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Air Fryer Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks

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Air Fryer Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks are amazing! When you go to Olive Garden, you get a great appetizer or salad and breadsticks. Today I wanted to make these for dinner.

A plate of golden, freshly baked Air Fryer Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

If you love Olive Garden’s Breadsticks, this is the recipe for you! There is nothing better. And serve this for a great starter with their salad!

The air fryer does an amazing job at perfectly cooking these up. With the hot air, the bread is perfectly cooked, and they are fabulous!

If you are looking for some other great and easy Air Fryer Bread Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER SOFT DINNER ROLLS, AIR FRYER PILLSBURY CORNBREAD SWIRLS, AIR FRYER IRISH SODA BREAD, and AIR FRYER 2 INGREDIENT WEIGHT WATCHER FRIENDLY BAGELS.

Plate of Air Fryer Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks, golden and perfectly baked with a buttery garlic topping.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

These breadsticks are quick and easy to make, thanks to the air fryer.
They are soft and buttery, with the perfect balance of garlic and seasoning.
You can enjoy the taste of Olive Garden breadsticks without leaving your house.
This recipe is perfect for any meal or as a snack, and it’s sure to impress.
With only a few ingredients, it’s a simple yet delicious treat that everyone will love.

They are hot and coated with butter, garlic, and parsley. I made these, and served them with my Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup, also a copycat recipe from Olive Garden! It was a great pairing! And I didn’t even need to leave my house!

Ingredients Needed

All-Purpose Flour: Versatile flour for baking and cooking.
Water: Moisture that activates dough ingredients effectively.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetener for flavor balance and yeast activation.
Yeast: Leavening agent that makes dough rise beautifully.
Salt: Enhances flavor and strengthens dough structure.
Butter: Adds richness and softness to the dough.
Melted Butter: Provides a buttery finish for the breadsticks.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs for savory flavor.

How To Make Air Fryer Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks

Step One: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast, warm water, and sugar. Allow the mixture to sit for about 5 minutes, and if the yeast doesn’t foam, it indicates the yeast is either old or expired, and the recipe will not work.

Step Two: Knead dough, shape into breadsticks, and let rise before brushing with melted butter and sprinkling with Italian seasoning.

Breadsticks cooking in an air fryer set to 320°F for 5-8 minutes.

Step Three: Set the breadsticks into the air fryer and set the air fryer temperature to 320 degrees F, set cook time for 5-8 minutes. (air fryer setting)

Golden Air Fryer Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks brushed with butter and sprinkled with Italian seasoning.

Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe Tips

Use Fresh Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh and active to ensure the breadsticks rise properly. If the yeast doesn’t foam after mixing with warm water and sugar, start over with new yeast.
Knead the Dough Properly: Kneading the dough helps develop gluten, giving the breadsticks their soft, chewy texture. Use a stand mixer or knead by hand for at least 5 minutes.
Let the Dough Rise Fully: Allow the dough to double in size for the fluffiest breadsticks. A warm, draft-free spot works best for proofing.
Shape Evenly: Roll the dough into evenly sized breadsticks to ensure uniform cooking in the air fryer.
Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Arrange the breadsticks in a single layer without touching each other to ensure even cooking.
Brush with Butter Twice: For that authentic Olive Garden flavor, brush the breadsticks with melted butter both before and after air frying.
Season Generously: Sprinkle a mix of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt on top for the perfect finishing touch.
Serve Fresh: Breadsticks taste best when served warm, straight from the air fryer. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat for a few seconds before serving.

Storing

Storing: Store leftover Olive Garden breadsticks in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. To maintain freshness longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
Freezing: To freeze, wrap each breadstick tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat breadsticks in the air fryer at 320°F for 2-3 minutes to restore their crispy exterior and soft interior. Brush with a bit of melted butter before reheating for added flavor.

Golden, buttery breadsticks seasoned with Italian herbs, freshly cooked in the air fryer.

What To Serve With Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks

Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks are versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Serve them alongside a hearty bowl of soup like Zuppa Toscana or creamy tomato bisque for a comforting meal. They’re also perfect for dipping into marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce, or pesto for an appetizer or snack. Pair them with a classic Italian salad for a light lunch, or use them to complement your favorite pasta dishes, such as spaghetti, fettuccine Alfredo, or lasagna. These breadsticks elevate any meal and bring a touch of restaurant-quality flavor to your table.

Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe Faqs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser, and the breadsticks might not be as light and fluffy. You can also try a half-and-half mix for a balance of nutrition and texture.

What if my yeast doesn’t foam? If your yeast doesn’t foam after 5 minutes, it may be expired or the water temperature might have been too hot or too cold. Discard and start again with fresh yeast and water warmed to about 110°F.

Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just allow it to come to room temperature and rise before shaping and air frying.

How do I make these breadsticks vegan? Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly. The rest of the recipe remains the same.

What if I don’t have an air fryer? You can bake the breadsticks in a conventional oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter and season as directed.

Can I freeze leftover breadsticks? Yes, freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer or oven until warmed through.

A plate of golden, fluffy, and buttery air fryer copycat Olive Garden breadsticks sprinkled with Italian seasoning, served with marinara sauce.

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