Vegan Garlic Bread Recipe – Air Fryer & Chili Crisp Twist

Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Vegan Garlic Bread Recipe – Air Fryer & Chili Crisp Twist

Hey everyone! There’s just something about warm, crusty garlic bread, isn’t there? It’s the perfect sidekick to pasta, soups, or honestly, just a cozy night in. I’ve been experimenting with a vegan version for ages, and I finally landed on a recipe that’s so good, I had to share. This isn’t your average garlic bread, though. We’re taking things up a notch with an air fryer for extra crispiness and a drizzle of chili crisp oil for a little kick! Trust me, you’ll be making this again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan garlic bread is seriously addictive. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. The air fryer makes it wonderfully crispy without needing to heat up the whole oven. Plus, the chili crisp oil adds a unique depth and a delightful little spice that takes it from classic to crave-worthy. It’s perfect for a weeknight treat or impressing your friends at your next gathering.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this deliciousness:

• 1 loaf bread (e.g., Challah)
• 6 garlic cloves
• ¼ cup vegan butter, softened (about 57g)
• ½ cup vegan mozzarella, shredded (about 60g)
• 1 tbsp green chili, chopped
• 1 tbsp cilantro, chopped
• 1 tbsp chili crisp oil
• 1 tsp mixed herbs
• Salt to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few tips to make this recipe shine:

• Challah bread: I love using Challah for this. It’s slightly sweet and has a beautiful, soft texture that gets wonderfully crispy. But honestly, any sturdy loaf will work – sourdough, Italian, or even a good French bread.
• Vegan Butter: There are so many great vegan butter options out there now! I prefer one that’s fairly neutral in flavor so the garlic really shines.
• Vegan Mozzarella: This can be a bit tricky. Some vegan mozzarellas melt better than others. Miyoko’s Kitchen and Violife are both good choices. Don’t be afraid to experiment to find your favorite!
• Chili Crisp Oil: This is where the magic happens! Lao Gan Ma is a popular brand, but there are lots of regional variations. Adjust the amount to your spice preference – some chili crisp oils are hot! You can find it at most Asian grocery stores or online. If you can’t find it, a drizzle of chili oil with a pinch of red pepper flakes will work in a pinch.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, heat a little oil in a pan over low heat. Fry the garlic cloves until they’re golden brown and beautifully fragrant. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn them! Once golden, drain the garlic and reserve that lovely infused oil – we’ll use it later.
2. Now, crush the fried garlic into a paste. I like to use the back of a fork for this. Mix it with the softened vegan butter, chopped green chili, cilantro, and a pinch of salt. This is your amazing garlic butter!
3. Slice the bread into 1-inch thick pieces. Generously spread that glorious garlic butter on one side of each slice. Don’t be shy!
4. If you’re feeling extra cheesy (and who isn’t?), drizzle a little vegan cheese sauce over the buttered bread and sprinkle with the vegan mozzarella.
5. Arrange the slices in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden and crispy.
6. Finally, garnish with a sprinkle of mixed herbs and a drizzle of that chili crisp oil. Serve immediately and prepare for happy sighs!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket! Work in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
• For extra flavor, brush the bread with a little of the reserved garlic-infused oil before spreading the garlic butter.
• Keep a close eye on the bread in the air fryer – it can go from golden to burnt quickly!

Variations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ideas to customize it:

• Vegan & Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free loaf of bread. There are some fantastic options available now!
• Spice Level Adjustment: If you’re not a fan of heat, reduce the amount of green chili or omit it altogether. You can also use a milder chili crisp oil. My friend, Priya, loves adding a pinch of Kashmiri chili powder for color and a gentle warmth.
• Festival/Party Adaptations: For a crowd, make a large batch and keep it warm in a low oven until ready to serve. You can also arrange the garlic bread slices on a baking sheet and bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

This vegan garlic bread is amazing on its own, but it’s even better with:

• A hearty bowl of tomato soup
• Your favorite pasta dish (it’s amazing with a creamy vegan pesto!)
• A fresh salad
• As part of a vegan charcuterie board

Storage Instructions

Leftover garlic bread is best enjoyed immediately, but you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to restore some of the crispiness.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

1. What type of bread works best for this vegan garlic bread?

Challah is my go-to, but any sturdy loaf will do! Sourdough, Italian, or French bread are all great options.

2. Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the garlic butter up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just let it soften slightly before spreading.

3. Is it possible to bake this garlic bread in the oven instead of using an air fryer?

Yes, definitely! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

4. What is chili crisp oil and where can I find it?

It’s a flavorful condiment made with chili flakes, garlic, and other spices in oil. You can find it at most Asian grocery stores or online.

5. Can I adjust the amount of green chili for a milder flavor?

Of course! Start with a small amount and add more to taste.

6. What are some good vegan cheese alternatives if I don’t have vegan mozzarella?

Vegan cheddar or provolone would also work well. You can even skip the cheese altogether – the garlic butter is delicious enough on its own!

Enjoy! I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you!