Get ready to transform your ordinary bread into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance! This Air Fryer Pesto Garlic Bread isn't just another side dish—it's a game-changing culinary creation that combines the rich, herbal notes of pesto, the pungent kick of garlic, and the irresistible melt of two cheeses, all perfectly crisped in an air fryer. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality appetizer that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf Italian bread
- 1/4 cup pesto
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This will ensure that your garlic bread cooks evenly and gets that perfect crispy texture.
- While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your ingredients. Start by mincing the garlic cloves finely. Set them aside.
- Take the loaf of Italian bread and slice it in half horizontally. This will create two long pieces that will be the base for your garlic bread.
- In a small bowl, combine the pesto and minced garlic. Mix well to ensure that the garlic is evenly distributed throughout the pesto.
- Spread the pesto-garlic mixture generously over the cut sides of the Italian bread. Make sure to cover the entire surface for maximum flavor.
- Next, sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the pesto-covered bread. Follow this with an even layer of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the mozzarella.
- Season the bread with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. This will enhance the flavors of the cheeses and the pesto.
- Carefully place the prepared garlic bread halves into the air fryer basket, cut side up. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket; you may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook the garlic bread in the air fryer for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread are golden brown.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the garlic bread from the air fryer. Let it cool for a minute or two before slicing it into individual servings.
- Serve the air fryer pesto garlic bread warm, and enjoy it as a delicious appetizer or side dish with your favorite Italian meal!
Tips
- Choose a high-quality Italian bread with a sturdy crust for the best texture and crunch.
- Make sure to preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and that perfect golden-brown finish.
- Don't skimp on the pesto—spread it generously for maximum flavor impact.
- Use freshly grated cheese for superior melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- Watch your bread carefully in the last few minutes of cooking to prevent burning.
- If your air fryer is small, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure crispy results.
- Let the bread rest for a minute after cooking to allow the cheese to set and prevent burning your mouth.
- Experiment with different pesto varieties like sun-dried tomato or spinach for unique flavor profiles.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
