Air Fryer Garlic Bread (Cheesy, Buttery & Ready in Minutes)

Table of Contents

This air fryer garlic bread is everything you want in the perfect side dish—crispy on the outside, soft inside, dripping with garlic-herb butter, and topped with gooey melted cheese. It’s incredibly fast to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a last-minute addition to pasta, soups, or salads. With both air fryer and oven methods included, you can choose whichever works best for you.

Yield

10–12 slices, depending on the size of your baguette.

Ingredients

½ baguette, cut into ½-inch slices
5 tablespoons butter, softened at room temperature
4 garlic cloves, finely minced
1½ tablespoons dried parsley
Small pinch of red pepper flakes (optional — adds light heat)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread

Begin by slicing your baguette into even ½-inch slices. Uniform thickness ensures that all pieces cook evenly whether you’re using an air fryer or oven. Place the slices on a plate or tray while you prepare the topping.

2. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, dried parsley, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Add the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella. Mix well with a spoon until everything is evenly incorporated and you have a rich, spreadable garlic butter topping.

3. Spread the Mixture

Using a spoon or butter knife, generously spread the garlic-cheese mixture across the top of each bread slice. Make sure to cover the entire surface, including the edges, so every bite is flavorful. If you love extra cheese, sprinkle a little more mozzarella on top.

Air Fryer Method

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) if required.
Arrange the prepared slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Do not overlap.
Cook for 3–4 minutes for softer garlic bread or 5 minutes for crispier, golden edges.
Once done, remove the slices carefully using tongs and serve warm.

The air fryer cooks the bread incredibly fast, melting the cheese beautifully while crisping the edges just enough to create the perfect texture.

Oven Method

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Arrange the garlic buttered slices on a baking tray lined with parchment or foil.
Bake for 6–8 minutes until the cheese melts and the edges turn light golden.
For extra crispness, broil for 30–45 seconds at the end — watching closely to prevent burning.

Notes & Tips

For a softer texture, keep cooking time shorter.
For crispier bread, increase to the maximum suggested time.
Add chopped fresh parsley on top after baking for a fresh finish.
Try adding Italian seasoning or crushed black pepper for extra flavor.