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. Homemade garlic bread is also a healthier option, allowing you to skip preservatives and additives found in packaged versions. If you’re looking for a vegan option, it’s simple to make with dairy-free cheese and plant-based butter. Best of all, you can easily customize it with your choice of herbs, spices, and toppings! 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! Some Air Fryer recipes on the blog are - Loaded Vegan Nachos, Jalapeno Poppers, Crispy Green Beans, and Crispy Cauliflower. Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are the best choice for making this vegan garlic bread, providing the most flavor. Butter: Opt for any unslated plant-based butter, like Miyoko’s, which is one of my favorite vegan options. Be sure to take the butter out 30 minutes before use to soften. Vegan margarine works as well. If using salted butter, then adjust salt as needed. Cheese: I used vegan mozzarella that melts well. You can also mix in dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast for an extra cheesy flavor. Cheese Sauce: For an optional boost, I added a dairy-free pourable cheese sauce. If you don’t have this, feel free to skip it. Herbs: Fresh cilantro adds a vibrant flavor to the butter, and I’ve also included mixed herbs for added depth. Spice - Green chillies (Indian, Serrano, or Jalapeno peppers), and chili crisp oil give this buttery bread snack the required kick.
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. 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.
