Air Fryer Texas Toast Garlic Bread – Crispy, Buttery, and Full of Flavor in Just Minutes

When it comes to the perfect side for just about any meal, nothing beats the rich, garlicky goodness of Air Fryer Texas Toast Garlic Bread. This golden, crispy garlic bread, made in the air fryer, takes your taste buds on a ride with every bite. Thick slices of Italian bread are transformed into crunchy, buttery slices of heaven, infused with fragrant garlic and just the right amount of herbs. Whether you’re looking for a quick side to serve with pasta, soup, or a hearty salad, this Texas toast will take your meal to the next level in just minutes. It’s an easy, fuss-free recipe that you’ll want to make over and over again—and the best part? You don’t need to turn on your oven!

Scroll to the bottom for the recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Air Fryer Texas Toast Garlic Bread

Texas toast is all about taking simple, everyday bread and turning it into a thick, delicious slice of heaven. The origins of Texas toast go back to a restaurant in Texas that wanted to create larger, thicker slices of bread that could hold more buttery goodness. Now, it’s a staple across kitchens, especially when paired with barbecue, pasta, or even breakfast! By using the air fryer, this recipe gives you crispy edges with a perfectly soft center in just minutes. The air fryer locks in all the flavors of the butter, garlic, and herbs, while creating a golden, crunchy exterior that’s just begging to be dipped into marinara sauce or soup.

Why Air Fryer Texas Toast Garlic Bread Will Be Your New Favorite Quick Side Dish

This garlic bread is perfect for when you need a side that’s fast but doesn’t skimp on flavor. The combination of melted butter, fresh garlic, and dried herbs packs each bite with a punch of savory deliciousness. Using thick-cut Italian bread ensures that you get the perfect balance of crispy edges and a soft, pillowy center. The air fryer makes it super easy to prepare—no need to heat up your entire kitchen by turning on the oven. And since you can toast the bread in stages, it’s easy to make sure it’s perfectly crispy on the outside while staying tender on the inside. This garlic bread is versatile, quick, and oh-so-satisfying!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings):

• Calories: 230 kcal
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 4g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fiber: 1g

This Air Fryer Texas Toast Garlic Bread makes the perfect side for a meal but can also stand alone as a savory snack.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Air Fryer Texas Toast Garlic Bread is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside your favorite pasta dishes, like spaghetti with marinara, fettuccine alfredo, or lasagna, for a complete Italian-style meal. It’s also fantastic as an accompaniment to soups and stews, especially tomato basil or minestrone. If you’re grilling, this garlic bread can be the perfect sidekick for ribs, steak, or barbecue chicken.

For a twist, consider using the garlic bread as the base for an open-faced sandwich. Add slices of mozzarella and tomatoes for a simple Caprese-style toast, or top with shredded cheese and broil for cheesy garlic bread. The possibilities are endless!

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Storage and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s hard to imagine!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can also freeze leftover slices by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and storing them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, simply pop the garlic bread back into the air fryer for a few minutes until it’s crispy again.

For best results, reheat the bread at 300°F for about 3-4 minutes to maintain its crispy texture. If using the microwave, be aware that the bread may lose some of its crunch.

Fun Fact: The Evolution of Texas Toast

Texas toast first appeared in the 1940s at a restaurant in Dallas, Texas. It was created when a bakery accidentally cut their bread slices too thick, and instead of discarding them, the restaurant decided to butter them up and grill them. The result was a thicker, crispier slice of bread that was so well-loved, it became a Texas icon. Nowadays, Texas toast is often served buttered and toasted, sometimes even slathered with garlic and herbs to become the beloved garlic bread we know today.

Cooking Tips

• Use Fresh Garlic for Maximum Flavor: Minced fresh garlic gives the butter mixture a more robust, flavorful punch than pre-minced garlic or garlic powder. You can adjust the garlic amount based on your preference for a more or less intense flavor.
• Add Some Cheese: For a cheesy version, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or parmesan on top of the buttered bread before the final air fry. This creates a gooey, delicious garlic cheese toast.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Make sure to lay the bread slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even crisping. You can cook in batches if necessary.

Optional Variations

• Cheesy Garlic Bread: For a richer version, add shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese on top of the buttered bread before the final air fry.
• Spicy Garlic Bread: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a little extra kick.
• Herb Explosion: Mix in some fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary along with the dried herbs for an even more aromatic garlic bread experience.

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Air Fryer Texas Toast Garlic Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf Italian bread (14 ounces), sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes.
2. Toast the bread: Place the slices of Italian bread in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 2-3 minutes, just until the bread starts to toast slightly.
3. Prepare the garlic butter: While the bread is toasting, melt the butter in a small bowl. Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried parsley, and salt until well combined.
4. Brush the bread: Once the bread is toasted, remove it from the air fryer. Brush a generous layer of the garlic butter mixture onto each slice of bread.
5. Air fry again: Return the buttered bread slices to the air fryer basket. Air fry for another 5-7 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve and enjoy: Remove the garlic bread from the air fryer and let it cool for a minute or two. Serve warm with your favorite dishes, or enjoy it as a savory snack!

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Texas Toast Garlic Bread is a simple yet mouthwatering side that delivers big on flavor in minimal time. The combination of buttery garlic goodness with crisp, golden edges makes this garlic bread absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re serving it with pasta, soup, or just enjoying it on its own, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Give it a try, and watch how quickly it disappears from the table!