Air Fryer Garlic Cheese Bread

This Air Fryer Garlic Cheese Bread is the ultimate quick and delicious snack or side. Ready in just about 15 minutes, it combines a crispy toasted exterior with a luxuriously gooey, garlicky, cheesy center. Perfect for those times when you crave comfort food without the wait or fuss of a conventional oven.

This recipe quickly became a favorite in my house. The first time I made it, the cheesy pull apart slices disappeared before I could even grab one. Now it’s a goto whenever I want something quick and comforting.

Ingredients

• Italian bread or French baguette: Choose thicker slices about 2 inches thick so they hold up well and get plenty crispy without getting soggy
• Salted butter: Real butter is key for rich flavor and perfect melting. If your butter is cold, try softening it quickly using warm water or by cutting it into small pieces
• Garlic powder: You can substitute fresh minced garlic if you prefer a more intense garlic bite
• Salt and pepper: These are optional but enhance the flavor
• Mayonnaise: This is the secret ingredient that silently adds creaminess and helps keep the cheese in place while cooking
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Classic melting cheese that gives the perfect gooey texture. Feel free to swap for cheddar or Monterey Jack if you like
• Dried parsley flakes: Optional, mainly for a pop of color and a touch of herbal flavor

Instructions

Slice the Bread:

Slice your loaf of Italian bread or French baguette into pieces about 2 inches thick. A thick slice is important so the bread will hold all the toppings and toast nicely without falling apart.

Mix Garlic Butter:

In a bowl, combine softened salted butter with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly so each slice will get a flavorful, garlicky buttery coating. Softened butter is easier to spread evenly across the bread.

Spread the Garlic Butter:

Generously apply the garlic butter mixture over each slice. Be generous here because this will create a tasty crispy layer under the cheese and infuse the bread with garlic flavor.

Combine Cheese and Mayonnaise:

In another bowl, mix shredded mozzarella cheese with mayonnaise. It will look slightly clumpy but this mixture helps keep the cheese creamy and in place during cooking.

Top the Bread:

Evenly spoon or spread the cheese and mayonnaise mixture over each slice of bread. Sprinkle dried parsley flakes on top if using to add color and a light herbal note.

Air Fry the Bread:

Place the slices in your air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space around each slice for hot air circulation. Cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 4 minutes. Keep an eye to ensure the cheese melts fully and the bread reaches a golden toasted color. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Serve:

Remove the bread from the air fryer and serve immediately. For an extra treat, offer marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

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I love how simple ingredients come together to create something that tastes like it took hours to prepare. One time my kids threw a pizza night, and this garlic cheese bread was the hit that disappeared first. It’s an easy way to make any meal feel special.

Storage Tips

Once cooled, wrap leftovers tightly in foil or place in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, pop the slices back into the air fryer for two to three minutes. This refreshes the crunch and melts the cheese again without making the bread soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try swapping mozzarella for cheddar or Monterey Jack for a sharper or milder cheese flavor. Instead of garlic powder, use about three cloves of minced fresh garlic for a fresher punch. If mayonnaise is not your thing, a bit of heavy cream or cream cheese can add creaminess, though it won't hold the cheese quite as well. Use margarine if butter is not available, but it won’t deliver the same rich taste or perfect texture.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic cheese bread pairs beautifully with pasta dishes like baked ziti or chicken spaghetti. Serve alongside a fresh salad to balance the indulgence. Use it as a side for soups, especially tomato bisque or creamy vegetable soup. For something fun, offer marinara or ranch dip for dipping each cheesy, garlicky slice.

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This easy air fryer garlic cheese bread is a lifesaver for quick comfort. Serve it warm and enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ What type of bread is best for this dish?

Use thicker slices of Italian or French bread for a sturdy base that holds the cheese well without getting soggy.

→ Can I substitute the cheese used here?

Mozzarella is classic for melting, but cheddar, Monterey Jack, or other good melting cheeses work well too, depending on your taste.

→ Is fresh garlic a good alternative to garlic powder?

Yes, fresh minced garlic or jarred garlic can replace garlic powder to provide a more intense garlic flavor.

→ How can I soften butter quickly for the spread?

Place a glass of hot water upside down over the butter for a few minutes or cut it into small cubes to speed up softening.

→ Will the cheese stay on the bread in the air fryer?

Yes, the butter and mayonnaise mixture helps hold the cheese firmly on the bread while it toasts, preventing it from flying off.

→ Can I prepare the bread ahead of time?

Absolutely, you can make the bread earlier, refrigerate or freeze it, and then reheat it in the air fryer before serving.

→ What size air fryer is recommended?

A 6-quart basket works well, but adjust cooking times as needed based on your air fryer’s size and style.