Cooking frozen garlic bread in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make this tasty side dish. Air fryers use rapid air circulation to crisp up frozen foods, allowing you to skip thawing and make garlic bread from frozen in just minutes.
Benefits of Using an Air Fryer
Air frying frozen garlic bread has several advantages over using a traditional oven:
- Speed – Air frying takes 10-12 minutes while oven baking can take 18-22 minutes. The air fryer’s rapid airflow quickly crisps up the outside to a golden brown without overcooking.
- Convenience – No need to wait for garlic bread to thaw. Air frying cooks it straight from the freezer.
- Less Oil – Air fryers require little to no oil to crisp up foods. Oven baking calls for brushing garlic bread in oil or butter.
- Versatility – Most air fryers have a small footprint, making them perfect for dorms or small kitchens.
How to Cook Frozen Garlic Bread in an Air Fryer
Cooking frozen garlic bread in an air fryer takes just a few easy steps:
1. Preheat Air Fryer
- Preheating is important so the air fryer can quickly achieve the proper cooking temperature.
- Set air fryer to 390°F which takes around 3-5 minutes.
2. Add Frozen Garlic Bread
- Add frozen garlic bread pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd.
- Overcrowding prevents proper airflow. Cook batches for best results.
3. Air Fry for 10-12 Minutes
- Cook time is typically 10-12 minutes depending on thickness.
- For softer bread, cook closer to 10 minutes. For crunchy bread, cook for full 12 minutes.
- Flip halfway through for even browning.
4. Inspect and Remove
- When done, the garlic bread should be golden brown with crispy edges.
- Use tongs to transfer garlic bread to a plate or serving dish.
5. Optional: Add Extra Seasoning
- While hot, you can brush with a little melted butter or olive oil for extra richness.
- Grated parmesan, dried parsley or red pepper flakes also add nice flavor.
Tips for the Best Results
- Cut into smaller pieces – Cut long bread loaves into shorter segments so they fit in the air fryer basket.
- Avoid overcrowding – Only fry what can fit in a single layer with space around each piece.
- Use nonstick spray – Lightly coat basket with vegetable oil spray so garlic bread doesn’t stick.
- Flip midway – Rotate garlic bread pieces halfway during cooking for even browning.
- Let heat recover – If cooking multiple batches, allow the air fryer to preheat for 2-3 minutes between each batch.
- Check early for doneness – Since air frying cooks rapidly, check bread a few minutes before the time is up.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
- After air frying, let garlic bread cool slightly before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
- To reheat, place back in a 300°F air fryer for 3-5 minutes until warmed through.
- Frozen garlic bread can be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months before air frying. Make sure to seal tightly.
Cooking garlic bread straight from the freezer is fast and easy with an air fryer. In just 10-12 minutes, you can enjoy piping hot garlic bread with a crispy texture and delicious flavor. Give this trick a try for perfect garlic bread minus the wait!
Key Takeaways:
- Air frying frozen garlic bread takes just 10-12 minutes with crispy, golden results.
- Benefits include speed, convenience, less oil, and versatility.
- Simply preheat air fryer, add frozen garlic bread in single layer, cook 10-12 minutes, flip halfway.
- Avoid overcrowding, let heat recover between batches, and check early for doneness.
- Store leftovers in fridge up to 3 days. Reheat in air fryer at 300°F for 3-5 minutes.
