Air fryer crostini is an easy appetizer to make when you're looking for a quick, elevated crowd pleaser. This simple recipe is perfect to make during the hot summer months when you don't want to turn on the oven.
Crostini are a toast-like Italian appetizer, similar to a crouton or thicker cracker. It is made by toasting small slices of bread to golden-brown perfection. In this case they are air fried! Crostini acts as the vessel for spreads and dips such as bruschetta, or peach goat cheese crostini.
It is so easy to make crostini in the air fryer! I find this to be the best method especially during the summer when I don't want to use the oven to heat up the whole house!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Crostini only need 2-3 minutes of cooking time in the preheated air fryer.
- Using the air fryer saves you from having to turn the oven on during warm day! It also won't use unnecessary oven space if you are cooking a large meal and need the oven for another dish.
- Crostini are the building blocks of a beautiful dish. There are so many ways to enjoy this small toasted bread!
Equipment Notes
You will need an air fryer for this recipe. I use a 6 quart Gormia air fryer, which I absolutely love and highly recommend! Note: If you don't have an air fryer you can use an oven or toaster oven to make crostini.
Ingredients Notes
- baguette - or a long Italian bread such as ciabatta. This creates the perfect oval shape for crostini when sliced.
- olive oil - the oil encourages the bread to brown in the air fryer.
- garlic - this is optional but I almost always use it! Rubbing a clove of fresh garlic on the crostini gives it an extra layer of
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions & Variations
- Bread - instead of a French baguette you can use sourdough or a long Italian bread such as ciabatta.
- Vegan - this recipes is naturally vegan, but make sure to double check the ingredients of the bread you decide to use!
- Gluten free - use gluten free bread instead of regular bread to make this gluten free.
- Butter - use melted butter instead of olive oil to brush on the sliced bread.
- Oil-free - omit the oil and simply air dry without oil. It won't turn golden brown but it will still get crunchy.
- Salt and pepper - add a sprinkle of salt and pepper to add flavor.
- Parmesan - grate parmesan on top of the crostini after rubbing a clove of garlic on it to create a cheesy toast!
Step by Step Instructions
Slice the baguette into half inch slices. Try to slice the baguette on the diagonal to create elongated slices.
Brush each side of the sliced bread with olive oil.
Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. When preheated, add the baguette slices in a single layer to the air fryer basket.
Air fry for 3 minutes until lightly golden-brown. Repeat this process with any remaining bread slices.
Optional: rub a whole clove of garlic over the toasted side of the baguette. The garlic flavors the crostini making it more enjoyable to simply eat on its own! It tastes similar to garlic bread.
How to Store Leftover Crostini
Store any leftover crostini in an airtight container or ziplock bag. You can store it at room temperature for up to 4 days. The crostini may lose some of its crispiness, however you can simple reheat it in the air fryer for a minute and it will crisp right back up!
Top tip
Try to slice each piece of bread the same size so they toast up evenly in the air fryer. I recommend aiming for half-inch slices. You may have to air fry it longer if the slices are thicker.
Air Fryer Crostini Serving Suggestions
I recommend creating a spread with a few options for your guest to enjoy! Include fresh herbs such as basil, creamy spreads or dips, fruit, vegetables and an acidic element such as pickled onions or a sweet balsamic glaze. Here are a few more ideas!
- A simple spread of goat cheese and fresh fruit such as this peach crostini, makes a light and refreshing option.
- Bruschetta is a popular Italian tomato appetizer commonly served on crostini. Try this watermelon feta bruschetta for a fun summer twist!
- An salty olive tapenade would pair well with these little toasts.
- Sliced cheese, arugula pesto, roasted red peppers, air fryer roasted garlic and tomato confit are all great sides to share with crostini.
- Serve these "little toasts" as an appetizer, with soup or salad!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can omit the oil from this recipe to keep it oil-free! The oil helps the bread to turn a lovely golden-brown color, but it will still crisp up and become toast-like without oil. Alternatively you can use butter instead of oil!
Yes, bake the crostini at 400 degrees for 7-8 minutes until they are nicely toasted. Using the oven takes a bit longer than the air fryer does.
Crostini is an Italian appetizer. Crostini supposedly translates to "little toasts" which is an accurate description of crostini. The small bite-sized bread gets perfectly toasted in the air fryer or oven, and is often served with a variety of cheeses and toppings!
Recommended Pairings
Not sure what to pair with crostini? Try these tasty recipes!
Quick Air Fryer Crostini
Equipment
- air fryer
Ingredients
- 1 baguette or long Italian bread such as ciabatta
- 2-3 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic
Instructions
- Slice the bread into half-inch rounds. I like to slice them on the diagonal so they are elongated.
- Lightly brush each side of the sliced bread with olive oil. Or simply drizzle it on top.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. When preheated, arrange the baguette slices into a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may have to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry for 3 minutes. Remove the crostini from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes. When it is cool enough to touch, rub a clove of garlic over the face of the crostini if desired. Enjoy as it or top with your favorite toppings!
Notes
- No air fryer? Use an oven or toasted oven to get the same results! You will need to bake it at 400 degrees for 7-8 minutes.
- You will likely need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- For a less crispy crostini, try air frying for only 1-2 minutes.
- You can omit the oil for an oil-free version.
- Serve with your favorite toppings such as tomatoes, cheese, balsamic glaze and fruit! I highly recommend trying peach crostini with goat cheese and basil.
Kyle says
Had half a baguette laying around and made it into these and served with a simple pasta - needless to say I ate all the crostinis and wish I had more!
Emily Toshiko says
Thanks for giving the recipe a try! 🙂
Em says
I made these to bring to a BBQ the other day and everyone loved them! I topped them with goat cheese, peaches and basil.