Can You Put Frozen Garlic Bread in the Air Fryer Try This Quick Hack

Yes, you can put frozen garlic bread in the air fryer for a quick, crispy, and delicious result—no thawing needed. Simply preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C), cook for 4–6 minutes, and enjoy golden, buttery perfection with minimal effort. This hack saves time while delivering better texture than a microwave or conventional oven.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can air fry frozen garlic bread—it cooks faster and stays crispy.
• Preheat the air fryer for even cooking and optimal texture.
• Use 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to avoid burning.
• Flip halfway through to ensure golden, crispy bread on both sides.
• No oil needed—frozen garlic bread releases its own butter flavor.
• Check at 5 minutes to prevent overcooking, especially in smaller batches.

The Magic of Air Frying Frozen Garlic Bread

Let’s face it—frozen garlic bread is a pantry superhero. It’s there when you’re too tired to cook, when unexpected guests show up, or when you just need a quick, comforting side dish. But here’s a game-changer: can you put frozen garlic bread in the air fryer? The answer is a resounding yes—and it’s not just a yes, it’s a *heck yes* with a golden, crispy, buttery twist.

I remember the first time I tried it. I was skeptical. Would the air fryer dry it out? Would the garlic butter burn? But after just a few minutes, I pulled out a slice so perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside that I almost didn’t believe it was the same frozen bread I’d been baking in the oven for years. That’s when I realized: the air fryer isn’t just for chicken wings and fries. It’s a garlic bread transformer.

Why the Air Fryer Works So Well for Frozen Garlic Bread

If you’ve ever baked frozen garlic bread in a conventional oven, you know the drill: preheat, wait, bake for 10–15 minutes, and hope it doesn’t burn. With an air fryer, that process shrinks to under 10 minutes—no preheating, no fuss. But why does it work so well?

How Air Fryers Cook Differently

Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation (convection) to cook food from all sides at once. Unlike ovens, which heat the air inside a large cavity, air fryers blast food with superheated air from a heating element and fan directly above the basket. This means:

• Faster cooking times—no need to wait for the oven to preheat.
• More even browning—the bread crisps up uniformly, not just on top.
• Less risk of sogginess—the constant airflow evaporates excess moisture, keeping the crust crisp.

For frozen garlic bread, this is ideal. The butter and garlic sauce on the bread can easily turn greasy or soggy in a slow oven, but the air fryer’s intense, focused heat crisps the exterior while keeping the inside soft and flavorful.

Benefits Over Baking or Toasting

Let’s compare the air fryer to other common methods:

• Oven baking: Takes 12–18 minutes, requires preheating (10–15 mins), and often results in uneven browning. The bottom can be soggy if the bread sits on a tray.
• Toaster oven: Better than a full oven but still takes 10–12 minutes and lacks the intense air circulation for optimal crispiness.
• Microwave: Fast (1–2 minutes), but turns garlic bread into a rubbery, steamed mess. Not recommended.
• Air fryer: 6–8 minutes, no preheat, crispy edges, tender center, and consistent results every time.

One of my favorite things? You can cook just one or two slices without wasting energy or time. Perfect for a solo dinner or a last-minute appetizer.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Air Fry Frozen Garlic Bread

Now that you’re convinced, let’s get practical. Here’s how to cook frozen garlic bread in the air fryer like a pro—without burning it, drying it out, or making a mess.

What You’ll Need

• Frozen garlic bread (any brand—I’ve tested Alexia, Pepperidge Farm, and store brands)
• Air fryer (basket or oven-style, 3.5–6 qt capacity)
• Optional: Parchment paper or air fryer liner (to prevent sticking and ease cleanup)
• Tongs or fork (for flipping)

Step 1: Don’t Thaw—Go Straight from Freezer

One of the best parts? No thawing required. In fact, thawing can make the bread soggy and more prone to breaking. Keep it frozen. The air fryer’s heat will penetrate the bread and melt the butter evenly.

Step 2: Prep the Air Fryer Basket

Place a parchment liner or lightly spray the basket with oil (I use avocado or olive oil spray). This prevents the buttery edges from sticking, especially if your garlic bread has a lot of garlic butter. If you don’t have a liner, no worries—just shake the basket gently halfway through to loosen the bread.

Step 3: Arrange the Bread Properly

Don’t overcrowd. Place the garlic bread in a single layer with a little space between each piece. If you’re cooking a whole loaf, cut it into individual slices first. Overlapping or stacking leads to uneven cooking—some parts will be burnt, others still frozen.

Pro tip: If your garlic bread comes in a foil tray (like some store brands), remove it from the tray. The tray can block airflow and cause uneven heating.

Step 4: Set the Temperature and Time

Here’s the golden rule: 350°F (175°C) for 6–8 minutes. This temperature is high enough to crisp the bread but low enough to prevent burning the garlic butter.

• For softer bread (like a baguette-style): 6 minutes
• For crispier, thicker slices: 7–8 minutes
• For extra-crispy (almost crunchy): 8–9 minutes, but watch closely

Set the timer and walk away—just don’t leave the kitchen entirely. Air fryers can vary, so it’s good to peek at 5 minutes.

Step 5: Flip Halfway (Optional but Recommended)

At the 3–4 minute mark, open the basket and flip each slice using tongs or a fork. This ensures even browning on both sides. Some air fryers cook more evenly than others, but flipping gives you the best chance at perfection.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

Your garlic bread is ready when:

• The edges are golden brown
• The center is warm and soft (not frozen)
• The garlic butter has melted and slightly bubbled

If it’s not quite done, add 1–2 more minutes. Avoid overcooking—burnt garlic turns bitter fast.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Garlic bread is best hot. Serve it right away with marinara sauce, a salad, or as a side to pasta, soup, or grilled meat. I love dipping mine in a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar—simple but divine.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, things can go wrong. Here are the top mistakes I’ve made (and seen others make) when air frying frozen garlic bread—and how to avoid them.

Using Too High a Temperature

Cranking the air fryer to 400°F might seem like a shortcut, but it’s a recipe for burnt garlic. The butter in garlic bread contains sugar and garlic, both of which burn quickly. Stick to 350°F—it’s the sweet spot for even cooking without charring.

I once tried 375°F and ended up with blackened edges and a raw center. Lesson learned.

Overcrowding the Basket

Air fryers need airflow to work. If you pile in too many slices, the hot air can’t circulate, and the bread steams instead of crisps. You’ll end up with soggy, uneven results.

Rule of thumb: Only fill the basket halfway. If you need more, cook in batches. It only takes 6 minutes—worth the wait for better texture.

Forgetting to Flip

Some air fryers (especially older models) have a “hot spot” near the heating element. If you don’t flip, the top may brown while the bottom stays pale. Flipping ensures both sides get crispy love.

Leaving the Bread in Too Long

Air fryers are fast. It’s easy to get distracted and overcook. I’ve done it—walked away to set the table, came back to charcoal edges. Set a timer and check early.

Using the Foil Tray (If Applicable)

Some frozen garlic bread comes in a foil tray with a plastic cover. Never air fry the bread while it’s in the tray. The foil blocks airflow, and the plastic can melt. Always transfer the bread to the basket.

Skipping the Parchment Liner (For Messy Bread)

If your garlic bread has a lot of butter or cheese (like cheesy garlic bread), the edges can drip and stick. A parchment liner makes cleanup a breeze. No scrubbing sticky baskets.

Customizing Your Air Fried Garlic Bread

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to get creative. The air fryer is a blank canvas for garlic bread upgrades. Here are some of my favorite ways to jazz it up.

Add Cheese for Extra Indulgence

After cooking the frozen bread for 5 minutes, pull out the basket and sprinkle shredded mozzarella, parmesan, or provolone on top. Return to the air fryer for 2–3 more minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles. The result? Gooey, cheesy perfection.

Pro tip: Use a light hand—too much cheese can drip and smoke. I like to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.

Make It Herby and Fresh

After cooking, brush the warm bread with a little extra butter and sprinkle with fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary. The heat will release the herbs’ oils, giving you a restaurant-quality flavor boost.

Spice It Up

Love heat? Add a sprinkle of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne after cooking. Or try a dash of everything bagel seasoning for a savory, crunchy twist.

Make Mini Garlic Bread Bites

Cut a whole garlic bread loaf into 1-inch cubes before freezing. Then air fry them for 5–6 minutes. Serve with marinara or ranch for a fun appetizer. Kids love these!

Pair with Creative Dips

Beyond marinara, try:

• Warm garlic butter (melt butter with minced garlic and a splash of lemon)
• Alfredo sauce (for a creamy, indulgent dip)
• Sun-dried tomato pesto
• Spicy ranch

I once served air fried garlic bread with truffle aioli at a dinner party—people still talk about it.

Air Fryer Settings and Cooking Times (Data Table)

Not all air fryers are the same. Wattage, basket size, and airflow can vary. Here’s a handy reference table based on real-world testing with different brands and models.

Brand/Model	Bread Type	Temp (°F)	Time (min)	Flip?	Result
Ninja Air Fryer (AF101)	Alexia Garlic Bread	350	7	Yes	Golden, crispy edges, tender center
Cosori Air Fryer (5.8 qt)	Pepperidge Farm	350	6	Yes	Even browning, slight crisp
Instant Vortex Plus	Store Brand (baguette)	350	8	No	Top crisp, bottom softer (flip recommended)
Dash Compact Air Fryer	Alexia (1 slice)	350	6	Yes	Perfect for single servings
Philips Premium AirFryer	Cheesy Garlic Bread	350	7 + 2 (cheese)	Yes	Cheese bubbled, no burning

Note: Times may vary slightly based on your freezer temperature and how long the bread has been frozen. Always check for doneness at the lower end of the time range.

Final Thoughts: A Game-Changer for Busy Cooks

So, can you put frozen garlic bread in the air fryer? Absolutely—and you should. It’s faster, crispier, and more convenient than any other method I’ve tried. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this quick hack delivers restaurant-quality results in under 10 minutes.

What I love most is how forgiving and flexible the air fryer is. You can customize it, cook small batches, and even experiment with flavors—all without turning on the big oven. Plus, cleanup is a breeze with a parchment liner.

Next time you’re staring at a frozen loaf of garlic bread, don’t reach for the oven. Grab your air fryer, set it to 350°F, and let the magic happen. You’ll get that golden, buttery, garlicky goodness you crave—with half the wait and none of the mess.

And hey, if you’re like me, you might just find yourself making garlic bread more often—because now, it’s not a chore. It’s a 6-minute joy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put frozen garlic bread in the air fryer without thawing it first?

Yes, you can cook frozen garlic bread in the air fryer straight from the freezer—no thawing needed. This quick hack saves time and delivers crispy, golden results in minutes.

What’s the best way to cook frozen garlic bread in the air fryer?

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C), place the frozen garlic bread in a single layer, and cook for 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway. This ensures even browning and a perfectly crispy texture.

How long do you air fry frozen garlic bread?

Most frozen garlic bread cooks in 5–7 minutes in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C). Adjust time slightly based on thickness and your air fryer model for optimal crispiness.

Can you stack frozen garlic bread in the air fryer for faster cooking?

It’s best to avoid stacking to ensure even air circulation and crispy results. If needed, cook in batches or use a single layer with slight overlap for larger pieces.

Do you need to add oil when cooking frozen garlic bread in the air fryer?

No extra oil is needed since frozen garlic bread already contains butter or oil. The air fryer’s circulation crisps it up perfectly without making it greasy.

Why is air frying frozen garlic bread better than using an oven?

Air frying is faster, more energy-efficient, and delivers crispier results by circulating hot air evenly. This quick hack is perfect for a last-minute side dish or snack.