Air Fryer Garlic Bread

Air Fryer Garlic Bread is the perfect side dish for anything from spaghetti and meatballs to grilled chicken and vegetables. This garlic bread is crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and topped with fresh garlic and parsley.

I think if there’s a side dish that you can serve with pretty much anything from creamy salmon pasta to Air Fryer meatloaf, it’s garlic bread. It’s delicious, flavorful, and so versatile. I mean, who doesn’t love a buttery, golden slice of garlic bread?

Well, everyone’s favorite side dish just got even better thanks to the air fryer. This Air Fryer Garlic Bread comes out perfect every single time. It’s soft in the center, perfectly crisped on the outside, and has just the right fresh garlicky flavor. 

Ingredient notes

Here is an overview of the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom for quantities.

• Bread – I use an 8-inch loaf of French bread for this, but this recipe will work with pretty much any hearty bread– a baguette, sourdough, thick-cut Texas toast, etc
• Butter and Oil – We’re using a combination of butter and olive oil to create that classic garlic bread flavor. 
• Garlic – I highly recommend freshly minced garlic to get the most authentic garlicky flavor. It’s so worth it! 
• Parsley – A sprinkle of parsley gives the buttery bread a delicious freshness.
• Parmesan – Adding cheese to garlic bread is completely optional– I’m using Parmesan but Asiago, mozzarella, or cheddar would all be delicious! Or feel free to leave it off if you prefer.

How to make this recipe

Detailed measurements and instructions can be found at the bottom of the page on the printable recipe card.

Making this air fryer garlic bread is so simple! First, slice the bread in half lengthwise. Then make the garlic butter by mixing together the softened butter, oil, garlic, parsley, and Parmesan cheese in a bowl (Image 1).

Spread the butter mixture over the cut side of each half of the baguette (Image 2), then cut the bread so it fits in your air fryer basket. Depending on the size of the basket, you have to make the garlic bread in batches.

Place it into the air fryer basket (Image 3) and cook until golden brown (Image 4). Take it out, slice it, and serve it hot!

Expert tips for success

• If the baguette you use doesn’t fit in your air fryer, simply make it shorter and air fry a smaller amount. You can also air fry in batches and keep the finished garlic bread warm in the oven.
• Cook cut-side up. This creates the best crispy top. 
• Cook in a single layer. You definitely don’t want to stack the bread at all. The key to the best texture is allowing the air to circulate all the way around the bread. 
• Serve immediately. Garlic bread is the best fresh and hot out of the air fryer. I recommend serving it right away if you can.
• Play with texture. If you like crispier garlic bread, add a little time. If you prefer it to be softer, air fry it for less time. You’ll figure out really quickly what works best for you!
• Make it vegan. Feel free to make your garlic bread vegan by swapping the butter out for vegan butter and just leaving off the cheese.
• Make it cheesier. Like an extra cheesy slice of garlic bread? Add a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese too!

Recipe FAQs

Serve it with

Garlic bread is probably one of the most versatile side dishes, so feel free to serve it with whatever entrées your heart desires!
A few of my favorites are spaghetti and meatballs, grilled chicken and roasted veggies, or pretty much any soup. As I said, it really is so versatile!

Leftovers

Leftover garlic bread can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply pop it back in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to warm and re-crisp.

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