Air fryer recipes have become a household favorite for their ability to cook food quickly, healthily, and with a crispy finish. One such recipe that has captured the hearts of many is the Air Fryer Pull Apart Cheese Garlic Bread. Imagine a loaf of fresh, crusty bread, cut into diagonal slices, oozing with melted mozzarella, garlic-infused butter, and aromatic Italian seasoning. The crisp, golden crust contrasts perfectly with the soft, gooey inside. It’s the perfect balance of flavor and texture, a mouthwatering indulgence that’s sure to be a hit at any table. What’s even better? It’s incredibly easy to make and ready in under 30 minutes, thanks to the air fryer!
This recipe combines the best of both worlds—satisfying comfort food and the convenience of modern kitchen appliances. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests at a gathering, this pull-apart cheese garlic bread will not only meet but exceed expectations. The best part is, it’s versatile enough to be adapted to your taste preferences and dietary restrictions.
Why This Recipe Works
Pull-apart bread is a favorite because it allows for easy sharing and offers a fun way to enjoy a loaf. The magic of pull-apart bread lies in its structure: the bread is sliced but still held together, allowing you to tear off pieces with your hands. When baked properly, the bread forms a crunchy, golden outer crust, while the inside remains soft and pillowy. This recipe takes the classic garlic bread to the next level with the addition of melted mozzarella cheese. The cheese pulls apart in delightful strings, making each bite more irresistible than the last.
The air fryer plays a pivotal role in making this recipe work so well. Unlike traditional ovens, air fryers use convection heat to quickly cook food, ensuring the bread gets a crispy, golden finish without drying out. You can achieve the perfect level of crispness while still maintaining a soft, chewy interior. Furthermore, the combination of butter and olive oil provides a healthier alternative to traditional garlic bread recipes, which typically rely solely on butter for flavor. Olive oil brings a lighter touch, contributing a subtle richness without overwhelming the palate. The garlic and Italian seasoning infuse the bread with aromatic flavors, ensuring every bite is bursting with savory goodness.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
To make this simple yet flavorful Air Fryer Pull Apart Cheese Garlic Bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter or ghee (healthier alternative to butter):
Butter provides the classic richness of garlic bread, but ghee is a fantastic alternative for those looking for a dairy-free option. Ghee, or clarified butter, has a nutty, slightly caramelized flavor and is free of milk solids, making it easier to digest for some people. The choice between butter and ghee ultimately depends on your dietary preferences and needs.
2 tablespoons olive oil:
Olive oil is a healthier fat option and works perfectly alongside butter. It helps to create a more golden, crispy finish without overpowering the other flavors. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health, making this recipe a more nutritious choice compared to traditional garlic bread recipes that use excessive butter.
1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley:
Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness to the bread. It also provides a mild, herby flavor that complements the richness of the cheese and garlic. While you can use dried parsley, fresh parsley is ideal for adding vibrancy and brightness to the dish.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning:
This is a pre-mixed blend of herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. It’s a staple in Italian cooking and adds a savory, aromatic depth to the garlic bread. If you prefer, you can create your own seasoning mix with individual herbs, but Italian seasoning works perfectly as a shortcut.
4 garlic cloves, minced:
Fresh garlic is key to achieving that unmistakable garlic bread flavor. The garlic should be finely minced or grated to ensure it’s evenly distributed throughout the bread. You can adjust the amount of garlic depending on how strong you want the flavor to be.
Salt and pepper to taste:
Salt enhances all the flavors, while pepper adds a subtle spice. Both should be added to taste, so don’t hesitate to adjust the quantities to suit your preferences.
1 loaf sourdough bread:
Sourdough is an excellent choice for this recipe because it has a hearty, tangy flavor and a dense texture that holds up well when stuffed with cheese and garlic. It’s also less likely to become soggy compared to lighter bread varieties. However, you can experiment with other types of bread such as baguette, ciabatta, or Italian bread, depending on what you have available or prefer.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese:
Mozzarella is the classic cheese for pull-apart bread because it melts beautifully and has a mild, creamy flavor. Shredded mozzarella makes it easier to stuff the bread without making a mess. If you prefer, you can use cubed mozzarella, but shredded cheese tends to melt more evenly and creates better pull-apart strings.
How to Make This Recipe
Making Air Fryer Pull Apart Cheese Garlic Bread is straightforward, even for novice cooks. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing this delicious dish:
Melt the butter:
Start by melting the unsalted butter or ghee in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the butter for 15-30 seconds until it’s fully melted. This will make it easier to mix with the olive oil and other ingredients.
Combine the ingredients:
To the melted butter, add the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture well to combine. The garlic will release its aromatic oils, and the herbs will infuse the butter, creating a flavorful sauce for your bread.
Prepare the bread:
Lay the sourdough bread flat on a cutting board. Using a serrated bread knife, make diagonal cuts across the loaf. The cuts should be about 2/3rds of the way through the bread, being careful not to cut all the way to the bottom. Leave about 1 inch from the edges of the bread intact so that the loaf remains whole and the pieces stay connected.
Stuff the bread with garlic mixture:
Pour the garlic and butter mixture into the cuts of the bread, ensuring that it’s evenly distributed. Use a spoon or your fingers to gently push the mixture down into the bread. This step helps the bread absorb the garlic butter and infuses the entire loaf with flavor.
Add the cheese:
Stuff the shredded mozzarella cheese into each of the cuts. Be generous with the cheese, as it will melt and create delicious cheese pulls once the bread is baked. If you’re using cubed cheese, place one or two cubes in each cut, making sure to cover the entire loaf.
Cook the bread in the air fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Once preheated, carefully place the stuffed bread in the air fryer basket. Make sure the bread fits comfortably without touching the sides. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve and enjoy:
Once the bread is done, carefully remove it from the air fryer. Let it cool for a minute or two to avoid burning your hands. The bread will be hot, so be careful when tearing it apart. Serve it warm with a side of marinara sauce or a creamy dip, and watch as everyone pulls off their delicious pieces of cheesy, garlicky bread!
Serving Suggestions
Air Fryer Pull Apart Cheese Garlic Bread is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:
As an appetizer: This dish is perfect for parties or gatherings. Serve it alongside a creamy dip, such as ranch dressing or a tangy marinara sauce, for a fun and interactive appetizer.
With pasta: Pair the bread with your favorite pasta dish. The cheese and garlic flavor complement Italian pasta dishes such as spaghetti, lasagna, or fettuccine Alfredo.
With soup: This bread pairs wonderfully with soups like tomato basil, minestrone, or creamy potato soup. The warm, cheesy bread makes the perfect dunking companion.
As a side dish: Serve it alongside a fresh salad or grilled meats for a more substantial meal.
Timing Information
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10-12 minutes
Total time: 20-22 minutes
Conclusion
Air Fryer Pull Apart Cheese Garlic Bread is a delightful and easy-to-make recipe that will satisfy both your cravings and your guests. With its crispy crust, gooey cheese, and aromatic garlic and herbs, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The air fryer ensures that it’s quick to prepare while maintaining all the delicious flavors of traditional garlic bread. Give it a try and enjoy the perfect combination of cheese, garlic, and bread!
Let me know if you need further adjustments!