Air Fryer Garlic Bread

If you're looking for a quick and delicious side dish to go with your favorite pasta dishes or soups, this Air Fryer Garlic Bread is just the thing. Made with simple ingredients and ready in minutes, this cheesy garlic bread gets perfectly golden brown in the air fryer—no need to heat up your oven! Whether you're prepping for a family dinner or need a quick snack, this recipe delivers the best flavor with minimal effort.

Why my recipe

This homemade garlic bread is buttery, cheesy, and bursting with garlic flavor. Air frying creates a crisp edge while keeping the center soft, just like classic garlic toast—but faster. Unlike frozen garlic bread, this version lets you control the ingredients for the best garlic bread tailored to your personal preference. It’s also great for meal prep—just wrap leftover garlic bread in aluminum foil and reheat it later.

Ingredients

Scroll to see printable recipe card.

Ingredients

• French or Italian bread (you can also use a sourdough bread or thick slices of Texas toast)
• Unsalted butter (softened butter is best for spreading; you can substitute garlic butter or use olive oil in a pinch)
• Garlic powder (or try fresh garlic or minced garlic for a stronger flavor)
• Mozzarella cheese (swap in cheddar cheese or your favorite melty blend)
• Parmesan cheese (fresh grated gives the best flavor, but canned works too)
• Fresh parsley (or use other fresh herbs like basil or Italian seasonings)
• Sea salt (or garlic salt for even more flavor)
• Paprika (adds a subtle warmth and color)

Be sure to check out my Garlic Butter for Steak recipe next!

Directions

1. Cut your loaf of bread in half crosswise, then slice vertically to get four pieces. Trim the slices so they fit in your air fryer basket (you'll be air frying in batches).
2. In a small bowl, mix softened butter, garlic powder, parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley until well combined into a garlic butter mixture.
3. Spread an even amount on the top of the bread slices using a butter knife.
4. Sprinkle about half a cup of mozzarella cheese on each of the bread slices.
5. Sprinkle with paprika, evenly.
6. Place the prepared bread slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
7. Air fry garlic bread at 350°F for about 5 minutes. This will give you soft and cheesy garlic toast—air fry longer for crispier edges.
8. Cook in batches.

Tips for Success

• Make sure your butter is room temperature so it spreads easily.
• The size of your air fryer will determine how much bread you can cook at once. Work in batches if needed.
• If you like garlic toast extra crispy, cook time can be extended by 1-2 minutes.
• For extra cheesy garlic bread, sprinkle more mozzarella or cheddar cheese on top before air frying.
• Want to prep ahead? Assemble and store in the fridge covered in foil or an airtight container until ready to air fry.

How to store

Store leftover garlic bread in an airtight container or wrap it in aluminum foil. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the air fryer at 325°F for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through. You can also bake in the oven or microwave. You can also freeze garlic bread slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month.

Can I make it ahead?

• Once the butter is spread on your bread slices they will keep for one day in the refrigerator. Keep them in the fridge in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap until ready to use.
• You can make the garlic butter about one week ahead. Store it in the refrigerator and let it soften before spreading on bread slices.

Perfect pairings: pasta dishes

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta - A creamy, slow-cooked pasta dish that pairs wonderfully with garlic bread.

Stuffed Pasta Shells with Meat and Ricotta - An Italian-inspired comfort food that's complemented by the crispiness of garlic bread.

Creamy Sausage Pasta with Mushrooms - A hearty pasta dish where the garlic bread can be used to scoop up the creamy sauce.

Cozy Companions: Soup Recipes

Panera 10 Vegetable Soup - A hearty, vegan soup that pairs well with the richness of garlic bread.

Green Chile Chicken Soup - A Tex-Mex inspired soup where garlic bread can help balance the spicy flavors.

Homemade Tomato Basil Soup - A classic pairing; the acidity of the tomato soup complements the buttery garlic bread.

If you like this recipe, be sure to check out all my side dishes and air fryer recipes to explore more exciting flavors.