The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
Air Fryer Garlic Bread – Crispy, Buttery, and Ready in Minutes
If you love the taste of warm, buttery garlic bread with perfectly crisp edges and a soft, tender center, the air fryer is about to be your new best friend. This Air Fryer Garlic Bread comes together in minutes using simple pantry ingredients—ideal for busy weeknights, pasta night, or whenever the craving hits.
Unlike the oven, the air fryer circulates hot air rapidly, giving you evenly browned slices with minimal effort. No heating the whole kitchen, no guesswork—just golden, garlicky perfection every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and fuss-free: Toasty, fragrant slices in about 8–10 minutes.
- Restaurant-level flavor: Real butter, fresh garlic, and herbs deliver that classic taste.
- Budget-friendly: Uses everyday bread (baguette, Italian loaf, or Texas toast).
- Customizable: Add cheese, herbs, or heat to match your vibe.
- Kid- and crowd-approved: Pairs with everything from soups to pasta.
You May Also Like Our Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe
Air Fryer Garlic Bread
The ultimate comfort food made crispy and golden in minutes! This air fryer garlic bread features a perfect buttery, garlicky spread that melts into every crevice, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan for extra indulgence. The air fryer creates an irresistibly crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy – no oven preheating required. Perfect alongside pasta dishes, soups, or as a satisfying snack on its own.
Rate This Recipe
Turn On Cooking Mode 💡
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 large French bread or Italian bread loaf
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Cut the bread loaf in half lengthwise, creating two long pieces. If the loaf is very long, you can cut each half into smaller sections that will fit in your air fryer basket.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, fresh parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture is smooth and fragrant.
- Using a pastry brush or knife, generously spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut surfaces of both bread halves, making sure to reach all the edges for maximum flavor.
- In a small bowl, combine shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and dried oregano. Sprinkle this cheese mixture evenly over the buttered bread surfaces, pressing gently to help it adhere.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes. This ensures even cooking and proper cheese melting.
- Place the prepared garlic bread pieces in the air fryer basket, cheese side up. Make sure pieces don’t overlap and there’s adequate air circulation around each piece.
- Air fry for 5-6 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it during the last minute to prevent over-browning.
- Remove carefully with tongs and let cool for 1-2 minutes before slicing. Cut into individual serving pieces and serve immediately while the cheese is still stretchy and the bread is crispy.
Notes
🔹 For extra garlic flavor, rub a halved raw garlic clove directly on the bread before spreading the butter mixture.
🔹 Day-old bread actually works better as it absorbs the butter mixture without becoming soggy.
🔹 Add red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning to the butter mixture for extra flavor complexity.
🔹 For a lighter version, substitute half the butter with olive oil.
🔹 Leftover garlic bread can be stored wrapped in foil and reheated in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.
🔹 Leftover garlic bread can be stored wrapped in foil and reheated in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition
Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 520mgPotassium: 85mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 12IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 220mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe? how it was!
Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Garlic Bread
- Use softened butter: It spreads evenly so every bite gets flavor. If needed, microwave butter for 5–10 seconds until just spreadable.
- Fresh garlic wins: Minced cloves beat garlic powder for aroma and punch. Use both for depth if you like.
- Don’t over-saturate: A thin, even layer of garlic butter crisps better than a thick one.
- Watch the last 2 minutes: Air fryers vary—peek near the end so it doesn’t over-brown.
- Cook in batches: Avoid stacking; airflow is key for even toasting.
Please Also Check Crispy Air Fryer Egg Rolls
Serving Ideas
- Pasta night: Serve with marinara, Alfredo, or pesto pasta.
- Soups & salads: Dip into tomato soup or pair with Caesar salad.
- Party platter: Cut into bite-size pieces and add a trio of dips—marinara, ranch, and garlic aioli.
- Pizza upgrade: Top with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil for a pizzeria feel.
Flavor Variations
- Cheesy Garlic Bread: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan during the last 2–3 minutes.
- Herb & Lemon: Add chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon after air frying for brightness.
- Spicy Chili Garlic: Mix chili flakes or a touch of chili crisp into the butter.
- Garlic Parmesan Texas Toast: Use thick-cut Texas toast and finish with grated Parmesan.
- Dairy-Free: Swap butter for olive oil or vegan butter; still delicious and crisp.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
Make-ahead: Prep the garlic butter and store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for 2 months. Spread on bread just before cooking.
Leftovers: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 3–4 minutes until warm and crisp again. Avoid microwaving—it softens the crust.
Frequently Asked Questions
What bread works best?
Italian loaf, French baguette, or thick Texas toast. Day-old bread toasts especially well.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh?
Yes—use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon garlic powder. For extra depth, combine with a clove of fresh garlic.
How do I keep the center soft?
Spread a thin layer of butter, air fry at a moderate temperature, and pull when edges are golden and centers feel springy.
Can I make it without butter?
Absolutely—use extra-virgin olive oil for a lighter, dairy-free option with great flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Garlic Bread is everything you want—crispy edges, soft buttery centers, and crave-worthy garlic aroma in minutes. Once you try it, you’ll skip frozen garlic bread for good. Keep a loaf on hand, whip up the garlic butter, and you’re always moments away from the perfect side.
Air Fryer Garlic Bread
The ultimate comfort food made crispy and golden in minutes! This air fryer garlic bread features a perfect buttery, garlicky spread that melts into every crevice, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan for extra indulgence. The air fryer creates an irresistibly crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy – no oven preheating required. Perfect alongside pasta dishes, soups, or as a satisfying snack on its own.
Rate This Recipe
Turn On Cooking Mode 💡
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 large French bread or Italian bread loaf
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Cut the bread loaf in half lengthwise, creating two long pieces. If the loaf is very long, you can cut each half into smaller sections that will fit in your air fryer basket.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, fresh parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture is smooth and fragrant.
- Using a pastry brush or knife, generously spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut surfaces of both bread halves, making sure to reach all the edges for maximum flavor.
- In a small bowl, combine shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and dried oregano. Sprinkle this cheese mixture evenly over the buttered bread surfaces, pressing gently to help it adhere.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes. This ensures even cooking and proper cheese melting.
- Place the prepared garlic bread pieces in the air fryer basket, cheese side up. Make sure pieces don’t overlap and there’s adequate air circulation around each piece.
- Air fry for 5-6 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it during the last minute to prevent over-browning.
- Remove carefully with tongs and let cool for 1-2 minutes before slicing. Cut into individual serving pieces and serve immediately while the cheese is still stretchy and the bread is crispy.
Notes
🔹 For extra garlic flavor, rub a halved raw garlic clove directly on the bread before spreading the butter mixture.
🔹 Day-old bread actually works better as it absorbs the butter mixture without becoming soggy.
🔹 Add red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning to the butter mixture for extra flavor complexity.
🔹 For a lighter version, substitute half the butter with olive oil.
🔹 Leftover garlic bread can be stored wrapped in foil and reheated in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.
🔹 Leftover garlic bread can be stored wrapped in foil and reheated in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition
Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 520mgPotassium: 85mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 12IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 220mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe? how it was!
