Copycat Olive Garden Bruschetta Recipe (Air Fryer)

This copycat Olive Garden bruschetta recipe piles juicy tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic onto crisp toasted bread, and it is ready in 15 minutes. My version roasts the tomatoes in the air fryer until they burst, then finishes with creamy burrata.

If you order the bruschetta every time you sit down at Olive Garden, this is the one to make at home. The air fryer roasts the tomatoes and toasts the bread, so the oven stays off.

Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Bruschetta Recipe

• Ready in 15 minutes. Five minutes of prep and about ten in the air fryer.
• Restaurant flavor at home. Roasting concentrates the tomatoes, and the balsamic glaze adds the sweet, tangy finish.
• Simple ingredients. Tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, cheese and bread.
• Easy to serve a crowd. Set out the warm tomatoes with a basket of crostini and let everyone build their own.

Ingredients for Copycat Olive Garden Bruschetta

Exact amounts are in the recipe card below.

• Cherry tomatoes. Grape tomatoes work too. Both hold their shape and turn sweet when roasted.
• Burrata. Fresh mozzarella is the closest swap.
• Shallot. Finely chopped. Red onion works in a pinch.
• Garlic. Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor. Use garlic powder if that is what you have.
• Olive oil. Avocado oil also works.
• Fresh basil. Chop it right before serving so it stays green.
• Salt and pepper. Season after roasting.
• Baguette. Sliced for crostini. Use gluten-free bread if you need to.
• Balsamic glaze. Balsamic vinegar works, though it is thinner and sharper.

How to Make Olive Garden Bruschetta in the Air Fryer

Step One: Add the cherry tomatoes, shallot, garlic and olive oil to a baking dish that fits your air fryer. Toss until the tomatoes are evenly coated.

Step Two: Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F for 3 to 5 minutes. Roast the tomatoes for 7 to 10 minutes, until they start to burst and release their juices.

Step Three: Remove the dish and let the tomatoes cool for about 5 minutes.

Step Four: Sprinkle with chopped basil, season with salt and pepper, and place the burrata on top. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve with crostini, crackers or bread.

Air Fryer Bruschetta Bread

The bread matters as much as the topping. Slice the baguette about 1/2 inch thick, brush each slice with a thin layer of olive oil, and arrange the slices in a single layer in the basket. Air fry at 400 degrees F for about 3 minutes, until crisp and golden.

Toast the bread while the tomatoes cool so both are ready together. My air fryer crostini post has the full method and bread options.

Tips for the Best Bruschetta

• Use ripe tomatoes. In-season tomatoes and fresh basil make the biggest difference.
• Let it rest. Give the tomato mixture about 10 minutes after roasting so the flavors come together.
• Adjust the garlic. Add a clove if you love garlic, or use less for a milder topping.
• Glaze last. Drizzle the balsamic right before serving so it does not soak into the bread.
• Keep the bread separate. Spoon the tomatoes onto the crostini at the table so every bite stays crisp.

Air Fryer Bruschetta With Mozzarella and Other Variations

• Mozzarella. Swap the burrata for torn fresh mozzarella.
• Briny. Stir in chopped olives or capers.
• Parmesan. Finish with shaved Parmesan.
• Parsley. Use chopped parsley if you are out of basil.

What to Serve With Olive Garden Bruschetta

For a full Olive Garden night at home, start with the bruschetta and a basket of Air Fryer Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks. Add a second appetizer such as Olive Garden Toasted Ravioli, Olive Garden Fried Mozzarella or Olive Garden Calamari.

For the main course, Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Parmigiana and Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo both pair well with the fresh tomato and basil.

Storing, Reheating and Making Ahead

Making ahead. Roast the tomatoes a few hours early and refrigerate. Toast the bread and add the burrata, basil and glaze right before serving.

Storing. Keep the tomato mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Store the bread separately so it does not get soggy.

Reheating. Warm the toasted bread in a 350 degree F oven for 5 to 7 minutes, or crisp it for 2 to 3 minutes in the air fryer the way I reheat garlic bread in the air fryer. Do not reheat the tomatoes, since they turn mushy.

Freezing. Assembled bruschetta does not freeze well. The tomato mixture alone can be frozen for up to a month.

Olive Garden Bruschetta Recipe FAQs

What bread is best for bruschetta?

A baguette or crusty French or Italian bread works best. Slice it about 1/2 inch thick so it holds the topping without going soft.

How long does bruschetta bread take in the air fryer?

About 3 minutes at 400 degrees F, in a single layer, until golden and crisp.

Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?

Yes. Dice them evenly so they roast at the same rate. Cherry tomatoes are sweeter and hold their texture better.

Can I make this bruschetta ahead of time?

Yes. Refrigerate the roasted tomato mixture for a few hours, then toast the bread just before serving.

What can I use instead of burrata?

Fresh mozzarella has a similar mild flavor and creamy texture.

What other toppings go on bruschetta?

Olives, capers and Parmesan are all good additions.