Description
Indulge in this quick and irresistible air fryer garlic bread that’s perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining soft and buttery inside. Loaded with a flavorful garlic-pesto butter and topped with a blend of melty cheeses, this easy side dish elevates any meal in just minutes.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 loaf Italian or French bread, sliced into 3/4–1 inch thick slices
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tablespoon prepared basil pesto
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded Colby jack cheese
- Italian seasoning (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture
Combine the melted butter with the minced garlic and pesto in a small bowl. Stir until well incorporated. Spread this flavorful mixture generously onto each slice of bread, making sure to cover the entire surface for maximum flavor. This garlic-pesto butter will serve as the foundation of flavor for your garlic bread. - Add the Cheese Topping
In a large bowl, mix the shredded mozzarella, Colby jack, and parmesan cheeses together until well combined. Sprinkle a generous helping of the cheese mixture onto each buttered bread slice. If desired, add a light sprinkle of Italian seasoning on top of the cheese for extra flavor and visual appeal. - Air Fry to Perfection
Place the prepared bread slices into the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd. Arrange them in a single layer, leaving a little space between each slice. Cook in batches at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread become golden and crispy. Upon serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- The best bread for homemade garlic bread in an air fryer is any type of crusty, sturdy bread you enjoy. Italian, French, sourdough, or ciabatta bread all work excellently.
- The pesto and Italian seasoning are optional. The pesto adds a depth of flavor, but you can omit it if not available. Similarly, the Italian seasoning is a nice touch but entirely optional based on preference.
- Feel free to customize the cheese blend based on what you have available. The garlic-pesto butter helps keep the cheese from blowing around in the air fryer.
- Storing: Leftover garlic bread can be wrapped in aluminum foil or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for longer storage.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
- Freezing: Prepare the garlic bread but don’t cook it. Freeze slices in a single layer on a cookie sheet for one hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. Store frozen for up to three months. Cook from frozen at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
