Air Fryer Garlic Baguettes
Air fryer garlic baguettes go from fridge to table in under 30 minutes, with a crisp crust and a soft, buttery middle. Slice part-baked baguettes almost through, press in a garlic and parsley butter, and cook them in two batches at 180°C for about 7 minutes each. It makes four generous portions, with half a baguette each, ideal alongside pasta or a roast.
- Total
- 27 min
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 17 min
- Serves
- 4
- Per serving
- 380kcal
Before you start: air fryer garlic baguettes
Check what kind of bread you have. Part-baked baguettes are the best choice here: they brown and crisp as they finish baking, and stay soft inside. Fully baked baguettes also work but need less time, and for ready-made frozen ones, see air fryer frozen baguettes for timings.
The butter must be properly soft, not melted, so that it spreads into the cuts and stays there. Take it out of the fridge an hour before, or soften it for a few seconds in the microwave.
Basket size and batches
A full-length baguette is too long for most air fryers, so cut each one in half. Two halves fit side by side in a standard 4–5 litre basket. The cooking time is per batch, so allow 7 minutes for each of the two batches.
Air fryer garlic baguettes, step by step
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Make the garlic butter Beat the softened butter in a small bowl with the garlic, parsley and salt until smooth and evenly mixed.
- Cut the baguettes Cut each baguette in half crossways, so each piece is about 15cm long and fits in the basket. With a bread knife, cut slices about 2cm apart along each piece, cutting almost to the base, but not through it.
- Fill with butter Spread the garlic butter into the cuts, using about a quarter of it for each piece, and rub any spare butter over the top of the crust.
- Preheat Heat the air fryer to 180°C for .
- Cook the first batch Put 2 pieces in the basket, side by side. Cook at 180°C for , until the crust is golden and crisp and the butter has melted into the cuts. Keep an eye on them from , as the butter can brown quickly.
- Cook the second batch Repeat with the other 2 pieces for . Serve at once, while hot, pulling the slices apart at the table.
What to serve with garlic baguettes
Garlic bread is the natural partner for pasta, and goes especially well with pasta with prawns and garlic. It is also good next to steak with garlic butter, or with a bowl of soup.
For a more herby version, stir in a teaspoon of dried oregano or some finely chopped chives.
Common problems and fixes for Air Fryer Garlic Baguettes
- The garlic on top burns while the bread is still pale.
- Spread most of the butter into the cuts rather than on the top, and turn the heat down to 160°C if the garlic is darkening before the crust has coloured.
- The bread is dry and hard in the middle.
- It was cooked for too long, or the butter was too cold to melt in. Soften the butter well, fill the cuts generously, and take the bread out as soon as the crust is golden.
- The baguettes are doughy in the middle.
- Part-baked bread varies, and some brands need a little longer. Check the packet, and if the middle is still pale and soft, cook for 2 more minutes.
Frequently asked questions about Air Fryer Garlic Baguettes
How long do you cook garlic baguettes in an air fryer?
About 7 minutes at 180°C for part-baked baguette halves. Fully baked bread needs only 4–5 minutes, as it only has to heat through and crisp up.
Can I use fresh garlic or garlic powder?
Fresh garlic gives a stronger, better flavour. If you only have powder, use 1 teaspoon in place of the 3 cloves.
Can I make the garlic butter ahead?
Yes. Mix it, roll it up in baking paper and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Let it soften before spreading.
Can I use ciabatta or rolls?
Yes, but cook them for less time. Check them after 4 minutes, as thinner or fully baked bread browns more quickly.
How did you like the recipe?
4.8 / 5 · 46 ratings
