Air Fryer Pull-Apart Cheese Garlic Bread Recipe 🧄🧀

Crispy, fluffy, garlicky, and oozing with melted cheese — all made in your air fryer in minutes!

📋 Ingredients Breakdown & Purpose

1. 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or ghee

Butter provides richness and flavor.

Ghee is a healthier alternative that also brings a deep, nutty aroma and is great for high-heat cooking.

2. 2 tablespoons olive oil

Adds a silky texture to the garlic mixture and helps with even browning in the air fryer.

3. 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley

Adds freshness and color. Parsley cuts through the richness of the cheese and butter.

4. 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

A mix of herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary that add depth and aroma to the garlic spread.

5. 4 garlic cloves, minced

The star ingredient! Fresh garlic infuses the butter and oil with its iconic, savory aroma.

6. Salt and pepper to taste

Essential for balance and flavor enhancement.

7. 1 loaf sourdough bread

Sourdough is hearty, crusty, and holds up well to slicing and stuffing. The tangy flavor pairs well with garlic and cheese.

8. 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Melts beautifully into gooey strands. You can use cubed cheese for pockets of gooeyness, but shredded distributes more evenly.

🍞 Step-by-Step Method

🛠 Preparation

1. Melt the butter:
   In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the butter for 15–30 seconds until melted.
2. Mix the spread:
   Add the olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

🔪 Prepare the Bread

3. Slice the bread:
   Place the sourdough loaf horizontally on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, make diagonal cuts about 2/3 of the way through the loaf (DO NOT cut all the way through).
   Repeat cuts in the opposite direction to form a crosshatch pattern. Be sure to leave the edges intact.

🧀 Stuff and Dress the Bread

4. Stuff the cheese:
   Using your fingers or a spoon, gently separate the bread cuts and stuff shredded mozzarella into the cracks.
5. Add garlic butter:
   Spoon or brush the garlic butter mixture evenly into all the crevices. Make sure the mixture gets deep into the cuts for maximum flavor.

🍽 Air Fry

6. Preheat your air fryer (if needed):
   Some air fryers require preheating. Set it to 350°F (175°C).
7. Cook:
   Place the stuffed loaf into the air fryer basket.
   Air fry for 6–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
   (Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your air fryer and loaf.)
8. Serve hot:
   Let it cool for 1–2 minutes, then pull apart pieces and enjoy!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use other types of bread?
A: Yes! French bread, ciabatta, or any crusty loaf works well. Avoid soft sandwich bread — it won’t hold its shape.

Q: Can I use pre-minced garlic or garlic powder?
A: Fresh garlic is best for flavor, but in a pinch, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder or 1 tablespoon of jarred minced garlic can substitute.

Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble the loaf (stuff with cheese and garlic butter), then wrap it in foil and refrigerate up to 12 hours. Air fry just before serving.

Q: What other cheeses can I use?
A: Try provolone, gouda, Monterey Jack, or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a bolder flavor.

Q: Can I bake it instead of air frying?
A: Absolutely. Wrap in foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 5–7 minutes until golden and bubbly.

🔄 Variations & Tips

Add protein: Thin slices of pepperoni, bacon bits, or shredded rotisserie chicken can be added for a hearty twist.

Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for some heat.

Vegan version: Use vegan butter, vegan cheese, and skip ghee.

Make it herby: Add fresh basil or rosemary to the butter for an aromatic punch.

🍷 Perfect Pairings

Soups: Tomato basil soup, creamy mushroom soup

Main dishes: Roast chicken, pasta dishes, grilled steak

Drinks: Sparkling water with lemon, light red wine, or a cold beer

🔚 Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Pull-Apart Garlic Cheese Bread is: ✅ Quick
✅ Easy
✅ Irresistibly cheesy and garlicky
✅ A guaranteed hit at any dinner, party, or game night

If you see this recipe, say “Thank you” 🙏 and share it with others — because once you try it, you’ll be hooked!