Air Fryer Garlic Bread with Cheese

Whether you’re pairing it with a bowl of hearty shrimp pasta dish, serving it as an appetizer, or enjoying it as a snack, this crispy Air Fryer Garlic Bread with Cheese is a crowd pleaser!

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked garlic bread wafting through your home. But what if I told you that you could make the most delicious, crispy, cheesy, and buttery garlic bread in an air fryer in less than 10 minutes? Yes, it’s true!

Air fryer garlic bread is a game-changer, and once you try it, you might never go back to the oven method or store-bought again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Bread – You can use any type of bread you prefer. I prefer Dutch Oven Sourdough Bread slices French baguettes, Italian bread, or even a good old loaf of sandwich bread can work wonderfully.

• Butter – Softened (salted or unsalted) butter is key to spreading it easily on the bread.

• Cheese – Freshly grated pecorino cheese or parmesan are my favourite options. You can skip the cheese if you prefer.

• Garlic – Fresh garlic provides the best flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.

• Parsley – Fresh or dried parsley adds a nice touch of color and freshness.

How to Make Garlic Bread with Cheese in Air Fryer?

Making this delicious garlic bread with cheese in air fryer is a straightforward process. 

However, you need to follow a few simple steps to achieve the best results:

In a small bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika. The butter should be smooth and easily spreadable.

Slice your chosen bread to your desired thickness. I usually go for about 1-inch thick slices. If using a baguette, you can cut it diagonally to get larger slices. Generously spread the garlic butter mixture on each slice of bread.

Place the buttered slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to do this in batches. 

Set your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) and cook garlic bread slices for about 5-7 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Garlic Bread?

Quick and Efficient: One of the biggest advantages of using an air fryer is how quickly it cooks. In just a few minutes, you can have perfectly crispy garlic bread without the need to preheat your oven.

Even Cooking: The air fryer ensures that your garlic bread is evenly cooked, with a perfect balance of crunch on the outside and softness on the inside.

Energy Saving: Using an air fryer consumes less energy than heating up a conventional oven, which is a plus for both your utility bill and the environment.

Perfect for Small Batches: If you’re only making a few slices, using an oven might seem excessive. An air fryer is perfect for those smaller portions.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Cheesy Garlic Bread?

• Pasta – It’s a classic pairing with any pasta dish, especially spaghetti, lasagna, or fettuccine Alfredo.

• Soups – Serve it alongside tomato soup, minestrone, or any creamy soup such as Roasted Cauliflower Soup with Celeriac.

• Appetizers – Cut the garlic bread into smaller pieces and serve it as an appetizer with dips like marinara, hummus, or spinach artichoke dip.

• Salads – A side of garlic bread can elevate a simple Caesar salad or a fresh garden salad.

Recipe Variations

Swap Up the Herbs

For a fun twist, try using different herbs such as a dash of Italian seasoning or chopped fresh chives .

Vegan Garlic Bread

For a vegan version, use a plant-based butter substitute and mix it with garlic and parsley. You can skip the cheese or replace parmesan with some nutritional yeast on top for a cheesy flavor.

Make it Extra Cheesy

Instead of adding grated parmesan to the mixture, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese on top for extra cheesiness. 

Expert Tips From the Chef

Make sure to place the bread slices in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the basket. This ensures even cooking and perfect crispiness.

Air fryers can vary, so keep an eye on your garlic bread to prevent it from burning. Check around the 4-minute mark to gauge how quickly it’s cooking.

Storage Instructions

Allow the leftover garlic bread slices to cool completely at room temperature and transfer them to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.

Store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When ready to enjoy, reheat the garlic bread slices in the air fryer or oven until warmed through.