Frozen garlic bread is a pantry staple that brings rich, buttery flavor and crispy textures to the table in minutes. While traditionally baked in ovens, using an air fryer to prepare frozen garlic bread is a game-changer. The air fryer cooks it evenly and crisps it up perfectly, delivering golden-brown perfection in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re serving it with pasta, soups, or just indulging in a quick savory snack, this method is efficient, hassle-free, and delicious.
This detailed frozen garlic bread in air fryer recipe will guide you through the best cooking method to achieve that irresistible crunch and fluffy inside—without any prep mess. Ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute sides, this method will become your go-to way to make garlic bread.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – 1 Slice)
Nutrient | Amount |
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Calories | 180-200 kcal |
Total Fat | 9-11 g |
Saturated Fat | 4-5 g |
Cholesterol | 10 mg |
Sodium | 250-350 mg |
Carbohydrates | 20-22 g |
Fiber | 1 g |
Sugars | 1-2 g |
Protein | 3-4 g |
Note: Nutritional values vary slightly depending on brand and size of garlic bread slices.
Prep Time, Cook Time & Other Details
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Prep Time: 1 minute (no thawing required)
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Active Time: 8-10 minutes
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Resting Time: 1-2 minutes
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Total Time: 10-12 minutes
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Cuisine: American, Italian-American
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Course: Side Dish, Appetizer, Snack
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Servings: 4 (depends on bread slice count)
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Calories per Serving: ~180-200
Equipment Needed
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Air Fryer (any brand – basket or tray style)
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Tongs or spatula
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Optional: Parchment paper or foil (only if air fryer allows it)
Ingredients
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1 pack of frozen garlic bread (store-bought, any brand such as Texas Toast, Great Value, New York Bakery, etc.)
Optional Add-Ons:
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Shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese (for cheesy garlic bread)
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Chopped parsley or basil (for garnish)
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Crushed red pepper flakes (for heat)
Instructions: How to Cook Frozen Garlic Bread in Air Fryer
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C). This ensures the garlic bread starts cooking evenly from the moment it’s placed inside. Preheating takes around 2-3 minutes, depending on your model.
Tip: Some air fryers don’t require preheating. If yours falls into that category, you can skip this step.
Step 2: Arrange the Frozen Garlic Bread
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Remove the garlic bread slices directly from the freezer. Do not thaw.
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Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray.
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Ensure slices aren’t overlapping to allow even airflow and cooking.
For Texas Toast or thicker slices: You may only fit 4–5 pieces at a time, depending on your air fryer’s size.
Step 3: Air Fry the Garlic Bread
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Cook the bread at 370°F (188°C) for 6 to 8 minutes.
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Flip halfway through (at around 3–4 minutes) to ensure both sides are golden and crisp.
Note: If you prefer a softer garlic bread with just a bit of crunch on the outside, air fry for only 5–6 minutes.
Step 4: Optional Toppings
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If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle it on top during the last 2 minutes of air frying.
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Let the cheese melt and bubble slightly before removing.
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Garnish with herbs or spices right before serving.
Step 5: Let It Rest
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Let the garlic bread rest for about 1-2 minutes after air frying. This helps the crust crisp up more and cools it just enough for safe handling.
Serving Suggestions
Frozen garlic bread in air fryer pairs well with:
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Spaghetti Bolognese or Fettuccine Alfredo
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Tomato Basil Soup or Creamy Mushroom Soup
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Grilled meats or Roasted Vegetables
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Serve as an appetizer with marinara dip or cheese sauce
It’s also perfect on its own as a snack or as part of a simple meal with salad.
Storage and Reheating Tips
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Leftovers: Store any extra cooked garlic bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes to restore crispness.
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Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.
Tips & Variations
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Use foil or parchment only if your air fryer manual allows. It makes cleanup easier but don’t cover the entire basket—air circulation is crucial.
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For extra crispy garlic bread, brush a little olive oil or melted butter on the bread before air frying.
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Make it cheesy by adding shredded mozzarella or cheddar halfway through cooking.
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Make it spicy by adding red chili flakes or crushed garlic with herbs before air frying.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Frozen Garlic Bread?
Air fryers circulate hot air around the food rapidly, which crisps the outer layer while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. This results in garlic bread that tastes freshly baked, without needing to use your oven or preheat for 10+ minutes. It’s:
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Faster than using the oven
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Crispier than the microwave
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Easier to clean up
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Energy-efficient
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I cook frozen garlic bread without thawing it first?
Yes! That’s the beauty of this recipe. Just take it straight from the freezer to the air fryer.
2. How long to air fry Texas Toast garlic bread?
Texas Toast-style garlic bread usually takes 7–8 minutes at 370°F.
3. Can I make my own garlic bread and freeze it for later air frying?
Absolutely. Make garlic bread with your preferred toppings, freeze it on a tray, then store in freezer bags. Cook the same way as store-bought.
Conclusion
This frozen garlic bread in air fryer recipe is a must-know kitchen hack. It’s quick, delicious, and brings out the best in store-bought garlic bread with almost zero effort. Whether you’re serving guests or craving a comfort food side, this method delivers golden-brown, buttery perfection every time. Try it once, and you’ll never go back to the oven again!

I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.