This air fryer garlic bread is golden, buttery, and packed with garlicky herby goodness. It’s perfect for when you want fresh garlic bread fast, with no fuss!
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
Here is why you’ll love this air fryer garlic bread recipe.
- This air-fried garlic bread is the perfect side for everything from pasta night to weekend snacks and game night.
- Made with an Instant Pot Vortex Plus, it crisps up beautifully in just minutes. It’s the ideal way to get buttery, garlic-packed bread that’s ready to devour in less time than it takes for the oven to preheat.
- The herb and garlic butter creates a rich, savory taste that works perfectly on baguette rolls, long baguettes, or even sourdough slices. Don’t have those? Regular white bread works too—just check it sooner since it’ll brown quicker!
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Butter: Use salted, softened butter for a rich, creamy spread; unsalted also works, just add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for bold flavor — use minced or grated.
Herbs: Fresh parsley adds color and freshness, while dried Italian herbs, thyme, or basil bring an aromatic touch. You can also use chives, basil or dill for a different twist. Don’t want any green bits? Feel free to leave the herbs out.
Bread options: Baguette rolls or long baguettes are the classic choice for garlic bread as these have a sturdy crust and soft interior that crisps up perfectly in the air fryer or oven.
Sourdough is also great as the slightly tangy flavor of sourdough complements the rich, garlicky butter beautifully. Plus, its hearty texture holds up well during cooking. Ciabatta, French bread, Italian loaf or other artisanal breads will also work well.
Avoid: Basic sliced sandwich bread can be used in a pinch but browns faster and doesn’t hold the butter as well. If you’re using it, reduce cooking time to avoid burning.
Step by Step
1. Prepare the butter mixture
- Soften butter, then mix with garlic, parsley, pepper, and dried herbs.
2. Prepare the bread
- Slice baguette rolls or bread of choice; each roll yields four pieces. See images.
3. Butter the bread
- Spread a generous amount of garlic butter on each piece.
4. Air fry the garlic bread
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C), arrange bread buttered side up, and cook for about 7 minutes, checking at 5-6 minutes.
5. Serve
- Enjoy immediately; reheat briefly in the air fryer if needed.
Video Instructions
Expert Tips
- Bread choice: Baguettes, French bread, ciabatta, and sourdough work best; avoid sandwich bread unless it's your only option, as it browns much faster.
- Adjusting butter spread: A generous spread ensures a buttery, flavorful finish. Light on butter? Add a bit of olive oil for extra moisture.
- Make it cheesy: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or mozzarella on top before air frying for cheesy garlic bread.
- Make-thead tips: Mix the garlic butter and refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for longer. Just spread and air fry when ready! You can also pre-butter the bread and freeze assembled pieces tightly wrapped in foil and then Cling Wrap.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Pair this air fryer garlic bread with pasta, a warm bowl of soup, stew, or a fresh salad. It’s also great as a snack or alongside a hearty lasagna or spaghetti bolognese.
Want to serve it party-style? Cut into bite-sized pieces and serve with marinara for dipping!
FAQs
Yes, though it browns faster, so reduce the air frying time by a couple of minutes.
Absolutely! Add shredded cheese on top before air frying for a cheesy twist.
Freezing isn’t ideal for fully cooked garlic bread, but you can freeze the butter mixture or pre-buttered bread. Air fry when ready!
To air fry frozen garlic bread, set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 8-10 minutes. If the garlic bread slices are thin, start checking even earlier, around 5 minutes, to avoid over-browning.
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Air Fryer Garlic Bread
Equipment
- Instant Pot Air Fryer Vortex Plus
Ingredients
- 4 oz salted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried herbs, like Italian herbs, thyme, or basil
- 3 baguette rolls, halved, then sliced vertically, or use baguette slices or sourdough
Instructions
- Prep butter: Soften butter if needed by microwaving for 20-30 seconds. Combine butter with garlic, parsley, pepper, and dried herbs, mashing to blend.
- Prep bread: Slice baguette rolls as described; alternatively, use baguette or sourdough slices.
- Spread: Generously butter each piece with the garlic butter mixture.
- Air fry: Preheat air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Place buttered bread in the air fryer basket, buttered side up. Air fry for about 7 minutes or until golden brown, checking after 5-6 minutes as cook times may vary.
- Enjoy: Serve hot, and reheat any leftovers gently in the air fryer.
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