Few things in the kitchen are as comforting and universally loved as garlic toast. Warm, crispy bread brushed with buttery garlic goodness—it’s simple, familiar, and irresistible. Whether you’re serving it alongside pasta, soup, salads, or enjoying it as a snack on its own, garlic toast has a way of making any meal better.
But if you’ve ever made garlic toast in the oven, you know the struggle: uneven browning, dry edges, or waiting forever for the oven to preheat. That’s where the air fryer changes everything.
Air fryer garlic toast is faster, crispier, and more reliable. In just a few minutes, you get perfectly golden toast with a crunchy exterior and soft, buttery center—no flipping pans, no overheated kitchen, and no guesswork.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn:
- How to make garlic toast in the air fryer (step-by-step)
- The best bread to use
- Perfect temperature and cook times
- Tips for ultra-crispy results
- Garlic butter variations
- Serving ideas for every meal
- Storage and reheating tips
- FAQs for foolproof garlic toast every time
Let’s get started.
Why Make Garlic Toast in the Air Fryer?
The air fryer is one of the best tools for making garlic toast because it delivers consistent heat and fast airflow—exactly what bread needs to crisp evenly.
Benefits of Air Fryer Garlic Toast
- Crispier than oven-baked
- Much faster cooking
- No need to preheat the oven
- Perfect for small batches
- Even browning on both sides
- Minimal cleanup
Because garlic toast relies on butter and garlic for flavor, the air fryer enhances the texture without drying it out or burning the garlic.
Ingredients (Simple & Pantry-Friendly)
Basic Ingredients
- Bread slices
- Butter (softened)
- Garlic (fresh or minced)
- Salt (optional)
That’s all you need for classic garlic toast.
Best Bread for Garlic Toast
Bread choice matters more than you think.
Best Options
- French bread (classic garlic toast)
- Italian bread
- Sourdough
- Texas toast
- Baguette slices
- White sandwich bread (quick & easy)
Bread Tips
- Slightly thick slices work best
- Avoid very thin bread—it can burn quickly
- Day-old bread crisps beautifully
Garlic Butter: The Flavor Base
Garlic butter is what makes garlic toast irresistible.
Classic Garlic Butter Ingredients
- Softened butter
- Minced garlic or garlic paste
- Salt (to taste)
Optional Flavor Boosters
- Dried parsley or fresh parsley
- Italian seasoning
- Grated parmesan
- Garlic powder (extra depth)
- Olive oil (for spreadability)
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer (basket or oven-style)
- Small bowl
- Spoon or butter knife
- Parchment liner (optional)
How to Make Garlic Toast in the Air Fryer (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for 2–3 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix:
- Softened butter
- Minced garlic
- Salt
- Optional herbs or seasonings
Stir until smooth and evenly combined.
Step 3: Prepare the Bread
Lay bread slices on a cutting board and generously spread garlic butter on one side.
✔ Spread edge to edge
✔ Don’t overload—too much butter can drip
Step 4: Arrange in the Air Fryer
Place bread slices butter-side up in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
✔ Do not overlap
✔ Cook in batches if needed
Step 5: Air Fry
Cook at 360°F for 4–6 minutes.
Check at the 3-minute mark.
Optional Extra Crisp
Flip and cook for 1 more minute if you want both sides toasted.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Remove garlic toast and serve hot while crispy and aromatic.
Cooking Time Quick Guide
| Bread Type | Temp | Time |
|---|---|---|
| White bread | 360°F | 4–5 min |
| French/Italian | 360°F | 5–6 min |
| Texas toast | 360°F | 6–7 min |
| Baguette slices | 360°F | 3–4 min |
| Frozen garlic toast | 370°F | 6–8 min |
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Garlic Toast
✔ Use Softened Butter
Cold butter won’t spread evenly.
✔ Moderate Temperature Is Key
High heat burns garlic quickly.
✔ Watch Closely
Garlic toast can go from golden to burnt fast.
✔ Don’t Stack Bread
Airflow is essential for even crisping.
✔ Serve Immediately
Garlic toast is best fresh and hot.
Flavor Variations You’ll Love
Once you master the classic version, try these delicious twists.
1. Cheesy Garlic Toast
- Add shredded mozzarella or parmesan
- Air fry 1–2 extra minutes until melted
2. Garlic Parmesan Toast
- Mix Parmesan into garlic butter
- Sprinkle extra cheese after cooking
3. Garlic Herb Toast
- Add Italian seasoning or oregano
- Finish with fresh parsley
4. Spicy Garlic Toast
- Add chili flakes or cayenne
- Perfect with pasta or soups
5. Olive Oil Garlic Toast
- Replace half the butter with olive oil
- Lighter but still flavorful
What to Serve with Garlic Toast
Garlic toast pairs with almost everything.
With Soups
- Tomato soup
- Minestrone
- Creamy mushroom soup
- Chicken noodle soup
With Pasta
- Spaghetti
- Lasagna
- Alfredo
- Baked ziti
With Salads
- Caesar salad
- Italian chopped salad
- Garden salad
As a Snack
- With marinara dip
- With cheese dip
- With garlic aioli
Garlic Toast for Parties & Gatherings
Garlic toast is a crowd-pleaser.
Party Tips
- Slice bread into smaller pieces
- Serve with dips
- Keep warm in a low oven
- Re-crisp briefly in the air fryer before serving
Make-Ahead Instructions
Garlic Butter
- Make garlic butter ahead
- Store in fridge up to 1 week
- Bring to room temperature before using
Bread
- Prep bread with butter
- Cover tightly
- Air fry just before serving
Storage & Reheating
Storing Leftovers
- Store in an airtight container
- Refrigerate up to 2 days
Reheating Garlic Toast
- Air fryer at 330°F for 2–3 minutes
Avoid microwaving—it makes toast soggy.
Frozen Garlic Toast in the Air Fryer
Yes—store-bought frozen garlic toast cooks perfectly in the air fryer.
Instructions:
- No thawing required
- 370°F for 6–8 minutes
- Flip halfway if needed
Nutrition Notes
Garlic toast is an indulgent side, but air frying helps keep it lighter.
Tips for a Lighter Version
- Use less butter
- Mix butter with olive oil
- Use whole-grain bread
Air Fryer Breakfast Cookies (Healthy, Filling & Perfect for On-the-Go Mornings)
Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls (Soft, Gooey & Bakery-Style at Home)
Air Fryer Pancake Muffins (Fluffy, Fun & Perfect for Busy Mornings)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes—use about ½ teaspoon per ¼ cup butter.
Why did my garlic burn?
Heat was too high or toast cooked too long.
Can I make vegan garlic toast?
Yes—use vegan butter or olive oil.
Best temperature for garlic toast?
360°F gives the best balance of crisping and flavor.
Can I add cheese halfway?
Yes—add cheese during the last 1–2 minutes.
Final Thoughts: The Easiest Way to Make Garlic Toast
Air fryer garlic toast proves that the simplest foods are often the most satisfying. With just a few ingredients and a few minutes, you get crispy edges, buttery centers, and rich garlic flavor—without turning on the oven.
Whether you’re serving it as a side, snack, or appetizer, this recipe is:
✔ Fast
✔ Foolproof
✔ Crowd-pleasing
Once you try garlic toast in the air fryer, you’ll never make it any other way.
