My air fryer garlic bread recipe is super simple and can be made within minutes. It’s a go-to recipe in my house and we make it once a week!
I created this air fryer garlic bread because of my love for garlic bread. I love having it as a side dish at least once a week but hated preheating the oven just to cook it because it was so timely.
I decided to try it in the air fryer, and it was a game changer. It cooks even faster than the oven would preheat, plus the bread gets extra crispy when air fried!
If there is any air fryer recipe I make on the site constantly, it’s this one. Between the taste, simple ingredients, crispiness, and little time it takes to put together, it’s just that one recipe I find myself going back to all the time.
Even my daughter’s eyes light up when she sees me sticking the bread in the air fryer. It’s become one of her favorites!
And, if you love an easy air fryer recipe, try my air fryer chicken tenders, frozen hamburgers in the air fryer, air fryer pork chops, air fryer bacon, and pork loin air fryer recipe.
- Half a loaf of bread – I use French bread or Italian bread
- Butter
- Garlic
- Italian seasoning
- Pepper flakes
- Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese – I love putting this on top of the bread, but it’s completely optional
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Start by preheating the air fryer to 350 degrees F.
STEP TWO: Slice the bread in half or cut it into pieces that will fit easily into the air fryer.
STEP THREE: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic. Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over the top of the bread.
STEP FOUR: Place the bread pieces, side by side, in the air fryer basket or tray and cook for about 6-7 minutes. If you are planning on adding cheese, place it on the top of the bread with about 1-2 minutes left.
STEP FIVE: Remove the garlic cheese bread from the air fryer abd cut into thick slices.
Tips to Make the Best Air Fryer Garlic Bread
- Preheat the air fryer to get crispy bread throughout. I find if I don’t preheat it, the top of the bread gets too browned before the bottom can get crispy.
- Keep room for air circulation between the pieces of bread. Any piece of bread that’s touching another piece won’t get as crispy as one that is not. I cook in batches if I need to.
- Add a little salt if not adding the cheese on top. If I’m not adding any cheese on top, I will sprinkle it with a little salt to help bring out the flavor. Cheese has enough salt to help my recipe otherwise. Using salted butter will do enough as well.
- Serve it warm! I love garlic bread served nice and hot right out of the air fryer. I usually get dinner almost all ready and then air fry it last while the meat is resting.
Variations to Air Fry Garlic Bread
- Try different breads. I like to make this recipe with a fresh not frozen, room temperature, loaf of crusty bread. My go to choices are french bread and Italian Pane bread, but I’ve used Texas toast-style slices and even wheat bread.
- Switch the garlic cloves for garlic powder by using around 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder. I love the taste the fresh garlic gives, but do use this method when I am out of garlic.
- Switch up the cheese. I recommend a combination of mozzarella and parmesan for the best flavor, best texture, and best melt-ability. I’ve also used everything from cheddar to Colby Jack. In my opinion, more cheese makes everything better!
- Add extra herbs. Go ahead and toss some of your favorite herbs into the butter mixture like dried basil or fresh parsley.
- Make it in the oven. If I’m already using the oven for dinner, I like to make my homemade garlic cheese bread and use my air fryer for a vegetable instead.
I love to serve this recipe with a nice protein like my lasagna recipe, London broil, smothered pork chops, air fryer meatloaf, or chicken spaghetti with Rotel alongside a veggie like air fryer squash or air fryer asparagus.
It’s also the perfect side dish when I need a super easy dinner night with tomato soup or pasta.
How Long To Cook Garlic Bread in the Air Fryer?
I find cooking garlic bread in the air fryer takes about 6 to 7 minutes when preheated at 350 degrees.
How to Cook Frozen Garlic Bread in the Air Fryer
Frozen garlic bread, like Pepperidge Farm, is a bit thinner so it takes just 5 minutes to cook in a preheated air fryer at 350 degrees.
Do I Need Aluminum Foil To Cook Air Fryer Garlic Bread?
No, I actually prefer cooking my garlic bread in the air fryer without foil so the air will circulate and get the top and bottom of the bread crispy.
How to Reheat Garlic Bread in the Air Fryer
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheated it in a preheated air fryer at 350 degrees for about 2 minutes.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- Air fryer hash browns
- Air fryer tilapia
- Air fryer hard boiled eggs
- Air fryer pancakes
- Air fryer chicken legs
- Air fryer french fries
- Air fryer sweet potato
- Air fryer hamburgers
- Air fryer shrimp
Easy Air Fryer Garlic Bread
Ingredients
- 1 half loaf of bread , like french bread or italian pane
- 3 tablespoons butter , softened
- 3 garlic cloves , minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- small pinch of red pepper flakes
Optional
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Parsley for serving/topping
Instructions
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Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees.
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Cut the bread in half or sized to fit your air fryer.
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Mix the softened butter, garlic, italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.
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Baste the garlic butter mixture on top of the bread evenly.
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Place the garlic bread in the air fryer side by side and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes. If using cheese, add the cheese with just 1 to 2 minutes left to cook.
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Remove the garlic bread from your air fryer, slice, and serve!
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
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