Air Fryer Garlic Bread is an incredibly easy recipe that comes together in just minutes! It’s the perfect side dish to complement your favorite pasta dishes, hearty soups, flavorful stir-fries, and so much more.

Garlic bread consistently ranks high on our family’s list of favorite side dishes. The allure of perfectly crunchy bread, generously coated with a rich and savory buttery garlic spread, is simply irresistible!
If you’re searching for a quick and convenient method to prepare this classic, then this Air Fryer Garlic Bread recipe is exactly what you need. It’s quickly become our preferred way to enjoy this beloved treat!
Why This Air Fryer Garlic Bread Recipe Works So Well

I am confident that you and your family will enjoy this recipe as much as we do!
- Effortless Preparation: This recipe is incredibly simple to make, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
- Lightning-Fast Cooking: You can have freshly made garlic bread on the table in under 10 minutes!
- Simple Ingredients: The ingredients are readily available in most pantries, saving you a trip to the grocery store.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Air Fryer Garlic Bread

Bread: In my experience, French bread works best for garlic bread. It offers a delightful combination of a soft, airy interior and a perfectly crisp crust. You can opt for a whole French loaf and slice it yourself, or purchase pre-sliced bread for added convenience. This choice provides generously sized pieces of garlic bread.
Alternatives include a French baguette, which will result in smaller, more delicate slices, or Italian bread like Ciabatta for a slightly different texture and flavor. Truly, this recipe is adaptable and can be made with almost any bread you prefer!
Butter: For optimal results, use unsalted butter softened to room temperature. Remove the butter from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before you plan to begin preparing the garlic bread. The butter should be soft enough that a gentle press with your finger leaves a clear indentation. Refer to our FAQ section below for helpful tips on softening butter quickly.
Herbs and Aromatics: The essence of this garlic bread relies on the combination of minced fresh garlic and fragrant fresh parsley to deliver the most authentic and delicious flavor. For an alternative twist, you could also incorporate Italian seasoning.
Cheese: For a touch of richness and visual appeal, you can use grated Parmesan cheese or your preferred dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
Optional: For an even cheesier experience, follow the initial air frying instructions. Then, generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of each slice and air fry for an additional 30 seconds to one minute, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remember to apply a thin, even layer of cheese to prevent burning.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Air Fryer Garlic Bread
You’ll find the detailed instructions in the recipe card at the end of this post. Here’s a visual guide to assist you in creating the most delicious garlic bread:
Although not always necessary, you can lightly spray the air fryer basket or tray with olive oil to ensure the bread doesn’t stick.
If you are using a whole loaf of bread, slice it into evenly thick pieces first. Typically, one loaf of French bread will yield approximately 8 slices.


- In a small to medium-sized bowl, thoroughly combine the softened butter, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and minced garlic until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.


- Spread the prepared garlic butter mixture evenly over one side of each bread slice.
- Arrange the slices in a single layer within the air fryer basket or on the air fryer tray. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes, or until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown. Monitor closely to prevent burning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Garlic Bread

- What’s the best type of bread for making garlic bread?
- French bread is generally considered the best option due to its texture. However, you can also use baguettes, Ciabatta, or other thick-sliced bread.
- How long should I air fry the garlic bread for?
- A typical cooking time is between 2 and 3 minutes. As air fryers can vary, it’s essential to keep a close eye on the bread. Begin with 2-3 minutes, and if it hasn’t reached your desired level of doneness, continue air frying for an additional 2-3 minutes. Check the bread in 30-second increments to avoid burning, as it can quickly transition from lightly toasted to overly browned.
- What is the best way to store leftover garlic bread?
- For the best flavor and texture, this garlic bread is best enjoyed immediately after air frying. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Always allow the bread to cool completely before storing it to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- What can I do with leftover or day-old garlic bread?
- Day-old garlic bread transforms beautifully into delicious homemade croutons or breadcrumbs!
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Garlic Bread

This straightforward air fryer recipe makes an excellent side dish for countless meals!
It is a versatile pairing with a range of pasta dishes. For a comforting and satisfying family dinner, serve it alongside recipes such as Creamy Ground Beef Pasta, Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef, Instant Pot Swedish Meatballs, or Dairy-Free Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta.
For a romantic date night at home, serve this delectable garlic bread with a luxurious seafood dish. Try our Risotto with Prawns, Lobster Pasta, Air Fryer Lobster Tails, or Seafood Paella.
Garlic bread is also a wonderful accompaniment to soups, such as Chicken Minestrone Soup, Slow Cooker Meatball Soup, or Easy One-Pot Lasagna Soup.
Essential Kitchen Tools and Equipment

Ready to prepare this recipe? Here are the essential kitchen tools and equipment you’ll need:
Knife and Cutting Board: A serrated knife will be most effective for slicing the bread on a large, sturdy cutting board.
Bowl: You’ll need either a small or medium-sized bowl, along with a whisk or fork, to thoroughly mix the garlic butter spread.
Air Fryer: This garlic bread can be prepared in any air fryer model. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. Keep in mind that every air fryer operates differently, and cooking times may vary. We typically use our Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL Pressure Cooker/Air Fryer and our Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer. It’s worth noting that the Dual Zone Air Fryer might require a few extra minutes of cooking time compared to other air fryers.
Explore More Delicious Bread Recipes
- Honey Butter Rolls
- Apple Cinnamon Loaf
- Cranberry Stuffing with Wild Rice, Cherries, and Pecans
- Pesto Bread
Did you enjoy this recipe? Don’t forget to leave a 5-star rating in the recipe card. If you truly loved it, please leave a detailed comment further down on the page. Thank you for your support!
Air Fryer Garlic Bread Recipe
Cook Time: 3 mins
Total Time: 8 mins
Servings: 4
Pin
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 8 slices French bread
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the butter, parmesan, garlic cloves, and chopped fresh parsley.
- Brush each slice of garlic bread with the butter mixture.
- Air fry at 350°F for 2-3 minutes.
Notes
- Bread: You can substitute the French bread with baguette or ciabatta bread.
- Air frying time: Every air fryer is different and cooking time will vary. The cook time in this recipe is the minimum time needed for most air fryers. This is the time I use for our Ninja Foodi Deluxe, however our Dual Zone Air Fryer required double the time.
- Cheese: If you want to add even more cheese on top, air fry according to the directions below, then add it and air fry time for a second time for 30 seconds to one minute. Add just enough cheese to cover the top in a thin layer — don’t overdo it or the cheese can burn.
- Storage: garlic bread is best served warm immediately after it’s made. However, you can place the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days.
- To reheat: place a slice or two in the air fryer basket or tray and air fry at 350°F for 1 minute, or until reheated to your preference.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Please leave a star rating and comment! Then snap a pic of your dish and share it on social media. Tag @UrbanBlissLife and #UrbanBlissLife!