In the summer, when I have lots of fresh produce to enjoy, one of my favorite dishes to make is air fryer bruschetta. It’s fresh, vibrant, delicious, and easy too! I make my version inspired by the Olive Garden appetizer which was discontinued, so I can continue to enjoy all the flavors at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick: The air fryer crisps bread slices faster than a conventional oven, delivering an even, perfectly toasted base with minimal effort
- Less Oil: You can achieve a golden crunch without soaking the bread in oil, making it a lighter option without sacrificing texture or flavor!
- Cooler: It’s perfect for small batches or hot days when you don’t want to turn on the oven (like the heat of the summer when tomatoes are freshest)!
- Great for Melting or Roasting Toppings: If you want to add cheese or give the tomatoes a quick roast, the air fryer is a great choice!
- Naturally Vegetarian: This recipe works for a wide variety of dietary needs without even trying! You can swap in gluten free bread to make it gluten free as well!
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Ingredients List
- 4 Roma (plum) tomatoes, diced (I remove the seeds too)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic (about 5-6 garlic cloves; or to taste)
- 1 Tbsp sun dried tomatoes, finely diced
- 2 tsp olive oil (if your sundried tomatoes were in oil, you may not need it)
- 1 Tbsp minced fresh basil
- ½ Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- 1 Tbsp shredded parmesan cheese for topping (optional)
- 1 French baguette or ciabatta loaf, sliced ½” thick
- Olive oil spray (or similar)
Ingredient Variations and Substitutions
- You could also use other varieties of fresh tomatoes depending what you have, but Roma are low on seeds and usually vibrant and flavorful. Campari are another good option. Don’t like tomatoes? Try my fruity Air Fryer Peach Bruschetta instead!
- Feel free to customize with other types of cheese on top: fresh mozzarella and pieces of burrata are some of my other favorite choices!
- While the restaurant doesn’t add onions, shallots, or olives they are all great options to customize your version!
- Try some red pepper flakes for added heat!
- Olive Garden typically served their bruschetta with ciabatta bread, but I find a baguette or French bread easier to work with (and better for crowds). You could also use sourdough!
Step By Step Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, garlic, sun dried tomatoes, olive oil (if using), basil, balsamic, salt, pepper, and grated parmesan. Stir to combine. For best results, let it sit in your fridge for 30 minutes to an hour to let flavors meld
- Make the crostini by adding the baguette slices into your air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray a light mist of olive oil spray over the tops. You could also brush them – you want them just lightly coated, not soggy or saturated
- Air fry at 380°F for 3 minutes. Flip the bread over, apply a mist of oil to the other side, and cook an additional 2-3 minutes, until they have a nice crusty edge and are browned to your liking
- Transfer the bruschetta to a bowl, and top with shredded parmesan (or mozzarella cheese) as desired. Serve with a spoon in the tomato mixture and crostini on the side. I don’t usually add the bruschetta to the crostini to prevent sogginess – let guests add the tomato mix to the top of each bread slice just before eating!
Pairing Ideas
More Appetizer Pairings
- Antipasto Platter – Think olives, marinated artichokes, prosciutto, and cheese
- Caprese Skewers – Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil with a drizzle of balsamic glaze
- Stuffed Mini Peppers – Add a creamy contrast to the crispy bruschetta – try my Air Fryer Stuffed Mini Peppers for an easy recipe!
Main Courses
- Pasta Dishes – Especially lighter options like pesto pasta, spaghetti aglio e olio, or lemon garlic shrimp pasta. I like to serve it with Olive Garden Chicken Scampi!
- Grilled Chicken or Fish – Bruschetta adds a bright, herby contrast to simple proteins
- Soup – Try with tomato basil soup, minestrone, or creamy roasted red pepper soup!
Drinks
- Wine – A crisp Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or even a light Chianti
- Cocktails – Try an Aperol Spritz, Negroni, or a lemony gin cocktail. An Olive Garden Watermelon Sangria is one of my favorites!
- Mocktails – Sparkling lemonade or a basil-lime soda work beautifully
Dessert
- Tiramisu or Panna Cotta – Classic Italian desserts that complement the theme. For a small crowd, try my Tiramisu Mug Cake!
- Fruit Tarts – Fresh and light after a savory appetizer
Recipe FAQs
Do You Toast Bruschetta On Both Sides?
Yes, toasting both sides of the bread helps it stay crisp longer and supports the toppings better. It also gives a more even texture and color, especially when using an air fryer or grill.
Is It Safe To Put Bread In An Air Fryer?
Yes, it’s perfectly safe to put bread in an air fryer. It toasts quickly and evenly, but be sure to watch closely since thin slices can brown fast or fly around if not weighted down.
Can Bruschetta And Bruschetta Toast Be Made Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the tomato topping up to a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. The bread can also be toasted in advance, but for best texture, reheat it briefly in the air fryer before serving. Avoid assembling too early, as the bread can become soggy.
Tips For the Best Air Fryer Bruschetta
- Your toasting time can vary between different varieties of bread, size of slices, and your specific air fryer. Adjust as needed for your specifics and preferences
- Since I do not preheat my air fryer, subsequent batches usually take about 2 minutes less when I’m making a larger batch
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage
Store the tomato topping and toasted bread separately for best results. The topping will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Toasted bruschetta bread can be stored at room temperature in a sealed container for 1–2 days, or refrigerated for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Bruschetta topping does not freeze well due to the high water content in tomatoes, which can make it watery and mushy when thawed. However, the toasted bread can be frozen—wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months. Re-crisp in the air fryer or oven before serving.
Reheating
To reheat toasted bruschetta, place the bread in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes or in a 375°F oven for about 5 minutes until warm and crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread chewy or soggy. Add the chilled topping after reheating, or briefly warm the assembled bruschetta in the air fryer for 1 minute if preferred.
Final Thoughts
This delicious and easy air fryer bruschetta recipe is inspired by Olive Garden’s version, delivering vibrant, fresh summer flavors in a simple appetizer. The natural sweetness of tomatoes pairs perfectly with basil, garlic, and tangy balsamic, all on a crispy slice of bread.
It’s a great way to use fresh ingredients straight from your garden, but honestly it’s a versatile appetizer that I serve all year long, including the holidays (plus it’s naturally vegetarian so it suits different dietary needs easily).
The air fryer crostini comes out perfectly toasted, with the great result being a solid alternative to the oven when it’s hot out.
Katie’s tip
Looking for more ways to use your summer harvest or your farmer’s market haul? Check out all of my unique Air Fryer Tomato Recipes for more inspiration!
Air Fryer Bruschetta (Olive Garden Copycat Recipe)
Equipment
- Spatula (or spoon)
Ingredients
- 4 Roma (plum) tomatoes (diced and seeds removed)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic (about 5-6 cloves)
- 1 Tbsp sun dried tomatoes (finely diced)
- 2 tsp olive oil (or oil from the sun dried tomatoes)
- 1 Tbsp minced fresh basil
- ½ Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- 1 Tbsp shredded parmesan or mozzarella for topping (optional)
- 1 French baguette or ciabatta loaf (sliced into pieces about ½" thick)
- Olive oil spray (or similar)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, garlic, sun dried tomatoes, olive oil (if using), basil, balsamic, salt, pepper, and grated parmesan. Stir to combine. For best results, let it sit in your fridge for 30 minutes to an hour to let flavors meld4 Roma (plum) tomatoes, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp sun dried tomatoes, 2 tsp olive oil, 1 Tbsp minced fresh basil, ½ Tbsp balsamic vinegar, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, 1 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- Make the crostini by adding the baguette slices into your air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray a light mist of olive oil spray over the tops. You can also brush them – you want them just lightly coated, not soggy or saturated1 French baguette or ciabatta loaf, Olive oil spray
- Air fry at 380°F for 3 minutes. Flip the bread over, apply a mist of oil to the other side, and cook an additional 2-3 minutes, until they have a nice crusty edge and are browned to your liking
- Transfer the bruschetta to a bowl, and top with shredded parmesan (or mozzarella cheese) as desired. Serve with a spoon in the tomato mixture and crostini on the side. I don’t usually add the bruschetta to the crostini to prevent sogginess – let guests add the tomato mix to the top of each bread slice just before eating!1 Tbsp shredded parmesan or mozzarella for topping
Notes
- You could also use other varieties of fresh tomatoes depending what you have, but Roma are low on seeds and usually vibrant and flavorful. Campari are another good option
- Feel free to customize with other types of cheese on top: fresh mozzarella and pieces of burrata are some of my other favorite choices!
- While the restaurant doesn’t add onions, shallots, or olives they are all great options to customize your version, or try some red pepper flakes for added heat!
- Olive Garden typically served their bruschetta with ciabatta bread, but I personally find a baguette easier to work with (and better for crowds)
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand, type, and flavor of ingredients, any sauces or sides added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
