The magic of this Air Fryer Pull-Apart Cheese Garlic Bread lies in its simplicity and the way it turns an ordinary loaf of bread into a show-stopping, cheesy delight. Each pull-apart piece is infused with the rich flavors of garlic and butter, perfectly complemented by the gooey, melted cheeses that ooze out from every crevice. The air fryer gives the bread a beautiful golden crust while keeping the inside soft and chewy, creating a texture that’s irresistibly satisfying. Whether you’re serving this as an appetizer, a side dish, or a snack, it’s guaranteed to be a hit with anyone who loves the comforting combination of cheese, garlic, and warm bread.
Ingredients:
- 1 large loaf of Italian or French bread
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions:
- Prepare the Bread:
- Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
- While the air fryer is preheating, place the loaf of bread on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, carefully make diagonal cuts across the bread about 1 inch apart, being sure not to cut all the way through the loaf. Then, make diagonal cuts in the opposite direction, creating a diamond pattern across the bread.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter:
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Mix until well combined and the butter is creamy.
- Fill the Bread:
- Using a butter knife or spatula, generously spread the garlic butter mixture into all the cuts of the bread, making sure to get deep into the crevices.
- In a separate bowl, mix the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Stuff the cheese mixture into the cuts of the bread, pressing it in so it gets well distributed throughout the loaf.
- Air Fry the Bread:
- Lightly brush the top of the bread with olive oil to help it crisp up in the air fryer.
- Place the stuffed bread loaf into the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cut the loaf in half to fit.
- Air fry the bread at 350°F (175°C) for 8-12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, and the bread is golden brown and crispy. Check the bread halfway through the cooking time to ensure it’s cooking evenly.
- Serve:
- Carefully remove the bread from the air fryer and allow it to cool slightly. The bread will pull apart easily into cheesy, garlicky pieces.
- Optional: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or serve with a side of marinara sauce for
- dipping.
- Tips:
- For extra flavor, you can add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the garlic butter.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the cheese mixture before stuffing the bread.
- This recipe can be customized by using different types of cheeses or adding ingredients like cooked bacon bits or sun-dried tomatoes.
Storage:
- Leftover garlic bread can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to bring back the crispiness.
