Air Fryer Garlic Bread

What is Garlic Bread

It is a beloved Italian-American snack made with bread, garlic, butter, herbs, and cheese, often served as a side or appetizer. Traditionally grilled, or baked, this irresistible dish features a golden, crispy crust and rich, garlicky butter flavor.

Every household has its version, but one key variation lies in how the garlic is prepared. Some recipes call for raw minced or crushed garlic mixed into the butter, while others elevate the flavor by frying the garlic first, and then blending it into the butter for a deeper, richer taste.

My from-scratch homemade version is a vegan twist on classic Texas Toast, infused with the fragrance of fried garlic and fresh herbs, making it the perfect plant-based comfort food.

Vegan Garlic Bread

Making cheesy garlic bread vegan is simple! Most commercially produced breads are naturally free from animal products, typically made with just flour, water, oil, salt, and yeast. However, it's always a good idea to check the label for any hidden ingredients.

With the rise of plant-based options, dairy-free butter, cheese, and even cheese sauces are now readily available in most grocery stores. This makes it easier than ever to create a delicious, dairy-free snack recipe from scratch using all the right ingredients. Enjoy the same rich flavor with vegan-friendly ingredients without any compromise!

1. In a small pan, heat oil over low flame. Add the garlic cloves and fry until they turn golden brown. Chef Tip: Swirl the pan gently to ensure the garlic is fried evenly. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will turn bitter if overcooked.
2. Once fried, drain the garlic cloves and save the garlic-infused oil. You can use this flavorful oil in other recipes as a cooking oil.
3. Using a fork or a mortar and pestle, crush the fried garlic until it forms a paste.
4. Transfer the crushed garlic to a bowl and mix in minced green chilies for a spicy kick.

5. Next, add chopped cilantro and a pinch of salt.
6. Now, incorporate the softened vegan butter. If you forgot to soften it, microwave the butter for about 20 seconds, but avoid fully melting it—it should just be slightly softened.
7. Use a fork to mix the butter thoroughly with the garlic, cilantro, and chilies. Taste the mixture and adjust the salt if needed. This vegan garlic butter spread will add a rich, robust flavor!
8. Slice the bread loaf with a serrated knife, keeping each slice about an inch thick for the perfect texture.

9. Generously spread the vegan garlic butter mixture on one side of each bread slice, making sure it's evenly distributed and fully covers the surface. If you like, butter the other side for extra flavor.
10. Drizzle a spoonful of vegan cheese sauce over the buttered bread for added creaminess.
11. Generously sprinkle dairy-free mozzarella cheese on top. Chef Tip: If you're preparing in advance, you can refrigerate the slices at this point until ready to cook.
12. Arrange the bread slices in a single layer on a baking tray and spray with a bit of cooking oil. There’s no need to wrap them in foil. Air fry at 350°F for 5 minutes or until the cheese melts. If you prefer a crispier texture, air fry a little longer. No preheating is required! Cook in batches if necessary. Once done, garnish with mixed herbs and a drizzle of chili crisp oil.

Vegan Garlic Bread is the perfect accompaniment to various dishes, particularly pizza. It pairs wonderfully with options like Paneer Naan Pizza, Dabeli Pizza, or Bruschetta Pizza. Additionally, it complements baked pasta dishes such as Pesto Pasta Bake, Black Eyed Peas Chili, or Tortellini Casserole.

For the best experience, immediately serve homemade air fryer Garlic Cheese Bread as it tends to get soggy as it cools. Enjoy it on its own or with a delicious dipping sauce.

This versatile dish is ideal for occasions like Super Bowl Sunday, game nights, weekend parties, potlucks, date nights, or pasta nights. Whether served as a side or a snack, it's so indulgent that everyone will love it—and no one will guess it's dairy-free!

 Best Food Pairings For Air Fried Garlic Bread

Pair Air Fried Cheesy Galic Bread with Almond Picada Spaghetti, Hakka Noodles, Chili Garlic Noodles, Peanut Butter Noodles, Thai Noodles, Cilantro Noodles, Broccoli Pasta, Gnocchi, or Indian Curry Pasta. They can also be served with Mashed Potato Sandwich, Tomato Soup, Broccoli Cheddar Soup, Dal Shorba, or Minestrone Soup. You can also pair it with a good salad like Cucumber Salad, Tomato Salad, or Pasta Salad.

If you're short on time, feel free to skip frying the garlic; simply mince it and mix it directly into the vegan butter. You can substitute plant-based butter with olive oil or vegan ghee for a butter-free option. For added flavor, consider incorporating chives or lemon zest into the vegan garlic spread.

To make it heartier, add chopped onions, bell peppers, and jalapeños. If you're craving extra cheesiness, layer some vegan mozzarella slices on top. For an even cheesier version, mix nutritional yeast with your vegan cheese. Instead of slicing the bread, you can cut the loaf lengthwise, spread the butter mixture on each half, and air fry for a delicious twist. Alternatively, you can present them as knots, pull-apart, breadsticks, or rolls.

For softer bread, reduce the cooking time by one to two minutes. To prevent sogginess, always cook the bread in a single layer. If you prefer a crispier texture, add an extra minute to the cooking time while monitoring closely.

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