted butter mingles with fresh garlic and herbs, creating an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.

Crusty bread becomes a canvas for rich, savory flavors that dance on your palate.

Each slice offers a satisfying crunch that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

This recipe transforms a classic side dish into a crowd-pleasing appetizer that disappears faster than you can say “more, please!” Prepare to elevate your next meal with this simple yet spectacular garlic bread that brings restaurant-quality taste right to your table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 6 minutes

Total Time: 11 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 4

What Goes Into Air Fryer Garlic Bread

For Bread Base:
  • French Baguette: Crusty exterior with soft interior, best when day-old for optimal crispness.
  • Sourdough Bread: Tangy flavor adds extra depth, choose dense loaf for sturdy garlic bread.
For Garlic Butter Blend:
  • Unsalted Butter: Smooth base providing rich, creamy texture, soften at room temperature.
  • Fresh Garlic: Intense aromatic flavor, select firm cloves without sprouts for maximum pungency.
  • Dried Parsley: Adds herbal brightness, ensures even distribution of green flecks throughout butter.
  • Salt: Enhances overall seasoning, balances garlic's sharpness.
For Optional Finishing Touch:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty complement that creates golden crispy topping, grate fresh for maximum flavor intensity.

Equipment List for Air Fryer Garlic Bread

  • Air Fryer: Essential for cooking crispy garlic bread quickly and evenly.
  • Small Bowl: Perfect for mixing garlic butter ingredients smoothly.
  • Knife: Needed for mincing garlic and spreading butter on bread slices.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure salt and herbs.
  • Spatula or Tongs: Useful for carefully placing and removing bread from air fryer basket.
  • Cheese Grater (optional): Used if adding freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Let’s Cook Air Fryer Garlic Bread

  • Create Flavor Bomb Butter

Mash together softened butter, crushed garlic, fresh chopped herbs, and a pinch of salt until everything blends into a creamy, aromatic mixture.

  • Layer Deliciousness

Slather the butter generously across bread slices, ensuring every inch gets coated with the garlicky goodness.

  • Fire Up the Air Fryer

Crank your air fryer to a toasty 350F and let it warm up for a couple minutes to create the perfect cooking environment.

  • Transform Bread into Crispy Magic

Arrange bread slices inside the air fryer basket with buttered sides facing upward. Let them sizzle and crisp for 5-6 minutes until edges turn golden and tempting.

  • Add Extra Pizzazz (Optional)

Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the bread during the last two minutes of cooking for an extra flavor kick.

  • Serve and Devour

Carefully remove the garlic bread from the air fryer and serve piping hot. Enjoy these crunchy, aromatic slices alongside your favorite meal or as a standalone snack.

Flavor Tweaks for Air Fryer Garlic Bread

  • Garlic Butter Magic: Create an extra-flavorful spread by adding roasted garlic or mixing in different herbs like basil or oregano for a flavor twist.
  • Bread Selection Pro: Choose thick, crusty bread like sourdough or French baguette for the crispiest results and most satisfying texture.
  • Dairy-Free Delight: Swap butter with olive oil or plant-based margarine to make this recipe vegan-friendly and accommodate dairy restrictions.
  • Cheese Lover's Hack: Experiment with different cheese toppings like mozzarella, sharp cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses for added richness and complexity.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Use low-carb bread or cauliflower toast as a base to transform this recipe into a keto-friendly side dish that's just as delicious.

How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Bread

  • Comfort Companions: Pair this crispy garlic bread with hearty pasta dishes like spaghetti bolognese or creamy fettuccine alfredo for a complete meal experience.
  • Dipping Delights: Create a quick marinara sauce or herb-infused olive oil for dunking the golden-brown bread slices, enhancing the garlic butter's rich flavors.
  • Pizza Night Partner: Serve alongside homemade pizzas or as a crunchy appetizer during game nights, movie marathons, or casual gatherings with friends and family.
  • Soup's Best Friend: Break the garlic bread into chunks and use as a delicious topping for creamy tomato soup or hearty minestrone, adding texture and extra flavor to your comforting bowl.

Keep Air Fryer Garlic Bread Tasting Great

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover garlic bread in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
  • Reheating Magic: Restore crispy texture by placing bread slices back in the air fryer at 325F for 2-3 minutes, which revives the original golden crunch and warm garlic essence.
  • Freezing Technique: Wrap individual garlic bread slices in aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag for long-term storage up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
  • Smart Portioning: Prepare multiple batches during initial cooking, separating portions into single-serving sizes for convenient grab-and-go snacks or quick side dish options throughout the week.
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Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Bread Recipe

Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Bread Recipe


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4.5 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 11 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Crispy air fryer garlic bread brings restaurant-quality flavor to home kitchens with minimal effort. Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this side dish a crowd-pleasing choice for dinner gatherings or casual meals.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tbsps grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsps fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 tbsps (60 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 slices French bread or Italian bread (about 1-inch thick)

Instructions

  1. Flavor Fusion: Whip softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a hint of salt until the mixture transforms into a luxurious, aromatic spread.
  2. Bread Preparation: Lavishly coat bread slices with the herbed garlic butter, ensuring each surface receives a thorough, even application of the fragrant mixture.
  3. Air Fryer Setup: Preheat the air fryer to 350F (175C) for 2-3 minutes, creating an ideal thermal environment for crisp, golden perfection.
  4. Strategic Placement: Arrange buttered bread slices in a single layer within the air fryer basket, positioning them butter-side up to maximize flavor intensity and ensure uniform cooking.
  5. Final Flourish and Cooking: Cook for 5-6 minutes, introducing grated Parmesan during the last two minutes to develop a crispy, golden-brown exterior with a melted cheese crown. Remove when edges turn gloriously crisp and the aroma fills the kitchen.

Notes

  • Choose Bread Wisely: Select a sturdy, day-old French baguette or Italian bread with a dense texture to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent sogginess in the air fryer.
  • Control Butter Thickness: Spread garlic butter evenly but sparingly to prevent dripping and smoking inside the air fryer, ensuring a clean cooking process without excessive grease.
  • Watch Cooking Time Carefully: Air fryers vary in power, so check bread at 4 minutes to prevent burning and adjust timing based on your specific appliance’s performance.
  • Customize Flavor Variations: Experiment with herbs like oregano, rosemary, or thyme in the butter mixture to create unique flavor profiles that complement different meal styles.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

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