📝 About This Recipe
Elevate your side dish game with this incredibly crispy, buttery, and aromatic garlic toast, perfected by the circulating heat of the air fryer. This recipe transforms a simple baguette into a gourmet experience using a custom compound butter infused with roasted garlic notes and fresh Mediterranean herbs. It’s the ultimate crunchy companion to pasta nights, offering a shatteringly crisp crust and a soft, flavorful center that beats oven-baking every time.
🥗 Ingredients
The Bread
- 1 loaf French Baguette or Italian Loaf (cut into 1-inch thick slices)
Signature Garlic Butter
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (softened to room temperature)
- 4 cloves Fresh Garlic (finely minced or pressed)
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder (for deep base flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil (adds richness and prevents butter from burning)
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
Herbs and Texture
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Italian Parsley (finely chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon Fresh Oregano (minced)
- 1/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano (finely grated)
- 1 pinch Red Pepper Flakes (optional for a subtle kick)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Place the softened butter in a medium mixing bowl and cream it with a spatula until completely smooth.
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2
Add the minced fresh garlic, garlic powder, olive oil, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper to the butter.
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3
Fold in the chopped parsley, oregano, and the finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano until the herbs are evenly distributed.
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4
Slice your baguette on a slight diagonal into 1-inch thick rounds to create more surface area for the butter.
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5
Generously spread the garlic butter mixture onto one side of each bread slice, ensuring you reach all the way to the edges.
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6
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes to ensure an even cooking environment.
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7
Arrange the bread slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer; do not overlap them to allow for proper airflow.
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8
Air fry at 350°F for 4 minutes. Open the basket to check for a light golden-brown color.
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9
Continue cooking for an additional 1-3 minutes depending on your desired level of crunch and the power of your air fryer.
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10
Remove the toast carefully with tongs once the edges are deep golden and the cheese has formed a lacy, crisp crust.
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11
Let the toast rest for 1 minute on a wire rack to prevent the bottom from becoming soggy from steam.
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12
Garnish with a final sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve immediately while warm.
💡 Chef's Tips
For the best flavor, use high-quality European-style butter which has a higher fat content and less water. If using pre-minced garlic from a jar, drain it well, though fresh cloves are highly recommended for the best aroma. To make this vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based buttery spread and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan. Avoid overcrowding the basket; if you have a lot of slices, cook them in batches to ensure maximum crispiness. If your bread is very fresh and soft, air fry the plain slices for 1 minute before adding the butter to create a sturdy base.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside a classic Spaghetti Carbonara or a rich Marinara-based pasta. Pair with a warm bowl of Roasted Tomato Basil soup for the ultimate comfort meal. Use as a base for bruschetta by topping with diced tomatoes, balsamic glaze, and fresh basil. Serve as an appetizer with a side of whipped ricotta and honey for a sweet and savory contrast. Accompany with a crisp Caesar salad to balance the rich, buttery flavors.