If you've ever needed garlic bread in a hurry, the air fryer is about to become your new kitchen sidekick. This Air Fryer Garlic Bread turns out golden and crispy on the outside, soft and buttery in the middle, and cooks in minutes. Whether you're serving spaghetti, soup, salad, or a weeknight casserole, this easy side dish delivers big garlic flavor with very little effort and no need to heat up the entire oven.
Why you'll make this again and again
Garlic bread is one of those side dishes that disappears almost as fast as it hits the table, and this air fryer version makes it even easier. The circulating hot air creates crispy edges and a lightly toasted top while keeping the center soft and buttery.
It cooks much faster than a traditional oven, making it a great option when dinner is already underway and you need something quick to round out the meal. With simple ingredients and just a few minutes of cook time, this recipe is one you'll find yourself making on repeat.
Air Fryer Garlic Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter softened
- 4-6 cloves garlic minced
- ¾ cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 French baguette sliced
Instructions
- Slice the bread 1 inch thick slices.
- In a small mixing bowl combine the softened butter, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, and dried parsley.
- Spread the homemade garlic butter crust-to-crust on the sliced bread, topping it with additional parmesan for even more cheesiness.
- Place garlic bread in air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overlap it.
- Bake for 5 minutes at 350 degrees.
Notes
Nutrition
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Ingredients you'll need
For the exact measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card.
Testing notes
I've found that slicing the bread 2 to 2 ½ inches thick is the swwet spot. Any thinner and the bread can get hard (dried-out), instead of crispy. Additionally spreading a thin bit of butter over the bread right when it comes out of the air fryer makes it so buttery!
Instructions
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
French bread and Italian bread are both excellent choices because they have a sturdy texture that crisps up nicely while staying soft in the center. You can also use a baguette for smaller servings.
No, you do not need to preheat the air fryer. Just place the sliced bread in the basket and cook.
Yes. Assemble the garlic bread with the butter mixture, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. When you're ready to serve, place it in the air fryer and cook as directed.
Avoid overcooking it. The bread should be golden and crisp around the edges while remaining tender in the center. Thicker slices of bread tend to stay softer than thin slices.
Deb's tips for crispy garlic bread
For the crispiest garlic bread, arrange the slices in a single layer so the hot air can circulate around each piece. If your bread is a day or two old, even better! It will toast up beautifully while soaking up all that buttery garlic flavor.
Keep an eye on the bread during the last minute or two of cooking since air fryers can vary, and garlic bread can go from golden brown to overly toasted faster than you might think.
More easy recipes to try
If your air fryer has earned a permanent spot on the counter, there are plenty of other easy recipes to add to your rotation. Air Fryer Baked Potatoes turn out crispy on the outside and fluffy inside every time, while Air Fryer Bacon delivers perfectly cooked strips without splattering your stovetop. New to air frying? Be sure to check out my Air Fryer Tips for Beginners for helpful shortcuts and troubleshooting tips.
Still in the mood for bread? Cheesy Garlic Bread is loaded with melty cheese and garlic flavor, and homemade Pizza Hut Cheese Breadsticks are always a hit alongside pasta night, game day snacks, or a bowl of soup. If convenience is your thing, my Frozen Garlic Bread guide shows exactly how to cook it straight from the freezer.
The side dish you'll reach for again and again
When dinner needs something extra, this Air Fryer Garlic Bread is an easy answer. It comes together in minutes, uses simple ingredients, and pairs with everything from pasta and soup to salads and casseroles. Once you see how quickly it cooks and how crispy it gets, there's a good chance you'll skip the oven and make it this way from now on.
Give it a try and let me know how it turned out. Did you stick with classic garlic bread or add a little cheese on top? I'd love to hear about it in the comments below!
Lois says
We had bread fixed isn’t the Air Fryer a couple of weeks ago and was delicious. It’s a great way to fix it.
ColleenB.~Tx. says
Love Garlic bread and goes so well with spaghetti & green salad or casserole dish of sorts.
Love your recipes, tips & all the special tips.
Thank You
Enjoy your day and have yourself a wonderful weekend.