📝 About This Recipe
Experience the ultimate crunch without heating up your entire oven with this air-fried garlic bread masterpiece. By using the rapid circulation of the air fryer, we achieve a shatteringly crisp exterior while maintaining a pillowy, butter-soaked center that melts in your mouth. Infused with roasted garlic notes, fresh garden herbs, and a hint of sharp parmesan, this is the side dish that will outshine the main course.
🥗 Ingredients
The Bread
- 1 loaf French Baguette (crusty, approximately 12-15 inches long)
The Signature Garlic Butter
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (softened to room temperature)
- 4-5 cloves Fresh Garlic (very finely minced or pressed)
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder (for a deeper, layered garlic flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil (helps prevent the butter from burning too quickly)
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
Herbs and Cheese
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Italian Parsley (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Chives (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano (finely grated)
- 1 pinch Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a subtle heat)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Place the softened butter in a medium mixing bowl. Use a fork to cream it until it is smooth and spreadable.
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2
Add the minced fresh garlic, garlic powder, olive oil, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper to the butter. Mix vigorously to ensure the garlic is evenly distributed.
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3
Fold in the finely chopped parsley, chives, and the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano until the mixture forms a cohesive, speckled herb butter.
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4
Slice your baguette. You can either cut it into 1-inch thick rounds for individual toasts or slice the entire loaf in half lengthwise and then into sections that will fit your air fryer basket.
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5
Generously spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut side of each piece of bread. Be sure to spread it all the way to the edges to prevent the crust from over-scorching.
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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
Place the bread pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, butter-side up. Do not overlap them, as the air needs to circulate to create that signature crunch.
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8
Air fry at 350°F for 4 to 6 minutes. Around the 4-minute mark, check the progress; the butter should be bubbling and the edges should be turning a light golden brown.
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9
If you prefer a darker, more toasted finish, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching closely to ensure the garlic doesn't turn bitter from over-browning.
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10
Carefully remove the bread from the air fryer using tongs—it will be very hot and the butter will be molten.
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11
Let the bread rest for 1 minute on a wire rack; this prevents the bottom from becoming soggy while the butter sets slightly.
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12
Garnish with an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dusting of parmesan if desired, and serve immediately while warm.
💡 Chef's Tips
Use high-quality European-style butter for a higher fat content and richer flavor. If using salted butter, omit the additional kosher salt in the recipe to avoid over-seasoning. Don't skip the garlic powder; it provides a consistent background flavor that complements the punchy fresh garlic. If your bread is very soft, air fry it for 1 minute before adding the butter to 'seal' the surface and prevent sogginess. To make it cheesy, add a slice of fresh mozzarella or a sprinkle of provolone during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside a classic Spaghetti Carbonara or a hearty Lasagna. Pair with a warm bowl of Creamy Tomato Basil Soup for the ultimate comfort meal. Use as a base for bruschetta by topping with diced tomatoes, balsamic glaze, and fresh basil. Enjoy as a snack with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping. Pairs beautifully with a crisp Pinot Grigio or a light Italian lager.