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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.

A white bowl filled with garlic bread.

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. 

Why you’ll love this recipe

  • Quick and easy. Just 5 minutes to prep and 5 minutes in the air fryer and your garlic bread is ready to go.
  • Delicious flavor. The combination of soft French bread, fresh garlic, and fresh herbs makes the flavor just perfect.
  • Versatile. Enjoy a slice of homemade garlic bread with any meal you like! Soup, salad, pasta, meat…you can’t go wrong!

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.

Ingredients for making garlic bread.
  • 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.

Steps for making garlic bread in the Air Fryer.

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

What bread should you use for homemade garlic bread?

My favorite bread to use is a French baguette! It comes out of the air fryer crispy on the outside with the perfect buttery soft center. 

Other bread you could use are ciabatta, sourdough, or focaccia! Keep in mind that different types of bread will cook at different rates, so adjust as needed.

How long does garlic bread take in the air fryer?

While I usually plan for 5 minutes of air frying time, that really depends on how crispy (or not crispy) you prefer your garlic bread. If you like a softer loaf, cook for 3–4 minutes. If you like it extra crunchy, add a couple of minutes. 

I recommend checking the bread early, then adding time as needed so you get it just right!

Can I use dried garlic for garlic bread?

No, I don’t recommend making garlic bread with dried garlic. The flavor is so much better when using fresh garlic.

Garlic bread cut into slices.

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.

Air Fryer garlic bread in a bread basket.

More Air Fryer Recipes to Try

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5 from 1 vote

Air Fryer Garlic Bread

This easy Air Fryer Garlic Bread is the perfect side dish! Crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and topped with fresh garlic and butter.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6

Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 1 loaf french bread, about 8-inches long
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced (plus more for garnish)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan, optional

Instructions 

  • Slice the French bread in half lengthwise and place it on your work surface cut side up.
  • In a small bowl, stir together the butter, olive oil, garlic, parsley, and Parmesan (if using). Spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut side of the bread.
  • Spray your air fryer basket with oil spray and then place the bread cut side up into the air fryer. Depending on the size of your bread/air fryer, you may need to cut the bread to make it fit– that’s okay!
  • Cook the garlic bread at 350 degrees F for 5 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Slice the garlic bread into your desired size and enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • 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!

Nutrition

Calories: 309kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 476mg | Potassium: 97mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 326IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 77mg | Iron: 3mg
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About Julia Foerster

Hi, I'm Julia! Born in Germany, I call Canada now my home and love to share my favorite dishes with you! Here you'll find hundreds of recipes, all made from scratch, with lots of tips and detailed step-by-step instructions.

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