Ingredients
- 1 French baguette (or 1 loaf of Italian bread) – A French baguette gives a crispier texture, while Italian bread creates a slightly softer bite. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free bread.
- ½ cup salted butter, softened – Butter enhances the flavor and ensures the garlic bread turns golden brown. If you are dairy-free, swap this with olive oil or a vegan butter alternative.
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic adds a strong, rich flavor. If you do not have fresh garlic, use ½ teaspoon of garlic powder.
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley – This adds color and a mild, herby taste. You can also use fresh parsley for a more vibrant flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the bread cooks evenly and becomes perfectly crispy.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Spread
In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, and dried parsley. If you are using Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, add them at this stage. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 3: Slice the Bread
Cut the baguette or Italian bread into 1-inch thick slices. If you prefer a pull-apart garlic bread style, slice the loaf lengthwise instead.
Step 4: Spread the Butter Mixture
Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over one side of each bread slice. Make sure to coat each piece generously for maximum flavor.
Step 5: Arrange in the Air Fryer
Place the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping, as this can prevent the bread from crisping evenly.
Step 6: Cook Until Golden Brown
Air fry for 3-4 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and crispy. Since air fryers vary, check the bread after three minutes to avoid overcooking.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the garlic bread from the air fryer and serve immediately.
Notes
1. How to Prevent Burning
- Air fryers can cook quickly, so check the bread after three minutes to ensure it does not burn.
- If your air fryer runs hot, lower the temperature to 325°F (163°C) and cook for an extra minute.
2. Ensuring Even Cooking
- Place the bread in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
- If your air fryer has a smaller basket, cook the bread in batches to maintain crispiness.
3. Adjusting the Garlic Flavor
- Fresh garlic has a stronger flavor than garlic powder. If you prefer a milder taste, use ½ teaspoon of garlic powder instead of fresh garlic.
- For extra garlic flavor, brush a small amount of garlic butter on the bread after air frying.
4. Making it Dairy-Free
- Swap the butter for olive oil or vegan butter.
- Replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free cheesy flavor.
5. Storing Leftovers
- Store leftover garlic bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
- To reheat, air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes or until crispy.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes