First Step: PREPARE THE GARLIC BUTTER

1. Soften the Butter: Begin by softening the unsalted butter. Leave it out at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, or microwave it for a few seconds (being careful not to melt it).
2. Prepare the Garlic: Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves. For a more intense garlic flavor, you can crush the garlic with the side of a knife before mincing it, releasing more oils and juices.
3. Mix the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well incorporated. If you’re adding Parmesan cheese or any other optional ingredients, mix those in as well. Taste the garlic butter and adjust seasoning if needed—some like it garlickier than others!

Second Step: PREPARE THE BREAD

1. Slice the Bread: Take your Italian bread, French baguette, or whichever type of bread you’re using, and slice it into 1-inch thick pieces. Make sure each slice is thick enough to hold up to the garlic butter without becoming too soggy but not too thick that it won’t crisp up in the air fryer.
2. Spread the Garlic Butter: Generously spread the prepared garlic butter mixture onto each slice of bread, ensuring an even coating on all sides. Don’t be afraid to load up on the garlic butter—it’s the star of the show! If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle it on top of the buttered bread at this stage.
3. Optional Step for Extra Crunch: If you prefer extra crispiness, you can lightly toast the bread in a toaster for a minute before applying the garlic butter. This gives the bread a pre-toasted crunch that works perfectly when finished in the air fryer.

Third Step: AIR FRY THE GARLIC BREAD

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 2-3 minutes. This ensures the bread gets a nice crispy texture from the start.
2. Arrange the Bread in the Air Fryer: Place the garlic butter-coated bread slices in the air fryer basket or tray. Make sure there’s enough space between each slice to allow for proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the bread in batches.
3. Air Fry the Garlic Bread: Air fry the garlic bread at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. The bread should be golden brown and crispy on the edges, with the butter fully melted and slightly bubbling. Keep an eye on it during the last minute or two to ensure it doesn’t over-brown.
4. Check for Crispiness: If you prefer extra crispy edges, you can cook the bread for an additional 1-2 minutes. However, be mindful not to burn the edges, especially if you added cheese to the bread, as cheese can melt and darken quickly.

Final Step: SERVE AND ENJOY

1. Serve Hot: Once your Air Fryer Garlic Bread is ready, remove it carefully from the air fryer. Serve immediately while it’s hot and crispy. You can serve it as an appetizer, a side dish, or even as a snack.
2. Optional Garnish: For an extra touch, sprinkle a little more chopped parsley on top before serving for added color and freshness. If you like a cheesy garlic bread, top with more Parmesan or a sprinkle of mozzarella for a melty, indulgent finish.
3. Cut and Enjoy: Slice the garlic bread into smaller pieces if you’re serving it as an appetizer or snack. Pair it with your favorite pasta, salad, soup, or enjoy it on its own.