Name: Air Fryer Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 14 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 loaf Italian bread or French baguette (I used Italian); 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter, softened to room temperature (not melted); 1 Tablespoon garlic powder (or 3 cloves garlic, minced); ½ teaspoon salt (optional); ½ teaspoon pepper (optional); 2 cups Kraft Creamy Melt Shredded Mozzarella cheese (8 ounce bag); 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 Tablespoon dried parsley flakes (for garnish, optional); Marinara sauce (optional, for dipping)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 12 reviews

If you love warm, melty cheese with a punch of garlicky goodness, you are going to adore this Air Fryer Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe. It’s a quick, satisfying way to transform simple bread into a crowd-pleasing snack or side that comes out perfectly crisp on the outside and irresistibly gooey inside. Using the air fryer means you get that gloriously crunchy texture with almost no fuss, making this recipe a total game changer for cheese bread lovers everywhere.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two scenes side by side on a white marbled surface. On the left side, there is a wooden cutting board with seven slices of light brown bread neatly lined up, with one end of the loaf unsliced. A large knife with a black handle lies parallel to the slices on the board. On the right side, there is a clear glass bowl containing a creamy white base, topped with layers of black pepper, white salt, and two types of light brown seasonings. A small light beige cloth with a simple pattern is partially visible under the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Air Fryer Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding rich buttery flavor, creamy cheesy melt, or that vibrant garlic kick that ties everything together perfectly.

1 loaf Italian bread or French baguette: This provides the sturdy, crusty base that crisps beautifully in the air fryer.
1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter, softened: Soft butter ensures easy spreading and brings the perfect creamy texture and savory taste.
1 Tablespoon garlic powder (or 3 cloves minced garlic): Infuses the bread with deep, fragrant garlic flavor without overpowering.
½ teaspoon salt (optional): Balances the flavors for a perfectly seasoned bite.
½ teaspoon pepper (optional): Adds a mild kick that elevates the garlic butter complexity.
2 cups Kraft Creamy Melt Shredded Mozzarella cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, creating that irresistible gooey layer.
1/4 cup mayonnaise: Helps bind the cheese and adds a smooth, slightly tangy richness.
1 Tablespoon dried parsley flakes (for garnish, optional): Adds a pop of color and mild herbiness for a fresh finish.
Marinara sauce (optional): Perfect for dipping and adding a zesty contrast.

How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Start by slicing your loaf of Italian bread or French baguette into generous 2-inch-thick slices. This thickness ensures the bread stays sturdy enough to hold all that luscious garlic butter and cheese, while still crisps nicely in the air fryer.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter

In a bowl, mix the softened salted butter with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This combination creates a rich, savory butter spread that perfumes every bite with garlic goodness and enhances the bread’s flavor.

Step 3: Spread the Butter Generously

Spread that creamy garlic butter mixture generously onto each slice. Don’t be shy here—this step is what gives you all the luscious buttery flavor that seeps into every nook and cranny.

Step 4: Mix the Cheese Topping

Combine the shredded mozzarella cheese with mayonnaise in a bowl. It might look a bit clumpy at first, but don’t worry—that’s exactly what you want. This mixture will spread easily and melt into a gooey, slightly creamy cheese layer on top of your bread.

Step 5: Top the Bread with Cheese

Evenly dollop the mozzarella mixture onto each slice and sprinkle with dried parsley flakes. The parsley not only adds a lovely pop of color but also a hint of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich cheese.

Step 6: Cook in the Air Fryer

Place the slices in your air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Cook at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the bread is nicely toasted. Keep an eye on it as air fryer temperatures can vary—your goal is bubbly cheese and a golden crust.

Step 7: Serve with a Dip

If you like, serve your Air Fryer Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe with warm marinara sauce for dipping. This adds a tangy, tomatoey compliment that pairs perfectly and makes each bite even more delightful.

How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe

A woman's hand is holding a piece of cheesy garlic bread being pulled apart, showing the long, stretchy melted cheese layer that is white and smooth with some herbs sprinkled on top. The bread base is golden brown with a slightly crispy texture, topped with a thick layer of melted white cheese mixed with green parsley flakes. In the background, several more pieces of the cheesy garlic bread sit on brown paper inside a box, and a small white cup of red marinara sauce is blurred behind them, all placed on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top with freshly chopped parsley or a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an added burst of color and subtle heat. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil also elevates the flavor beautifully just before serving.

Side Dishes

This garlic cheese bread pairs wonderfully alongside soups like classic tomato basil, creamy broccoli cheddar, or even a hearty minestrone. It also makes a fantastic accompaniment to pasta dishes, salads, or grilled veggies for a complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking your cheese bread slices in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper for a casual family-style feel. Alternatively, cut slices into smaller bite-size pieces and serve on a platter for an easy appetizer or party snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers of this Air Fryer Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe, store them tightly wrapped in foil or an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps keep the bread from drying out and preserves the cheesy goodness for up to 2 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the prepared garlic butter and cheese layered bread slices before cooking. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, cook them directly from frozen in the air fryer with just an extra minute or two to the cook time.

Reheating

To reheat and revive the crunch, pop your leftover garlic cheese bread back into the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes. This refreshes the melty cheese and crisps up the bread again perfectly without drying.

FAQs

Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?

Absolutely! Fresh minced garlic adds a more vibrant, intense flavor. Just be sure to mince it finely and mix well into the butter for even spreading.

Is mayonnaise necessary in the cheese mixture?

Mayonnaise adds creaminess and helps the cheese adhere better to the bread as it cooks, but if you prefer, you can omit it and use just the shredded mozzarella.

What kind of bread works best for this recipe?

Italian bread or a French baguette are ideal because they have a firm crust and soft interior that crisps beautifully without getting soggy under the cheese.

Can I add other cheeses?

Definitely! Feel free to mix in parmesan, cheddar, or provolone for extra flavor complexity—just keep the total cheese about 2 cups for best results.

How long does it take to cook the bread in the air fryer?

Usually about 3 to 4 minutes at 350°F, but check to ensure cheese is melted and bread is toasted to your liking as times may vary by model.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe is such a straightforward yet wildly satisfying treat that I can’t recommend enough. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner, a snack, or a party appetizer, it delivers big on flavor and texture every time. So grab your air fryer and get ready to enjoy that perfect crispy-cheesy-garlic goodness in no time!