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Air Fryer Garlic Bread (Crispy & Buttery)
Golden, crispy garlic bread with a buttery herb crust — ready in 6 minutes and better than the oven.
Total Time
9 min
Difficulty
Easy
Servings
4
Calories
220 cal
Why This Works
The air fryer's direct heat toasts the cut side of the bread quickly and evenly, while the butter and garlic mixture caramelizes into a golden, fragrant crust. The result is crispier than oven-baked garlic bread because the heat is more concentrated.
My Recipe Testing Notes
The air fryer makes garlic bread faster and crispier than the oven. At 360°F for 5-6 minutes, the bread gets golden-brown and crispy on the outside while staying soft inside. The key is not going too hot — above 380°F, the garlic burns before the bread is properly toasted. I also tested with fresh garlic vs. garlic powder: fresh garlic wins for flavor, but it burns more easily, so I mix both.
Ingredients
Optional but highly recommended
Instructions
Mix softened butter with minced garlic, garlic powder, parsley, and a pinch of salt.
Spread generously on the cut side of each bread half.
Sprinkle with parmesan if using.
Place cut-side up in the air fryer basket.
Air fry at 360°F for 5-6 minutes until golden-brown and crispy. Watch carefully — it can burn quickly.
Cut into slices and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature for garlic bread in air fryer?
360°F for 5-6 minutes is ideal. Higher temperatures (above 380°F) will burn the garlic before the bread is properly toasted.
Can I make cheesy garlic bread?
Yes! Add shredded mozzarella on top of the butter mixture. Cook at 360°F for 6-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Can I reheat garlic bread in the air fryer?
Absolutely — it's the best way to reheat it. 350°F for 2-3 minutes restores the crispiness that a microwave destroys.
Written by Sarah Jenkins
Former restaurant line cook turned home kitchen obsessive. I've tested over 200 air fryer recipes and I share exactly what works, what doesn't, and the temperatures that make the difference.
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