Easy Frozen Breadsticks in the Air Fryer w/ Garlic + Cheese

Making frozen bread sticks in the air fryer is a fast kitchen hack that can make even the humblest can of soup feel like a special meal!

During busy weeknight dinners, having frozen breadsticks stocked in your freezer (or really any frozen food) is a great option that can save you a lot of time and stress, which is the last thing you need at mealtimes.

This tasty, quick, and easy side dish will be ready in not much more time than you’ll need to set the table!

This great appetizer also tends to disappear quite quickly on game days . . .

In addition, air frying is a great way to cook frozen breadsticks because you don’t need to wash a baking sheet or wait for your full-sized oven to pre-heat just to enjoy a delicious side dish.

Expert Tips for this air fryer frozen breadsticks Recipe

Always check your food before you think you’ll need to for better results, as air fryers differ. (Of course, different sizes of breadsticks and different brands will be done cooking at different times as well.) This is the single best way to ensure you get the perfect side dish.

There is no need to thaw the breadsticks ahead of time, nor is there any need to pre-heat your air fryer.

Furthermore, no cooking spray is required.

Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, you may need to work in batches in order to cook the whole package.

You can also use this recipe with take-out leftover breadsticks from your favorite restaurant (yes, this works for Olive Garden breadsticks)! The cook time will probably be more like 2 minutes, though, since they won’t be frozen.

You can even add extra melted butter for a richer treat.

Notes on the Ingredients – what kind of frozen breadsticks to use

This recipe is suitable for any brand of breadsticks in the frozen section, including plain breadsticks, garlic, cheese, and cheese-stuffed. You can just use your favorite brand.

For example, the ones I used were garlic parmesan flavor. The cheese on top did start browning at 5 minutes, but were perfect at 6 minutes.

Do I need to change the recipe for cheesy breadsticks?

Not at all!

Just note that with cheese on top, if you want your breadsticks extra crispy and cook them for a couple minutes longer, the cheese could get quite dark or even burn.

In addition, do not flip them halfway though if they have cheese, or it will stick to the air fryer basket and make a mess. (You don’t need to flip them without cheese either.)

Pin it for later!

For extra crispy air fryer breadsticks

Check them at 5-6 minutes to get an idea of how close to being done they are, and then cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until done to your preferred texture (maybe 8-10 minutes at the longest for a crunchier texture).

How do I soften breadsticks if they got too hard?

You can wrap a breadstick in a damp paper towel, and then microwave it for about 10 seconds.

What should I serve with these bread sticks?

While this beloved snack goes well with just about any of your favorite meals, here are some quick serving suggestions to get you inspired.

Soups, Stews, and Chilis

• Mediterranean soup
• Irish vegetable soup
• German potato soup
• Tomato soup

Pasta Dishes, your favorite spaghetti, or your favorite Italian dishes

• Pomodorini Penne
• Gouda mac and cheese
• Hearty marinara sauce

Green Salads

• Spicy cashew dressing

They truly make the perfect addition to so many of your favorite recipes.

How long do I cook frozen breadsticks in the air fryer?

While of course that depends, in my toaster oven style air fryer by Cuisinart, 6 minutes was perfect.

If you have a basket style machine (like a Cosori air fryer), pay close attention the first time you cook frozen bread sticks in the air fryer in case the cooking time is dramatically different.

Storage and Reheating Leftover Breadsticks

If you have any breadsticks leftover, you can store them in a Ziplock bag, plastic wrap, or an airtight container on the counter for 2-3 days at room temperature.

In order to reheat them, simply place them back in the air fryer at 350 degrees F and cook for 2-4 minutes.

Should I refrigerate leftover bread after I air fry breadsticks?

No. This is because the starch molecules can recrystallize, which may make bread go stale faster, according to Good Housekeeping.

Try homemade frozen bread sticks in the air fryer!

Much like with my air fryer garlic bread, you can make homemade breadsticks (for example out of leftover pizza dough, any of your top easy bread recipes, or even air fryer bread recipes) and freeze them.

Then, you know you’re eating simple ingredients, and you still have a quick way to make a great snack you can feel great about!

(If desired, brush breadstick or breadsticks with melted butter, then sprinkle with garlic powder.)

What dips are good with these breadsticks?

Of course, bread is a blank canvas for your favorite dipping sauces, but you might like these pairings for this quick snack:

• Marinara sauce or pizza sauce
• Alfredo sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Queso dip
• Spinach artichoke dip
• Honey mustard
• Nacho cheese sauce
• Garlic butter
• Buffalo blue cheese sauce
• Raspberry melba sauce (This one is unconventional, I know, but people swear by it for mozzarella cheese sticks!)

You can also melt butter (or pour some olive oil) and mix it with any of the following:

• Fresh garlic and crushed red pepper flakes
• Fresh parsley
• Garlic powder and parmesan cheese
• Everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds
• Italian seasoning or ranch seasoning
• Balsamic vinegar and your favorite bread dipping herbs and spices
• Elote
• Herbs de Provence
• Dehydrated onion or onion powder

Related Air Fryer Recipes

If you liked this easy recipe, I think you’ll also enjoy these other air fryer recipes!

• Frozen garlic bread in the air fryer (this also works for Texas toast)
• Frozen broccoli in the air fryer
• Air fryer radishes
• Air fryer popcorn
• Quesadillas in the air fryer

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Ingredients to make frozen bread sticks in the air fryer (with or without cheese)

EDIBLE INGREDIENTS

Before you begin, you will need the following ingredients:

• 6 frozen breadsticks (one package)

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT to make frozen bread sticks in the air fryer

• An air fryer
• Potholders
• Optional: aluminum foil to catch any melted cheese or crumbs

How to make frozen bread sticks in the air fryer – step by step instructions with just a few simple steps

1. First, place the frozen breadsticks in an even, single layer in your air fryer basket, with a little space in between each one.
2. Then, air fry at 350°F for 6 minutes, or until golden brown.
3. Finally, serve hot and enjoy!

If you enjoyed this dish, I’d really appreciate you leaving a review of this recipe with a star rating to help other readers!

Please note that the nutritional information at the bottom of the recipe card is for one of Safeway’s Signature Select Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks. For the most accurate information, check your box or use an online nutritional calculator like MyFitnessPal for the exact brands you usually pick up from your freezer section.

I hope you enjoyed this simple frozen bread sticks in air fryer recipe!