Description
This Air Fryer Garlic Bread recipe is a quick and delicious way to enjoy crispy, cheesy garlic bread with a flavorful basil pesto twist. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, it features a combination of mozzarella, parmesan, and Colby jack cheese, air-fried to golden perfection in just minutes.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 loaf Italian or French bread, sliced into 3/4-1 inch thick slices
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon prepared basil pesto
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cheese Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded Colby jack cheese
- Italian seasoning (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Make pesto garlic butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and prepared basil pesto thoroughly to create a flavorful garlic butter mixture.
- Spread garlic butter mixture: Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly onto each slice of bread, making sure each piece is well coated. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for added color and freshness.
- Prepare cheese topping: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded mozzarella, parmesan, and Colby jack cheeses until evenly combined.
- Top the bread slices: Generously sprinkle the mixed cheeses over each slice of the prepared bread. Optionally, sprinkle a little Italian seasoning over the cheese for enhanced flavor.
- Air fry the garlic bread: Arrange the slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap or overcrowd. Cook in batches if necessary. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden and crispy.
- Garnish and serve: Once cooked, remove the garlic bread from the air fryer and sprinkle with additional chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately while warm and cheesy.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; minced garlic powder can be a substitute in a pinch, but fresh is preferred.
- Make sure bread slices are not too thick or too thin to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation for even cooking.
- Adjust cooking time slightly depending on your air fryer model and bread thickness.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to regain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
