An Easy Air Fryer Bruschetta Recipe that is healthy and delicious! Fresh tomatoes, basil, and bread toasted in the air fryer in minutes. You can have this entire dish put together in less than an hour! This appetizer is perfect for a party or any night of the week.
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Why I Love This Recipe
I love this Air Fryer Bruschetta Recipe because it transforms traditional bruschetta into a quick, crispy, and healthier appetizer just like my Air Fryer Zucchini Chips and my Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms. The air fryer crisps up the bread to perfection, while the fresh tomato, basil, and garlic topping is full of fresh flavors, creating a delightful snack that impresses all just like my Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad.
What is Bruschetta?
Bruschetta is originally from Italy and was created as a way of salvaging bread that was going stale. It is usually served as an antipasto or appetizer consisting of grilled bread rubbed with garlic and topped with olive oil and salt.
There are different ingredient variations in the recipe including tomatoes, vegetables, beans, cured meat, basil, garlic, onion, and cheese. In most grocery stores and restaurants today, bruschetta is in reference to the tomato topping when in fact it is the grilled bread the bruschetta is served on.
Key Ingredients Bruschetta Topping
- Crusty Baguette - crusty baguettes are easy to find freshly baked at most grocery stores. They are also low in fat and cholesterol and fiber compared to whole-grain bread.
- Fresh Tomatoes - I used tomatoes fresh from my garden for this recipe and they are a mix of heirloom and cherry tomatoes. You can use any variety you like, just make sure they are nice and firm for slicing and serving.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil - use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for this recipe because it is essential to enhancing the flavors and aroma of the dish.
- Fresh Garlic - fresh garlic adds a robust and aromatic quality to the dish contributing to the authentic and flavorful experience of bruschetta.
- Fresh Basil - fresh basil brings a bright and fresh aspect to this recipe.
*See the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.
Other Topping and Serving Ideas
I wanted to make a classic bruschetta for this recipe and keep it as easy as possible with the least amount of ingredients. However, there are many different ways to serve this recipe, here are a few ideas:
- Make Pesto Chicken with Bruschetta
- Add a slice of fresh mozzarella cheese before adding the tomato topping
- Drizzle with a balsamic reduction for added sweetness
- Add freshly ground black pepper to the top for an extra spice
- Cut up small pieces of fresh mozzarella and add them right to the tomato mixture
- Add avocado to the toasted bread before adding the bruschetta and make an Italian version of Avocado Toast!
How to Make Air Fryer Bruschetta
Step 1: In a pan over medium-low heat, add 4 tablespoon olive oil and allow the oil the heat up. Add minced garlic cloves and cook quickly for about 1-2 minutes, just until you can smell the garlic and it becomes lightly browned. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the oil and garlic to cool.
Step 2: Place the tomatoes, basil, vinegar, salt, and red pepper flakes into a bowl and toss them together. Add the garlic and oil and toss to combine. Cover and place in the fridge to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow all of the flavors to combine.
Step 3: Preheat your air fryer to 375° for 3 minutes. Cut the baguette into slices and generously rub the top of each bread slice with garlic then brush each slice with olive oil.
Step 4: Place as many bread pieces in your air fryer basket that will fit with room in between. Cook for 3-4 minutes and remove to cool. Top each toasted bread slice with the tomato mixture and serve immediately.
Expert Tips:
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure you are using fresh ingredients. Fresh tomatoes, fresh basil (not dried), fresh garlic (not from a jar), and "good" olive oil and balsamic vinegar. For a dish like bruschetta where it's all about the fresh ingredients and taste, using fresh, high-quality ingredients is essential to a great result.
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Even Slices: Cut the bread into even slices, about ½ inch thick, for consistent toasting. Thicker slices might also not crisp up, while thinner slices can burn.
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Assemble Last Minute: Assemble the bruschetta just before serving to keep the bread crispy. You can prepare the tomato topping ahead of time and refrigerate it.
Which Air Fryer I Use for This Recipe
There are so many different types of air fryers out there now, and each one is slightly different. There are countertop air fryers, air fryer ovens, and air fryer attachments to name a few. They even make full-size ovens that act as air fryers now!!
I have a COSORI Air Fryer (shown below) and I love it. It does take up some counter space so make sure you have room for it. If you want a smaller option, check out the COSORI Small Air Fryer.
Recipe FAQs
If you don't have an air fryer, no problem. You can easily toast the bread for the bruschetta in your toaster oven or regular oven. Of course, every oven is different. I would suggest starting with a preheated oven at 375º and checking on the bread after 3 minutes to ensure the bread doesn't burn.
You can prepare the bruschetta topping in advance and refrigerate it. Wait until you are ready to serve the bruschetta to toast the bread and assemble the bruschetta just before serving for the best texture.
The best bread for this bruschetta is a crusty basic baguette from your local grocery store. Of course, you can use whatever bread you like or have on hand. Remember, bruschetta was originally created to use up stale bread before it went bad so if you have bread about to go, this recipe is for you!
Store the tomato topping separately in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Toasted bread is best eaten fresh, but can be kept in an airtight container for a day.
Yes, you can add parmesan, mozzarella, or goat cheese on top of the tomato mixture for extra flavor.
How to Easily Cut Basil Slices
Here is a quick and easy way to get perfect fresh basil slices every time. All you need is a pair of kitchen scissors!
Stack a few basil leaves on top of each other from largest to smallest. Roll up the basil leaves as tight as you can and hold them with your fingers. Carefully cut slices off the end of the basil roll until you have sliced all the way to the end (watch your fingers!).
If you get a chance to make this Air Fryer Bruschetta, tag me on Instagram or Facebook and show me, or leave a review below! You can also follow me on Pinterest and sign up for my e-mail list to receive more fun and delicious recipes right in your inbox.
More Air Fryer Appetizer Recipes
If you get a chance to make this Air Fryer Bruschetta Recipe, tag me on Instagram or Facebook and show me, or leave a review below! You can also follow me on Pinterest and sign up for my e-mail list to receive more fun and delicious recipes in your inbox.
Air Fryer Bruschetta
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- basting/pastry brush
- frying pan
Ingredients
- 1 medium crusty baguette
- 6 medium tomatoes
- 4 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (plus more for brushing on bread)
- 5 cloves garlic (4 minced and 1 to rub on the bread)
- 2 tablespoon large basil, sliced thin
- 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Mince 4 garlic cloves and set aside (one clove will be reserved for the bread). In a pan over medium-low heat, add 4 tablespoon olive oil and allow the oil the heat up. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, just until you can smell the garlic and it becomes lightly browned. Be careful not to burn the garlic or it will be bitter. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the oil and garlic to cool.
- While the garlic and oil are cooling, dice the tomatoes and slice up the basil into thin pieces (see tip below). Place the tomatoes, basil, vinegar, salt, and red pepper flakes into the bowl and toss them together. Add the garlic and oil and mix to combine. Cover and place in the fridge to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow all of the flavors to combine.
- Cut the baguette into ½" slices. Cut the last garlic clove in half and generously rub the top of each bread slice with the garlic. Brush each slice with olive oil.
- Preheat the air fryer at 375°F for 3 minutes. Place as many pieces of bread that will fit in your air fryer basket with room in between (mine fit 5). Air fry for 3-4 minutes and remove to cool, there is no need to flip and toast both sides. 3 minutes gave the bread a nice crusty edge with just a hint of softness still in the middle. 4 minutes was a perfectly toasted and crispy slice.
- Once all of the slices have been toasted, top each one with the bruschetta and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Make sure you are using fresh ingredients. Fresh tomatoes, fresh basil (not dried), fresh garlic (not from a jar), and "good" olive oil and balsamic vinegar. For a dish like bruschetta where it's all about the fresh ingredients and taste, using fresh, high-quality ingredients is essential to a great result.
- Cut the bread into even slices, about ½ inch thick, for consistent toasting. Thicker slices might also not crisp up, while thinner slices can burn.
- Assemble the bruschetta just before serving to keep the bread crispy. You can prepare the tomato topping ahead of time and refrigerate it.
- Make sure you are using fresh ingredients. Fresh tomatoes, fresh basil (not dried), fresh garlic (not from a jar), and "good" olive oil and balsamic vinegar. For a dish like bruschetta where it's all about the fresh ingredients and taste, using fresh, high-quality ingredients is essential to a great result.
- Always read the instruction manual that came with your Air Fryer and follow all safety guidelines.
Nutrition
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Kirsten says
This looks so yummy and I love the tips for cutting the fresh basil, super helpful!
Emily says
Thanks, I’m glad you found my tips helpful.
Sara says
Wow! This recipe sounds amazing! I need to try this ASAP.
Emily says
Thank you!! It’s so yummy, I hope you try it soon...
Lina says
What a great recipe! I love bruschetta and this seems easy for me.. I especially love your tip on how to cut basil... thanks
Emily says
Thanks! Basil can be tricky but it’s a must have in this recipe!!
Michele peterson says
A great way to use the air fryer!
Debra says
What a great idea to use the air fryer for toasting the bread. Can't believe I hadn't thought of that sooner.
Tayo says
Thanks for the wonderful recipe and I really appreciate the tip about cutting basil slices!